"Oh, Seojun!"

Seojun chuckled as he returned Mrs. Jang's hug when she suddenly threw herself into his arms, listening to her complimenting her daughter for a job well done.

"I'm sure we're going to get amazing results with this handsome face on the covers," Hanna said, making Seojun bow in gratitude.

He knew Aera's mother, though they had never had a long conversation. They knew of each other, and the woman had always told him that the doors to her modeling agency were open for him.

Now, as the woman was opening an exclusive store in Korea, she wanted an Asian face to feature on the massive display wall that would be crucial for her business's success. Aera, knowing how weak her mother was for Seojun's looks, wanted to give her what she desired. Besides, they were offering a handsome pay, and that was more than enough reason.

At first, Seojun was going to turn it down, but now that the woman was no longer just Aera's mother but his mother-in-law, he wanted to please her. When Aera mentioned the sum of money he'd get just for posing in a few pictures, well, that certainly gave him another reason to lend his image. It was for a good cause, after all.

As the young man started getting ready for his photo shoot, Aera stood next to her mother, overseeing the session just like her. She gave a few orders to change some outfits when something didn't quite convince her.

Her mother had taken her to countless photo sessions when she was a child, so she knew quite well how that business worked.

Praising her boyfriend whenever he struck a particularly charming pose, the boy could only blush slightly before returning to his serious and attractive aura for the session.

"Mrs. Jang." One of the stylists ran towards the older woman, who turned her attention to her as soon as she heard her name. "We've got a problem. The girl who was supposed to do the couple's photo session just called to cancel."

"WHAT?!" The woman's shout made everyone stop, glancing at the scene with some fear. The Jangs were known to be scary when angry. "THE STORE OPENS IN A WEEK! FIND ANOTHER MODEL IN LESS THAN TEN MINUTES BEFORE I LOSE MY MIND!"

Everyone began to scramble in response. Seojun took a break, watching the commotion unfold. Looking at Aera, who was checking out some women's outfits, he smiled at the idea that popped into his head. Approaching the blonde, he smiled innocently. "I think I've found the perfect model for the couple shoot."

"Really, Seojun? Tell me, darling, where is she?" The woman asked in desperation. She really couldn't postpone the session. The taller boy chuckled softly and pointed at Aera. Mrs. Jang noticed the look in her daughter's eyes and smiled as if she had just found the answer to everything.

"They say chemistry is visible even in photographs, right? So why not use a real couple?"

The woman turned to him immediately, mouth agape, pointing at him before pointing to her daughter. He smiled and nodded, making her scream in delight. She patted his back gently. "I always knew this day would come... Wardrobe change! Aera will be the female model!"

"What? No... MOM, NO!"

***

The girl looked at Seojun with serious eyes while he smiled with malice and amusement. Aera was sitting on a couch next to the boy, his arms wrapped around her as they stared into each other's eyes.

"When this is over, Han Seojun..."

When the photographer shouted to begin the session, the serious gazes and mocking laughter ended. The poses started, from innocent hugs to faces just inches apart, smiles, bright looks—it was a true couple's photo shoot, and Jang Hanna couldn't have been happier with it.

"Alright, that's a wrap for today! Good work, everyone!"

"Oh, but you look so beautiful! Ah-ah, I'm sorry!" The blonde woman could only watch as her daughter ran after the tall boy, threatening him with her high heel in hand until both disappeared into the dressing room. Smiling, she thought about how much of her daughter's life she had missed. The last thing she remembered was a seven-year-old girl showing her a dress that made her brand soar, turning it into what it was today.

Of course, she had always kept her daughter in mind, remembering that it was thanks to her child's imagination and creativity that she had achieved great things. That's why she wanted to take her with her, to help her become what she knew she could be. She didn't want to turn Aera into her, no. She knew Aera had a different vision when it came to fashion, but she wanted her to fully harness the gift she had been given.

Now, looking at her, a seventeen-year-old girl with a boy who seemed to make her happy, she realized how much time she had lost with her. She knew about Suho, but didn't know why they weren't together anymore. She realized that, even though they were close, she wasn't going to have the chance to have those mother-daughter talks that so many share, because Aera didn't trust her enough for that.

But that would change. Yes, once Aera was in America, everything would be different.

***

Aera watched Seojun eat, noticing how he smiled while chewing. The boy loved eating sour things; she knew he liked them because he couldn't handle spicy food, and sour flavors helped curb his cravings for something spicy.

The black-haired girl had been thinking a lot about telling her friends about their relationship, for two reasons. First, she felt guilty keeping that secret from SooAh and Taehoo, mainly them, because they were the ones she'd known since they were babies. Although Soojin was her friend, she knew Soojin was closer to Suho than to her. The second reason was that she knew Seojun wasn't a fan of secret relationships, even though she was surprised by how he managed to keep their friend group from saying anything. She knew he didn't want to hide their relationship.

Not when he had her saved in his contacts as "The Love of My Life" with, at least, ten different colored hearts.

"Seojun..." she called out, making him look up, pausing from moving the meat onto his plate so he could give her his full attention.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, concerned by the serious look on her face.

"I... I've been thinking that... I should tell my friends about our relationship," she said, making Seojun drop his chopsticks onto the table, staring at her with his mouth open, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Really? Do you feel ready to do it?" he asked, making sure she wasn't feeling pressured to do it for him.

"Yes, I... Well, do you want me to do it? I mean..."

"Yes!" he almost shouted, then glanced around, apologizing for the outburst before turning back to his girlfriend with a smile. He leaned over the table. "Tell them, or better yet, we'll both do it. Call SooAh and Taehoo."

"But Taehoo eats too much."

"My love, tonight's on me. We're celebrating. Call them." The girl smiled, leaning over the table to gently cup the face of the tall boy in front of her.

"You're so sweet. Order more tteokbokki; I'll go outside to call them." She stood up, and Seojun nodded, watching her walk out of the restaurant. His pulse quickened, and he exhaled the breath he had been holding, filled with excitement. He called the owner over and ordered two more plates of tteokbokki for Aera's friends.

Twenty minutes later, Aera was sitting beside Seojun as the couple in front of them ate as if they hadn't had food in years. Seojun eyed them with a judgmental look, wondering how both of them could eat so much and still maintain such slim figures.

"Ah, this is delicious! Why didn't you ever bring us here before, Aera?" Taehoo asked, almost offended, after swallowing a large bite.

"Well, because Seojun is the one who brought me here. It's my first time too," she replied, watching the boy give her an accusing look before turning the same gaze to his girlfriend, who was also glaring at the tallest one in the group. "You know I called you guys here for a reason."

"Yeah, you never invite Taehoo to eat."

The black-haired girl nodded, acknowledging that fact before glancing at Seojun, who was trying to hide his excited smile. Holding his hand, she intertwined their fingers and lifted their joined hands, placing them on the table in front of their friends.

The couple stared at their hands, then back at them, going back and forth for a few seconds before SooAh's mouth fell open, and she gasped, hitting her boyfriend's arm repeatedly. Taehoo dropped his food back onto his plate, staring at the pair, who were now smiling slightly as they watched their friends.

"What are you guys..."

"They're dating!" SooAh exclaimed, bouncing in her seat while clapping her hands. SooAh had been waiting for this moment ever since Aera came and told her about the boy she had seen at the agency years ago. Even though Seojun had rubbed her the wrong way for the past few years, she had noticed how much he had changed. She'd noticed the way he treated her friend—with care, gentleness.

She had noticed that sparkle in his eyes, and she recognized it well because it was the same one she had when she looked at her own boyfriend.

"How long has this been going on? It was after you broke up with Suho, right?"

"It was the last night of the camp," Seojun answered, making SooAh squeal with excitement again before abruptly going serious, grabbing her chopsticks and pointing them at Seojun. He leaned back slightly at the sudden movement.

"I'm happy for you guys, but if you ever hurt her, I will poke your eyes out with these chopsticks. Got it?" The boy swallowed hard, nodding quickly. SooAh smiled, clapped her hands again, and started asking all sorts of questions about how Seojun had asked Aera out.

Those mood swings were not very normal.

***

"I still insist she looks useless," Seojun said, only to complain about the hit he received on his arm from his girlfriend.

It was the opening day of Aera's mother's store, so the boy had to attend since he was practically the face of the place. His job was nothing more than standing there, checking some things, greeting a few wealthy women who came in looking for bags and gave him compliments — that kind of thing. But Aera had gotten the job for Jukyeong as she had promised, and seeing her carry huge amounts of clothes for wealthy women who would probably only wear the outfit once amused the younger boy.

"Yah, don't make fun of her, or I'll make you carry clothes too."

"I wouldn't complain. Does my beautiful girlfriend want to buy all the jackets in this area? Just tell me, and I'll carry them to your doorstep," Seojun teased. Aera smiled and gave him a little push, trying to hide the blush that appeared on her cheeks as he chuckled softly.

Seojun's eyes shifted from his girlfriend to look at some of the jackets in the store. He wouldn't lie—if he had enough money, he'd definitely buy at least one jacket from Aera's mom's brand, especially the ones Aera had helped design. Not just because they were her creations, but because they were totally his style.

Aera loved leather, neutral and cool colors, and wasn't into bold prints. She preferred coats that made her figure look good but kept her comfortable. It was a style they both shared, which was why Seojun wouldn't mind going shopping with her one day.

"Seojunnie, look at this!" Aera called out, showing him a dark gray leather jacket. Smiling at how excited she looked, he approached her, taking the jacket in his hands and inspecting it. Yes, this color would look amazing on her. "And look, it comes in pairs."

"Are you suggesting we wear matching couple outfits?"

"Well, when we go to class tomorrow, everyone's going to know, right? Plus, look, aren't they cute?" She pouted, holding up the men's jacket in front of her. Seojun nodded—he wasn't going to refuse wearing something that showed off their relationship.

Seojun loved showing how much he cared for someone, even if it was through small things like matching outfits or holding hands while walking together in public.

"Will your mom be home tonight?"

"No, the launch party is later, and she's the host, so... I'll be alone again." She made a face, handing him the other jacket before continuing to browse the clothes.

"Well, that means I can spend the night with you, right?"

"That fast?"

He didn't respond, freezing for a moment before shaking his head quickly. "Yah, I didn't mean it like that!" Seojun protested, feeling his ears burn with embarrassment. "I just wanted to watch a movie with you. Ugh, you've got such a dirty mind."

"Me? You're the one thinking weird things." Aera laughed, and Seojun opened and closed his mouth, offended by her comment, but he didn't say anything else.

"Fine, what movie do you want to watch? Nothing scary, remember what happened last time."

"That was Chorong's fault, she screamed in my ear."

"Sure, Mr. 'Let's watch Barbie: School's Princess"

***

What Aera had said about everyone finding out about their relationship the next day had been true. When both arrived holding hands, with him leaving a kiss on her cheek before letting her go with SooAh and Taehoo, it confirmed everything for the others. They became the hot topic of the day.

For Aera, it didn't really matter. She was used to hearing whispers around her about anything she did. What mattered to her now was Soojin. The girl had been distant, not just with her but with everyone. She would leave as soon as the bell rang, didn't join them at lunch, ignored SooAh, and seemed deep in thought. That worried Aera. Soojin wasn't someone who easily shared her thoughts with anyone; she didn't talk about her feelings. She kept everything to herself, and though sometimes it seemed too much for her to handle, she had never acted this way with them before.

At least, not with SooAh.

"Kang Soojin," Aera called, making the mentioned girl look at her with curious eyes. Sighing, Aera stepped closer to her friend, her concern evident. "Can I sit?" When Soojin nodded, she took a seat beside her, both of them staring ahead in silence until Aera broke it, unable to hold back her curiosity. "What's wrong, Soojin?"

"Did you know that Jukyeong and Suho are dating?"

"Yeah, well, it was kind of obvious they'd end up together." She responded, although she hadn't really heard much about it because she hadn't spoken to Suho in a while, let alone Jukyeong.

She knew it would be awkward for them to talk about him, even if they were friends.

Frowning in confusion, unsure why this was suddenly so important, Aera asked, "Why?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Soojin asked, her eyes now filled with a hint of frustration as she stared at her friend.

"I don't understand why I would need to tell you, Soojin. Suho isn't really a topic of—"

"Your reason for breaking up with Suho... Did you break up because he likes Jukyeong, or because you like Seojun?" The sudden question stunned Aera, her eyes widening as she tried to process what she'd just heard.

"Seojun? No, it's..."

"It was because of Jukyeong, wasn't it?"

"Even if that were the reason, what do Suho and Jukyeong have to do with what's going on with you?" Aera finally asked, wanting the girl to get to the point, because she was not good at catching on to subtle hints.

"I like Suho, Aera." Aera's eyes widened even more at the admission, her body stiffening as those words sank in. It felt like she had just been slapped out of nowhere.

She hadn't seen that coming.

She stared at Soojin in surprise, noticing how her friend's gaze fell to her hands. Aera's mouth opened, struggling to find the right words to say. "I... I don't..."

"Since when?" Aera interrupted, looking at Soojin again, hoping the answer would be something recent and not during her relationship with him.

"Since we were fifteen," Soojin revealed, blinking slowly as Aera began to do the math, bringing a hand to her mouth as she realized it had been since almost the very beginning of her relationship with Suho.

"And does Suho know?"

Soojin shook her head, lowering her gaze again, feeling terrible for confessing this to her friend—the girl who had taken care of her for so long, the girl whose boyfriend she had liked for so long. "I never wanted to say anything because you were together, but I thought that now you've broken up, maybe I..."

Aera nodded, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "I... I don't know what to say, Soojin. I was prepared for anything, but this is... Wow." She winced, feeling bad for her friend, trying to put herself in her shoes, though it wasn't easy. "Maybe it's best if you talk to Suho and Jukyeong about this, Soojin. There's nothing I can do to help you now. I'm sorry."

"I know. You don't need to apologize. In fact, I'm the one who's sorry for... for telling you like this. I really hoped I would never have to confess this to you." Soojin's voice was filled with sincerity, making Aera smile sadly, not wanting her to feel too bad.

"You didn't tell me while I was still with Suho, and you didn't try anything, and I appreciate that a lot, Soo. You're an amazing friend, you know that?" Aera said, suddenly hugging her, causing Soojin to laugh. "Do you know that, Kang Soojin?"

"Yah, let go of me, you're being too sappy," Soojin complained, but there was that usual playful tone in her voice. When Aera refused and hugged her even tighter, Soojin couldn't help but laugh.

No, even though she might have considered trying something to break them up, whenever she remembered what a kind person Aera was, whenever she thought about how much support Aera had given her over the years, any thought of ruining something that had seemed so stable and lasting would disappear from her mind.

Aera had always been her friend.