Chapter 100: Poetry composition class (6)

Part 13

“…I heard it’s a saintess, but…” I said.

“Not what you imagined?” Hyunji asked.

“I thought it’d be one of the player’s job classes,” I replied.

“You don’t like it?” she asked.

It’s not that I didn’t like it—more that the outfit was so different from what I’d expected, it threw me off. I was sure there was a character in the image files with a more ethereal, ornate, holy vibe.

“…There was another character that seemed more saintess-like,” I said.

“Oh?” Hyunji responded.

“I thought that would be the one…” I trailed off.

With Hyunji’s help, I managed to change into the outfit and look in the mirror. It was simple yet adorned with subtle details. Deep navy coloring, a hooded cape covering my shoulders, and the clean, orderly feel of a nun’s habit. But for “mobility,” it had a deep side slit in the skirt, white stockings, a short-sleeved top with cotton gloves, and leather straps tightly cinched at the waist and thighs. Is this really a nun’s outfit? The design felt deliberately provocative.

Pockets, a mock sword, and thin flasks filled with colorful liquids hung from the straps, giving off more of an adventurer vibe than a saintess. Maybe a tomboyish nun tagging along with the hero’s party? It was less the solemn image of a real nun and more a subculture-inspired design. I didn’t hate it—the slit’s leg appeal made my old male self want to give a thumbs-up—but wearing it myself felt… weird.

“Oh, that character’s the saintess’s older sister,” Hyunji clarified.

“…Guess the sister’s higher-ranking. Her outfit’s way fancier,” I said.

“The story’s that the sister, jealous of the saintess’s divine blessing, brands her a heretic, seizes control of the church, and tries to eliminate her. The players save the saintess, kicking off the story,” she explained.

“What?!” I laughed. Her heavy plot twist caught me off guard. Not a fun adventure but a dark political drama?

“So, the saintess was supposed to wear the sister’s ornate outfit, but after escaping the church, she doesn’t lose hope and joins the heroes to save the world. That’s the vibe of this outfit,” Hyunji said.

“…I feel bad for the saintess now,” I said.

“Suddenly…?” she asked.

“The slit and stockings are kinda sexy, but it feels too intentional…” I admitted.

“…It’s definitely intentional,” she muttered.

I half-ignored her quiet comment, turning back to the mirror. Despite the adventurer gear, the design was fairly subdued. But the side slit? That bold choice, for a saintess raised in purity, must’ve taken serious resolve. Maybe it symbolized her refusal to give up despite dire circumstances…

“…I don’t know what you’re thinking, but it’s just a forced fit for a flashy design—” Hyunji started.

“I’ll do my best at the shoot today,” I interrupted.

“…If Yoonseo-ssi’s motivated, that’s what counts, right?” she said.

Adjusting the hood to sit straight, I steeled my resolve and headed to the set.

Part 14

It took less than ten minutes for my sentimental resolve to shatter, but otherwise, it could’ve been a pretty inspiring day.

“My… my legs are numb…” I groaned.

“One more try! Fix your expression!” the director called.

The first pose was a nightmare: kneeling, hands clasped in prayer, looking down. Naturally, a low-angle shot to catch my face, emphasizing the side slit and stockings. Every time I thought about my legs being filmed, my expression and pose stiffened instinctively.

No way a natural photo would come out like this. After multiple retakes, embarrassment gave way to physical exhaustion from holding the pose, further ruining shots. The director’s voice echoed from afar, followed by the shutter, but no “OK” came.

“Let’s take a break! Everyone, rest!” the director announced.

“Ugh…” I sighed.

Last time, the outfits and cool, adventurous poses made it bearable. But the saintess’s aura, combined with the scandalous feeling of a thigh-revealing outfit, was beyond embarrassing—like I was committing a sin. At the break call, I collapsed onto the floor, skirt fluttering. It’s clean, it’s fine. Fidgeting with the hem and sighing, a shadow loomed over me.

“You can be more relaxed, like last time. Is it the pressure of a subcontracted job?” Minho asked.

“Thanks…” I said.

Minho, who’d been busy since we arrived, stood holding a paper cup. Feeling guilty, I gave a weak smile. He plopped down beside me, mirroring my collapse.

“The character vibe’s different, so it feels off, huh?” he said.

“Haha… is it that obvious?” I replied.

“I don’t know if a backless dress or a side slit is more embarrassing, but it seems the latter’s tougher for you,” he noted.

“Sorry…” I mumbled.

His tone wasn’t scolding, but I could only apologize. Delaying the shoot like this would likely mess up the schedule, and he probably thought so too.

“There are experienced folks on the team, and the director’s one of the most senior,” he said.

“…Is he mad?” I asked.

“He’s frustrated, pushed me to ‘do something about it,’” he said with a laugh.

“Really… I’m so sorry,” I said, head sinking lower.

“He says to be natural, but that’s hard, right?” he added.

“But he’s the type to half-ass it if he’s really fed up,” Minho continued.

“…Huh?” I blinked.

“He’s bummed the shots aren’t good. Says it’s rare to shoot someone like you. He’s picky, but he’s worried saying something weird might make you freeze up more, and he’d regret it for months. Told me to cheer you up,” he explained.

I glanced at the director, who was checking his camera on a folding chair. Our eyes met—by chance or not. I braced for a scolding, but he just waved dismissively, as if uninterested.

“He’s trendier than he looks,” Minho said.

“He doesn’t even seem past his early 30s,” I noted.

“Don’t say that to him—he’d cry,” Minho warned.

He looks 20s!

“He plays games, watches anime, even streams,” Minho added.

“That’s surprising… wait, what?” I said.

“He probably knows how you are on your streams,” he teased.

“I suddenly want to disappear,” I groaned.

Minho’s laughter hit my burning ears. I’m already embarrassed, why bring that up? I shot him a sulky glare, but his voice, still trembling with amusement, continued.

“The saintess isn’t some saintly, radiant figure,” he said.

“I heard,” I replied.

“Not quite a tomboy, but human, a bit flawed, quick to smile, kind to others,” he described.

His gaze, briefly scanning around, returned to me.

“So, instead of stressing about the character, just be the Yoonseo-ssi from your streams. That’ll satisfy the director. How’s that?” he suggested.

His words widened my eyes. Was I still anxious, chasing some ideal despite Hyunji’s talk? They hired me for me, but I was chasing something else.

“…So, I seem 2% flawed?” I teased.

“No, that’s not—” he stammered.

“Pfft, kidding,” I laughed.

The break ended soon. My legs felt better, the pose less uncomfortable. The first pose wrapped up so easily, I wondered why I’d struggled. The director even praised my slightly innocent smile as perfect.

If I said I was thinking of joking with viewers in dolphin shorts, what face would he make?