Chapter 99: Poetry composition class (5)

Part 11

“Yoonseo-ssi looks less excited than Hyunji,” Minho said.

“It’s just… college is different!” Hyunji exclaimed.

In the backseat of the car, as Minho prepared to pull out from the roadside, his amused voice broke the silence. Before I could respond, Hyunji’s enthusiastic outburst made me picture her expression, even unseen.

“Are we heading straight to the studio?” I asked.

“Thinking of stopping somewhere for a quick bite first. Yoonseo-ssi, you hungry?” Minho replied.

I didn’t comment on Hyunji’s excitement. Whatever I said would feel unnecessary. Her longing for a path not taken didn’t need comforting or advice—it was hers to feel. She stood in a place of admiration, yet didn’t need to envy. I believed she knew that, which let her revel so purely in this new experience.

“Guess it is lunchtime,” I said.

“Should we hit a restaurant?” Minho asked.

“Nah… I’m not that hungry. A toast or something’s enough,” I replied.

“Right, you clueless guy. Eating a full meal before a shoot makes your stomach stick out and ruins the photos,” Hyunji teased.

“Yoonseo-ssi’s not like you! I’ve got a good figure too!” Minho shot back.

Listening to their banter, I felt my lips curve upward. Unlike the first shoot, I felt reassured this time. With them together, things would be fine. That vague confidence mixed with the car’s gentle hum, stirring a quiet thrill in my chest.

Part 12

“Come to think of it, I didn’t hear what today’s shoot is for,” I said.

The studio setup reminded me of my last shoot. Extravagant flowers and greenery, awkwardly draped blackout curtains—likely for CG effects, turning the backdrop into a cascading waterfall or fantastical forest.

“It’s for an RPG game launching soon… Yoonseo-ssi, you don’t play games, right?” Hyunji asked.

“I probably wouldn’t know it even if you told me,” I admitted.

Probably a typical fantasy game—sword-wielders, magic-users, archers. My knowledge of online RPGs was limited to MapleStory or Diablo. Growing up, I preferred board games over video games.

“Are we shooting different roles from the others here?” I asked.

“Roles… maybe? It’s not like we’re acting or anything,” Hyunji said vaguely.

Curious why we were shooting separately for the same game’s characters, I asked, and Hyunji’s ambiguous response came as she paused adjusting my makeup.

“Well, call it roles. The others are shooting playable characters—official images for user avatars,” she explained.

“Isn’t concept art enough for that?” I asked.

“It’s got its own vibe. Honestly, I think using illustrations for promotion is trendier, but…” she trailed off.

“There’s demand for it, so they keep doing it?” I guessed.

Hyunji nodded with an awkward smile. I turned my gaze to the mirror, deciding not to press further. Feels like I almost peeked into the dark side of cosplay.

“Ahem. So, if they’re shooting playable characters, what am I?” I asked.

“An NPC,” she said.

“Like, standing there giving quests and spitting out dialogue?” I clarified.

“Yep. Your character’s like the game’s mascot,” she said.

“What…” I groaned.

“Hey, lips! Relax your face,” she scolded.

I forced a neutral expression, but couldn’t hide my unease. Mascot? Like a yellow electric mouse or an orange chibi dinosaur?

“A mascot’s kind of a big deal, right…?” I ventured.

“Exactly!” she agreed.

“How am I supposed to…” I started.

“Maybe that’s why they chose you?” she suggested.

As my face scrunched again, Hyunji let out a sharp “Tch!” and I froze. Smirking, she resumed her work, explaining playfully.

“Sure, doing it well helps, but looking the part is key. Being pretty’s a bonus. Poses and expressions? We learned last time those come with practice,” she said.

“But in an era with professional models…” I protested.

“I’ll admit, it’s a bit of a gamble,” she said.

Her fingers toyed with my hair, twirling and releasing it lightly. It didn’t feel like much, but my eyes couldn’t help flicking toward her.

“Bet it’s this luscious, natural blonde that sealed the deal,” she teased.

“A blonde character, huh?” I said.

“Oh! Didn’t I send you the pics?” she asked.

“You sent a bunch, but not which character,” I replied.

“Whoops… guess I forgot!” she laughed.

Should’ve asked earlier. She’d scold me for assuming she’d handle it. I gave an awkward smile, matching her sheepish one. Let’s just laugh it off.

“But the archer with the revealing outfit was being shot earlier,” I noted.

“You said no spicy stuff, remember?” she pointed out.

“…True,” I conceded.

“It’s perfect for your blonde—a… how do I put it?” she mused, pausing her hair-twirling to resume my makeup.

“Saintly?” she suggested.

I couldn’t reply with her working on my lips, but my wide eyes clearly conveyed my shock.

“Like a saintess? You know, in novels, blessed by gods, aiding the hero,” she clarified.

I envied the archer, striking cool poses in a flashy outfit.

Saintess? What even is that? I don’t believe in gods.

“…Saintess? Like a cleric who job-changes?” I asked.

“Oh, so you’re more into games than novels?” she teased.

“No, I just don’t think that character suits me—” I began.

A sudden flick to my forehead made me yelp. It didn’t hurt much, just startled me. I turned, wide-eyed, to see Hyunji’s stern face.

“Hyunji-ssi?” I said.

“A pro doesn’t judge their own worth. Getting paid means the client sees value in you,” she said.

So, as a paid pro, I should take responsibility? I thought.

“You need to strut your worth more, Yoonseo-ssi,” she continued.

“Huh?” I blinked.

“You’re so pretty, career and skills aside, you could make people clap. Stop downplaying yourself—it devalues the admiration and investment others put in you.”

Her words hit differently than I’d expected. If I undervalue myself and act accordingly, it devalues the trust others place in me.

“So, never say that again, got it, noona?” she said.

“…Pfft, ‘noona’? We’re not streaming,” I laughed.

“There! That smile’s much better,” she said.

This is what a pro is. I might just admire her. Smiling back at her beaming face, I thought so.