Chapter 169
Chapter 169
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 169
Chapter Title: The Yandere Fairy's Gaze is Strange
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The advertising set next door to the dressing room was decorated in a clean white tone with subtle hues.
The main backdrop recreated the living room of a luxury apartment.
One wall prominently featured the new air conditioner from Yeoksan Group, drawing all eyes.
Soft sunlight poured through windows draped not with curtains but delicate white lace, blending perfectly with the dozens of lights positioned by the lighting director to create a fantastical atmosphere on set.
"Alright, let's start shooting now."
I stood awkwardly in the center of the set.
My makeup and hair were flawless, but my body was stiff with tension, like someone who had no idea how to stand in front of a camera.
In contrast, Cha Seola was already expertly adjusting her expression, body angle, and even the position of her fingertips to find the perfect shot.
Click— Click—!
"This time, the two of you get a bit closer."
I froze, unable to react to the photographer's request, when Cha Seola approached first.
She sidled up naturally beside me, pressing her hand lightly against my arm.
That subtle contact sent shivers through my entire body.
'Is this really happening?'
It felt surreal, like a dream.
Cha Seola, whom I'd only seen on TV or online, was right next to me...
And the feel of her skin through my shirt was vivid. A glimpse of her faint smile from the side was exactly like the scenes from her broadcasts.
No, she was even more beautiful in person.
Her petite, slender silhouette felt almost illusory.
'I'm losing my mind...'
I realized I could confidently say the fairies and the Jade Emperor had unmatched beauty in the human world simply because I'd never actually seen Cha Seola up close.
She was that breathtaking—too stunning to even breathe easily.
Thump— Thump—
My heart began pounding twice as fast, my gaze continually drawn to her.
Heat flooded my face at the same time. I tried to look straight ahead, but my eyes kept lingering on her.
"...Good, but Haeseong, try directing your gaze more naturally forward. You're way too tense right now."
A hint of irritation crept into the photographer's tone.
It was understandable.
Even at a glance, it was clear he was an experienced pro who wasn't thrilled about working with a newbie like me—and all my nerves were focused solely on Cha Seola anyway.
"Haeseong, relax your shoulders a bit. Soften your expression too, please. This is an ad shoot, not a driver's license photo."
The staff on set let out soft chuckles, and my face burned even hotter.
That's when Cha Seola glanced at me, still wearing her relaxed smile, and whispered softly.
"It's okay. I was the same way at first."
Her words eased my tension just a little, but my face was still stiff, and my hands felt unnatural.
Meanwhile, Cha Seola placed her hand around my shoulder and drew even closer.
"Cut. Let's go again."
The director checked the camera, frowned, and shook his head silently.
Then he whispered something to a nearby staff member and adjusted the camera position.
I wanted to crawl into a hole if one existed.
'Damn it, I said I'd do the shoot just to see Cha Seola's face up close... Of course it's not going well.'
I let out a deep sigh, and the director raised his voice again.
"Again. This time, the two of you on the sofa under the air conditioner, gazing at each other. Haeseong, looking into Seola's eyes shouldn't be too hard, right?"
Just meeting Cha Seola's eyes made my mind go blank—let alone doing it naturally...
At that moment, Cha Seola smiled with her eyes and tilted her head slightly toward the director.
"Director, shall we take a short break? We can grab some coffee while we're at it."
"Y-yeah, sure."
At Cha Seola's single suggestion, some of the set lights dimmed, and a brief breather settled over the scene.
I dragged my exhausted body—like an actor who'd just stepped offstage—to the sofa set up in one corner.
And like a sinking sailor, I collapsed onto it with a thud.
The soft cushioning against my back offered momentary comfort.
Of course, the sweat trickling down my neck hadn't cooled yet.
'I dug my own grave.'
As I sighed again in lament, a familiar yet nerve-wracking voice sounded in my ear.
"Here. Iced coffee."
I turned my head, and there was Cha Seola holding two cups of coffee.
She'd already taken a sip from one and offered me the other.
"Thank you."
I carefully took the cup with both hands. The cold sensation against my skin washed away the heat and tension for a moment.
I gulped it down quickly, and the bitter flavor spread through my mouth.
"D-delicious."
"Haeseong, right?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Is this your first time doing something like this?"
"Y-yeah."
"So how did you end up shooting an ad today?"
"A friend asked me for a favor... I had no idea it'd turn into this."
Cha Seola sat beside me with a curious expression and spoke up.
"Wow, I've never seen anything like this before. You don't seem to know the director, so are you friends with the client?"
"No, just... through some connections..."
I trailed off, and Cha Seola nibbled on her straw for a moment before flashing a bright smile.
"From your face, it looks like you never want to do this again."
"Haha... Yeah, probably."
She laughed silently at my words, set down her coffee, and clasped her hands neatly on her lap.
Her posture was poised and elegant, but her gaze was unexpectedly serious.
"I was the same at first. But strangely, once you do it once, you keep coming back."
"Is it that fun?"
"It's fun, and... there's something addictive about standing in front of the camera. At first, like you, I was shaking and awkward, and I hated how I looked. But later, you start enjoying watching that version of yourself."
"...And there's fun in watching yourself change over time, too."
Cha Seola paused for a moment.
Her expression seemed to recall something unconsciously.
"...Yeah, that becomes a big source of strength."
I gazed quietly at her.
I never imagined the bright, lighthearted girl from TV hid such weighty advice in her words.
Stunning looks and a great personality to match.
She straightened her back and let out a gentle smile.
"Thanks for the advice."
"...Huh?"
"What?"
"When you smile, you look way more handsome. I was really surprised."
"Oh ho, is this your way of loosening the mood?"
"No, I'm not just saying that—it's true."
Cha Seola looked at me with sparkling eyes.
It was impossible not to fall for her.
Even if the shoot bombed and I didn't get paid, I wouldn't regret it.
"Honestly, I was shocked too when I saw you in person."
"Hmm? You give compliments right back?"
"I'm not just saying it either—it's true."
"Then why were you like that during the shoot when you talk so well?"
"Ahem! It was my first time, that's why."
As the coffee's bitter aftertaste lingered faintly in my mouth, Cha Seola leaned slightly toward me.
"So, feeling less tense now?"
Her tone was light, but her eyes held a mix of playful mischief and sincerity.
I dropped my gaze briefly, steadied myself, and slowly looked up.
I was proud of myself for finally being able to face her without panicking as much.
"Thanks to you."
Cha Seola beamed at my response.
At that moment, lights began flickering back on outside the set, and I spotted the photographer and staff returning.
'Time to start shooting again?'
I took a short deep breath, carefully set my coffee on the table, and stood from the sofa.
Cha Seola rose too.
Her long hair swayed along her shoulders, gleaming softly.
"You can do great this time, right?"
She smiled, lifting the end of her sentence playfully.
I met her eyes squarely and nodded.
"Yes, I think I can now."
"Good. I'll be looking forward to it."
With that, Cha Seola suddenly glanced busily around the set.
The photographer and staff were still preoccupied with preparations.
She turned back to me.
And tilted her head close to my ear.
"...?"
"You know..."
The moment her breath brushed my ear, my heart thumped loudly.
As my pupils shook from the sudden move, she pressed even closer to my ear and continued.
"If you wrap the shoot within an hour, I'll give you my number."