Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1 :
The sun was so bright outside, shining, inviting. Yunho couldn’t see it in the photo shooting room, but he knew it was there. And he wondered, for a brief second, if he made the right choice in terms of his career path…
“ Yunho! Can you please bring more ring lights? I think we’re going to need some more.”
Seonghwa was so dedicated to his job, obviously as the main photographer of South Korea’s Vogue magazine. And he knew he shouldn’t complain. Being an assistant here is really not so bad, and many would do anything to take his place. But Yunho was a fashion assistant for the past two years already, soon to be three and he was hoping for a promotion; if there was any chance for it come soon.
“ Okay hyung! Be right back! “
The storage room was at the end of the corridor, on the right. Considering how big the building was, it would take him a few minutes. The good thing being as tall as Yunho was, was that he didn't need to rush. Big steps dragged him there, and just when he was about to take the turn, someone bumped roughly against him.
“ Oh, I’m sorry! San, hurry.”
The person who bumped into him barely gave him attention, talking to someone standing behind them. That’s when their gaze met. Choi San. One of the most famous models in their country, known worldwide to anyone who was interested in luxury brands and fashion. Yunho remembered the first time they worked together. It was a couple of weeks after being hired, back then San wasn’t so famous yet. The young man always had this kind of mysterious aura, and many considered him cold yet nice. Not friendly but never mean. Someone difficult to understand.
Time seemed to freeze for a second, none of them breaking the contact until the model’s manager -at least he supposed he was his manager- called him again. This made him realize he had been rude and he greeted him politely, yet silently, as he bowed. San copied him and the next second, he was passing by, heading for the changing room probably.
Moments later he was coming back, the atmosphere seeming tenser than when he left. Confused as he watched the few stylists, the luxurious brand team and even Seonghwa talking loudly and what seemed like running in circles, he managed to catch his hyung for a second. “What’s going on here?” He asked, in a short sentence to not waste time.
“ The second model hasn’t arrived yet but the stylists need to see him and get his exact measurements. Oh and one of the brand’s staff members forgot a few decorations for the set so they have to go back to their company.”
A gentle scoff left Yunho’s throat. Maybe they needed an assistant too, perhaps he could give them his resume… It seemed like he shared his thoughts out loud accidentally, because if eyes could kill, he wasn’t sure he would still be standing with the way Seonghwa looked at him, a single word slipping through his lips: “No.” It was just as scary as it was gratifying; because it meant he didn’t want Yunho to leave and that he was satisfied with his work, right?
Light yet forced chuckles rolled around them, the assistant’s eyes disappearing a little as he smiled. It’s just a joke he defended himself. He was lucky to work with Seonghwa.
“ So, when do we start?”
He immediately recognized the man’s voice. San’s manager. As soon as his words echoed in the room, all gazes turned toward him but Yunho’s shifted quickly toward the young model. Choi San wasn’t specifically tall. Around 175cm, he could actually be part of the shortest models currently active. But more than his height, it’s his aura and mostly body proportions that drove him to the success he has now. And let’s not forget his sharp yet angelic features too.
Yunho snapped out of his contemplation only when the model’s eyes met his. He wasn’t especially shy, but couldn’t help but glance away, hurrying to place the ring lights missing. Seonghwa answered the question, admitting the second model hasn’t arrived yet.
“Yunho?” He quickly added, turning toward his assistant. “Could you please try to contact Soobin’s agency and ask when he’s arriving? Their contact number is in my office.” His hyung’s expression was saying a lot. Stressed, annoyed and mostly desperate for an answer. He had to wait for the brand team to come back and couldn’t go, risking losing more time. And as the saying says: time is money. “Of course hyung, i’ll be right back.” And once again, Yunho rushed out of the room, aiming for Seonghwa’s office a few floors above.
Unlike most of the other offices in the building, Seonghwa’s didn't smell like old wood. It wasn’t fancy unlike the ones we could see in movies, or how books describe corporate offices. Instead it had a computer Yunho could only dream of, expensive enough for him to save money for months to be able to buy one. But it was needed for the photographer to be able to use all his softwares.
Searching for the small notebook his hyung used to save contacts (a little bit ironic for someone who spent so much time on his computer) he quickly found the number he was looking for, waiting for anyone to pick up..
“ When is he coming? ” His hyung asked as soon as he came back. Yunho was always told his eyes couldn’t lie. That he was an open book because of them. This time was not an exception. Just a glance from Seonghwa and he knew something was off. And of course he asked what was wrong.
“Soobin is sick. Unable to get out of bed and they said they couldn’t reach anyone to warn us.”
He didn’t even get the chance to finish his sentence because some people were already complaining. ‘we can’t do the shooting with san only. It was planned for two models.’ said one of the brand staff members. San’s manager was fulminating, mumbling things under his breath. Despite being stressed like anybody else, Seonghwa tried to focus on finding a solution. And Yunho? He was simply looking down, lost in his own thoughts, trying to think of a way to arrange the setting for the shooting as well. The purpose of it was to show matching suit jackets and shirts, both worn by the two models. Was there a chance San could only wear the jacket, and they would lay the shirt nicely close to him or..
“ Oh my god yes! Yunho! Why didn’t I think of it! “
His train of thoughts were cut abruptly by his hyung. Hearing his name, the assistant tilted his head up only to notice that everyone was now staring at him. “May I help you?” he asked hesitantly, not liking the amount of attention he was getting. The hair at the base of his nape bristled unpleasantly, a feeling that he wouldn’t like what was coming next.
“ You can replace Soobin. You’re tall, handsome, and elegant too… when you agree to be. You would save us all! “
Yunho’s eyes went wide. Him? Being a model? It’s not like this was the first time someone told him so, but never once people were serious enough about it. Because of his personality mostly. Despite being serious in his job; Yunho is playful. Likes the luxury it is to wear comforting clothes. And mostly, he had never been good when it came to posing for pictures. He is the type to smile awkwardly and radiate that ‘i have no idea what i’m doing’ energy.
“ You could do that too!” He exclaimed in defense, pointing at Seonghwa. “You’re aware I don’t know how to pose.”
His hyung rolled his eyes, hands pressed on his hips, the click of his tongue echoing in the silent room despite everyone being there with them. “And if I do, who’s gonna take the pictures, silly? You’re not trained enough to do it” His pride hurt at his words. Sure, he was not as talented as Seonghwa was, he had to admit it. But how could he if no one let him try and train? A pout formed on his lips, his heart and mind debating silently. He knows he would be paid more if he took the job. A good amount. But was he that desperate? Modeling had never been a job he dreamed about, photography being his main focus.
“I think you would do great, Yunho-ssi. And I will try to help you too, if you’d accept.”
The silent fight in his mind was shut by no other than San. He wasn’t smiling, his expression still so calm and colected. But there was something in his eyes, a glint he couldn’t comprehend yet. Light pink dusting over his cheeks. Was he… feeling shy?
A faint and silent sigh escaped his lips then, and Yunho surprised himself by agreeing so easily after that.
“ You look like those pets who are forced to wear costumes, so stiff.”
Seonghwa laughed, right at his face, making him frown a little more than he was already. The tight jacket he’s wearing makes him feel like he's suffocating. As embarrassing as it could be to have no shirt under it, he was at least glad about it, giving a tiny sense of comfort. He was nice, way too nice to accept this torture to save everyone’s afternoon. The only answer he gives Seonghwa is a glare, and slowly he makes his way toward the set that has been finished while he was getting prepared.
San is already there, of course. Unlike Yunho, he’s only wearing a shirt, silk probably, dark blue. Tight enough to see his well-defined muscles, but not too much so it won’t turn ridiculous. No one couldn’t deny that he was a gorgeous man. But Yunho couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated.
“You promised to help me, don’t forget it please.” He whispered to the model once he was standing next to him. “I have no idea what I’m doing.’
A smile stretched San’s lips, one that was a rare sight, dimple showing as he eyes disappeared slightly. “I do remember it; it will be okay.” He encouraged him with a few more words, confessing he did genuinely think this shooting would suit Yunho. The smile disappeared as he talked, Yunho feeling a little bit disappointed. But he had no time to think about it, they lost enough time already and they needed to work.
“Ok perfect! I think we’ve got enough nice pictures for these outfits. Let’s work with the next ones.’
Minutes passed; almost an hour Yunho realized as he glanced toward the clock. They already made 2 photo shooting sessions; one where both San and him had to lay down, opposite to each other and made them interact. Be it with simple glances or objects they put their attention to. For the other one, they had to sit, back to back, interacting only with the camera or staring into the distance. That one was the easiest for him. They quickly changed for a new jacket; or shirt in San’s case, ready to do the last session.
“For that one, San please sit. Yunho, stand behind him and lean over him as you wrap your arm around his shoulder.”
He blinks. Not just once, but enough to get his mentor’s attention. “I need.. to do what..” Seonghwa pinched the bridge of his nose dramatically. “Yunho, we've been doing many poses for the last hour.”
“Yes, but those were normal poses!”
The photographer let out an exaggerated sigh while several staff members tried (and failed) not to laugh. “Trust me. It's fine. Just lean over him and put your arm around his shoulder.”
Yunho looked unconvinced. Very unconvinced. His gaze slowly drifted toward San, hoping the model would somehow save him from this situation, but he simply raised an eyebrow. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because you're the professional here.” That finally earned him a smile; a small one. The kind that transformed San's entire face. “Then listen to the professional, it's a very simple pose.” The model replied.
Simple. Right. Easy for him to say. He wasn’t the one having to pose with one of the sexiest model from South Korea, not knowing what he was doing… Yunho watched as San walked toward the center of the set, elegant as always. Every movement seemed effortless. Natural. Like he belonged in front of cameras. Meanwhile, Yunho felt painfully aware of every limb attached to his body.
The set had changed slightly since the previous session. The decorations the brand team had retrieved were now arranged around them: dark wooden panels, warm lighting and subtle golden details creating a sophisticated atmosphere. San sat down on the low bench placed in the middle. The light shirt he was wearing contrasted beautifully against his skin, the fabric catching the light every time he moved. His sleeves had been rolled up slightly by one of the stylists, revealing strong forearms. Yunho immediately looked away. Focus. This was work.
“Come here,” San said softly. The words were simple. Yet somehow they made Yunho's stomach tighten. He stepped closer, until he was standing directly behind him. San adjusted his position slightly. “Now lean.” Yunho obeyed, very awkwardly. A few giggles echoed behind the cameras.
“Please stop moving like a malfunctioning robot,” Seonghwa complained.
“I hate all of you.”
“You'll survive.” Yunho rolled his eyes before trying again. This time San gently reached for his wrist. The touch caught him by surprise. Not because it was inappropriate. Not because it was unusual. Simply because San had barely touched him all afternoon. His fingers were warm. Steady, guiding.
“Here,” San murmured. He positioned Yunho's arm over his shoulder. “Relax.”
“I'm trying.”
“Not enough.” The model's voice held amusement now.
Yunho groaned. San laughed quietly. And somehow, hearing that sound made him relax more than any instruction could have.
“Better.”
The cameras immediately started clicking.
“Perfect.” ; “Stay there.” ; “Look at each other.”
Yunho turned his head. San was already looking at him and for a second, everything else faded into the background. The lights. The stylists. The noise. Only those dark eyes remained. Calm and observant. Almost curious.
The photographer fired off several shots. “Excellent.” Another series of clicks followed. Then Seonghwa lowered the camera. “Perfect. We have almost everything we need.”
A collective sigh of relief spread through the studio. The atmosphere had noticeably relaxed now that the emergency caused by Soobin's absence had been handled. Seonghwa lowered his camera for a moment, scrolling through the latest pictures on the screen. Then his eyes lit up. “Oh.” Nobody liked that tone.
“What?” Yunho asked carefully.
The photographer looked up. “One last idea.”
Several people groaned. “Hyung, please..”
“Just one.”
The brand representative leaned closer to look at the monitor before nodding enthusiastically. “Oh, I like that.”
Yunho immediately knew, on the contrary, he wasn't going to like it.
“San, sit on the floor.” The model obeyed without questioning it.
“Yunho, sit behind him.” Again, he complied, though with significantly more suspicion.
The rug beneath them was surprisingly soft, thick enough to make sitting comfortable. Yunho crossed one leg slightly while waiting for further instructions. Seonghwa studied them for a second, then pointed toward San. “Lay down please and rest your head on Yunho's lap.”
The assistant almost choked while the stylists immediately perked up.
“Oh, that's cute.” ; “Very editorial.” ; “Right?”
Yunho stared at his mentor. His mentor stared back. Neither of them blinking.
“Hyung.”
“Yes?”
“Why?”
“Because it will look good.”
A pause. “That's literally your answer for everything.”
“Because it's true.”
Before Yunho could protest further, San quietly shifted. “It's fine.”
The model's calm voice instantly cut through the noise. He adjusted his position, lowering himself onto the rug before leaning back. Yunho's entire body tensed. There was still time. San could stop, the staff could change their minds. The universe could intervene. None of those things happened. A second later, San's head settled gently against his thighs. Yunho froze completely, every muscle locked in place.
“Relax,” Seonghwa ordered from behind the camera.
“How?”
Nobody answered. San, meanwhile, seemed perfectly comfortable. One arm rested over his stomach while the other lay loosely beside him. His dark hair spread slightly against the expensive fabric of Yunho's trousers. The position shouldn't have felt intimate and yet it did. Maybe because of the trust it required. Maybe because San looked unexpectedly peaceful like this. Or maybe because Yunho suddenly became aware of just how close they were.
“Good,” Seonghwa murmured. The camera shutter began clicking. “San, look at the camera.” The model obeyed immediately. Sharp, Elegant, beautiful.
“Yunho, look at him.”
His heart betrayed him immediately. Because the moment he turned his gaze toward San, he forgot there was a camera. Forgot there were dozens of people around them. Forgot he was supposed to be acting. For a brief second, he simply looked at the strong line of his jaw, the dark hair falling softly over his forehead, the concentration in his eyes. And the tiny dimple that appeared when the corner of his mouth lifted. Then, the model shifted slightly, and was now looking at him. For a brief moment, neither of them moved. The chatter around them faded, the lights seemed softer. Something unreadable flickered through San's eyes. Not quite amusement. Just... warmth. The kind Yunho hadn't noticed before today.
Click.
Click.
Click.
Seonghwa's grin widened behind the camera. “Oh, that's it.”
Neither of them reacted.
“Don't move.”
More pictures followed. Some with San looking at the camera. Others with Yunho staring somewhere in the distance. And a few where their gazes met again. Finally, Seonghwa lowered the camera. “We got it.” The room erupted into movement: People talking, stylists packing equipment.. Yet for a strange second, neither Yunho nor San moved, they remained exactly where they were.
The model was the first to sit up. As he did, his shoulder brushed lightly against Yunho's. “See?” he said quietly. A small dimple appeared. “You survived.”
Yunho let out a laugh despite himself. “Barely.”
San's smile widened. And for the first time that afternoon, Yunho smiled back, it came naturally. Maybe being in front of the camera wasn't so terrible after all. Or maybe it simply depended on who was standing beside him.