Chapter 110
Chapter 110
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: Just Before School Starts
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Final days before the semester began.
The pictorial shoot was an astonishingly novel experience for Kang Hyun.
But he knew this path wasn't his own.
He was certain he'd never do it again in his lifetime.
'How on earth does Haneul handle this?' "Hold on, this needs to go over there!"
"Where's Editor Lee? She got a call!"
The studio. There were more people on set than Kang Hyun had imagined, and it was surprisingly bustling. The vitality and energy radiating from everyone was by far the most intense he'd ever encountered. Neither he nor Yoon Haneul were celebrities, nor were they hugely famous figures, yet the passion for their shoot burned fiercely. Soon, the shooting began. Yoon Haneul was up first. Click! Click!
"Oh my, that expression is perfect!"
"You're stunning. Great."
Kang Hyun had never seen her at a shoot despite spending so much time together. This was his first time watching Yoon Haneul in action. Click!
"Love it! One more!"
Amid a barrage of praise from the photographer, she struck flawless poses under the bright lights, her captivating gaze mesmerizing. A charismatic expression. Her stunning beauty and professional demeanor held everyone's attention. She wasn't a pro model, but she didn't yield an inch.
"Good. Perfect!"
As Kang Hyun stared entranced, Lee Chan-woong approached and struck up a conversation.
"Yoon Haneul could switch to this field no problem. She's incredible."
"Yeah."
"Everyone's saying she's the first amateur to do this well. And she studies like crazy too. Wow... she's amazing."
Chatting with him filled Kang Hyun with pride over his friendship with her, but thoughts of his own upcoming turn made him swallow dryly.
"Don't get discouraged. You can do great too, Kang Hyun."
"Haha... you think?"
"No worries! Everyone here is famous and pros—they'll take good care of you."
"R-right?"
Just then, a voice called from across the room.
"Kang Hyun, time for makeup! Over here!"
"Yeah? Coming!"
Leaving Lee Chan-woong's wave behind, Kang Hyun rushed into preparations. Soon, his shoot started.
"For starters, Kang Hyun, let's go with a bright and cheerful concept. Give us a natural smile?"
"..."
His face came out looking far from a smile.
"Hmm... brighter?" "Like this?"
"Yes, that's good."
They didn't throw difficult poses at him right away. So Kang Hyun managed to follow directions well enough, though he was more tense than in any courtroom or on any stage, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Anyway... um, let's fix the hair first! You must be nervous."
He nodded apologetically to the hair stylist who'd come over.
"Sorry."
"No problem. You're doing fine!"
"Thanks."
The stylist's encouragement—a simple phrase—felt genuine and bolstered his courage. And Yoon Haneul watching from the side. When their eyes met, she clenched a small fist, as if cheering him on. 'Yeah. No big deal.' Buoyed by their support, he steadied himself, and the shoot progressed smoothly from there. Click! Click!
"Oh, nice. You're getting it!"
At first, he adjusted angles, changed hand positions, smiled, closed his eyes on cue. As the shooting continued, he adapted, gaining some ease, even trying poses he felt confident in.
"Whoa! First-timer, right? Never wrapped this fast before. Next outfit?"
Spring attire. Despite the chilly weather, he wore a shoulder-baring top with a blanket draped over, and he spotted Yoon Haneul peeking curiously. Beside her was Ha Min-young, the short-haired editor, chatting animatedly while eyeing him.
"Next, let's do Haneul and Kang Hyun together."
The finale: couple shots.
"..."
Gulp. Standing before the camera with Yoon Haneul, Kang Hyun's tension doubled, tripled. Having such a beautiful girl in front made him feel shabby and awkward. 'Whew... it's fine. Fine.' As he tried to control his nerves—different from solo shooting— "First, Kang Hyun, sit in the chair. Haneul, hug him from behind."
"Huh? Okay..."
In his suit, Kang Hyun sat awkwardly. Yoon Haneul leaned in from behind, whispering.
"Why so stiff? Relax your shoulders."
"Uh..."
Her slender arms brushed his neck, her breath grazing his ear. He could even feel her heartbeat faintly.
"Good. Fixing props now. Haneul, look at the camera from the left diagonal. Kang Hyun, drape your arm over her shoulder?"
"Yes?"
Thump thump.
"Eyes on point—good! Brighter!"
Yoon Haneul yanked Kang Hyun along. Her whole body pressed against him. She must have felt his too. Kang Hyun could barely think straight. Click! She led, and he followed, unable to hide his pounding heart or flushed face.
"Got it! Perfect! Change outfits and we'll go again!"
Break time. 'Phew... done.' Kang Hyun tried to calm his racing heart and pull away. But Yoon Haneul tightened her arms around him.
"It's cold."
"Huh?"
She clung tight, reluctant to let go. Embarrassed, he glanced around—thankfully, the staff were busy with gear. Just a few seconds. Blood surged hot through him. No chance to resist her hold—then salvation called.
"You two, over here!"
"Wow, you guys look great together."
Only then did Kang Hyun snap back to reality. Yoon Haneul handed herself wordlessly to the staff, and Kang Hyun drifted away, surrounded by others. Hours of shooting like this. The early-morning start had stretched into afternoon.
"Great work, everyone!"
"You too! Time for interviews now."
Amid applause, Kang Hyun collapsed. Yoon Haneul, glowing with energy, clapped back happily. Looking up weakly, he muttered.
"I'm dying..."
"You did great. Up."
She offered her hand, pulling him up and patting his back. Then, softly to him: "Should I try modeling?"
"Huh?"
It was unheard of from her—always rejecting offers flat, glued to her studies. Maybe after talking with Ha Min-young. Or something she'd mulled over. True, she was top of med school but never seemed happy. Now, she looked fulfilled.
"For real?"
"Nah, just saying."
Kang Hyun stared, wanting to urge her if she meant it.
"If you like it, do it. I want you to chase what you love."
She beamed. Then yanked his arm, leading him.
Time passed, and Korea University's opening day arrived.
Freshmen flooded in. For Kang Hyun, now a sophomore, it was a new beginning.
Plus, the year he officially started as the youngest student council president.
With break over, excitement bubbled up instead.
A place where people gathered to learn, grow, strive to be better.
To connect with friends, juniors, seniors, build future networks.
That was university.
"Whew. Made it. Yes, yes."
In the suit his mother bought, Kang Hyun arrived and took a call.
Then headed straight to a familiar spot atop the law faculty building.
Knock knock.
"It's Kang Hyun."
Come in.
He'd arrived at Professor Kim Jong-hwan's dean's office. The professor was polishing a speech, glasses on.
He gazed warmly at Kang Hyun, then playfully lifted a newspaper.
"Righteous Kang Hyun. Spreading justice and goodwill wherever he goes."
"The reporter overhyped it."
"No, if anything, understated. CSAT top scorer, Korea U student council president alum—future legal titan. That's a far cry from 'nice guy' genius image."
He beckoned; Kang Hyun bowed slightly and sat.
"You're busy. Freshman orientation this afternoon?"
"Same for you. Oh, mock trial prep?"
"Not yet. Time to start."
"Good. This year you'll have breathing room, but it's crucial. Bismuth win's world-class—grab it."
"Yes."
"Remember Seok Ji-hoon? Your senior?"
The unexpected name from Kim Jong-hwan flipped Kang Hyun's expression.
"Yes, senior. But why Seok Ji-hoon...?"
"That guy's ambition is infamous. He's entering Bismuth this year."
"What? How? No entry rights."
Indeed, Kang Hyun's upset win last year had stripped Seok Ji-hoon of qualification.
Kim Jong-hwan's reply surprised further.
"Went as Japan exchange student. Their uni has a Bismuth mock trial crew—got picked."
"..."
"Domestic backlash'll be rough. But he'll claw to his goals or choke on thorns. Stubborn as hell, and here we are."
Sipping coffee, he continued.
"Anyway, form a proper team this year. Appointing a faculty advisor too."
"Professor Cheon Woong-jae?"
"Nope. He flat refused. Park Min-ha, incoming after Yoo Dong-hee. Youngest on tenure track."
Yoo Dong-hee of the book scandal fame had fully retired; new prof hired.
Kang Hyun nodded—no complaints—and didn't pry.
"I'll greet her this week."
"Told her ahead. Off you go."
"Not coming?"
Event time was distant, but rehearsal neared.
Kim Jong-hwan grinned toothily.
"Walking with a superstar sells my face. Enjoy your fame, see how hot you are."
Bemused by the joke, Kang Hyun left.
Heading from law building to the main auditorium.
-Oh, that's Kang Hyun!
-Yeah!
-Finally see him at Korea U!
-I applied here because of him!
Whispers.
Kang Hyun hurried on, embarrassed to look.
But...
"What's this...?"
A banner.
[We Support Kang Hyun.]
Tame message—relief—but his face grew more awkward.
More recognition as he went; people started approaching.
"Kang Hyun, autograph?"
"Uh, I'm not big on..."
"Then a photo?"
"Me too!"
"Me!"
Nearing the venue, he grasped it: he wasn't an ordinary student anymore.
Kang Hyun was already a celebrity. His status had skyrocketed in a year—he was the hot topic.