Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms, truly captivating flowers.
They bloom brilliantly in the cool spring air, perfect for picnics.
Dyeing the hearts of all who see them, only to vanish in a flash.
Personally, I think people flock to them precisely because they fade so soon.
Short-lived things always draw the eye.
In that sense.
Gazing at the horizon painted pink, petals scattering to leave their traces on the ground, I muttered.
“Pink floozy...”
Fluttering around, seducing everyone.
Can't you stay bloomed a little longer once you open up?
Because you fade so fast, the schedule gets crammed.
That's why I've been off-stream for three straight days.
Of course, I know I'm not one to complain.
From the start, wasn't it my choice to snap up the work that friend lined up?
“Sigh.”
Just a little regretting it.
And besides, there are others to gripe about the packed schedule.
“Here, that one...!”
“Hey, move it straight, will ya?!”
Leaning back comfortably in my chair, I watched the staff hustle through shoot prep.
Right now, waiting for the first round of shots.
Honestly, I don't usually love these downtime stretches.
But today? Not bad at all.
The breeze is just right.
In the shade, it's downright pleasant.
Hell, I could lounge like this another hour.
Weather like this, a hammock would be heaven.
Shame I can't tote one around—image issues.
“Ahyeon-ssi, mind coming over for a sec?”
Just as I was savoring the cool breeze and chilling.
The director in the red hat, way off there, beckoned me.
“...Sure.”
Damn... it was perfect.
Hiding my regret, I headed over.
A mid-30s guy director was there too.
No need to guess the situation.
“Got an additional request for this shoot.”
With the director here, obviously directing.
Calling me aside like this? Means it's off-script from the original plan.
“What kind?”
So I spoke clearly, enunciating every syllable.
Staring straight into the director's eyes.
'When you talk, enunciate clearly, no exceptions! Eyes wide open—don't look like a punk.'
Teacher Han Seonghwa drilled basics like that especially hard.
What was it? Mumbling or dodging eyes screams no confidence—the worst sin.
Obvious advice, really.
In this industry where skill is king, lacking confidence is just self-harm.
“Uh, for the shoot, could you give us a big, bright smile?”
“Any reason?”
So I shot back right away at the overreach.
“Ah, Ahyeon-ssi.”
“Hm.”
My firm tone left the shoot director looking awkward.
The male director swallowed a grunt.
But only for a moment—he continued calmly.
“Looking at the set and this outfit concept, bright and vibrant fits the cuts way better. I know it's asking a lot, but please.”
Fair point for a director.
But I kept my sulky vibe.
Contract's signed—now this?
If you wanted big smiles, book a model who does that.
Doesn't match my image.
I'm more cool-dere.
This is why shoots are never easy.
Everyone collaborating means drama's inevitable.
“Um... Ahyeon-nim?”
No reply yet, and the director's breaking a sweat.
Not ignoring—just pondering.
Hmm, how to play this?
For the record, I respect directing as much as possible.
Personally, top-tier personality model...
“I'll check with the agency.”
This case? Exception.
No need to force the bright smile.
“Ah, um, the agency...”
Agency mention, and he's cringing.
Model Ahyeon's agency head? Ahyeon herself.
Basically, 'gonna stare in the mirror and chat'—hilarious, right?
But oh well.
“Problem?”
On set, director and shoot director might rule.
Model Ahyeon? Clueless.
Well, used to know, but...
“...Of course not.”
Andel's exclusive model Ahyeon forgot all that.
“Got it.”
Said so, and headed back.
“Be right back.”
“Yep.”
Handed off to Rosélia Moreau like a baton pass.
Polite refusal, basically.
Par for the course.
Shoots are fluid like that.
Director probably planned original shots.
But on-site? Mind changed.
Cherry blossoms blooming pretty, weather prime.
Who wouldn't crave a beauty's bright smile in that gentle breeze?
Blame the cherry blossoms.
That pink floozy seduced our nice director, sparking the drama—
At least, that's what I figured.
“She's pretty firm, huh?”
...Until Rosélia came back with an awkward grin.
“How could it not fly?”
Right after Rosélia returned.
The director showed up personally, looking rattled.
Rejected once, but doubling down—must be dead set now...
Geez, not smiling's better, I swear.
I've done plenty of these shoots.
For someone like me, subtle smile with a hint of mystery is the way.
And it clashes with the contract anyway.
Guy's got a better idea? Still stick to the deal.
Back in construction days, these types ignored safety and caused wrecks.
Like that time the newbie nearly got crippled.
Thinking that.
'Keep pushing like this, what kinda directing? Wanna yarikkiri and bail, punk?'
Words crept up my throat.
But nah, can't spit that.
One fumble, and I'm the rude mutt.
Noble Ahyeon shot a look at her poised manager beside her.
Back when I first signed with an international brand, met Rosélia, jetting abroad.
We set rules for minor model and solo manager to survive brutal overseas shoots.
One: the two-out system.
Simple.
One-out: Manager Rosélia reins 'em in.
Two-out...
“Step this way.”
Former French Army Captain Rosélia Moreau takes over.
“Yes?”
“Let's talk.”
Director got dragged off by the buff ex-soldier matching his height.
Before long.
“...Let's just shoot it.”
Returned with a softer look.
“Perfect.”
I nodded lightly and stood.
Rosélia or Ms. Moreau—latter gets it done.
“No matter how I see it, this pictorial screams bright and...”
Grumbled the director, denied his way.
“...Oh, that's good?”
But shoot kicked off, and the director's praise drowned it out instantly.
“This expression work?”
“Love it. Wistful gaze at the blossoms maybe?”
“Nah. This is spot-on.”
“Ah, got it-!”
I've got years under my belt.
This vibe works.
And honestly, no plans to burn image on a domestic pictorial.
Even Andel tailors outfits to my aura for fashion week.
Why bend for this?
And above all...
“Ah, looking great—perfect.”
I'm confident in my shots.
Camera director nodding nonstop as we rolled.
One cut under the blossoms.
One a bit apart.
Magazine pictorial, so outfit changes, makeup touch-ups ate time...
“Alright, A cut wrapped! Next...”
Shoot itself? Breeze.
Today's wrapping early, huh?
Yesterday and day before, long hauls between spots.
Today, route's super tight.
Director's plan, apparently.
Talented on logistics.
End early? Home for dinner stream.
Planned rest then late night, but early start's better.
Muhyeopjeon wrapped, so snag a new game en route.
League too.
Patch notes: my waifus' mains got buffs.
Era finally shifting.
Was feeling suppressed.
Rigged matches, champ nerfs.
Sniper-patch hell over.
League first when home, I figured—fueled the shoot.
“All done!”
Shoot director beaming satisfaction, pictorial wrapped.
“What time is it?”
Already over?
Sun still high; checked with Rosélia.
“3 p.m. Early finish today?”
“For real?”
Snapped well—condition was peak.
“Heh-”
Unexpected afternoon yarikkiri, mood lifted; smile slipped out.
“Nah, smiles are better...”
Director lurking nearby muttered something.
I let it slide in one ear, out the other.