Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Not Your First Time, Huh?
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"It's just a miscellaneous ad photoshoot, but still."
What should I say? Would admitting I have experience help?
"No. It's my first time."
Well, isn't it better to be the kid who nails it right from the start? I flashed a bright smile at the camera. I didn't know the model, but it looked pretty expensive.
"Please take good care of me."
"Ha, this guy."
The photographer fiddled with the camera and laughed.
"I was trying to chat you up to loosen you up, but you're not tense at all?"
Nice of him to be considerate. I shrugged.
"Should I get nervous now?"
If that's what he wants, I can play along.
"You're a funny one. Alright, let's do a test shot first. Stand over there."
I moved to the center of the set. The photographer smiled faintly and pressed the shutter.
"You're not a first-timer, are you?"
I gave a slight smile toward the camera.
*Click—*
The pleasant sound echoed through the space.
"Hmm..."
The photographer glanced at the monitor a step behind him, then beckoned me over lightly.
"He wants me to check it out."
I was curious how I looked, so I hurried over.
There I was on the screen, smiling.
"Ah, so that's how it looks from that angle. My face shows up better if I tilt it a bit more."
Maybe shift a little to the left.
As I tilted my face slightly, I was suddenly surprised.
'When did I learn stuff like this?'
Before my regression, I had no clue. I'd just pose however the photographer told me.
'Is it the keen eye?'
I touched the corner of my eye. Did this have that kind of effect?
I suppressed a laugh that was about to bubble up. Wow, this skill is impressive.
'Cheat, you're something else.'
If I level it up more, it'll be insane.
That's when it happened. A firm hand lowered my arm from touching my eye.
"Your eye makeup will smear. Don't touch it."
I didn't need to look—it was the photographer. I smiled a little.
"How do I look on the monitor?"
"Handsome."
"Yeah? I think you're pretty."
The photographer grabbed my face and tilted it slightly.
Does it look like this?
"Then, Photographer."
I lowered my gaze slightly and whispered.
"Make me even prettier."
The photographer smiled faintly.
Tease with playfulness—it's the best response. My service job before regression taught me that. This photographer would like this type.
"Look at this guy."
"If possible, make it pure and innocent."
"Pure? Trainee, you wanna wear a white dress, grow out your hair, and hold a flower?"
I shrugged.
"That might not work, but a flower sounds good."
I met the photographer's eyes. Her sharp gaze was really appealing.
See? She's interested.
"I'm a bit flowery, aren't I?"
Her eyes curved, and she let out a snicker.
"This kid's fun."
"I'm a bit fun, yeah."
"I was subbing for Yura today, so I thought it'd be boring. But you're kinda entertaining?"
She rolled her shoulders and released my face.
"What's your name?"
I told her earlier, but she didn't remember. Typical.
"Cha Dowon."
"Got it, pretty boy. Brace yourself today. You're getting shots by Photographer Yun Jeonghwa—consider it an honor."
I was startled for a second. Yun Jeonghwa the photographer? She was super famous. Ten years from now, every billboard ad worth its salt had her photos.
'When does she blow up?'
Not yet?
As my eyes widened, she laughed.
"Don't freak out. Yeah, I'm still unknown. Remember me, kid. I'll be top-tier soon."
Ah, got it. She's on the rise.
I bowed my waist deeply and straightened up.
"Please take good care of me, Photographer."
"You got it."
Soon, I heard that preparations were ready.
I stood on the set again. Yun Jeonghwa held the camera and said.
"Try pure and innocent."
Honored to have permission. I quickly set my expression to the angle I'd thought of earlier.
'I'm the sacrificial offering right now.'
A boy honored to be devoured by Yumi—gotta look delicate.
I lowered my eyes slightly. The rapid shutter sounds rang in my ears and faded.
This time, I turned my gaze to the camera. As I changed poses, Yun Jeonghwa moved with me.
Sparks flew in my head. Being watched and captured felt thrillingly goosebump-inducing.
'No helping it.'
What was this called again?
'Ah, attention seeker?'
Go crazy healthy with that trait, and you'd end up like me.
I made anxious-looking eyes. The shutter sounds weren't audible anymore, but I felt them. Yun Jeonghwa was shooting non-stop.
Just as I smiled, she spoke.
"Let's take a break."
I nodded. But "break" didn't mean actual rest. She quickly checked the monitor. Some staff were smiling at my photos.
'Of course they're not bad.'
I ran over to check too. A staff member leaned in so I could see and said.
"You photograph really well."
"No. It's all thanks to Yun Jeonghwa Photographer shooting so well."
Soon, familiar pressure wrapped around my neck. The photographer, with one arm around me, said.
"You sure know how to sweet-talk. Turn around."
The small photos scrolled forward.
"That one in the second row! Zoom in."
My image filled the monitor. I smiled faintly.
'Perfect match for Yumi's music video.'
It was my face, but not me—and I loved it. Yun Jeonghwa released her arm and exclaimed in admiration.
"You're really good, huh?"
"Thank you."
"You're skilled. Is this really your first photoshoot?"
I beamed.
"It's my first."
In this life.
"I haven't shot many celebs, but do trainees usually do this well?"
The staff shook their heads immediately.
"No. They're usually awkward."
"This kid's the real deal, right?"
"Yeah. I was surprised too."
Yun Jeonghwa grabbed my shoulder again.
"So, kid—no, Dowon?"
"Yes. Yun Jeonghwa Photographer."
"Wanna shoot a lot with Noona? Trainees have more free time. Once you debut, you'll be swamped. Should I talk to your agency real quick?"
I met her eyes. Yun Jeonghwa was seriously considering it.
"If it's you, Yun Jeonghwa Photographer, anytime."
Her eyes changed, a bit surprised.
"Even after debuting and getting busy?"
"Wanna bet?"
I whispered softly.
"I bet we'll both get busy 'together.' I'd stake my fortune on it."
You'll be hugely famous too, Yun Jeonghwa Photographer. Domestic, overseas—non-stop.
"Look at this guy."
She laughed genuinely.
"You're etched in my brain now?"
"Honored."
"This agency's weird. They raise fun kids."
Yun Jeonghwa patted my shoulder.
"Wanna shoot more? We were supposed to wrap here, but luckily you're last."
"Honored. Can I go freer now?"
"Yeah."
"Staff can head out. This is personal. Plus, you're subbing today."
One staff shook their head. It was the one who'd scratched my neck with the reflector.
"I wanna watch too."
"Alright. Yeah, Dowon. Let's shoot some."
I grinned and walked back to the set. Did pure—now something else.
'Actor mode this time.'
Start with the full range of emotions.
I struck a pose again. As the camera turned to me, the clicking resumed.
I felt it vividly while shooting.
'This is a win too.'
It felt great. So great it kept me excited.
***
Most trainees at Friends Entertainment were decent-looking. Profiles got through the first round based on photos.
'They sift through like flour in a sieve.'
Handsome and pretty kids practiced till dawn. Those who couldn't hack it weeded themselves out. Slackers too.
"Why are these the ones left after all that selection?"
Late night in the unflagging office, Executive Director Joo sighed. Her gems each had charm, but nothing usable now.
"No decent ones. Yumi would sell promo great."
Korea's top female singer, Yumi.
At Friends Entertainment, Yumi was a goldmine. The smart, self-managing singer had endless investment value.
Songs always hit, choreography solid. Big budget for the MV too—but one snag.
"No pure, pretty boy at all."
Profile pics screamed macho.
"Why are only these left?"
No one in the empty office to answer Executive Director Joo.
"Just pick from actors."
Bound to snag one.
Flipping profiles in regret, the door opened. Someone entered.
"No decent ones?"
Familiar voice—Joo didn't turn. She held out her hand habitually; an iced Americano soon landed.
"As always, thanks."
"No prob. Gotta eat."
The Friends Entertainment President shook his head and sat beside Joo. He eyed his sighing sister-in-law worriedly.
"No good ones at all?"
"Images are off, President. Why are our boys so mature-looking?"
"The delicate ones all left somehow?"
"Eighty male trainees?"
Joo clicked irritably. Nothing, no matter how deep.
"Director Joo, just debut group?"
"No. All trainees too. Lower ones have delicate types, but visuals not standout enough for instant use."
President smiled awkwardly. Then Joo tilted her head.
"Huh?"
A new folder appeared. Upload finally?
She clicked quietly.
Photos lined up. Joo clicked absently, then clenched her fist.
"President!"
The iced Americano in his hand rattled. He glanced at the monitor and snickered.
"Wow."
"What do you think?"
A delicate boy on screen, eyes slightly downcast. Long lashes gave a subtle pure vibe.
"Perfect fit?"
"Wow, shot great. Switched agencies?"
President shook his head.
"Nah. Same one."
"Would've known if changed. Wow!! Who's this?"
President answered right away.
"Cha Dowon."
Joo turned to him. The plump man blinked button eyes at the monitor.
Unexpected. President remembering a trainee?
"You remember?"
"Director Joo—no, sister-in-law. Remember? You told him to strip!"
Joo clapped.
*Snap—*
"Ah, the pants-stripping kid?"
"Yeah. This guy's got goods?"
More photos, more impressive.
"Image shifts wildly?"
"Look at those eyes."
The boy wielded his strengths freely on screen.
"I'm interested in that one."
Joo snickered.
"Watchlist material."
"Gutsy ones pop up, but this is too good. Wondered how skilled."
"Grades? Wait, newbies have none. How long's he been in?"
President leaned back.
"Two weeks?"
Joo clicked her tongue.
"Damn. Impressive guy."