At the poster shoot, Haneul tried her best to look cheerful. But even standing next to Taeo made her cheeks heat up. Sujin was in the back, giggling with her hand over her mouth.
“Okay, Taeo, put your hand gently on Haneul’s shoulder this time!” the photographer called out. Taeo and Haneul both flinched.
“Uh, sure…” Taeo reached out, looking awkward. Haneul took a deep breath, trying to act cool.
As soon as Taeo’s hand touched her shoulder—bam!—another flash of their past life memories. The two of them, sword in hand, glaring at each other. Taeo twitched. Haneul squeezed her eyes tight for a split second.
Sujin teased from the back, “Are we about to see a real fight this time?”
The photographer laughed. “Don’t be so stiff! You’re supposed to be a couple!”
Taeo whispered, “Are you okay, Haneul?”
She shot back, “You’re the one who looks nervous!”
The staff around them chuckled. The shoot went on. Next pose: look at each other naturally. Haneul glanced at Taeo—and he suddenly winked.
She jumped. “Hey! What was that?!”
Taeo grinned. “We’re fake dating. Just playing along.”
Sujin burst out, “Haneul, your face is as red as a tomato!”
Haneul turned away. “Cut it out!”
At that moment, another trainee, Jimin, walked in. Taeo shot him a quick, unreadable look.
A staff member said, “Jimin, you’re up next. Please wait here.”
Jimin waved. “Hi! Haneul, you look really pretty today.”
Haneul fumbled, “Uh… thanks.”
Taeo cut in, “We’re not done with our shoot.”
Haneul stared at him wide-eyed. “What’s up with you, Taeo?”
He looked away. “Nothing. Let’s just focus.”
Sujin whispered, “Ooh, things are getting interesting!”
“Last one!” the photographer said. “Smile at each other—like you mean it!”
Taeo and Haneul forced out awkward smiles at each other. But Haneul’s heart was in a mess. Why did she keep thinking about Taeo? And… could he be feeling the same?
As soon as the shoot ended, Taeo hesitated, then asked, “Um… Haneul, can we talk for a sec?”
She blinked. “What? Why?”
He glanced around and whispered, “About… those memories. Did you feel something earlier?”
Haneul’s heart skipped a beat. “…What?”
Just then, Sujin and Jimin bounced over. “Ooh, are you guys sharing secrets? Let us in!”
Both Haneul and Taeo froze, words stuck in their throats as the set descended into chaos. Haneul glanced at Taeo, her mind racing.
‘This is so weird. Why can’t I stop thinking about him…?’
What misunderstandings—and fluttering moments—await them at the next stage?