Chapter 33: Outcall Service
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 33: Outcall Service
“That jerk came back again?”
Ye-seul shouted, her face contorting into a scowl.
She hadn't been able to come for a few days because her body was aching from the workout, but as soon as she returned, she heard that Joo Yeon-seok—the person she hated most—had shown up.
Ye-seul felt her face flush with anger.
What kind of man was he?
He was the guy who constantly hit on Miju. Every time she saw him acting as if he were actually dating Miju, her irritation spiked.
It wasn't just anyone; it was Miju.
When the socially anxious Ye-seul was struggling to adjust to school and felt awkward around the crowds of men flocking to her, Miju was the one who appeared like a hero and saved her.
That was why Ye-seul had asked her parents to get the guy kicked out. To think he’d try something the one day she wasn't around.
“Yeah.”
“That puts me in such a foul mood. What happened?”
“Jae-ho stayed by my side, so it ended well.”
“Jae-ho did?”
“Mhm, mhm.”
Miju’s face was bright as she spoke.
Normally, Miju would have been depressed right now, but for some reason, she was wearing a smile.
“Did something happen?”
“H-huh?”
“Your expression is too good for someone who just ran into that jerk. Usually, you’d be miserable for days after seeing him.”
“Ah, well…”
After a moment of hesitation, Miju slowly opened her mouth.
“When Jae-ho protected me, he… he said he was my boyfriend.”
“Ah, is that why you’re so happy?”
“I-it’s not that I’m happy. It’s just that, you know, he was really dependable.”
Miju waved her hands dismissively.
“Really?”
“Y-yeah.”
“Well, that’s a relief then.”
Ye-seul nodded.
“I’ll talk to my parents one more time. We don’t know if that jerk will come back.”
“No, it’s okay. You don’t have to do that. Jae-ho said he’d stay by my side for a while.”
“Jae-ho Senior?”
“Yeah. He said he was worried.”
“Aha.”
Choi Jae-ho.
Ye-seul repeated the name to herself.
He was Miju’s close older friend and her own senior. Her first impression of him hadn't been great. That was likely because she didn't show interest in men to begin with.
However, after talking to him once or twice, her opinion had changed. He seemed like a pretty decent person.
Miju had praised him until her throat was dry. Throughout the entire time she spoke of Jae-ho’s virtues, she was smiling.
It had been unexpected to hear he was working as a fitness trainer. Very unexpected.
Fitness…
Ye-seul recalled the PT session she had received from Jae-ho.
It was such an excellent session that even she, someone who loathed exercise, found herself immersed in it. Every time she worked out by his side, her heart raced so hard she thought she’d go crazy.
Her body flushed, her heart pounded, and her breathing grew heavy.
It wasn't just during the workout. Her heated body couldn't calm down even before the session started, or long after it had ended.
I even took my clothes off to exercise…
Exposing her naked body to a man was embarrassing, but it was bearable. Because it was Jae-ho.
She felt refreshed after working out with him. She even felt a sense of exhilaration, as if the many worries plaguing her mind had been resolved in an instant. It was like the deep sense of relief that washes over you when you go limp after reaching an orgasm through masturbation.
She felt she had been more focused because of that sensation, which was entirely different from her usual workouts.
Of course, she had suffered from muscle pain the next day.
But she thought of him all day long. Even while groaning from the muscle aches caused by the exercise. She remembered everything about the gym and the way Jae-ho looked while coaching her.
No way…
It couldn't be.
Ye-seul shook her head. There was no way she liked Jae-ho. No, she shouldn't like him.
Because she already suspected it.
Miju definitely likes Jae-ho Senior, right?
She knew Miju liked him.
After watching Miju for a moment, Ye-seul asked her.
“Hey, Miju.”
“Yeah?”
“Do you like Jae-ho Senior?”
“Huh? W-why are you asking that?”
“Just curious.”
It was a cowardly question.
Ye-seul knew. She knew that if she asked like this, Miju would say no.
Miju was inexperienced with the emotion of love, and after what she’d been through with Joo Yeon-seok, she wouldn't be able to be honest about these feelings.
Ye-seul knew this. And yet, she asked anyway. Because she wanted Miju, who was blushing and waving her hands in embarrassment, to deny it with her own lips.
“N-no. L-like him? I don’t…”
Watching Miju shake her head in denial, Ye-seul’s eyes gleamed.
“Really? That’s unexpected. I thought you liked Jae-ho Senior.”
“He’s a… a good person.”
“I see.”
I’m sorry, Miju.
I’m only thinking of myself when you’re having such a hard time.
Ye-seul thought as she forcibly suppressed the rising guilt.
Since Miju said no, it meant she had a chance too.
*
“Hello.”
“Haha, good to see you, Jae-ho.”
I didn't have classes today. Normally, I would have enjoyed my day off, but today I came to the Roland office.
The reason was simple. It was to take Ye-seul’s profile pictures and other photos to be uploaded in the future.
Kim Hosu, the CEO of Roland, greeted me personally.
“Today is finally the day. Haha. I’ve been waiting a long time.”
CEO Kim Hosu laughed loudly. Saying the first shoot was important, he even gave us the largest studio in Roland.
“I didn't really need a studio since the profile pictures were going to be shot with a casual, daily-life feel.”
“Now, now, don’t be like that. We must do our best with all the equipment and the photos.”
Is this the stubbornness of a photo geek?
I walked into the studio with an awkward smile. Ye-seul hadn't arrived yet.
“Ye-seul will be here after her makeup. We have a professional stylist with us today as well.”
“A professional stylist?”
Surprised by CEO Kim’s words, I scanned the studio. It was filled with numerous pieces of equipment that even I, who had studied photography to some extent, didn't recognize. It was clearly a studio meant for producing professional pictorials.
They were putting in this much effort?
Over 200,000 followers. It was impressive, sure. But even if Ye-seul was a social media star, it didn't seem like enough to justify a studio of this scale and hiring a professional stylist.
“Why are you going this far?”
“Don’t you know why, Jae-ho?”
“Pardon?”
“It’s only because Ye-seul has been taking photos of phone cases or just phone selfies. If she starts promoting in earnest, she could surpass most Starstagram models and Nutube stars. She could even branch out into acting.”
“…”
I couldn't deny it.
She was over 170cm tall with a slender body, accentuated hips, and radiant looks. She definitely had the potential to become even more successful.
“That’s why I’m investing. My only concern is that she seems a bit too shy about it.”
CEO Kim smacked his lips. After glancing toward the entrance for a moment, he spoke again.
“She’s willing to take off her mask when she’s taking photos with you. It would be wonderful if we could use those photos for her profile.”
“I don’t think she’ll do that.”
Ye-seul was a shy girl. I doubted she’d want to reveal her face.
“Who knows? She might change her mind after seeing your photos.”
“Haha.”
As we chatted, some time passed.
“Hello.”
Ye-seul entered the room after finishing her makeup.
“Ho-oh.”
Even CEO Kim Hosu, and…
“Whoa.”
Even I couldn't help but marvel at Ye-seul in her outfit.
She was wearing a tight white blouse and slightly loose jeans, with a short jacket draped over her. It was an active, stylish look.
I’d thought she was pretty many times before, but I didn't know she was this stunning. I could finally see why CEO Kim wanted to invest so much in her.
“Senior, how do I look?”
Ye-seul shrugged her shoulders and struck a pose. Her movements showed she knew exactly how to pose to make her clothes stand out.
“I-it’s good.”
I stuttered without realizing it. They say your brain stops and you stutter when you see someone too beautiful, and it turned out to be true.
“Incredible. I expected her to be pretty, but this much…”
CEO Kim said as he looked Ye-seul over. It was the gaze of a CEO looking at his star.
“Would you like to try taking some photos? I’m looking forward to the results.”
“Understood.”
I pulled my Apple Phone out of my pocket.
“Wait a moment. Jae-ho, are you going to use that camera?”
“Yes.”
“But even after coming all the way to the studio?”
“Ah, it’s because I’m most comfortable with this.”
“Is… that so?”
CEO Kim tilted his head.
“Yes. Professional photography tools are good, but this one fits my hand the best.”
DSLR-type cameras are better for background shots. They have much higher resolution and offer more ways to express the image. However, when taking portraits, the Apple Phone just produced results that were much more to my liking.
“I’ll try both if you want.”
“Ah, do whatever is comfortable for you. It’s just… it’s my first time seeing someone take photos with an Apple Phone in this studio.”
CEO Kim laughed awkwardly.
“Shall we take some photos then?”
I held up the Apple Phone.
“Yes! I’d love to.”
Ye-seul stood in front of the camera without her mask.
“Huh?”
“Hmm?”
I wasn't the only one surprised by her action.
“Is it okay if you don’t wear a mask?”
“…”
Ye-seul hesitated for a moment at my question before nodding.
“Yes, I think it’ll be okay. Since you’re the one taking the photos, Senior.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’m uncomfortable with other people, but I’m fine with you. And I’m going to upload photos without the mask on my profile too.”
I glanced at CEO Kim. He was covering his mouth with both hands, seemingly moved by Ye-seul’s change.
“Your face will be exposed if you post it on Starstagram. Are you okay with that?”
“Um… yes!”
She nodded with a face full of conviction.
“Alright.”
There was definitely a change in her mindset. Had she decided on this path?
I can’t know for sure, but…
Whatever she chose, I just had to support her.
“Okay, here I go!”
I pointed the lens at Ye-seul. At that moment, her face and posture shifted into those of a perfect model.
Click!
I pressed the shutter.
*
“Ha…”
CEO Kim Hosu couldn't close his mouth.
These were photos taken with just an Apple Phone? He couldn't believe it. In fact, the photos from the Apple Phone looked much better than those taken with professional cameras.
Should I say they feel more alive?
They perfectly captured the strengths of the subject, Ye-seul. He was astonished. Admiration escaped his lips involuntarily. No one in the industry would believe it—that these photos were taken with nothing but an Apple Phone.
“He’s the real deal.”
CEO Kim’s eyes were fixed not on Ye-seul, but on Jae-ho.
*
“The CEO really liked them.”
“It’s because you took such great photos, Senior.”
“It’s because the model was good.”
“Hehe, so you know the model is good too, Senior.”
“Huh?”
Normally, shouldn't she say, ‘No, it’s because your photography was good’?
While I was flustered by the unexpected response, Ye-seul laughed at me.
“Hurry up and eat. It’s going to get cold.”
Ye-seul pointed to the pasta in front of me. After the shoot, on the way home, she had brought me to a pasta place she said was delicious.
“It is good.”
It was just as delicious as she said.
“Right? Even the employees who work here come back often.”
It was just as Ye-seul was smiling and taking a bite of her pasta.
Ding!
[The member’s affection for the trainer is high.]
[Conditions met.]
[New Service - Outcall Service has been unlocked.]
[You can now designate a specific area where a member is located as a Gym.]
What is this now?