Seoul Dragon - Chapter 28

It's exhausting.

Not physically taxing, but mentally draining.

Smiling in front of a camera is no easy feat.

Keeping a serious expression was somewhat easier, but how could a fashion magazine finish with just one page?

Of course, they'd have to shoot various styles.

And while striking those poses wasn't particularly difficult, repeatedly doing something unfamiliar caused mental fatigue.

So now I was blankly watching Seoa being photographed.

But... doesn't she seem somehow familiar with this? She looks much more natural than I did during my shoot.

The shooting director was also continuously smiling with a satisfied expression.

"Wow, this is no joke! Are you sure this is your first time? How can you so naturally highlight your strengths?"

"R-really? I just, I've looked at a lot of fashion magazines before, so unconsciously..."

"No, this isn't something that comes from just looking at magazines. This is in the realm of talent. It's not easy to immediately assess the camera angle and strike a pose that best showcases yourself."

My sister was at a loss with such high praise from the shooting director.

...Did she always have this talent?

I never expected to witness such unexpected talent in someone close to me.

According to Jin-ha, this shooting director had worked with many models.

Of course, as someone unfamiliar with the industry, I couldn't tell what made her special... but it didn't seem like mere lip service.

By the way, this sofa is extremely comfortable. Lying down with my wings folded feels like paradise.

They said it was placed here to help people rest comfortably... and it felt like it was healing my mental fatigue.

Throughout the shoot, the director only had good things to say about Seoa. Surely a novice would have aspects worthy of criticism, but she must be doing well enough not to bother the professional's eye.

Could she really have talent?

As I pondered this, my sister came over to take a brief rest. Noticing me staring at her, her face turned red.

Well, well.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Nothing, just... it's unexpected."

"Unexpected? What is?"

"Finding out that my sister, whom I thought would never have any connection to modeling, actually has talent for it."

Hearing that, Seoa responded,

"Talent? He's just being nice."

"You think so? It doesn't seem that way to me."

"What are you saying? You're always busy criticizing me."

"That's true... but honestly, what brother ever sees his sister in a positive light? Same goes for sisters. You always talked back to me too. It's just that instinctive aversion, can't help it."

"...Is that so?"

"That's separate from this. I'm also surprised. Yoon Seoa having modeling talent... it's truly earth-shattering."

"Oh, come on! Are you going to keep teasing me?"

Despite her words, she looked quite pleased.

If she enjoys it that much, she might as well switch departments.

It's not like Hanguk University doesn't have a clothing and textiles department.

Honestly, if I remove my instinctive aversion and criticism toward my sister, she objectively has a very pretty face.

I've thought several times that since both our parents were quite good-looking in their youth, all those genes seemed to have been concentrated in her.

And now... she seemed to be reaping the benefits of that appearance.

Well, for an honest assessment of Seoa, I'd have to rely on what the director and Jin-ha say, but judging by the expressions of the other staff who came with the shooting director, it seemed genuine.

Amid such praise, I could see the corners of her mouth curling up.

She's absolutely thrilled.

Only after quite some time did Seoa's photoshoot end. We had started shooting around lunchtime, and now it was past 7 PM.

By that point, I was curious about how the results would turn out.

Even though I participated for the free clothes made just for me, how could I not be curious about the results of my first modeling experience?

Having completed the shoot, the staff and director were energetically chatting with Jin-ha.

"Wow, Jin-ha, how on earth did you find such talents? Seohyun has a naturally good atmosphere, and Seoa seems born to be a model."

"I know. I was shocked too."

...This is a bit embarrassing. It feels like eavesdropping.

"This time, if you request the magazine to use them for the main cover, they'll have no choice but to agree once they see the results, right?"

"We already have a contract to feature mutants prominently when publishing mutant-related content. But Seoa is also definitely worthy of being on the main cover... that's a bit unfortunate."

"Well, the main focus is Seohyun. But still, this will probably create quite a buzz."

"I'm sure it will. It feels like I've discovered treasures in unexpected places."

"Exactly. First of all, both of them understood directions so accurately that photographing them was incredibly easy. You can have high expectations for today's results."

"As always, thank you for coming so readily. It's not an easy task."

"Haha, not at all. I do it because I enjoy it. People are motivated by adequate compensation. Since you always take such good care of us, we can't help but work harder, right?"

After that came a period of warm words of encouragement. They seemed quite pleased with the results this time.

"Well, now that we've wrapped up... shall we go get something to eat? How about some steak?"

"That sounds good. Usually we go to a Korean BBQ place, if I remember correctly, but are we going somewhere more upscale today?"

"It's a special day. Wouldn't it be a shame to toast with just beer or soju? Or would you prefer something even more elegant, like fine dining?"

"That's not bad either... but today I just feel like having some meat."

Jin-ha said this with a smile. Whatever it is, it's good if the quality of the free meal goes up.

And so, entering a restaurant that looked incredibly expensive from its signage and interior, Seoa and I surveyed the place like country bumpkins.

It's not that we've never been to upscale restaurants before, but this was our first time at a restaurant of this class.

The splendor was truly dizzying.

How much did they spend on interior design?

"...This is my first time at a place like this."

"Oh, really?"

"Mine too."

"I thought university students would have visited such places at least once."

"I've been to quite upscale restaurants before, but never one this fancy. Thank you in many ways."

"Hehe, I'm doing this because I'm so pleased with the results created through both of you, so please enjoy without feeling burdened. Don't worry about the price. Today is a happy day. Ah, by the way, how much can you two drink?"

"My tolerance changed to almost unlimited after my mutation, but Seoa can't handle alcohol at all. I recommend not giving her any."

"Ahaha! I understand. Then, simple drinks for Seoa. Seohyun, would you like some wine perhaps?"

"I prefer something on the sweeter side."

"Then we'll go with that. Director, as for you... the usual?"

"That's fine with me. By the way, it's been quite a while since I've been here. It was really delicious."

"You worked hard."

"It wasn't much work at all. Both of you were so cooperative."

"Haha... still, I wonder if we caused you too much trouble as beginners."

At my words, the director burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahaha! What we did today doesn't even count as hard work. We actually finished quite early. Usually, we'd have delivery for dinner and continue shooting until dawn."

"Is it that demanding?"

"Yes. So don't worry. Both of you did wonderfully, and to be honest, I was thinking you could just dive right into this field. And no, this isn't just lip service."

"...Thank you for your kind assessment."

"I've photographed countless mutants and models... but this was truly a comfortable and enjoyable shoot. If there's ever another opportunity to photograph you, please call me. I'll come running."

"I doubt that will happen."

At my words, the director smiled.

"Who knows? Human affairs are always unpredictable. When the magazine comes out, you might be surprised to see versions of yourselves that differ from what you're used to."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Many models feel pride when they see themselves in magazines. I think the same will happen for both of you. If you're interested in social media, give it a try later. I guarantee you'll quickly gain numerous followers."

"Ahaha..."

"I agree with the director. Honestly, I think it's a waste. Since both Seohyun and Seoa seem to have sufficient talent, please visit again if you're interested later."

With Jin-ha joining in, I didn't know how to react to this sudden shower of compliments. And my sister seemed to feel the same way.

Seeing her smile gradually widening, I suspected she might get the contact information of Jin-ha or the director before the night ended.

Well... whatever she chooses to do, it's her decision, and I had no reason to interfere.

She should do what she enjoys. After all, since my transformation, financial concerns have become unnecessary.

"You seem interested?"

"Huh? N-no."

"Don't lie. It's all over your face."

"...Is it that obvious?"

"It shows a lot."

"Ahaha! How cute. Should I give you my number then? If you're interested, I can connect you with famous models."

"I-I'd like to discuss it with my parents first."

"Of course. It's an important decision, so think about it, have a sincere conversation, and then come find me. Someone like Seoa would be worth developing. Ah, Seohyun, are you not interested?"

"My primary goal is to graduate first. If nothing else comes up after graduation, I'll contact you occasionally."

"That sounds good. Oh, and if you ever need more clothes, just let me know. I'll make whatever you want."

"...Yes!"

The gathering, which began warmly, remained warm until the end, accompanied by a delicious meal.

And throughout the journey home, Seoa examined her smartphone with an excited expression.

Somehow, it seemed like a new path had suddenly opened up for her.