Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Seo-ah's Hidden Talent
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Tiring.
Physically, it wasn't that bad, but mentally, it was exhausting.
Even smiling brightly in front of the camera wasn't easy.
A serious expression was somewhat simpler, but how could a fashion magazine shoot just one side and call it a day?
Naturally, they had to capture all sorts of poses.
Taking those poses wasn't particularly difficult, but repeating unfamiliar actions over and over induced mental fatigue.
So now, I was just standing there blankly, watching Seo-ah's shoot.
But... doesn't she seem kind of familiar with it? She's way more natural than I was.
The photography director was grinning ear to ear, clearly delighted.
"Wow, this is no joke! Is this really your first time? How are you highlighting your strengths so naturally?"
"Uh, is that so? I guess I've just looked at a lot of fashion magazines before, so it came naturally...."
"No, this isn't something you get from just reading magazines. It's pure talent. Grasping the camera angle at a glance and striking the pose that makes you shine the most—that's not easy."
My sister was at a loss for where to put herself amid the director's lavish praise.
...Did she have talent like that?
I never imagined I'd witness someone around me having an unexpected gift.
Seo Jin-ha had told me this director had worked with tons of models.
Of course, to me, who knows nothing about the industry, it was hard to tell the difference... but it didn't seem like empty flattery.
By the way, this sofa is so comfortable. With my wings folded, lying here feels like pure bliss.
They said it's placed here for resting as comfortably as possible... and it really was healing my mental exhaustion.
Throughout her shoot, the director only had good things to say about Seo-ah. Even a newbie should have something to critique, but she wasn't grating on a pro's eyes at all.
Is she really talented?
As I thought that and stared at my sister, who had come over for a break, her face flushed red.
What's this?
"Why are you staring like that?"
"No, just... it's unexpected."
"Unexpected? What is?"
"Finding out my sister—who I thought would never have anything to do with modeling her whole life—actually has modeling talent?"
At my words, Seo-ah—
"Talent? Nah, they're just saying nice things."
"Who knows? Doesn't feel that way to me."
"What? You were always picking on me before."
"True... but honestly, which brother sees his sister in a good light? Same for sisters. You were always snapping at me too. It's just that instinctive aversion at the sibling level—unavoidable."
"...Is that so?"
"That's separate from this. Even I'm surprised. Yoon Seo-ah having modeling talent... it's like the world's turned upside down."
"Ah, seriously! Keep teasing me, why don't you?"
Even as she said it, her face showed real delight.
If she likes it that much, she should just switch to fashion design.
Korea University has a clothing department, after all.
Honestly, if I strip away my instinctive sibling aversion and nitpicking, she objectively had an incredibly pretty face.
I'd thought many times that our parents—both stunning in their youth—had dumped all their good genes on her.
And now... she seemed to be making full use of that beauty.
Well, I'd need honest feedback from the director or Jin-ha to know for sure, but the other staff who came with him didn't look displeased either, so it must be real.
Amid all that praise, I could see her lips twitching upward.
She's loving it.
It took quite a while before Seo-ah's shoot finally wrapped up. We'd started around lunchtime, and now it was past 7 p.m.
At that point, I was curious about the results.
Even if it was for free clothes just for me, how could I not wonder about the outcome of my first modeling gig?
The staff and director, having finished shooting, were chatting energetically with Jin-ha.
"Wow, Jin-ha, how did you find these gems? Seo-hyun has such a great vibe, and Seo-ah was born to model."
"Right? I was shocked too."
...Kinda embarrassing. Feels like eavesdropping.
"This time, even if we just request the main cover, they'll have to approve it once they see the results."
"We contracted to feature mutants on the main page for mutant-related issues anyway. But Seo-ah could totally pull off main too... such a shame."
"The main has to be Seo-hyun, of course. Still, it'll probably stir up a lot of buzz."
"Yeah. Honestly... feels like unearthing treasures from unexpected places."
"Exactly. You both followed directions so precisely that shooting was a breeze. The results today will be worth looking forward to."
"As always, thanks for coming out. Not an easy ask."
"Haha, no big deal. I enjoy it. Moving people is its own reward. You always look out for us, Jin-ha, so we can't help but give our all."
After that, it turned into a nice exchange of well-wishes. They seemed really pleased with the outcome.
"Alright, wrapping up here... shall we grab something to eat? Slice into some steaks?"
"Not a bad idea. Usually we just hit a barbecue joint, but going upscale today?"
"It's a good day. Toasting with beer or soju would feel lacking, no? Or how about something fancier, like fine dining?"
"That sounds good too... but I just want to grill some meat today."
Jin-ha smiled as she said it. Whatever, as long as the free meal's quality goes up, it's all good.
* * *
And so, Seo-ah and I entered a restaurant that screamed luxury from the sign to the interior, gawking like country bumpkins.
I'd been to fancy places before, but nothing in this league.
Utterly dazzling opulence.
How much did they spend on the interior alone?
"...First time at a place like this."
"Oh, really?"
"Same here."
"I figured college students would have been to one by now."
"I've done upscale dining, but never a restaurant this high-end. Thanks for everything."
"Hehe, it's because the results we got thanks to you two are just perfect—no need to hold back, eat up. Don't worry about prices. It's a happy day. Oh, how's your alcohol tolerance?"
"Mine's basically infinite since mutating, but Seo-ah's a lightweight. Recommend not giving her any."
"Ahaha! Got it. Simple drink for Seo-ah, then. Wine for you, Seo-hyun?"
"I prefer something sweet."
"Got it. And director, your usual?"
"Works for me. Wow, been a while since I was here. So good."
"You earned it."
"Not much hardship. You two made it easy."
"Haha... still, hope we didn't wear you out too much, newbies that we are."
At my words, the director burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! Today's shoot doesn't even count as work. It wrapped super fast, actually. Usually, we scarf down delivery for dinner and shoot till dawn."
"That intense?"
"Yeah. So no worries. You both did amazingly—honestly, you could jump into this full-time. No lip service!"
"...Thanks for the kind words."
"I've shot countless mutants and models, but this was the most relaxing and fun. Call me anytime for the next one—I'll come running."
"Probably won't happen."
The director laughed at my response.
"Who knows? Life's unpredictable. When the magazine comes out, you might be shocked seeing yourselves—different from your usual selves."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Lots of models feel proud seeing themselves in print. I bet you will too. Try SNS later if you're up for it. You'll rack up followers in no time."
"Ahaha...."
"I agree with the director. It's a waste not to. You both have the talent, so drop by if you ever think about it."
With Jin-ha joining in, the sudden praise shower left me flustered. Same for my sister.
Her lips were creeping upward—I bet before the night ended, she'd snag Jin-ha or the director's contact.
Whatever she chooses, it's her life—no reason for me to interfere.
Go for it. Money's no issue for me anymore anyway.
"Interested, huh?"
"Huh? Oh, no."
"Liar. It's all over your face."
"...That obvious?"
"Very."
"Ahaha! So cute. Want my number? I can connect you with some famous models if you're serious."
"Uh, I'd like to talk it over with my parents first."
"Of course. Big decision—think it through, chat honestly, then come find me. You've got potential worth nurturing, Seo-ah. What about you, Seo-hyun?"
"My goal's graduating first. After that, if I'm free, I'll hit you up sometimes."
"Sounds good. Oh, need more clothes anytime? Just say the word—I'll make whatever you want."
"...Yes!"
The warm gathering started warm and ended warm, with a delicious meal.
On the way back, Seo-ah kept checking her smartphone with an excited look.
Something like a new path had suddenly opened for her.