The weekend I feared came upon me in an instant.

  Since I knew I would meet Si-hyun I had been suppressing my stress throughout the week.

  After becoming accustomed to our joyful moments, as a pair not encountering him seemed odd. I was unsure how to cope with this.

  As I couldn't evade him indefinitely I understood that I had to maintain my self-control moving forward.

  -

  I reached the photography studio on schedule.

  All the others arrived ahead of me; I was the person to show up.

  Not that I was late. The others were just too early.

  As I entered the makeup crew and Yoo Mi-ro welcomed me.

  “Wow, is this our female model today?”

  “Not bad, right?”

  “Upon viewing the model I believed that only someone, with director-level attractiveness could match him.”

  The praise, from the makeup team made me feel bashful.

  A staff member examining my face abruptly knitted their brows.

  “Do you have any scars?”

  “Ah, these are from being a Hunter…”

  “Don’t stress! They’re minor, makeup will hide them fully.”

  They began hair and makeup prior, to changing costumes.

  I had some understanding of cosmetics yet the equipment and items here exceeded what I knew.

  Following over twenty minutes the outcome appeared as natural, as uncovered skin.

  Incredible skill.

  Was this really me?

  “Gather every outfit that matches this theme!”

  The design crew immediately took action.

  “Try this one first!”

  After choosing garments they led me into the room. The womens apparel crew quickly and skillfully undressed me.

  “Hey!”

  Their fervor caught me off guard. They disregarded my response and concentrated on their task.

  I complied with their demands. Adapted.

  When I glanced at the mirror with my clothes on I noticed a stranger staring back.

  I had dressed elegantly. Applied makeup before but this degree of sophistication exceeded anything I had ever encountered.

  Is this the kind of work stylists are capable of? Incredible.

  “Wow, nice.”

  -

  I walked into the studio wearing my outfit and noticed Si-hyun, in the middle of filming.

  He appeared changed following the period we spent separated.

  His typical hairstyle, typically featuring bangs that fell forward was now split in the center lending him an air. The makeup enhanced his features making them more striking, than usual.

  Paired with the customized attire he radiated far more than, in his usual casual clothes.

  In short: devastatingly handsome.

  His impressive visuals now produced an amplified impact.

  “Huh? Wha.. ”

  My pulse quickened while I looked at him.

  I shut my eyes. Inhaled deeply to relax myself.

  What was causing this to occur?

  Just from seeing Si-hyun?

  Following a deep breaths my pulse gradually slowed back, to its usual rhythm.

  I exhaled with relief. Blinked open my eyes to see Si-hyun positioned just before me.

  “You came?”

  “Eek!”

  His luminous presence struck me directly. I fell to the ground.

  My legs shook all power drained.

  I had humiliated myself before all the people.

  “Are you okay?!”

  Si-hyun gazed at me with worry, which made me more embarrassed.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  As he moved nearer my steady heartbeat again went into a wild frenzy.

  “Stay away from me...”

  I made an effort to gaze everywhere except, at him.

  "What’s the matter? Do you hate me now?"

  His hurt voice struck me like a blow, to the chest.

  I experienced guilt as though I had committed an error. What was occurring within me?

  “Just go away!”

  I turned my body attempting to rise on limbs.

  "We can chat once the shooting is done."

  From the edge of my vision I noticed his look yet I decided to overlook it.

  Si-hyun was too dangerous for my heart right now.

  Facing the camera I obeyed the photographers instructions to strike poses.

  Following the capture of each outfit I quickly switched clothes. Adjusted my style.

  Meanwhile Si-hyun having completed his modifications was filming on the side.

  We took turns in this manner throughout a timetable.

  Following three hours of effort we, at last arrived at the lunch break.

  -

  "Is it possible to have a conversation now? "

  Si-hyun obstructed my way.

  He displayed a sense of urgency I had never witnessed previously.

  Could that truly have been him? It seemed as though I was encountering a new individual.

  "Yeah, how have you been lately?"

  He was unusually agitated. What caused such a change in him in only thirty days?

  "Si-yeon why do you continue refusing my invites?"

  "Well... I feel sorry, for your girlfriend and facing the Gate by yourself is difficult aswell."

  I had composed this response quite some time ago.

  "I understand. That sure is difficult. Would you like to team up again?"

  This wasn’t the Si-hyun I was familiar, with. Although he had always been gentle and thoughtful this present gentleness seemed altered.

  It had a tone as if he was intent, on persuading me.

  "No."

  "also I am not... in a relationship."

  What? No girlfriend ? Even though a spark of joy arose it didn't alter anything. For the time being I preferred to maintain my distance.

  "I understand.. I want to attempt managing matters by myself for some time."

  "I see..."

  Noticing Si-hyuns downcast look why did my heart hurt deeply? It seemed as if all the blame was on me, making me wish I could retract what I said.

  "Hah this is starting to get intriguing right?"

  Yoo Mi-ro?

  "What's so funny?"

  Yoo Mi-ro continued chuckling as if she had discovered something.

  "How tragic. Seong Si-hyun diving headlong, into the Hellfire Pit."

  What rubbish was she babbling?

  "Hey, come on."

  I signaled Yoo Mi-ro to stop being annoying.

  -

  Our discussion concluded while we consumed boxed meals.

  "Its been some time since we had a meal together."

  This was the first time Si-hyun and I had been apart for over a month.

  Despite periods Si-hyun always managed to come up with reasons to meet biweekly. A gap of a month was unheard of.

  Had Yoo Mi-ro not proposed this we could have remained apart for a while.

  "Si-yeon please be honest with me. Why are you keep staying away from me?"

  Another sensitive question.

  The reason... The reason...

  "There is one. Since I understood that I can't remain with Si-hyun indefinitely."

  "You have your life as well Si-hyun. I won't be able to remain with you "

  "I don't mind it."

  " I do."

  Si-hyun observed me clearly irritated.

  What was wrong with him? He's usually so reserved.

  Why was he acting so emotional? Did something occur?

  "Having any difficulties?"

  Noticing my friend altered after a month of separation seemed both strange and concerning.

  Could it be that his neat attire made the difference? When sighing, Si-hyun appeared attractive.

  "Yes, I am."

  "Go ahead. Tell me. I'll assist you in sorting it out."

  "sorry, this is a matter I’m unable to talk about with you."

  Certainly. I never provided Si-hyun with a cause to have confidence in me.

  Even though I wasn't yet a person reliable enough to open up to feeling anxious, about things I couldn't discuss with friends was unquestionably aggravating.

  Difficulties I couldn't share with my dearest friend...

  This must be a serious matter.

  An uneasy mood quickly settled between us causing both of us to remain quiet.

  Usually Si-hyun would be the one to ease the tension first in moments, like these. Today he stayed silent.

  We remained in this state for, than half an hour attentively studying one another’s faces.

  We were unable to continue our discussion before lunch was over and shortly it was time to return to work.

  In the course of the afternoon filming we were given directions:

  "From this moment behave as if you are a couple ."

  A photoshoot together instead of solo shots, pretending to be a couple?

  I inhaled deeply.

  Haven't we often been mistaken for a couple anyway? This shouldn't be different.

  No need to be nervous.

  "At this moment the man must grasp the lady's hand."

  Guided by the photographers instructions we continuously switched poses involving so much close contact that it felt awkward.

  It wasn’t just me; Si-hyun obviously felt uneasy as well.

  As I was doing this I abruptly recalled the moments we shared months back.

  Similar, to when we went to the amusement park.

  "Your facial expression seems tense! Try to loosen up!"

  Thinking back on those moments brought a genuine smile to my face.

  Si-hyun appeared a bit startled watching me then returned a smile well.

  That grin was lovelier, than any I had previously witnessed on him.

  For some reason the entire group fell silent with the noise of camera clicks remaining.

  The subsequent outfit switch featured coordinated couple attire.

  We had already acted like a couple before. How much different could this situation be?

  However being next to Si-hyun dressed in matching couple clothes made me extremely aware of myself.

  "Move closer together!"

  How much closer? Well we're compensated to perform this anyway.

  "Come closer, Si-hyun."

  Si-hyun’s motions became awkward.

  Was he aware of touch? He appeared particular, about personal space.

  "It's alright step closer."

  "Hey, aren't you embarrassed at all?"

  "Why worry about that if we're earning money?"

  Si-hyun. Stepped closer. Despite feeling awkward this was part of the job.

  "Good, perfect!"

  Directions continued to arrive throughout the filming.

  At last everything concluded at five o'clock.

  It's unfortunate we weren't able to film. Great job around.

  To be honest my body was aching. They were lenient with my expressions because I'm not a trained actor yet they were very precise, with adjusting my poses.

  Once I took off my makeup and changed outfits I noticed Yoo Mi-ro chatting, with Si-hyun.

  From afar Si-hyun appeared to be reprimanding her while Yoo Mi-ro chuckled at him.

  As I observed from a distance Yoo Mi-ro unexpectedly came toward me.

  "Jeong Si-yeon what method should we use for the payment?"

  "Huh? The joint account?"

  I repeated our shared account number verbatim.

  "Si-yeon would it be alright to send the money there? "

  "What? Why? Isn't that the place where we keep our money?"

  Si-hyun gave me a glance.

  "Aren't you both currently not together again?"

  "It's, for now. Who can predict what lies ahead? In any case the funds there won't go to waste."

  Si-hyun gave a smile in response, to my words.

  Yoo Mi-ro gave his back a pat.

  "Get along well."

  "Yeah, thanks."

  They must have discussed something to me as some details appeared to have been shared.

  "Si-yeon its been some time since we last had drinks together. How, about going out for a drink?"

  Alcohol... I would have readily consented earlier. Today seemed unlike before.

  I experienced a Forewarning that consuming alcohol would bring about problems.

  Moreover I had arrangements set for tomorrow.

  "I'm sorry, I have arrangement tomorrow and need to leave early to get some rest."

  Noticing my rejection Si-hyun quickly lost enthusiasm. He suggested accompanying me to my place.

  I refused this well. Following refusals he dropped his shoulders with a sorrowful look.

  Even though my heart throbbed with sorrow I restrained myself.

  I was afraid of relying on Si-hyuns generosity more.

  Now that I consider it what happened to the Si-hyun I used to know?

  The individual who was once so quiet and distant seldom displaying his feelings openly?

  -

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