Chapter 13

After the team members left, Matthew squinted at Seojin.

“You monster.”

“Why aren’t you leaving?”

“When did you prepare the business plan?”

He knew that Seojin was just as busy, if not busier, than himself. There were many things to care about, even with the ongoing hotel and resort projects.

“I’ve been preparing it from before.”

“Since when?”

Seojin crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair.

“It’s been a while.”

“How far ahead are you?”

“Don’t be curious. I don’t appreciate your curiosity.”

Matthew let out a hollow laugh and took a deep breath, his broad shoulders moving up and down.

“It sounds like there’s someone you’re happy to see?”

“Just prepare for the business trip.”

Seojin changed the subject and got up from his seat, walking towards the door.

“You’re coming with me, right?”

“No. I’ll prepare at home and go separately.”

“What? Why?”

Matthew, looking at Seojin’s back, asked in bewilderment. Until now, all business trip preparations were done at the company. There was never a need to prepare anything separately.

“Because I told you?”

Seojin opened the door and turned his head slightly.

“I don’t appreciate your curiosity.”

Raising one hand in a goodbye gesture, Seojin slipped out, leaving Matthew to let out another hollow laugh.

“He always had a lot of secrets, but now he has even more.”

***

Click, clack, the sound of high heels echoed with each step on the floor.

People’s gazes easily followed the path of the shoes.

“Excuse me…”

A man mustered up the courage. Didn’t they say that fortune favors the bold?

“You’re exactly my type. Could I get your number?”

“Sorry, I have a boyfriend.”

Haji awkwardly lied and quickened her pace.

The education she had received from Seonghee was showing its effects. She had said that telling a man who showed interest that she had a boyfriend was the most effective way.

The date of the fashion show Seonghee had invited her to was fast approaching. The clothes and shoes she received as a gift were too eye-catching.

Phew, how embarrassing.

Haji swept her long straight hair behind her ear and let out a long breath.

Seonghee seemed to have chosen a monochrome outfit considering her taste, but it was definitely bolder than what she usually wore.

“Why aren’t any taxis coming?”

Haji tugged at the dress that barely covered her thighs. It wasn’t a tight-fitting dress, so pulling it wouldn’t make a difference.

The light pink satin dress made of silk with straps clung to her body, subtly revealing her figure with each movement.

The oversized light brown blazer jacket draped over it was enough to evoke a protective instinct.

Haji got into the taxi, gave the address, and checked the time.

“Please hurry.”

She had spent too much time worrying about her outfit before leaving. She was in a hurry, fearing she might be late.

She was told to come early.

Seonghee had insisted over the phone last night to come early so she could do Haji’s makeup.

“Thank you.”

Haji got out of the taxi and looked around. Thanks to the quick ride, there were many people at the entrance of the fashion show venue.

Blending in with the crowd, her outfit didn’t stand out at all.

As she entered the venue, her phone rang in her hand.

[Okay.]

It was a message from Seojin. It was a reply to the message she had sent before leaving, saying she might be late because she was going to Seonghee’s fashion show.

“He must be really busy.”

Seojin had left early in the morning despite it being the weekend. It seemed like he routinely came home late on weekdays as well.

While looking at Seojin’s message, a call from Seonghee came in.

“Hello?”

– Where are you?

“I just came in the entrance.”

– Come in a little further from there.

Following Seonghee’s directions over the phone, Haji soon saw Seonghee waving her hand.

“You look so pretty!”

“Isn’t this too short?”

“Not at all! Come over here and sit down.”

Seonghee pulled her hand and brought her to the back of the stage, standing in front of a makeup table.

“Isn’t this where the models get ready?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. I got permission for everything.”

With Seonghee’s urging, Haji awkwardly sat in front of the makeup table, facing her reflection.

Her almost bare face contrasted with the glamorous outfit, giving a sense of reverse charm but also looking plain.

“Alright, trust me, dear customer.”

Haha, Haji laughed at Seonghee’s words.

“Okay, I’ll leave it to you.”

“Let’s get started!”

As Haji closed her eyes, she felt something touching her face and the hot air on her hair repeatedly.

As Seonghee’s quick movements gradually slowed down, Haji opened her eyes.

“How is it?”

“It’s…”

Her reflection felt unfamiliar. Although she had received makeup from Seonghee several times before, it felt different this time.

Her long straight hair now had waves, and the shading made her features stand out, adding maturity to her previously innocent appearance.

“Are you in love with yourself? Why can’t our Haji say anything?”

“It’s not that I’m in love, it’s just fascinating.”

“That means you’re in love. This sister’s skills aren’t ordinary, right? Of course, the model was excellent too.”

“Agreed. You’re good at everything.”

Haji nodded in agreement, seeing Seonghee’s proud look. Seonghee laughed heartily, seemingly pleased.

“Now go out and wait. It’s about to start.”

Looking around, Haji saw models rushing around, ready to go. A staff member came running and called Seonghee.

“Hurry up. I’ll go out by myself.”

“See you after the show.”

Watching Seonghee run off, Haji stood up. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror again.

I look like a different person. Even people who know me might not recognize me.

***

As she sat in her designated seat, music announcing the start of the fashion show began to play.

All the lights went out, and as silence fell, the stage lit up.

True to Seonghee’s style, models walked freely to upbeat pop songs.

The audience, enjoying the show, took photos, matching the models’ energy.

Though blending in with the crowd was difficult, Haji enjoyed the atmosphere.

As the show progressed, the audience’s excitement grew, and the stage became more dazzling.

“Wow!”

As the show neared its end, loud cheers erupted.

Seonghee came out waving her hand with the models. Even among the models, Seonghee’s figure didn’t fall short. Her slender figure and tall height made her look like a model herself.

“The genes in that family are definitely superior.”

That’s why I look small with them.

She recalled Seojin’s frequent comments about her height.

Since when? He always said I was short every time he saw me.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Seonghee grabbed the microphone.

“Now it’s time to have fun. Are you ready?”

Seonghee’s voice echoed through the speakers, resonating in her chest.

The people around responded with cheers, like they were at a party.

“Let’s get started!”

In an instant, the fashion show turned into a party.

“They said there’d be an after-party…”

Is this what they meant?

Models and audience members began to mingle.

Although she had never been to another fashion show, she was sure this kind of show couldn’t be seen anywhere else.

“Haji!”

Seonghee was briefly visible among the crowd.

“Where did she go?”

With so many people moving around, her view was obstructed. She never thought about her height much, but now she was acutely aware of it.

I wish I had grown taller too.

It wasn’t something she could control, but it still made her feel regretful.

Just then, someone grabbed her wrist. As she turned her head, she saw Seonghee’s face.

“Finally found you!”

“Where did you come from?”

“I got caught on the way and had to go around.”

“Aren’t you busy?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. How was it today?”

Seeing Seonghee’s expectant face, Haji gave her a thumbs-up.

“It was the best! So cool!”

“Right? It was amazing, wasn’t it?”

“It was incredible.”

Seonghee finally relaxed and smiled comfortably at Haji’s enthusiastic reaction.

“You said there’d be an after-party, is this it?”

“This is the after-party. We’re all in this together.”

Haji looked around at the bustling surroundings. It was just as she had guessed.

“It’s better when designers, models, and audience members all come together, right? Happiness is doubled.”

It was a very Seonghee-like thought. Executing such an idea wasn’t easy.

“Let’s share the happiness together, Haji. I’ll share my happiness with you.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

“Let’s go home together later. I want to see the new house too.”

“What?”

Suddenly?

Haji’s eyes widened in surprise. It was an unexpected situation.

She hadn’t planned to tell Seonghee that she was staying at Seojin’s house as a tenant. She thought it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings, and since she planned to move out soon, she didn’t see the need to mention it.

“Why are you so surprised? Is it a place I can’t go?”

“Huh? No…”

She was flustered, but fortunately, the loud music drowned out her words, so Seonghee didn’t seem to notice.

“Designer Ki Seonghee?”

Before Seonghee could say more, a call came from behind.

“We’re from Samil Daily. We had an interview scheduled for today.”

“Yes, it’s time already. Hello.”

As Seonghee greeted the reporter, she made eye contact with Haji, who nodded, signaling that she would be fine alone.

Understanding the gesture, Seonghee moved with the reporter to a different spot.

Looking around, Haji realized she didn’t know anyone there.

“Should I move?”

It felt like she was blocking the way, standing where people were moving. It also felt awkward to stand alone.

As Haji took a step, someone blocked her path. Naturally, she looked up.

“Where are you going?”

“Huh? Sunbae?”