A small hanok café in Bukchon.
Sunlight filtered warmly between the lawn and stone walls. Sitting on the wooden floor, Enbin was getting his makeup done while his manager kept glancing at his watch, looking troubled.
"Hyung, why are you so restless?""I'm just wondering if we'll make it to the evening flight.""It's only lunchtime.""If we hit rush hour, we're screwed."
Concert rehearsals, the web drama, overseas photo shoots—every day was a grind, with every hour of the 24 accounted for. And yet, in the middle of all that, a shoot for some unknown clothing brand?
"Just relax. Can't you see everyone's tense because of you?"
The pay didn't make sense either—it was that low. Even a rookie would have turned it down. A short six-month exclusive model contract for peanuts? Of course, the agency wasn't happy.
"Would you like something cool to drink?""No, I'm fine."
But what could they do? If the artist wanted to do it, no one could stop him.Especially since it was Mooyoung's request—and everyone knew what that meant to Enbin.
"Once the makeup's done, we'll go right into shooting. Remember the concept brief I showed you? It's about the harmony between modern and traditional beauty—""Mm. This outfit's nice. Is this what I'm wearing today?""Yes! Do you like it? I can set one aside for you if you want."
The mood on set revolved entirely around Enbin.He was practically doing volunteer work for the brand at this point.
"I'm good. What about you, hyung? Want one?""Me? Well… if you're offering, sure.""Then please set one aside for him."
While glancing through the concept sheets and outfits, Enbin raised an eyebrow.BORNTORE: —a brand he'd never heard of. Judging from the materials, this must be their first launch.
"The overall design's clean."
It was surprisingly fresh.He saw dozens of outfits every day from stylists, so most designs barely registered anymore.But this one—this one drew the eye.
"I'll have to see how it feels when I actually wear it."
He sipped some water and flipped the page—when the sound of the front gate opening and a familiar voice drifted in.
"Drinks and snacks are here—!""The snacks are bread and rice cakes!"
Mooyoung and his friend—what was his name again? Junho?Still mid-makeup, Enbin only glanced sideways.Mooyoung was passing out snacks to the staff with a bright smile.
"Yo, Bin! Want some?""I'll eat after the shoot.""This is my friend Junho. Junho, this is Enbin.""Hello. Thank you so much for doing this shoot today."
Mooyoung introduced him casually—friends of friends were still friends, right?But Junho bowed seriously, and Enbin, keeping it strictly professional, replied coolly.
"No need to thank me. I'm getting paid.""Our CEO will be here soon to support the shoot. If you need anything, please let us know. We really appreciate it."
Even if Mooyoung had connected them, it was still business.After all, Junho and BORNTORE were the ones receiving help here.Enbin simply nodded and closed his eyes again as a dark shadow was brushed over his eyelids.
"Junho!""Yes! Coming!"
Called by the staff, Junho handed the drinks to Mooyoung and sprinted off.Watching his retreating back, Mooyoung felt something bittersweet.
"We're not nineteen anymore."
Mooyoung had gone on to college—still technically a student—but Junho was already part of the working world.And not just any world—the brutal, fast-paced fashion industry.
"What's wrong?""Hm? Nothing. Manager-hyung, here, have something to drink."
Though Enbin didn't mind the shoot, Mooyoung knew the company wasn't thrilled.The manager's stiff expression said it all.Still smiling, Mooyoung thanked them again.
"It's really spring now. Thanks so much for helping today, everyone. Bin, you too.""That's the fifth time you've said that. I told you to stop already. That friend of yours—he's your high school buddy and the CEO's cousin, right?""Yeah. He said he almost cried on the way here, said you saved his life.""Sure he did. Did he design these clothes too?"
If he had, that would've been impressive—exceptional, even, for someone fresh out of high school.Mooyoung shook his head as he poured a drink.
"No, the CEO does the designs. Junho's just a new hire. That's why he's running around like that.""Mm. I see.""By the way, you're heading to the airport right after this, right?""Yeah. I can't make it to the web drama wrap-up party. I've got another schedule. You go and have fun for me.""Aw, that's a shame."
"…Have you thought about an agency?"
At that, the manager's ears perked up.The first episode of their MTube web drama had hit 5.97 million views in just two weeks—a huge success.The numbers would only keep growing.
"Yeah, but none of them really appeal to me. I'm not sure I even need one.""You're not planning to keep acting?""If I can just focus on acting, a theatre troupe would be fine. I'll look into it after midterms."
Enbin opened one eye and gave him a look—was this idiot serious?But Mooyoung just laughed, completely sincere.
"It'd be great if he joined our company."
SN Entertainment—one of the country's top three agencies.Too bad they mainly focused on singers, not actors.
Just then—
"Hello, Enbin."
A man in a sharp suit and rimless glasses approached.Mooyoung had never seen him before, but Enbin recognized him from a previous meeting.It was Junho's cousin—the CEO of BORNTORE.
"Apologies for being late.""Not at all. I was still getting my makeup done anyway."
"Almost ready, right? The outfit's in the inner room. Uh—Manager Kim!""Yes!"
Finishing up his makeup, Enbin rose from his seat and followed a staff member inside.As soon as he disappeared with the stylist, the CEO turned to Mooyoung.
"Hello?"
Sharp eyes. His refined features carried a chill to them. He studied Mooyoung for a long moment—then suddenly softened, eyes welling up.
"You're Mooyoung, huh!"
Leaning in close, he grabbed Mooyoung's hand and whispered as if afraid Enbin might hear.
"Thank you. Really. I can't believe that punk Junho has a friend like you. I never thought I'd live to benefit from his connections."
...He's got a goofy side after all.
Mooyoung chuckled and waved his hand lightly.
"I've owed Junho a lot too, actually.""Still, you're even better-looking in person! I've seen your MTube. When Junho told me he had a decent friend who could model, I told him off—thought he was joking."
The CEO's eyes sparkled behind his glasses.For a moment, Mooyoung thought it was just the sunlight reflecting off the lenses.
"Should've taken a proper look back then. You're an actor now, right? What's your next project?""Haven't decided yet. I've got exams coming up.""Ah, right. You're at Seoyeon University, huh? You're one of a kind. If you ever need clothes, just say the word. Actually—do you have social media?"
If he did, the CEO was ready to make a formal sponsorship offer on the spot.The impact of that first web drama episode had been enormous—communities all over the internet were still buzzing about it, though Mooyoung himself had no idea.
"We're ready!"
Right then, Enbin emerged wearing the new outfit, a prop in hand.Instantly, the CEO's demeanor shifted back to business.
"Looks great.""The clothes are what make it.""Let's get ready to shoot. This way, please."
So that's what people mean by "dual personality of a professional."The casual, chatty man vanished, replaced by a focused designer.
"Rolling!"
Enbin briefly checked the angles with the photographer, then stepped before the camera.
Click! Click!
"Perfect!""Enbin, turn your head a bit left!"
Even in a relaxed pose, his charisma radiated effortlessly.As expected of a top-tier idol—his years of experience showed in every motion.
At that moment, Mooyoung felt someone approach.
"What'd my brother say?" asked Junho."He said thanks. And that he'd give me clothes if I wanted.""Then take them. They're pricey."
Mooyoung smiled, glancing at Enbin and the set around them.
Still… what was that earlier?
That glint in Junho's brother's eyes—it had shimmered oddly, almost unnaturally.Maybe pollen? He looked toward the back, where the CEO was talking with the photographer and crew.
"Huh?"
Pollen—or was it petals—floated between them.Cherry blossoms swirled on the spring breeze, wrapping the hanok courtyard in soft pink light.
The tranquil charm of traditional architecture under a vivid blue sky—it was as if special effects were bursting around Enbin.
"Wow. That's beautiful," Mooyoung murmured.
Hearing that, Enbin grinned wide, thinking it was praise for him.
"Of course it is. Expensive clothes, expensive model."
In high spirits, he struck a playful pose and laughed—click!
"That was amazing! Perfect!" shouted the photographer, not lifting his eye from the lens.
Mooyoung leaned toward Junho and whispered.
"Hey, your brother… did something good happen to him?""Good? You mean right now? This is the good thing. A total rookie model for Enbin's rate—what could be better?""Or maybe something good will happen soon?"
The amount of drifting petals was unreal.Maybe it was just the open air—but the scene glowed, almost like when he'd first visited BV Academy.
Junho tilted his head, muttering softly.
"My brother might look laid-back, but he's full of ambition. Keeps saying he'll be the world's greatest designer. If this launch goes well, maybe he'll finally get his break."
Business always came with risk—every new launch a gamble.Watching his brother clap excitedly for Enbin, Junho chuckled.
"Oh, and one thing about him—once he receives kindness, he never forgets."
He grinned slyly.
"If things go well, I'll be sure to squeeze some sweet rewards out of him later."