Chapter 36 – Fas.h.i.+on Actually (5)

《Yesung Wool puts a premium on the colors of this coming autumn.》

[Finance Economy] The design team at Yesung Wool revealed their special pictorial cut with top model Janghoon and number one national actress Yongjoo Kim.

Janghoon showed off his proportionate figure in a striped yellow knit, new for this fall season. 

It was later said that Janghoon who thought the cla.s.sic and modest patterns were clichéd was very satisfied with the clothes as he partic.i.p.ated in the photoshoot.

Yongjoo Kim appeared with no makeup wearing an animal print jumper and jeans. She radiated her charms with a mature and alluring aura.

Yesung Wool’s new products are taking the center stage in the industry with this colorful series that is expected to set the main trend this autumn.

Reporter Homin Song  [email protected]

Miranda took her eyes off the monitor screen.

Not only did they copy the design but they used top celebrities worth millions as their models.

That was a luxury for Miranda who was adhering to the principles of using models that best fit the season’s design, but Yesung Wool was going all out without caring about such issues.

It was clear there had been a lot of preparation.  By the time the legal team was winning the lawsuit for plagiarism, it would not be fall anymore but winter or spring, and they would be selling new products. 

“Director…….”

The photoshoot staff all stood frozen around the room. The photographer looked at her as if to say ‘What do we do?’

“First, proceed with the photoshoot with the clothing lines that weren’t copied. And Manager Yoon, call Chief Choi.” 

Miranda’s voice was no different from usual but to those who knew the severity of the situation, she was like a time bomb that could go off at any moment. Clearly, there would be some bloodshed in tracking down the culprit who had leaked the design.

The photoshoot staff were just watching her closely.  Her high-pitched voice rang out.

“Move!”

The all the staff began to swarm out of the room.

Eunha was about to go outside as well but saw Minho who was standing with his arms folded, staring blankly into s.p.a.ce. He seemed like he wasn’t going to move, so she quickly grabbed his arm.

“Let’s go, Minho. I don’t think there’s anything we can do here.”

Minho roused from his deep thought.

Following Eunha out the door, Minho looked at Miranda who was standing in the middle of the room.

‘The design was perfect.’

After contemplating the same thing, he knew that ultimately the only way to solve this situation was to create clothes in a different style. But even for Miranda, it was impossible to create in one day something that took two months to design in detail.

‘Emm.’

It felt like there was a great chance that Minho wouldn’t be able to meet Manager Gong’s expectations no matter how hard he tried today.

The official start of the photoshoot was pushed back to 1:00 PM since the schedule was in disarray.

“How can such a thing happen?”

As they waited for the photoshoot, Manager Gong who was sitting next to Minho in the waiting room let out a sigh.

“I heard the employees’ conversation just before. They even copied the points in the draft proposal perfectly.”

Manager Gong waited until the photoshoot staff walked by then lowered his voice and whispered,

“They said it’s a veteran designer from the inside that pa.s.sed it on. Everyone is on the downlow saying that a storm is coming. I don’t know when the next photoshoot will be if we don’t get it done today.”

Minho continued to speak in a low voice as well.

“They could choose a different model to fit the new design when it comes out. So you might need to plan the next schedule with that in mind.”

Considering the atmosphere of this place, which valued marketability over expenses, it was reasonable for them to discard and redo the photos right away if they weren’t pleased with them.

“Re-really?”

Manager Gong covered his mouth realizing his voice had risen and then continued.

“You’re smart so if that’s your a.n.a.lysis it must be accurate.”

But Manager Gong continued to lament that such a thing should never happen.

“Ugh. I’ve heard enough to know full well that the fas.h.i.+on industry is cutthroat but…”

Knock knock.

Manager Gong who was speaking quietly flinched at the knocking sound on the waiting room door and turned towards it.

“We are a bit late, aren’t we.”

Stylist Youngeun Hw.a.n.g from KG entertainment entered holding a makeup bag. The two were relieved when they saw her. The KG staff entered in a line.

Youngeun Hw.a.n.g spoke as she put the bag down next to the vanity.

“We left late because of Chief Jay Kim.”

Manager Gong clicked his tongue as he asked,

“Did Chief Jay Kim ultimately decline the business trip here?”

“No, he said he’ll come directly here from his home. He’s more relaxed than usual during business trips. At this rate, there’s a high chance he’ll come after eating lunch.”

Youngeun realized that the model who was supposed to be here wasn’t and pointed to the empty seat in the waiting room.

“What about Ms. Eunha?”

“She’s getting dressed.”

Youngeun’s gaze turned towards the women’s dressing room.

“I heard on the way here that today’s schedule got cut in half. Do you know anything about it?”

“Well, that’s…”

Manager Gong explained what happened that morning. Youngeun clapped her hands together in surprise.

“Oh my, maybe that’s why the president came too.”

“The president?”

“Yes. She’s coming up with chief Taebaek Yoon.”

Manager Gong turned his head toward Minho.

“I’ll go escort her here.”

President Im had come in person. Minho felt hopeful that maybe she would be able to find a solution with her exceptional business ability.

During that moment, Eunha who was in the dressing room came out. She was wearing the clothes arranged for the first photo shoot and struck a slight pose as if to ask Minho ‘how do I look?’

It was a mix-and-match of a casual baseball jacket and a lace skirt. They were like bubbly wings on Eunha who looked good in anything.

“Nice!”

Minho put up his thumb and Eunha smiled as she walked over to him. She took off the baseball jacket because it got hot and put it on the chair as she spoke.

“I think they went with the popular products from last year for the first photoshoot.”

One of the staff peeked his head out of the men’s dressing room.

“Mr. Minho Kang, can you please come in?”

Minho stood up from his seat and went to get dressed.

A short time later, he came back wearing a suit jacket over a comfortable tracksuit. It was a sporty look that seemed unbalanced but portrayed an active style.

Eunha was watching, then mimed a ball-throwing movement. Minho got into a posture of a batter smoothly hitting the ball.

“You remembered.”

“Because your form was very impressive.”

“Eh hem, was it?”

Minho stared at Eunha who was smiling brightly and felt somehow disappointed. He would’ve spent a joyful time in the photoshoot if it wasn’t for the T brand company’s internal situation. But that was about to be shattered.

“We have to start getting our hair done but I don’t see Chief Jay Kim.”

As Eunha said this, Minho’s gaze remained on the beauty tools that were almost done being organized on one side. Jay Kim’s personal tool box was there.

‘Should I just quickly finish the hair styling for the first photo shoot since he’s going to be late anyway?’

Minho thought this wasn’t a bad idea if there was a high possibility they could go rest after briefly styling their hair like the time with Sora. He had to be in the best condition to at least finish the remaining photoshoot in order to be given another chance next time.

With this in mind, Minho walked over to the tool box, but couldn’t help but be fl.u.s.tered when he saw Jay Kim’s scissors.

‘Why is it glowing?’

The cherished object he had already touched was faintly glowing again. Minho put his hands on it thinking ‘did Jay Kim die?’ and the glow disappeared as usual.

‘What can it be?’

As Minho wondered this, he recalled Chulhwan Bae’s headset that had glowed with Sanggun’s guitar in front of it.

The two cherished objects had synergized and formed a better effect.

The only other cherished object in this studio was Miranda’s work s.p.a.ce.

‘Can it be….’

Miranda’s pursuit of the perfect design didn’t seem to suit Jay Kim’s carefree opinion on style, but there was a strange antic.i.p.ation about the synergy of these two.

Just as Minho was about to instinctively grab the scissors, a woman in her mid 30s entered the waiting room.

“Mr. Minho, Ms. Eunha.”

Eunha, who was fidgeting with the basic makeup contemplating what to put on, turned her head in response to President Sohee Im’s voice.

“President~”

Minho stepped away from the scissors as well and walked over to her. Sohee Im quickly responded with a nod to the two people’s greeting and continued speaking.

“I heard everything. You two just be on standby for now. Half a photoshoot is a loss to T brand but it’s a loss to the KG models as well.”

Sohee Im turned her head towards chief Taebaek Yoon and Manager Gong who followed behind her.

“Chief Yoon, notify the one in charge of the photoshoot saying we can proceed in this way. If they say anything, argue about the contract breach with the company first.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Doyoon, you call Yesung Wool company. If you give my name to Director Jeon of the marketing team, he’ll give you information.”

“I understand.”

Minho automatically felt relieved as she sorted out the situation with ease.

‘She definitely calculates quickly.’

Minho felt at ease thinking at least they wouldn’t be at a loss, and his eyes grew wide when he saw the fountain pen that was attached to the front of Sohee’s blouse.

It was glowing the same way as Jay Kim’s scissors.

It was out of the ordinary, so Minho thought he should confirm it to be sure.

“I’m going to go to the bathroom.”

He quickly went out of the waiting room and turned his gaze toward Miranda’s s.p.a.ce. A faint glow formed on the walls.

‘Why is that?’

The three cherished objects with different distinct characteristics were glowing at the same time asking to be touched.

zzzzzzing.

Miranda checked the name ‘Sangsik Choi’ popping up on her cell phone screen and brought it to her ear.

– What happened?

“Five main styles were leaked to Yesung Wool.”

– What?

A baffled groan came from the other end of the line.

– What are you going to do?

“Trying to figure it out now.”

– Just launch it. Either way it’s the era where the originator is important. We’re still going to make a profit with your name value and brand recognition no matter how hard Yesung Wool tries.

Miranda coldly cut him off as if she knew he was going to say that.

“I cannot tolerate them releasing the same design.”

– Don’t say that. The damage of retracting five designs waiting for production is far beyond the damage of restoring the knit. Even if it’s you, Miranda, the executive board won’t stay still and let you do this. We just need to market it well and imprint to the public that we’re the original. They won’t able to claim they’re the original, even being this brazen.

“Forget it.”

– Aren’t you being stubborn? This isn’t a gamble for design. It’s a fas.h.i.+on business. Miranda. No, Chief Song. Listen to m…..

Tap.

Miranda hung up the phone and stared at the five empty mannequins in the middle of the room. Ultimately, Chief Choi had only given her the answers she expected.

It was a timely, direct hit but that was all. If she created something new, that would be it. 

She erased from her mind the five designs that were perfectly finished and was going to think of a sensational design that would lead the trends. She might not be able to leave this room for quite a while.

“Chief Song.”

Soyoung Kim opened the door and spoke carefully.

“Mr. Minho Kang wants to speak with you. What should I do?”

“That model? I told you not to bring anyone in while I’m working. Tell him to leave after meekly finis.h.i.+ng the photoshoot.”

Soyoung cringed at Miranda’s sharp tone. She was about to close the door but a hand grabbed the door.

“Excuse me.”

Minho bowed courteously to Miranda who was frowning.

“How about we go Normcore with the designs that were leaked?”

“You’re saying release them with an ordinary look?”

“Yes.”

Miranda shook her head as she scoffed. She had rejected the idea of selling it the way it was but now to Normcore it?

“Stop speaking nonsense and get out.”

The young man who had shown similar tendencies to her at odd points in the morning discussion wasn’t backing down from this.

“The sales from T brand’s sporty look last year was 17.9 billion won (approximately 17.9 million USD). At a rough estimate, that means over 200,000 people chose this brand. They say the essence of fas.h.i.+on is to seek something different from others but T brand has already exceeded that value. Wearing the T brand means you become like everybody else. This is the same fundamental concept as Normcore.”

The design was unique, so it sold well, and thus it became no longer a unique design. Miranda  rested her chin on her hand and contemplated this interesting viewpoint.

“Excuse me, please go.”

Soyoung, anxious because Minho had entered the room, became fl.u.s.tered and tried to bring him out.

“It’s okay.”

Miranda raised her hand and stopped Soyoung. Soyoung looked at Minho in disbelief because of this unexpected answer.

“So in what way do you want to redesign the main line of styles?”

Minho evened out his deep breathing as he put the two items in his left hand into his pocket.

It was the scissors, which he had brought in after checking with Youngeun, since Jay Kim wouldn’t arrive for some time, and Sohee Im’s pen which he had borrowed from her saying he needed to take notes.

Minho had the style sense that wasn’t bound by anything, along with the quick calculation abilities of a businessman thanks to the two cherished objects.

Add in the sensibility of the industry’s top designer, and the entire situation became clear.

Normcore was a concept that he had thought of as soon as he stepped into this s.p.a.ce with the two objects. It referred to a look that emphasized the ordinary over following the trends, and created a stylish look with just a standard item.

“I’m not saying reform it into something ordinary. Yesung Wool might have copied the colorful design but they don’t know the intent of the designer who created it. I’m talking about the trend of thinking it’s cool to wear the T brand.”

Minho walked over to the worktable which had the sketches that were about to be destroyed.

“We consider this design as ordinary, and then add the sensory point.”

Miranda, who thought the design was perfect the way it was, listened to Minho half in doubt.

“The main point of Normcore is a fas.h.i.+on item that seems carefully thought out but carelessly picked. So we’ll add an accent item like a leather strap watch or tote bag, or sneakers instead of dress shoes.”

Minho sketched the accent piece with the fountain pen as he spoke.

“People will know which is the original design even if they aren’t told if we add a better accent to the same design. It’ll be a style that Yesung Wool won’t even be able to attempt no matter how well-known the models in their advertis.e.m.e.nt are.”

Ts ts.

[Unified sales for two sporty looks from September to November of last year = 17.9 billion won]

[operating profit to sales ratio = 18% (32 billion won)]

The fountain pen began to write President Sohee’s sales a.n.a.lysis in the empty s.p.a.ce next to the designs. Minho flinched in surprise but continued to write it out.

[Expected unified sales of the five Normcore design lines = approx. 45 billion won.]

[Expected operating profit = 45 billion won × profit rate 18% = 8.1 billion won]

“If the profit rate is 8.1 billion won, the commission given only to the design studio will be 1.62 billion won.  Then there will be more room to decorate this studio more creatively and the designers of this studio can work more with energy. Isn’t this worth trying rather than risking a loss by retracting the five design lines?”

Miranda who had her chin resting on her hands walked over to the sketch after Minho finished talking.

“Hmm, this is…….”

What was important to Miranda wasn’t the profitability. The design just needed to meet her standard of being worth putting out in the market or not. That’s why Minho knew.

He knew that Miranda would be satisfied as long as the new perspective on the perfect design didn’t take away from its perfection.

Miranda examined the sketch and looked squarely at Minho.

“What’s your reason for helping like this?”

He met her gaze with the eyes of a person with insight into fas.h.i.+on trends. At this moment, Minho was as intelligent as Sohee Im and quick to discern.

It was the price of giving some small inspiration to a legendary designer who was only obsessed with fas.h.i.+on and didn’t care a bit about the other problems.

He would’ve been hurt if he had hoped for something more.

The calculations related to the maximum profit sequentially pa.s.sed through his head.

“As much as this is my first photoshoot as a model, I just want it to be successful. That’s all. If this photoshoot goes well, I hope I will be able to partic.i.p.ate in the next quarter photoshoot, and the next and the one after as well.”

Miranda pursed her lips for a while and then called toward the hallway.

“Sooyoung!”

Sooyoung who was waiting immediately answered and opened the door.

“Tell all the designers in charge of each line to come!”

Miranda was going to start a meeting about the design that would be put into production. Minho, understanding that his opinion was heard, bowed his head.

“I’ll be leaving to go to the photoshoot.”

Miranda spoke towards Minho who was leaving the room.

“Mr. Minho.”

Minho turned his head.

“Let me know whenever you want to become a designer. I’ll treat you well, as skilled as you are.”

“Thank you for your words, but I’m satisfied with being a professional gamer right now.”

Minho firmly declined and left. Miranda stared at his back without saying a word.

cross object : Fas.h.i.+on collaboration of the fountain pen, scissors, and works.p.a.ce.

effect : Inspires the creation of a different trend that is carefree but follows the market a.n.a.lysis.

Chapter 37 – Fas.h.i.+on Actually (6)

By the time Minho got back to the waiting room, Manager Gong was tapping his feet. 

“Mr. Minho Kang! All the designers were just called to the director’s room and there’s a big fuss about starting the track-down.”

Minho knew it was just going to be a normal meeting to settle on designs, and he spoke to calm Manager Gong down.

“I just walked past there and vaguely overheard, but I think the photoshoot is going to proceed after they reform the original design.”

President Im walked over looking surprised when she heard this.

“That’s possible?”

“There are a lot of skilled people here.”

Minho returned the pen saying thank you but he didn’t mention that President Im was one of the skilled people he was talking about.

Taebaek Yoon went to meet with the photoshoot staff and came back with a schedule showing a normal plan starting from 1:00 PM, confirming what Minho said was true.

Sohee Im returned to her office relieved, and Manager Gong, who looked as if he had aged ten years, finally relaxed and said he would go buy some delicious lunch for Minho.

Minho returned the scissors back to their place and sat in the waiting room chair again.

Fatigue washed over him.  He’d had to agonize about fas.h.i.+on, business a.n.a.lysis and carefree styling all together in a short amount of time.

“Haaaam.”

He was yawning widely. Eunha, sitting next to him, whispered quietly,

“You went to meet Director Song in secret, right?”

“Huh?”

Eunha’s accurate predictions made Minho think of her father. The two of them seemed so different by nature that Minho had forgotten she had the blood of a detective flowing in her veins.  

‘But can that trait be pa.s.sed down as well?’

“I got the feeling, earlier.  You seem to have a good design sense as well.”

“Well…I was hoping the photoshoot would go well so I just went to talk with her for a bit.”

Eunha laughed silently as she watched Minho answer nonchalantly and stretch out his arms. For some reason, she felt like the problem had been resolved through something simple.

She continued to watch him and Minho felt embarra.s.sed, so he awkwardly scratched his chin and spoke.

“The photoshoot is soon so teach me a pose that works well, sunbaenim.”

On the set, camera shutters clicked and lights flashed endlessly.

“Mr. Minho, lift your chin stiffly. Ms. Eunha is good the way you are~”

Minho was busy getting into poses. His mind was about to go blank because of the bright light s.h.i.+ning everywhere and it wasn’t easy to keep his eyes wide open and adjust to the flashes.

“Shall we link arms?”

“Link arms? With who…”

Minho who was busy following the photographer’s orders realized that he was standing close to Eunha.

He managed to get through the solo photos completely engrossed in trying to look dignified, but attuning to another person while taking couple photos together was harder than he thought. Eunha, noticing Minho’s nervousness, spoke as she put her arm through his.

“Don’t try to force it, try to feel the mood. Being natural is good.”

Click.

As Minho was starting to become used to the couple shooting, the photographer directed them into an affectionate pose. 

“How should I do that?”

Eunha whispered in a low voice in response to Minho’s question.

“Like this?”

She put her arms around Minho’s shoulders. It was only a brief moment that he was surprised by her a.s.sertive actions. Minho soon followed her lead and posed with a comfortable smile.

“Good, Good~”

Click

Eunha who maintained a bright smile the whole time made not only Minho but all the staff smile contently as well.

“Mr. Minho, your shy smile is good too. Ms. Eunha, more daring!”

Eunha slightly puckered her lips at the photographer’s request. Minho felt his heart drop with a thump.

“Hearts popping from the eyes! Good~”

Click!

“Good job!”

“Great work, everyone!”

It was 10:00 PM after the last male solo photoshoot ended.

Minho was utterly worn out as he said his goodbyes to the staff.

Eunha, who had given her utmost throughout the photoshoot, sat in the stand-by chair when her shooting finished and had been sleeping for 30 minutes.  She must have been very tired, since she didn’t open her eyes even though the s.p.a.ce was noisy with the staff cleaning up the set.

‘Shall I get ready to go?’

Minho put his original clothes back on in the dressing room and brought Eunha’s bag from the waiting room.

“Eunha, we’re all finished now.”

“Emmm.”

Eunha’s eyelashes quivered. She covered her mouth as she yawned and squinted open only one eye as if she was winking. Then she fixed her gaze at Minho standing in front of her.

She smiled and spoke, half asleep.

“Hmm. I look ugly when I sleep, don’t I?”

“Since you helped me a lot today, it’s no comment.”

“Heh heh.”

Even when she was sleepy she was pretty.  Minho had the thought that she was born to be an actress.

“Manager Gong said he’ll bring the car around so I think we can go right down.”

“Wait a second, my stuff……”

“This?”

Minho tapped the bag that was on his shoulders and Eunha smiled brightly and gave him a thumbs up.

They were on their way home in the van.

Eunha wasn’t able to overcome the fatigue and dozed leaning against the seat. Minho took the neck pillow from the front seat and tucked it against her cheek.

“Sleep comfortably till we get there.”

“Thank you.”

With a contented smile, she leaned her head fully against the seat.

Manager Gong who was watching this in the rearview mirror detected the pleasant mood between them and grinned. However, he knew that there was quite a high mountain for Minho to cross for things to turn out well with Eunha, beginning with Detective Chuljoong Seo. So Manager Gong could only carefully send glances to cheer him on.

He asked Minho, who was looking out the window as they stopped at a red light,

“How was today?”

Minho normally couldn’t even sew a b.u.t.ton on a s.h.i.+rt by himself. He looked back on this day of experiencing a world he was never able to experience and replied,

“There are people who cry or laugh just because of one clothing design pattern.”

“It’s because the fas.h.i.+on industry is as cutthroat as the broadcast industry.”

“And also there’s someone who makes those designers laugh or cry.”

Manager Gong laughed because he knew who Minho was talking about.

“Oh yeah, the picture of you two that we uploaded on social media is already being written into an article. And the comments are good because you two look like you’re enjoying the photoshoot.”

“It won’t matter for me but will Eunha’s image be okay?”

“Everyone knows you guys are from the same company and it was posted on the official account so it doesn’t matter. Why? Are you going to really date her?”

Minho turned his head towards Eunha. The pressure to study and converse with her at her level had lessened since he had worked all day with her, but it was uncertain whether there had been further progress in their relations.h.i.+p.

“We’ll naturally find out as time pa.s.ses.”

The van entered the alleyway that led to Eunha’s house. Eunha, who had been sleeping, lifted her head. She looked around to check the location and hastily spoke.

“Manager, please stop here!”

“Here?”

Manager Gong stopped the van.

Eunha opened the doors and spoke to Minho.

“Let’s go together.”

“Right now?”

“We planned to have dinner. We’ll push it to next time if you’re tired.”

“Ah, dinner!”

Eunha brought up the plan that he had a.s.sumed was forgotten since it was so late.  Minho got out of the van in bewilderment.

He walked over to the driver’s side window and spoke to Manager Gong.

“I’ll get back to the gaming house by myself so you should head on in first.” 

Manager Gong welcomed the idea of two smart people interacting with each other so he didn’t say much and nodded.

“Then rest up tomorrow and I’ll see you for the schedule the day after. Ms. Eunha, have a safe trip back as well.”

“Have safe trip, Manager Gong.”

Minho and Eunha waved to Manager Gong as he left.

“Now, shall we go?”

“But what are we going to eat at this hour?”

“There’s something that we have to eat at this hour for it to taste really good.”

Minho wasn’t able to easily move his feet because of Eunha’s playful laugh.

‘Please don’t let it be something terrifying to even look at!’‘ 

The street was picturesque under the hazy street lights.

Minho felt like he was on an unintentional date as he walked the streets of the residential area with Eunha.

“Starting from elementary school, all my schools were right around here. When I went to college farther away I finally felt like I could breathe.“

Her eyes were bright, probably because she had slept for a bit. She jumped up the small stairs and spoke as they left the alleyway.

“I lived in this neighborhood since I was born, so I know where everyone lives. The place we’re going isn’t far.”

“Where is it?”

She was drawing out the suspense.  She looked at Minho who was going crazy with curiosity and smiled brightly.

“Tada! It’s right over there!”

Minho looked where she was pointing.

‘Mihwa’s Tteokbokki*?’

It was a Korean fast food joint that still gave off a delicious aroma even in the late night. The sign was worn but the s.p.a.ce looked inviting.

“Are you disappointed?”

“Not at all.”

Minho was relieved because it wasn’t the food he was thinking.

Eunha opened the doors to the restaurant and entered inside.

“Grandma, I’m here~”

“Huhh? You look so pretty today.”

“Heh heh. I had a photoshoot today.”

The owner grandma with kind eyes welcomed Eunha gladly. As she saw Minho following behind Eunha she asked,

“Boyfriend?”

“No~, He’s an oppa who’s part of the same company.”

“You guys seem close enough, bringing him to a place like this.”

“Oh my, what do you mean a place like this? This is the most delicious place in the world!”

The grandma simply chuckled and looked at Eunha.

They sat at the table and the grandma brought out a dish without them even ordering.

“Enjoy your meal.”

“Thank you!”

It was hefty dish filled with red tteokbokki. Minho was hungry and his mouth immediately started watering. Eunha handed him a toothpick.

“Try it.”

Minho picked a soft rice cake of the tteokbokki and put it in his mouth. It was wonderfully chewy in the sweet and spicy sauce. 

“How is it?”

“Wow! This is really delicious.”

“Right?” 

Eunha put a piece in her mouth as well and chewed happily.

“I used to go to the girls’ high school right by here. We would be crying with hunger after studying late into the night, but there was no other place that tastes this good, or gives you this much food.”

Eunha’s reminiscences of her school days when all she did was study were unexpectedly full and interesting. It might have been because she lived in this place for a long time. Her father did judo and Eunha was a black belt holder as well thanks to him. Minho flinched slightly when he found this out

Eunha looked at Minho and laughed.

“I babbled too much, didn’t I? I remember chattering with my friends every time I came here.”

“No, It’s fun to listen.”

“Since I talked a lot, it’s your turn.”

“About what……”

“How has life treated you? I’m very very curious.”

It was a night Minho didn’t want to leave his seat.

 The conversation between the two people didn’t stop and continued until the tteokbokki was gone.

Miranda dressed the mannequins with the five new products that were newly redesigned today and admired them slowly.

“The report came in that they’ve finished cleaning up after the photoshoot.”

Miranda nodded at Soyoung’s words and checked the time as she spoke.

“It’s late. You can go home now.”

“What about you, Chief Song?”

“I’ll go once I finish straightening up.”

“You worked really hard today.”

Soyoung bowed her head and went home. Miranda turned her head towards the mannequins.

Clack clack

Shortly after, the sound footsteps came from far down the hallway.

“Miranda.”

Chief Choi came into the office and clapped.

“I didn’t even dream you would reform it that way. I was surprised. Of course, it’s Miranda.”

“Really?”

She only asked a one word question in response and didn’t move her gaze from the mannequins. Quite a bit of time pa.s.sed. Chief Choi was looking at Miranda’s back anxiously.

“You changed your cologne?”

Finally Miranda opened her mouth.

“You said you didn’t like it.”

“You have something you feel guilty about?”

Chief Choi barely was able to keep his face composed.

“Of course I feel guilty. I should have had some safeguards in place before something like this happened. I didn’t give it any thought because I was busy with my own work. I’m sorry, Miranda.”

“I thought about it. And there was always someone who came to watch when we designed the main lines.”

Miranda lifted her hand to the scarf around a mannequin’s neck. Chief Choi flinched and stepped back when she tightened it tightly.

“The reason you wanted to mess up my design collection was because you wanted the executive director position?”

“We….. well about that.”

Chief Choi’s eyes grew wide as he groped for an excuse.

“What would happen if the news spread that the person who leaked the designs is someone in this room?”

“Yo-you don’t even have proof.”

“Is there really no proof? If something like this happens again, not only me, but all the designers underneath me will leave TRUE FAs.h.i.+ON. There are plenty of places that have offered positions. When I leave, I’ll make sure to use the suspect who leaked the designs as an excuse.”

“Not that. Please.…”

Miranda continued to talk as Chief Choi’s complexion turned pale.

“The director doesn’t seem pleased with the expenses of sustaining this design studio. Did you hear anything about it?”

Miranda loosened and straightened out the scarf as she spoke.

“I’ll reconsider if you become the executive director and hold the director back. Isn’t that what friends are for?”

The calm high-pitched voice pierced Chief Choi’s ears.

Miranda, who was a friend yesterday and a rival today, was saying she would be the puppet master controlling the puppet. She was so absorbed with only fas.h.i.+on–who would have thought she would have a change of mind to this extent?

It was clear that he would get cut off from the company politics if he didn’t stay on the director’s good side. But Chief Choi had to nod to save himself right now.

“I’ll do it. I will. Whatever you say, Miranda.”

“Good. Then you may go.” 

Chief Choi went outside.

Miranda fixed her gaze again on the five designs that had brought a fresh impression to her fas.h.i.+on sense.

“Minho Kang…… I’m looking forward to the winter season.”

——-

Tteokbokki – A popular Korean food made from chewy rice cakes stir-fried in a sweet and spicy sauce. Fish cakes, boiled eggs, and scallions are some of the most commonly added ingredients