Chapter 101: Poetry composition class (7)
Part 15
“Ten-minute break! Great work, model!” the director called.
“Thank you!” I shouted back.
The director was far enough that his voice was almost a yell, so I squeezed out my last bit of energy to match his volume. Unlike last time, I didn’t have props to hold, so muscle aches weren’t a concern, but my limbs felt stiff, and my steps wobbled as I staggered off the set. Collapsing onto a nearby folding chair, I barely registered Hyunji approaching with a bright smile, holding out a paper cup with sloshing liquid.
I’d lost count of how many drinks and waters I’d had, but the cup was a welcome sight. I wasn’t sweating much today, yet my throat kept burning. Tilting the cup to my lips without even a thank-you, I noticed Hyunji pulling a chair to sit beside me.
“How’s your body holding up?” she asked.
“Haha… having done it once, it’s better than last time,” I said.
“No need for the bathroom?” she teased.
“I snuck off three times while you weren’t looking,” I admitted.
With a weak “ehehe,” I answered, and Hyunji let out a muffled “khehe” laugh in response. Bringing up the bathroom meant she’d likely been watching me discreetly the whole time, even if she hadn’t said much. Maybe, as a senior, she thought it better to observe my growth than interfere unnecessarily.
“Feels different from last time, huh?” she said.
“It’s definitely more intense. Last time felt half like play,” I replied.
“That was Flying Rabbit’s ‘look at our pretty people!’ promo shoot. This time, we’re hired by another company, so it’s their call. Notice more people?” she asked.
Following her gaze, I scanned the studio. There were indeed about 1.5 times more people—models and crew—than last time. I’d assumed it was just a bigger project, but…
“Half of them are probably from the game company, making requests: ‘do this, do that,’ tweaking things all day,” she said.
“Hahaha…” I laughed nervously.
“Ruthless people, squeezing every penny’s worth,” she joked.
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that,” I said.
“What’d I say?” she grinned.
Our giggles lingered briefly. As I watched the bustling crew and the growing number of elaborately dressed models—likely for a group shot—Hyunji’s voice broke my thoughts.
“You’re really not shooting today, Hyunji-ssi?” I asked.
“Got a cosplay you want to see me in?” she teased.
“Elf archer. It’d suit you,” I said.
“Pfft, you hate wearing stuff yourself but want me in something spicy?” she laughed.
Her finger playfully poked my cheek, then retreated to rest politely on her lap, her index finger tapping her tight jeans.
“I’m a bit bummed I’m not shooting with you,” she admitted.
From what I’d heard, some models were from Flying Rabbit, others hired from different cosplay teams. If it was just Flying Rabbit, Hyunji would’ve had a spot, but this time, the situation wasn’t ideal.
“…Does it hurt your pride? A newbie like me getting a lead role while a pro like you isn’t shooting?” I asked.
“Huh? What?” she said.
“I mean, I’m a rookie, and you’re—” Ouch.
Another light flick hit my forehead. Rubbing it, I looked at her with startled eyes. She smirked, poking my cheek again.
“I told you, getting paid makes you a pro,” she said.
“I get what you’re saying, but…” I mumbled.
“The only reason I’m bummed is not shooting with you. Not ‘that was my spot!’ or anything. You came this time, but there’s no guarantee you’ll take our gigs again, right?” she said.
Her finger pressed my cheek, almost grazing my teeth. A playful vent, maybe? I got what she wanted.
“Aha,” I said.
“Ehehe, so soft,” she giggled, dramatically pulling her finger back.
Cupping my warm cheek, we both grinned. First impressions aside, she’s someone worth knowing, I thought.
“Let’s shoot together next time,” I said.
“How about a swimsuit nine-tailed fox?” she suggested.
“Something less spicy…” I protested.
“What? Swimsuits are fine!” she laughed.
Part 16
[Anyone see Jeokranun’s cosplay?] – Anonymous
- Blue N’s promo for that game. Looked familiar, checked, and it’s Jeokranun.
┕ Anonymous: ? That RPG?
┕ Anonymous: Didn’t it bomb in beta and get quietly shelved?
┕ Anonymous (OP): Just look at noona’s pics;; Nun outfit.
┕ Anonymous: She wore a nun outfit on stream already, why check a trash game lol.
┕ Anonymous (OP): Side slit;;; Noona’s thighs 😍 unreal.
┕ Anonymous: Link.
┕ Anonymous: This board hereby swears blind loyalty to Blue N.
┕ Anonymous: I’m already their pig…♥
┕ Anonymous: Lunatic lololol.
Part 17
A few days later, I checked and saw Sanghyun’s stream was live, but when I knocked on his door, no answer came.
“…Sanghyun? Can I come in?” I called.
- Mochorok…
Mochorok? What’s that supposed to mean? Puzzled but brushing it off, I opened his door as usual. The room was unusually bright, and there was Sanghyun, kneeling on one knee for some reason, facing away from his monitor.
“…What’s this prank now?” I asked.
“Prank? How dare a lowly mortal like me address the saintess…” he choked, suppressing a laugh.
Frozen at the door, I wondered if he’d seen the ad already or cooked up something with his viewers. Closing the door cautiously, I glared at him suspiciously.
“Hey, if you can’t hold in your laughter, don’t pull this stuff. It’s embarrassing for both of us,” I said.
“No… khehe… Guys, dear viewers, you all clipped that, right?” he gasped.
“Clipped what?” I asked.
I hadn’t taken my eyes off him since entering, so I was sure nothing had happened. I didn’t stammer over being called “saintess” or anything—just a few normal words exchanged.
His cackling, now rolling on the floor, started feeling eerie, and I instinctively backed away—until I hit the door. Wait, the door?
“No way…!” I gasped.
My blonde hair whipped wildly, a strand smacking my cheek, but the shock of what I saw silenced any scream. Inside Sanghyun’s door was a drawing of white wings and a yellow halo, positioned perfectly at my shoulder and head height. Maybe a sticker? Either way…!
“Ehehehe… Noona, you’re the best!” he howled.
“You’re dead!” I yelled.
I kicked and punched with all my might, but his grinning face didn’t budge. Last time, the kick worked!