Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The upcoming main fashion show was getting closer, and the modeling team had gathered in one of the company's large meeting halls to finalize the lineup.

Several models stood together near the stage while members of the creative and styling teams moved around them, checking portfolios and discussing the final selections.

Taehyun stood among the other models, listening quietly as they waited for their names to be called.

At the front of the room, Beomgyu sat with Yeonjun and several senior employees, reviewing the final list.

"We've shortlisted the opening and closing positions," one of the creative directors explained. "We just need final approval on the lineup."

Yeonjun handed Beomgyu a folder.

"These are the final candidates, sir."

Beomgyu opened it and began going through the names.

His expression remained unreadable as he listened to the team discuss each model.

Taehyun stood a little farther away, trying not to look nervous.

After everything he'd accomplished over the past few months, this was one of the biggest shows he'd been considered for.

He wanted to prove that he deserved to be there.

Not because someone had chosen him.

But because he had earned his place.

The creative director continued explaining the lineup while Beomgyu quietly listened.

Then his eyes moved toward the models standing across the room.

They briefly met Taehyun's.

Neither of them reacted.

Not here.

Not in front of everyone.

Beomgyu simply looked back at the file.

"Let's continue."

And the meeting went on.

🐰 ── ♡ ── 🌷 ── ✨ ── 🎀 ── ♡ ── 🧸 ── 🌸

Just then, the doors opened again.

Soobin walked into the hall, dressed casually but still managing to draw attention. After all, he was the main face of the campaign.

The moment he entered, his eyes immediately found Yeonjun.

A shameless smile appeared on his face as he walked straight toward him.

He stopped in front of Yeonjun and, without caring about the people around them, said,

"You look pretty."

Yeonjun simply rolled his eyes.

"Can you behave for five minutes?"

Soobin grinned.

"Why? I was just giving you a compliment."

A few employees nearby tried not to laugh.

Beomgyu looked up from the documents and shook his head.

"Unbelievable."

Soobin only smiled before turning his attention back toward Yeonjun.

----

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Hueningkai was talking to Taehyun and a few of the other models.

"The rehearsal schedule will probably be sent by tonight. So make sure you don't disappear after work."

One of the models laughed.

"As if anyone would miss a rehearsal for the main show."

Kai continued explaining the schedule while Taehyun listened quietly.

But not everyone looked equally happy.

A few models occasionally glanced toward Taehyun, their expressions less than welcoming.

He had only been with C.H. Corporation for a few months, yet he was already being considered for one of the company's biggest fashion events.

Some of them had spent years working their way up.

And Taehyun had reached the same stage remarkably quickly.

One model quietly whispered to another,

"He got here three months ago and he's already walking in the main show."

The other glanced toward Taehyun.

"Must be nice."

Taehyun didn't hear them.

He was too focused on listening to Kai.

But across the room, Beomgyu happened to notice the looks being directed toward Taehyun.

His expression remained calm.

For now, he said nothing.

The meeting eventually came to an end, and the models were asked to move to the rehearsal hall.

🐰 ── ♡ ── 🌷 ── ✨ ── 🎀 ── ♡ ── 🧸 ── 🌸

The practice for the main show had officially begun.

The runway was marked out across the spacious studio, with the creative team standing along the sides and watching closely.

One by one, the models began practicing their walks.

Taehyun stood with the others, waiting for his turn.

"Remember, don't rush your steps," the choreographer reminded them. "Keep your pace steady and own the runway."

The first few models walked across the stage.

Then it was Taehyun's turn.

He took a breath before stepping forward.

His posture was straight, his expression composed, and his steps confident as he moved down the runway.

Hueningkai watched from the side, smiling proudly.

"That's my Taehyun."

Taehyun reached the end, turned smoothly, and walked back with the same confidence.

The choreographer nodded.

"Good. Much better. Just work a little more on your turn."

Taehyun nodded.

"Yes."

Nearby, a few models exchanged looks.

They weren't impressed.

One of them quietly muttered,

"He's getting praised again."

Another shrugged.

"Give it time. He still has a lot to learn."

Taehyun ignored them and focused on the rehearsal.

Across the hall, Beomgyu stood with Yeonjun and the creative team, watching the practice.

His eyes followed Taehyun for a moment before he looked back at the runway.

"Continue with the next model."

His voice was completely professional.

No one in the room had any reason to think otherwise.

The practice continued for the next few hours.

Soobin also joined the models for rehearsal, easily commanding attention as the main face of the show. His experience made the runway look effortless, while the other models watched and learned from him.

Eventually, the practice came to an end.

🐰 ── ♡ ── 🌷 ── ✨ ── 🎀 ── ♡ ── 🧸 ── 🌸

Everyone began packing up their things and leaving the rehearsal hall.

Hueningkai was already gathering Taehyun's belongings while they talked.

"I'll send you the updated schedule tonight. Don't forget we have another fitting tomorrow."

Taehyun nodded. "Got it."

Suddenly, Kai's phone rang.

He glanced at the screen before answering.

"Hello, eomma?"

Taehyun continued putting his things away while Kai listened quietly.

A few moments later, the call ended.

Kai quickly turned toward Taehyun.

"Tae, I need to go. I'll meet you tomorrow."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll tell you later."

Before Taehyun could ask anything else, Kai hurried out of the hall.

Beomgyu, who had been speaking with Yeonjun nearby, noticed Kai's sudden departure.

His eyes briefly followed him.

Then he looked toward Taehyun.

For the moment, he said nothing.

He simply took his phone, key and took the lift down toward the parking lot.

🌙 ─ 🪽 ─ 🌙

Meanwhile, Yeonjun was still organizing some documents when Soobin approached him.

A playful smile appeared on his face.

"Hey, chocolate boy. Wanna go out with me? I promise I'll make your boring evening interesting."

Yeonjun gave him an annoyed look.

"I need to work."

Soobin didn't even hesitate.

"Then I'll wait."

Yeonjun raised an eyebrow.

"You're serious?"

"Very." Soobin smiled. "I'm patient when it comes to you."

Yeonjun sighed.

"Fine, then."

He turned and walked toward his office.

Soobin immediately followed behind him like an overly excited puppy.

"You know, you could've just said yes in the first place."

"Keep talking and I'll change my mind."

Soobin immediately zipped his lips.

For about three seconds.

🌙 ─ 🪽 ─ 🌙

Meanwhile, Taehyun took the lift down to the parking lot.

He walked toward his car, still thinking about Kai's sudden departure.

Before he could reach it, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Taehyun."

He turned around.

Beomgyu was walking toward him.

Taehyun straightened slightly.

"Mr. Choi?"

Beomgyu stopped in front of him.

"Come here. I'll drop you home."

Taehyun blinked.

"You don't have to—"

"I know."

Beomgyu glanced toward Taehyun's car before looking back at him.

"I'm offering."

Taehyun hesitated for a moment before quietly nodding.

"Okay."

🌙 ─ 🪽 ─ 🌙

Inside the car

Silence settled between them for a few moments.

Beomgyu kept his eyes on the road while Taehyun looked out the window.

After a while, Beomgyu spoke.

"You're doing better than I expected."

Taehyun turned toward him, slightly surprised.

"Thanks..."

A small smile appeared on his face.

Beomgyu glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the road.

"Did you eat?"

Taehyun shook his head.

"No. I'm trying to be careful with my diet. I've only eaten once today."

Beomgyu's eyebrows immediately pulled together.

"Once?"

Taehyun nodded.

"I was busy with the shoot and rehearsal. I didn't really have time."

"That's not what I asked."

Taehyun looked at him.

"What?"

"Why are you calling that a diet?"

Taehyun stayed quiet.

Beomgyu sighed.

"You're a model, not a machine. You can't expect your body to keep working if you barely give it anything."

Taehyun smiled faintly.

"I'll eat later."

"When?"

"When I get home."

Beomgyu glanced at the time on the dashboard.

"We're stopping somewhere."

Taehyun immediately looked at him.

"What?"

"You're eating."

"Mr. Choi, really, it's okay—"

"Taehyun."

His tone was calm but firm.

"You're eating."

Taehyun couldn't help but smile.

"You're very bossy."

Beomgyu's lips curved slightly.

"And you're very stubborn."

For a moment, neither of them said anything.

Then Taehyun quietly laughed.

It was such a simple conversation.

Nothing about contracts.

Nothing about work.

Nothing about the arrangement.

Just the two of them arguing about food like it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

And somehow, that felt more intimate than either of them expected.

🐰 ── ♡ ── 🌷 ── ✨ ── 🎀 ── ♡ ── 🧸 ── 🌸

After a while, Beomgyu pulled into a high-end restaurant.

It was one of the quieter places in the city, with private cabins that offered complete privacy.

They were shown to a secluded cabin, and after ordering their food, Taehyun looked around curiously.

"I've never been here before."

Beomgyu glanced at him.

"You like it?"

Taehyun smiled.

"I haven't even eaten yet."

"You don't have to eat to answer."

Taehyun laughed softly.

When the food arrived, they began eating. The conversation was surprisingly easy.

They talked about the rehearsal, the upcoming show, and how exhausting the day had been.

"Soobin-hyung really doesn't get tired, does he?"

Beomgyu sighed.

"Unfortunately, no. He's been like that since we were kids."

Taehyun smiled.

"He's nice, though."

"Don't tell him I said this, but... he is."

Taehyun laughed.

Then he looked at Beomgyu with a teasing expression.

"You two are completely different."

Beomgyu raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a compliment?"

"I haven't decided yet."

Beomgyu stared at him for a second before a small smile finally appeared.

Taehyun noticed it.

And for some reason, seeing Beomgyu smile because of something he had said made his chest feel strangely warm.

The conversation continued, drifting from work to Soobin, Yeonjun, Kai, and eventually completely meaningless things.

Neither of them seemed eager to end it.

At one point, Taehyun caught himself watching Beomgyu while he spoke.

Not because he was trying to.

He just liked listening to him.

And that realization made him quickly look down at his food.

After dinner, they left the restaurant.

🌙 ─ 🪽 ─ 🌙

The drive back was quieter, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

Taehyun rested his head against the window, occasionally glancing toward Beomgyu.

Beomgyu noticed.

But he didn't say anything.

When they reached the apartment, Taehyun turned toward him.

"Thanks for dinner."

"You enjoyed it?"

"Yeah."

A small pause.

"I enjoyed tonight."

Beomgyu looked at him for a moment.

"Me too."

Taehyun smiled before getting out of the car.

"Good night, Beomgyu."

Beomgyu watched him walk toward the building.

Only when Taehyun disappeared inside did he start the car again.

🌙 ─ 🪽 ─ 🌙

Later, Beomgyu returned to the Choi mansion.

The moment he stepped inside, he noticed how quiet it was.

Haejin wasn't there.

No questions.

No arguments.

No forced conversations.

Beomgyu loosened his tie and let out a quiet breath.

For once, the silence felt peaceful.

But as he walked upstairs, his mind unexpectedly returned to the evening.

Taehyun laughing across the table.

That small smile.

The way their conversation had felt effortless.

Beomgyu stopped for a moment.

He hadn't realized how much he'd enjoyed simply spending time with him.

And perhaps that was becoming a problem.

🐰 ── ♡ ── 🌷 ── ✨ ── 🎀 ── ♡ ── 🧸 ── 🌸

Meanwhile, in his apartment, Taehyun lay quietly on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

For some reason, he couldn't stop thinking about dinner.

Not the expensive restaurant.

Not the food.

Him.

The way Beomgyu had smiled. The way they'd talked about completely random things. The way the evening had felt so easy and normal.

Taehyun smiled faintly to himself before pulling the blanket closer.

Maybe he was getting too comfortable.

And maybe that was becoming a problem.

----

Across the city, Beomgyu was thinking about the exact same thing.

Neither of them wanted to admit it yet.

But somewhere between the arrangement and the moments they shared...

something had started to change. 🖤