The morning sun streamed into Ji-eun’s small apartment, illuminating her makeup brushes, palettes, and sketches scattered across the table. Her sonorous alarm was drowned out by the faint buzz of her phone—a message from Min-jae’s stylist:
“Min-jae needs you for a shoot today. Can you come to the studio by noon?”
Ji-eun tapped a quick reply, gathering her kit. She was used to the unpredictable chaos of working with celebrities, but somehow, every request from him felt different—like a heartbeat that resonated in her chest.
⸻
The Studio Encounter
The studio was bustling with lights, cameras, and assistants. Min-jae was already in front of the camera, his hair perfectly styled, his eyes reflecting the morning sun like polished amber. He looked up as she entered.
“Ji-eun-ssi,” he greeted, his usual charm softened by fatigue. “You came early.”
“I thought I’d get a head start. You have a busy day ahead.” She placed her bag down, fingers brushing against his hand accidentally as she pulled out a brush. Heat rushed to both their cheeks.
Min-jae raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You really enjoy making me flustered, don’t you?”
Ji-eun shook her head, pretending to focus on his hairline. “I’m strictly professional.”
“Mm,” he hummed, leaning closer as she applied the foundation. “Professional… but your heart isn’t.”
Her breath hitched. Why does he always know?
⸻
Joon-ho Steps In
From across the studio, someone cleared his throat. Ji-eun glanced up to see Park Joon-ho, casually leaning against a lighting stand, clipboard in hand.
“Morning, Ji-eun-ssi,” he said, voice smooth, calm. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” she replied, hiding the quickening of her pulse. Something about him—calm, observant, and quietly confident—always made her feel measured, grounded, yet intrigued.
Min-jae noticed the brief exchange and raised an eyebrow. “And you are?”
“Park Joon-ho. I’m coordinating the promotional shoot,” he explained. His gaze lingered on Ji-eun for a beat too long. “It’s nice to see you again.”
Min-jae chuckled under his breath. “So, you’re one of those… quiet, mysterious types, huh?”
Joon-ho’s lips twitched in a faint smile. “I prefer subtlety over chaos.”
Ji-eun felt a pang of something she couldn’t name. Between Min-jae’s chaotic warmth and Joon-ho’s calm intensity, her heart was suddenly caught in a tug-of-war she didn’t anticipate.
⸻
A Moment Alone
During a break, Ji-eun stepped outside to catch her breath, the faint scent of cherry blossoms filling the air. Joon-ho appeared beside her, leaning casually on the balcony railing.
“You’re pushing yourself too hard,” he remarked softly, eyes scanning the city below.
Ji-eun frowned. “I’m fine. Min-jae… he expects me to be ready at all times. I can handle it.”
Joon-ho shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “That’s not my concern. Mine is that you’re always running yourself into exhaustion. You should care about yourself too.”
His words, gentle but firm, struck a chord. She looked at him, trying to hide the sudden warmth in her chest. “Thank you. But I’m okay.”
He gave a small nod, seemingly accepting her answer. Yet, when she turned back toward the studio, she realized her hands were trembling slightly.
⸻
Unexpected Chemistry
Back on set, Min-jae’s energy was electric. As she adjusted his eyeliner, he whispered, “You know, the way you focus… it’s addictive. I could watch you like this forever.”
Ji-eun’s cheeks heated. “Stop teasing me.”
“Am I teasing? Or speaking the truth?” His breath brushed against her ear as he leaned in, just a fraction closer than necessary.
Before she could answer, Joon-ho’s voice rang from the side. “Min-jae, you need to adjust the lighting for the angle. We can’t ruin the composition.”
Ji-eun froze, the tension palpable. Min-jae’s lips twitched, but he stepped back, giving Joon-ho a calculating look.
So this is him. Calm. Steady. Observing. Waiting.
The rest of the shoot was a delicate balance of energy. Min-jae’s flirtatious warmth clashed subtly with Joon-ho’s quiet intensity. Ji-eun found herself moving between them like a dancer caught in a rhythm she didn’t choose.
⸻
Late Evening Confessions
After the shoot ended, Ji-eun walked home, her mind a storm. Min-jae’s charm was intoxicating; every smile, every word, every lingering look tugged at her heart. And yet, she couldn’t shake the memory of Joon-ho’s calm presence—the way he had watched over her, protected her space without making a scene.
She sank onto her couch, staring at the ceiling. I love Min-jae… but there’s something about Joon-ho I can’t ignore. Something… safe. Something I didn’t know I needed.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Min-jae:
“Sleep well, my makeup artist. Dream about me.”
Her lips curved into a soft smile, heart fluttering.
Then another message, from Joon-ho:
“Don’t overwork yourself. You deserve rest, Ji-eun-ssi.”
She stared at the two messages, her heart caught between chaos and calm.
This… this is going to be complicated.
———
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