"Using today's college magazine photos as your profile pics?"
"Yeah. Is that not okay?"
Go Kyung-min fiddled with his chin at the unexpected request. There was no real reason it couldn't work. Actors without agencies often uploaded selfies or passport photos anyway.
"I'd have to check with them, but it should be fine?"
"Exactly. It's not a commercial magazine."
Na Geum-dong slipped in from the side, where he'd been listening.
"Really?"
"Yeah. V People, a small publisher, handles the printing, but the editing and planning are done by the Seoul University Student Council Alliance. For example, the photography department handles shoots, fashion design does costumes, visual design covers layout, and journalism writes columns."
"Whoa. That's so cool."
Ha Moo-young was genuinely impressed. It was the ideal college activity—different schools and departments collaborating each month to produce a magazine! No wonder it was famous among students.
"They got the direction right from the start."
"Picking eye-catching cover models boosted the buzz, creating a virtuous cycle. Great for building resumes whether you're writing or featured. Total win-win!"
It was the legitimate staple of college life, now in its fifth year.
Go Kyung-min began tidying the photos scattered across the table.
"Go ahead and apply for it. It'll be a fun experience. If you get in, I'll reach out from the company side. But why? No photographers you liked?"
He felt a bit disappointed. He'd wanted to hook Moo-young up with top-notch profile shots, but a college student photographer? Still, what could he do? It was Moo-young's call, so he'd respect it.
"That's part of it, but—"
Moo-young just grinned at Go Kyung-min's question, clearly mulling over his answer.
"It's free!"
"What?!"
Na Geum-dong's jaw dropped. He grabbed Moo-young's hand, shaking it dramatically as his eyes welled up.
"Aigoo, Moo-young-ah! We can cover that much! It's been years since we got a new family member—!"
"Hahaha. I know. Just kidding. Nothing really grabbed me."
"For real?"
"For real!"
Moo-young beamed, gripping and shaking Na Geum-dong's hand in return.
Go Kyung-min watched from the side. A middle-aged guy and a fresh twenty-something clicking like that? They're like two peas in a pod. He tsked inwardly. Though his boss was a bit eccentric, to be fair.
Then—
Ring ring. Ring ring.
The office phone rang for the first time in ages. Go Kyung-min picked up since Na Geum-dong was still goofing around.
"Hello, Big Win Entertainment."
Chatter chatter.
Two people gossiping about the Mongnett incident. Go Kyung-min tapped his pen on the desk to get their attention—quit playing around and look here.
"Yes, Ha Moo-young's agency. Right, Bonturi? Hello. About scheduling the shoot..."
He trailed off, signaling Moo-young: When works for you?
Moo-young raised both hands above his head, making a circle. With exams and auditions done, what was the problem?
"Anytime!"
* * *
A few days later.
"Ha Moo-young!"
"Jun-ho!"
"Come on in. Traffic was bad, right?"
"Nah, all good. Hello!"
At the studio near Bonturi, Moo-young arrived with his manager. Everyone was familiar from Enbin's pictorial.
"Whoa, you look even cooler now, Moo-young!"
"Long time no see!"
"Heard the news—you're doing Director Seo Jeong-mun's film? Got an agency too. Total star status!"
Im Jun-ho's cousin flashed a thumbs-up, grinning. His face was weary from the hectic business, but he looked happier and more vibrant than before. Thanks to Enbin and Moo-young, business had exploded.
"Thank you. I heard you're crushing it too, sir."
"Heh heh. Number one for three weeks straight."
"Congrats. Time to sit on that money pile."
"You bet! Moo-young's gotta become a universal superstar."
Without outsiders like Enbin today, he didn't hide his goofy side. Leaning in, he whispered to Moo-young.
"I'm so grateful, so I bumped up your pay. You know what I mean?"
Wink.
Jun-ho shuddered watching his brother wink exaggeratedly.
Fitting model pay was usually hourly—around 20,000 won, or 200,000 to 300,000 for an all-day shoot.
"Of course. Thank you."
"Nah, I'm the grateful one. Tell Enbin too—he saved lives."
But for Moo-young and Bora, it was per shot: 100,000 won each. For non-portal SNS photos, it was practically pocket money.
"How many will you select?"
"Base five, plus extras depending on the work. Probably around ten. Oh, right—you made an account? Can we upload still cuts if we take some?"
Behind-the-scenes shots for promoting the work.
Moo-young glanced at Kyung-min for approval.
"Sure. Just not official, right?"
"Yeah, nothing formal. Personal request."
It was a schedule born of connections and gratitude, but contracts were contracts! Posting duration mattered, so clarify.
"Alright, time to prep? Sir, the photographer's asking for you. Moo-young, over here—I'll show you today's concepts."
"Okay okay. Where's Bora?"
"Getting ready first."
Moo-young followed Jun-ho inside.
Something's off.
The glitter still floating in the air. It must be from what Jun-ho's brother sprayed last time, but...
Wasn't it gone after Enbin's shoot?
Why was it still drifting? Moo-young shook his sleeve, wondering if it'd stuck to him.
Whoosh—the inner curtain parted, revealing Bora mid-makeup. She peeked only with her eyes, lips pursed, barely greeting.
"H-Hi."
"Hey! Bro, this is my friend Bora."
Oh, the one Moo-young mentioned!
Go Kyung-min and Bora exchanged light nods. Moo-young stood there smiling blankly. As the stylist fitted a headband, he asked.
"Bora, nose okay?"
"Obviously. Good as new."
Feisty as ever—classic Bora. With makeup done, she looked every bit the celeb.
Jun-ho fanned right beside her.
"Im Jun-ho. Fan me too."
"Yeah. Buzz off."
They'd gotten a tad closer since then. Barely. She at least didn't ignore him anymore.
Moo-young flipped through the portfolio while getting makeup.
"What's today's concept?"
"Keywords: friends, fun, energy. Details and ref photos in the back—use loosely, stay relaxed."
"Pictorials are new for me."
"No kidding. I know?"
"Trusting Bora only!"
"Trust what. We're each doing our thing."
With friends together, time flew in chatter. Amid the lively noise, they ignored the stylist's nagging to hold still and finished prepping.
"Ready?"
"Yep!"
"Let's see... Oho, nice glow. Adjust poses?"
Moo-young and Bora stood against the white backdrop, eyes on the camera. As actors, their gazes were spot-on. Masks added visual pop.
"Good. But Moo-young, you're stiff?"
"My pose?"
"Loosen up."
"L-Like this?"
He slumped his shoulders at the photographer's request.
"...Idiot?"
Bora muttered disgustedly, then took charge—leaning her head on his, grabbing his shoulder, leading poses.
Jun-ho and staff watched, clapping in awe.
"Bora's awesome—!"
"Keep that vibe!"
"Shooting!"
Click! Click!
Their synergy softened with each shot. Flashes popped wildly. The beaming duo shone as bright as the lights.
"Perfect!"
"You've got talent, Moo-young! Left leg out a bit!"
"Physique is key. Good good!"
"How to pick ten from these—?"
"Sir, just empty the bank today?"
The warm vibe was great. Models' energy peaked too—and at the height...
Flick!
"Huh?"
"What?"
Lights out suddenly. The buzz deflated instantly.
The photographer lowered his camera, glancing around.
"Aigoo, Yeon Chae!"
"S-Sorry! So sorry!"
A woman by the wall jumped, turning. She'd accidentally hit the light switch.
She shoved on thick glasses, bowing repeatedly.
"Tch. Careful— we had momentum."
"Really sorry..."
Newbie? Hadn't seen her last time.
Moo-young straightened his clothes, smiling.
Not intentional—accidents happen. He raised a hand, drawing eyes.
"Mind if I hit the bathroom quick? Was urgent—perfect timing."
"Sure. Break time."
"I'll check shots. Bora first?"
"Inspect next outfits!"
Shoot paused at Moo-young's request. Yeon Chae escaped the scolding glares, scurrying around.
About five minutes later.
"Where's Bora?"
"Changing. Wait a sec."
"Jun-ho!"
"Coming!"
In the chaos, Moo-young fidgeted in the corner. A drink appeared before him.
"Um, here."
"Whoa! Drink! Thanks."
"Sorry about earlier."
Yeon Chae's hand trembled.
Shy type? Or just guilty?
"No worries. First time seeing you? Not Bonturi staff?"
"I'm the photographer's assistant for the day."
One-off then? Moo-young sipped carefully to avoid smudging lipstick. And this flower pollen on the bottle! Clumped thick—when'd it stick?
"Last assistant shot too. Why back here?"
"Hands shake when nervous—couldn't hold camera today. Haha..."
She stared at her hands, murmuring sadly.
"Pathetic, right? Aspiring photographer."
"Everyone's got reasons. Student now?"
"Yeah. On leave, working for Today University magazine."
"...Aha?"
Moo-young tilted his head at Yeon Chae.
Today University? Could it be...
"Hey, mind showing me your hand?"
"M-My hand? Why?"
He just smiled—just 'cause—so she reluctantly offered her right hand.
"Wow."
There. Her palm! The pollen scattered around the set and on the bottle—it started here.
"Shaking bad, huh...? Gotta fix it, but tough. Haha."
She laughed awkwardly, pulling back.
Moo-young replied firmly.
"Dunno. Looks like a golden hand to me."
"G-Golden hand?"
"Yeah. Whatever you shoot turns to gold."
"What makes you say—"
"If we're judging, let's see!"
Moo-young stood, calling out.
"Sir! For the still cuts—mind asking her?"
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