“A model, huh.”
Kim Min-seok’s suggestion was something Han Sung-tae had never really considered. With acting keeping him so busy, he hardly ever thought about modeling. In his previous life, he hardly did any modeling at all. Besides, being a model was never really his cup of tea—he wasn’t good at striking poses, so hardly anyone would hire him.
“Hey, think it over carefully. This chance might not come around again, you know?”
“Alright, alright—I get it, so don’t rush me.”
While Kim Min-seok kept goading him, Han Sung-tae tapped the desk thoughtfully. He wondered what he might gain from accepting the offer—a chance like this didn’t come every day, so he knew he had to decide carefully.
“Is it really that hard? What’s the harm in doing a modeling gig? You just take a few photos, right?”
“That may be true, but I’ve never done any modeling work before.”
“Why worry about that? You always end up fretting about the oddest things. Just go, try on a few outfits, and take some photos. And it’s not like you have to start immediately—you can do it on Saturday once your sister gives the nod.”
Kim Min-seok let out an exasperated sigh. Watching him, Han Sung-tae slowly closed his eyes then opened them again. Even if he agreed, it wasn’t like he could land model work right away. Kim Mi-so would have to review him, and nothing was guaranteed.
“Well, there’s no reason not to try,” he thought. Even though he was painfully aware of his own lack of skill, in the end, there was no real harm in giving it a shot.
“Just think of it as making some extra pocket money.”
At Kim Min-seok’s urging, Han Sung-tae glanced down at his smartphone—his old device for online banking that barely showed a modest balance.
“Alright, let’s do it.”
“Really? Don’t change your mind, okay? And don’t start complaining later that you’re unprepared—you know what will happen.”
“Got it. I’ll do it.”
Meanwhile, messages began to appear:
[“The One Who Defined His Era strongly urges you to take up modeling work.”]
[“The One Who Defined His Era says that if it’s you, he’ll check out your posture.”]
[“The One Who Creates Laughter in Tragedy shakes his head at The One Who Defined His Era’s insistence.”]
One of the acting gods was practically in an uproar, insisting he go right away.
“Just tell me when. I’ll be there, for sure,” read one message.
“Okay! I’ll call my sister and let her know, so just wait,” he replied internally, nodding as he looked at the messages.
[“The One Who Defined His Era is pleased with your decision.”]
Even though Han Sung-tae wasn’t particularly excited about modeling, another message arrived:
[“The One Who Defined His Era wonders what modern models are like, and hopes time will pass quickly.”]
Somehow, the acting god’s reaction was growing even stronger. “What an interesting god,” he thought with a quiet smile.
Click, click, click.
Flashing lights as a camera’s shutter clicked. The lens captured images of a mannequin dressed in various outfits. Clothes were scattered all over—not only on the mannequin but on tables and the floor—while a woman with a camera snapped photos of them all.
“Ugh… This isn’t the look I’m going for,” she muttered in dissatisfaction. Gripping her camera in one hand, she adjusted the clothes, taking photo after photo from different angles before sighing deeply.
“Is something wrong?”
“Ah, Mi-young,” she replied when a staff member approached. She straightened up in response.
“It’s just that… the shots aren’t turning out well.”
“Weren’t you planning to use a model?”
Kim Mi-so nodded.
“Yes, we are. But we haven’t found someone we really like yet. We need a backup plan, just in case.”
“Ah… You always work so hard.”
“But you’re the boss. This is part of the job.”
Kim Mi-so, who ran the online shopping mall “Smile,” was still building her small company—she had only a few employees and a recently rented office, so she was always on the move.
“But, boss, what should we do about the model? Nothing’s been decided, and we haven’t even found anyone, while the launch is fast approaching…”
“We have no choice. We can’t just hire anyone off the street, and don’t worry too much. We’ll definitely find someone in time. And if it doesn’t work out, I can always use my little brother.”
“Your little brother… you mean Kim Min-seok?”
Kim Mi-so nodded.
She was so particular about finding the right model not only because she had high standards but also because she could rely on Kim Min-seok. Not to boast, but like Kim Mi-so, Kim Min-seok was reasonably attractive—good enough to never get dismissed. Before, whenever they needed a model, they’d often use him.
“Surely if it’s your own sibling…”
“Exactly, so don’t worry too much. There’s a way.”
“Okay!”
Hearing that, Mi-young stepped away, and Kim Mi-so, now alone, paused her photo session as her smartphone vibrated. Kim Min-seok’s call came through immediately.
“Why?”
“Boss, you still haven’t found a model, right?”
His direct question made her frown.
“You haven’t heard from me in a while, have you? Huh?”
“No, what’s with that? If you haven’t found a model yet, I called to offer a good one.”
“A model?”
“If you don’t want one, it’s fine—I just figured you were having a hard time.”
Before the call could end, she quickly added, “Hey, wait a minute! Little bro, you know how much your big sister loves you, right?”
“Ugh, seriously, don’t be so cheesy.”
“…Come on, at least don’t be crude to your only sister.”
Kim Mi-so took a steady breath as she continued her conversation with Kim Min-seok, who knew her tastes better than anyone, having been by her side all his life. Knowing her standards, he surely must have found someone who fits.
“If he brought in someone weird and said something like that, I’d never let it go,” she thought.
“Alright then, so who is it?”
“It’s someone you already know, actually.”
Before Saturday arrived, barely four days had passed since he returned to the past. Han Sung-tae finally began to accept his situation.
“Our meeting is at two, right?”
After a quick walk, Han Sung-tae returned home, washed up, and dressed neatly.
[“The One Who Defined His Era sighs at your appearance.”]
One of the acting gods had been sending odd messages about his fashion since earlier—apparently criticizing his clothes. Han Sung-tae felt a twinge of irritation. Back when he was a young teacher preparing for classes, who could afford new clothes on a tight budget at twenty?
“With the money for new clothes, I could buy several servings of gimbap.”
In his twenties, clothes were merely a means to get through the day—nothing more. Not having fashionable clothes wouldn’t stop him from acting. Truthfully, he still believed that.
Beep.
As he checked his reflection in the mirror, the door unlocked and Kim Min-seok stepped in.
“Hey, are you ready?”
Han Sung-tae nodded.
“Uh, yeah, I’m all set.”
“…Really? Is that really all you have to wear?”
“Yeah, this is the neatest outfit I own right now. What’s the problem?”
“Nothing’s wrong… I just don’t know. Let’s just go.”
Kim Min-seok’s reaction made Han Sung-tae raise an eyebrow. He couldn’t understand why Kim Min-seok sighed in frustration.
“Isn’t this outfit good enough?”
Han Sung-tae didn’t think he dressed badly. Even though he’d come back with memories of the future, if he couldn’t dress well, who could?
[“The One Who Defined His Era shakes his head at your unfounded confidence.”]
Leaving those messages behind, Han Sung-tae walked out with Kim Min-seok. They headed to the office of Kim Mi-so’s “Smile” online mall. Even though they had over an hour to spare, they had to hurry if they were going on foot.
“Hey… Can’t we just take a taxi?”
“It’s not that far. Why waste money?”
“I’ll pay, okay?”
“Save it—money isn’t meant to be thrown around like that.”
Kim Min-seok complained, but Han Sung-tae kept walking. It wasn’t a bad chance to get some exercise after a long time. After less than an hour of brisk walking, they finally reached the office.
Looking over the script on his smartphone, Han Sung-tae felt refreshed. Having walked and reviewed his lines made him feel remarkably efficient.
“I swear, I don’t know if I’ll ever be this quick with you again,” Kim Min-seok muttered softly, though he smiled as he stepped into the office.
“Boss, I’m here.”
“Ah, Sung-tae! Long time no see. How have you been?”
Ignoring Kim Min-seok’s comment, Kim Mi-so greeted Han Sung-tae warmly as she approached him.
Kim Min-seok pouted as he noticed Kim Mi-so giving all her attention to Han Sung-tae.
“Hello, boss. How are you?”
“Always great. And Sung-tae, you look even sharper than before.”
“Not at all—if anything, you look even more beautiful. You could easily pass as an idol.”
“What? Sung-tae, are you flattering me now? If you were my little brother, I’d think you were really adorable.”
“I hear everything, you know.”
“Yeah, that’s what I meant.”
Their close, familial banter brought a smile to Han Sung-tae’s face as he watched them interact.
“Sung-tae, you’ve never done modeling before, right? Let me explain how it works,” Kim Mi-so said.
“Yes.”
“You change outfits here, and then take photos right in front of this spot. There’s no need to be nervous—just relax. The photographer will handle the rest.”
It took no more than ten minutes to explain everything about the office setup and the shooting process. After the explanation, Kim Mi-so placed a hand on Han Sung-tae’s shoulder and said,
“That’s all you need to know. How about we see how you feel about it?”
[“The One Who Defined His Era is watching you closely.”]
Stepping into the designated photo area, Han Sung-tae felt the watchful gaze of the acting god upon him.
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