Photoshoot (part-1)
The next morning, Sae-ri's phone buzzed with an email notification. Shortly after, Manager Sangwoo called.
"Sae-ri-ssi, I forwarded the production team's contract to your email," he informed her. "I won't be coming to work for a couple of days."
Sae-ri frowned, switching on her laptop. "Why? What happened?"
"Something at home."
Sae-ri raised an eyebrow. "That's vague."
"It's… a personal matter," Sangwoo said, his tone hesitant. "I already went through the contract, though. The terms are decent, but we'll need to negotiate a few points. Still, I'd prefer if you waited until I got back before finalizing anything."
Sae-ri sighed. "Alright, got it."
After ending the call, she relayed the situation to Sungjun while getting ready.
"So, you're driving yourself today?" Sungjun asked, watching her pick up the car keys.
"Obviously. You can't drive with a Russian license." Sae-ri shrugged.
Sungjun could only sigh and followed her.
Soon, they were in the car. Sungjun sat in the front seat, looking over her schedule on his phone.
He had a Russian driver's license, but to legally drive in Korea, he would need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention—which he didn't have. It was issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, which Korea didn't recognize. He could technically exchange his Russian license for a Korean one, but since Russia had no direct license exchange agreement with South Korea, he'd have to take a written test.
Of course, if he wanted, he could easily pull some strings and bypass the process. He had enough influence to make it happen without lifting a finger.
But why bother unnecessarily poking a system he had no control over?
Instead, he leaned back and focused on her schedule.
10:00 AM – Live radio interview to promote her upcoming dramas and movies, plus some general life updates.
12:30 PM – Fashion magazine cover shoot for Elle Korea, featuring another actress.
3:30 PM – Meet with a stunt master for basic sword training in Silla Dynasty style.
6:00 PM – Fine dining business meeting with a brand CEO she was endorsing, discussing future collaborations.
8:30 PM – Night spa session to relieve stress.
Sungjun exhaled. "That's a packed schedule you have today, Noona."
Sae-ri smirked as she focused on driving. "This is light compared to my peak years."
Sungjun shook his head. "No wonder you have an early perimenopause."
Sae-ri's jaw dropped. "YA! SUNGJUN-AH! Do you want to get smacked up in the face?"
Sungjun grinned, silently staring out the window without making any comment further. Today was going to be a long day.
By noon, they arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel for the Elle Korea photoshoot.
The Presidential Suite had already been transformed into a bustling studio. Photographers, lighting technicians, stylists, and assistants moved around, setting up equipment. Amidst the commotion, a familiar face was waiting—Im Sujin.
The moment she spotted Sae-ri, her eyes lit up. "Unnie!" she called cheerfully, walking up to her.
Sae-ri smirked. "Sujin-ah, when did you get here?"
The younger actress grinned. "Just a while ago."
With that simple greeting, Sujin subtly made it clear to everyone in the room that she and Sae-ri weren't just industry colleagues but actual friends.
Then, her gaze shifted to Sungjun. "Oh? Sungjun-ssi?" She tilted her head. "Are you sick or something?"
Sungjun, wearing his mask as usual, simply nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing.
Before Sujin could press further, Sae-ri redirected her attention with casual conversation. Meanwhile, Sungjun got to work.
As a road manager, his job wasn't just about following Sae-ri around. He needed to ensure everything ran smoothly.
First, he met with the Elle Korea staff, confirming the schedule:
Solo shots first; Joint shots later. Estimated duration for each set
Next, he checked if all required personnel had arrived, then met with the principal photographer to review the planned poses and backdrops. He flipped through the reference images on a tablet, making mental notes.
Then, he moved on to the outfits.
Inspected the garments to ensure they were clean and wrinkle-free.
Checked the accessories—jewelry, shoes, gloves—making sure they were all present.
Confirmed the emergency kit had essentials like pins, wipes, and extra shoes.
Once everything seemed in order, Sungjun headed to the changing rooms—two separate bedrooms assigned to Sae-ri and Sujin.
He stepped inside Sae-ri's first. His bionic eye hummed softly as he activated the scan. The lens analyzed every surface, checking for hidden cameras.
Nothing.
Then, he moved to Sujin's changing room.
His bionic eye swept across the room—walls, ceiling, mirrors, furniture—searching for any unauthorized recording devices.
Nothing is found.
With everything clean, Sungjun walked out of the room and headed back to Sae-ri.
Keeping his voice low, he gave her a brief rundown of everything he had done—the schedule confirmation, wardrobe inspection, and security sweep. Then, he gave her the green signal.
Sae-ri nodded in approval, while Sungjun added, "I also called Yuna-ssi. She's on her way."
"Oh? You did it for me too?" Sujin smiled warmly. "Thanks, Sungjun-ssi."
He gave a small nod in response.
Sae-ri grinned. "You're learning fast. It's only Day 2, and you're already acting like a pro."
Sungjun shrugged. "Sangwoo-ssi sent me a step-by-step checklist. I just followed instructions."
Sae-ri chuckled. "That guy really takes his work seriously." Then, her expression turned thoughtful. "I wonder what's going on with him… Even when his wife got into an accident, he only took two days off."
Sungjun glanced at the schedule. "Do you want to visit his house after the shoot?"
Sae-ri tilted her head in thought, but before she could reply, Sujin checked her phone.
"It's already 12:08." She sighed. "We haven't even started makeup yet. The shoot will probably be delayed by at least an hour."
Sae-ri shrugged. "Then we'll just ditch meeting Stunt Master Ha. I'll ask for a rain check."
Sungjun raised an eyebrow. "Is that okay?"
"Of course," Sae-ri replied smoothly. "I haven't even signed the contract yet. No need to rush when I have other commitments."
Sungjun simply nodded in understanding.
*
The photoshoot stretched on for three hours, a seamless blend of professionalism and artistry.
The first part consisted of solo shoots—Sae-ri and Sujin, each taking turns in front of the camera. The crew worked in meticulous detail, adjusting the lights, fixing stray hairs, and ensuring that the angles captured the essence of the luxury brand they were representing.
Sae-ri, with her undeniable presence, owned the set with a fierce yet effortless grace.
Dressed in a sleek black Saint Laurent power suit, she exuded a sense of authority and elegance, each pose reflecting her status as an A+ listed actress. Whether she stood against the backdrop of the hotel's marble-clad interior or casually draped herself over a plush velvet chaise, every shot screamed sophistication.
Then came Sujin's turn.
She stepped onto the set in a soft ivory Dior silk gown, a vision of ethereal beauty. The delicate fabric cascaded around her as she settled by the floor-to-ceiling window, her silhouette framed against the panoramic city skyline.
The photographer directed her to tilt her chin slightly, letting the natural sunlight bathe her face. The contrast between the golden glow of the afternoon and the cool tones of the gown created an almost dreamlike quality.
From his position in the corner, Sungjun observed silently, his mask still in place. For some reason, he couldn't take his eyes off Sujin.
She was… quite captivating.
Each pose she struck, whether a graceful turn of her wrist or the subtle way she let the gown flow around her, felt effortless yet intentional.
For a brief moment, her gaze flickered towards him, and their eyes met.
A small, knowing smile played on her lips before she turned back to the camera, continuing her work.
Sungjun exhaled sharply, turning his attention back to his phone, pretending to check the schedule. "Okay, I need to stop staring at her. Man, she is beautiful though."