Chapter 20: I Never Forget a Favor

A small hanok café in Bukchon.

The sunlight streaming through the grass and stone walls was warm. Enbin sat on the floor, getting his makeup done, while his manager looked worried, constantly checking his watch.

“Bro, why are you so restless?”

“I’m worried about making it in time for the evening flight.”

“It’s lunchtime right now.”

“It’ll be a problem if it overlaps with rush hour.”

It was a busy time, with concert rehearsals, web dramas, and even overseas photo shoots! Every single hour of the day was being divided and used. And in the midst of all that, there was this unheard-of clothing brand model job?

“Relax. Don’t you see how everyone’s worried because of you?”

What’s more, the price was so off that it wouldn’t have been accepted even during rookie days. To be an exclusive model for such a pittance? Even if it was a six-month short-term contract, it was natural for the company to be dissatisfied.

“Would you like something cool to drink?”

“No, I’m fine.”

But what could be done? If the artist wanted to do it, there was no way to stop them. Besides, Muyoung’s request was treated almost like a force majeure. They knew what his help meant to Enbin.

“Once the makeup is done, we’ll go straight into the shoot. This is the concept sheet I showed you earlier. A beautiful blend of modernity and classicism—”

“Hmm. That’s pretty. Is that what you’re wearing today?”

“Yes. Do you like it? I can get you one if you want.”

Thanks to this, the atmosphere on set was completely centered around Enbin. It was almost like they were doing volunteer work to promote the brand.

“I’m fine. Bro? You wanna do it?”

“Me? Well, if you give it to me, I’ll wear it.”

“Please do.”

Enbin glanced at the shooting sketches and outfits, raising his eyebrows. BORNTORE, an unfamiliar brand. Judging by the look of it, this seemed to be their very first launch…….

‘Overall, it’s neat.’

It was fresher than expected. The coordinator brought dozens of outfits every day, and most of them were familiar, but this one strangely caught his eye.

‘I wonder what it’ll be like to actually wear it, though.’

Enbin sipped his water and flipped through the concept sheet. Then, he heard the sound of the front door opening and a familiar voice.

“Drinks and snacks are here—!”

“The snacks are bread and rice cakes.”

Muyoung and his friend. His name was Junho, right? Enbin only turned his eyes sideways as he got his makeup done. Muyoung, who was handing out food to the staff, smiled broadly and waved.

“Hey, Bin! Want some too?”

“No, I’ll eat after the shoot.”

“This is my friend Junho. Junho, this is Enbin.”

“Nice to meet you. Thank you so much for today’s shoot.”

Muyoung had simply wanted to introduce them casually. After all, a friend’s friend is a friend! But Junho’s attitude was unexpectedly serious. Enbin also drew a light line, answering casually.

“What are you talking about? I’m getting paid for this.”

“The CEO will be here soon to support the shoot. Let me know if there’s anything uncomfortable. I’ll do my best today.”

Even though Muyoung had connected them, it was still business. Especially since Junho and BORNTORE were in a position to receive help from Enbin. Enbin nodded lightly and closed his eyes. Thick shadow was applied over his eyelids.

“Mr. Junho!”

“Yes! I’m coming! See you.”

When the staff called him, Junho handed the drinks to Muyoung and ran off. Muyoung felt a strange feeling as he watched his back.

‘We’re not 19 anymore.’

Muyoung was continuing his student life by going to university, but Junho was a working adult. In the fiercely competitive fashion industry, no less.

“What’s wrong?”

“Huh? Nothing. Manager, please have this.”

Enbin gave his permission readily, but he knew the company didn’t like it. The manager’s expression was too sullen. Muyoung smiled and expressed his gratitude again.

“It’s spring now. Thank you for helping out today. Bin, you’re really awesome too.”

“You’ve said that five times already. I told you to stop. That guy’s your high school classmate and the CEO’s cousin, right?”

“Yeah. He was crying on the way here, saying he owed his life to you.”

“You’re lying. Did he design the clothes too?”

If that were the case, it would be quite surprising. For a designer who had just become an adult, his skills were exceptional, even unique. Muyoung opened a drink and shook his head.

“No. The CEO did the design, and Junho’s a newbie. That’s why he’s running around like that.”

“Hmm. Really?”

“By the way, you’re going straight to the airport after this, right?”

“Yeah. And I can’t make it to the web drama wrap party. I’ve got a schedule then. You go have fun for me.”

“Damn. That’s a bummer.”

“……Have you thought about an agency?”

At Enbin’s question, the manager also perked up his ears. MeTube’s first episode had 5.97 million views. It was a triumph achieved within just two weeks of being posted. The numbers would only grow over time.

“Yeah, but nothing really appeals to me. I’m not sure if I even need one.”

“You’re not going to work?”

“If I can just act, even a theater troupe would be fine. I’ll look into it after my midterms.”

At Muyoung’s words, Enbin opened his eyes and glared. Was this idiot really serious? But Muyoung was 100% serious. He just laughed, as if wondering why.

‘It’d be great if he came to our company.’

SN Entertainment was one of the top three agencies in the country. It was a shame they specialized in singers, not actors. Then, at that moment—

“Hello, Mr. Enbin.”

A man in a sleek suit and rimless glasses approached. It was Muyoung’s first time meeting him, but Enbin had already met him once during a meeting. He was Junho’s cousin and the CEO of BORNTORE.

“I’m a bit late.”

“No, I’ve just been getting my makeup done the whole time.”

“You’re almost done, right? The outfit is prepared in the back room. Oh, Director Kim!”

“Yes!”

Enbin finished his makeup and stood up, following the staff member. As he disappeared with the stylist, the CEO looked at Muyoung.

“Hello?”

His eyes were sharp, his demeanor so refined it felt cold. He stared down at Muyoung, then suddenly softened his expression and started to cry.

“You’re Muyoung, aren’t you!”

And then he whispered quietly, holding Muyoung’s hand and sobbing, so Enbin wouldn’t hear.

“Thank you so much. To think that someone like you was friends with that rascal Junho. I’ve lived my whole life, and now I’m finally benefiting from that guy.”

He looks different, but he’s quite a goofball, huh?

Muyoung laughed and shook his hand too.

“I’ve owed Junho a lot over the years too.”

“Wow. But seeing you in person is even better. I watched MeTube too. When Junho said he had a good friend he wanted to use as a model, I told him he was joking.”

His eyes sparkled behind his glasses. Huh? Muyoung paused, wondering if the sunlight was reflecting off the lenses.

“I wish I’d seen you properly back then. You’re an actor now, right? What’s your next project?”

“I haven’t decided yet. I’ve got exams soon.”

“Ah, right. Seoyeon University! There’s no one else like you in the world. Need any clothes? Or do you do SNS?”

If he did SNS, he was willing to make a formal sponsorship deal. The impact of the first episode of the web drama was huge. Communities everywhere were going crazy, but Muyoung was the only one who didn’t know.

“We’re ready—”

Just then, Enbin, now changed into his outfit, came out holding props. At the same time, the CEO of BORNTORE’s face turned professional.

“The vibe is good.”

“It’s because of the clothes.”

“We’ll start preparing for the shoot. This way.”

Was that the duality of a working adult? The relaxed atmosphere had vanished, and suddenly a professional designer appeared.

“We’re rolling!”

Enbin had a quick meeting with the photographer and stood in front of the camera. Then came the sound of the shutter.

Click! Click!

“Great!”

Click!

“Mr. Enbin, tilt your head slightly to the left!”

Charisma emanating from natural poses. Top-tier idol status never fades. Enbin’s body moved smoothly in sync with the sound of the shutter.

“What did he say?”

At that moment, Junho approached Muyoung, who had been standing still.

“He said thanks. He’ll give you clothes if you need them.”

“Take them when he offers. These are pretty expensive.”

Muyoung smiled and looked around at Enbin and the others.

‘By the way, what was that earlier?’

When he was talking to Junho’s brother, something had sparkled. He wondered if it was flower petals. Junho’s brother was standing behind the photographer, talking to some staff members.

“Huh?”

Flower petals were falling between them, carried by the wind along with cherry blossoms, swirling around the set.

The serene atmosphere of the hanok. And the bright blue sky.

It seemed like special effects were exploding around Enbin, who was posing. Muyoung couldn’t help but admire the scene.

“Wow. That’s awesome.”

Hearing that, Enbin raised the corners of his mouth, thinking it was a compliment for him.

“Of course. The clothes rack is expensive.”

Feeling unnecessarily happy, Enbin struck a more playful pose and laughed heartily. Not missing the moment, the photographer clicked!

“That was amazing! Perfect!”

The photographer kept praising and couldn’t take his eyes off the lens. Muyoung whispered to Junho.

“Hey, does your brother have something good going on?”

“Something good? It’s happening right now. Getting Enbin as a model at a rookie rate—what could be better than that?”

“Or is something good about to happen?”

The amount of flower petals was no joke. Maybe because it was outdoors, but just like when he first saw BV Academy, the surroundings were getting brighter.

Junho tilted his head toward Muyoung and muttered.

“My brother looks goofy on the outside, but he’s full of ambition. He keeps saying he wants to be the world’s best designer. If this launch goes well, things will start to take shape.”

Business is all about taking risks every time you try something. Junho laughed as he watched his brother applauding Enbin.

“Oh, and my brother never forgets a favor once he’s received it. If things go well, he’ll suck out every last drop of sweetness!”