CHAPTER 26: Organized Proposition

SAN
•••

While I waited in the car for Woououng to complete his interview, I took it upon myself to message Yeosang about the ideal possibility of Wooyoung taking up the offer of modeling for the agency. Despite not knowing which store he ended up applying for, there was still a chance that the opportunity of suggesting the job to him could work out in my favor. The main goal is to have him audition without him realizing which exact company it would be for, and that in itself would be a hard task to complete. However, it wasn't something that couldn't be accomplished either.

What was only known by a few was that there was another building was owned by the industry, but was a subsidiary that was under contract with us. The name completely different from the main agency, it was still somewhere that could be used whenever needed. Therefore, I would just have him conduct an audition there to avoid any obvious revelations of the actual company to occur if he chooses to do so.

We were on the drive back towards the dormitory and I knew had to be as tentative as possible about bringing up the result of the interview. However, deep down I knew the answer, just from the lack of excitement in his behavior since his arrival back.

"So, how did it go?" I asked quietly as soon as we got on the main road.

"I didn't get the job..." he answered in a hushed murmur.

Feigning ignorance, I snapped my head towards him with shock. "What? You're lying...?"

Wooyoung smiled, a smile that actually caught me off guard as he clarified. "Well, technically I got denied the job. Apparently my features were 'too stunning' and deserved to be placed elsewhere."

"At first I was sad, but after processing the reasoning behind why I didn't get it, I can't help but feel somewhat happy." he giggled, "the manager basically told me to place my talents somewhere else like modeling, so I guess you were right..."

I smirked to myself, having a feeling that I may actually know the store or the owner based on that detail given. "See? I told you that you could be a model."

With a heavy sigh, Wooyoung shook his head in disagreement. "I just don't see myself doing it, though....I mean, none of my friends are models as far as I know, so how can I just jump into something like that? Plus, I still need a job and this one was my last resort."

Giving a small hum in response, I didn't know what would be best to say in the moment that wouldn't give away the incoming plan. Yeosang told me he had sent a message to the male to meet with him afterwards, but I wasn't sure if he had seen it as of it. However, I knew that if there was anyone that could convince Wooyoung to at least try, it would be him

We were nearing the dorm building parking lot, and I noticed Wooyoung pull out his phone, a small gasp escaping him as I figured he was just now noticing the message. A smile grew on his face as whatever he saw was enticing enough to respond with a sense of excitement, mumbling himself in surprise. "He must be psychic or something..."

I raised an eyebrow as I pulled into a parking spot near the building, continuing the act of ignorance. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing, I just have to meet Yeosang for a minute." Wooyoung said quickly, unbuckling his seatbelt without any hesistatoon. "Thank you for taking and bringing me back, I won't be long I promise!"

He didn't wait for a response from me as he unlocked the door and rushed out, causing a chuckle to escape my lips.

That was easier than I thought...

Stepping out the car, I noticed Hongjoong walking towards the dorm building alone, his headphones on as his usual form of distraction. Deciding to tease the male, I silently snuck up behind him and pulled them off with a laugh as I could hear the music blasting. "I swear you want to go deaf or something."

"I swear you have a dead wish or something..." he scowled, playfully snatching them back before sighing. "What's up, what do you want?"

Placing a hand on my chest in mock hurt, I gasped. "Why do you think I want something? Can't I just mess with my friend and say hello?"

Hongjoong deadpanned at me, causing my own sigh to escape my lips. "Fine...I don't technically want something, but I want to share something with you."

"Well," he paused, glancing at his watch for a moment before looking back up at me, "you have about an hour or so before Hwa comes back from studying. We have a date later."

"Perfect, let's go to my dorm."

The two of us strolled into the dormitory, with me leading the way to my room. Noticing the group of people standing at the elevator, we both decided to take the stairs as it would be must faster, considering that the room was one floor above. I couldn't help but smile at the way everything was falling into place seamlessly, almost feeling too good to be true.

Reaching the door to the room, I quickly unlocked it and gestured for him to step in first. "After you."

Hongjoong tentatively made his way inside, taking a lingering look between both me and Wooyoung's side before snickering. "This is beyond hilarious...you two are so polar opposites to each other it's actually baffling."

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes while shutting the door, making my way over to my bed to sit on. "You can sit at my desk, if you want."

"I know... it wasn't like I was planning to sit on the floor or the side that basically threw up glitter and pixie dust, San..."

I watched as he pulled the desk seat out, plopping onto to it before placing his backpack and headphones on the table. Letting out a sigh, he raised an eyebrow at me. "So...what was so special for you to want to share with me so badly?"

"I think Wooyoung is going to model for the agency."

"I don't believe you. Not for a second."

I scoffed. "You think I'm lying? I'm serious."

Hongjoong rolled his eyes. "You really think he's going to go for it?" He asked skeptically. "Why would he even do that, especially if he knows that it's your company? It's bad enough you two are roommates, but him knowing who you really are is going to be something much worse."

Biting my lip, I focused my attention on my lap before hearing a loud sigh escape the male in disbelief. "....you didn't tell him did you?"

"Hear me out, okay?" I paused, taking a deep breath to compose myself before continuing, "Yeosang can be quite convincing, and I already messaged both Yechan and Yujun to be there to help! The plan is to have him audition at the other agency and then go from there." I quickly explained.

The male only shook his head in disappointment. "And you think you can keep up this facade for long? I don't know San...I don't think this is the right way to go about this..."

"If he decides to audition tomorrow and agrees to work, I promise to be honest with him about everything!"

"San..." Hongjoong sighed, "I really hope you know what you are doing, and I really hope it doesn't backfire on you..."

•••

Hearing the door begin to unlock, Hongjoong stood up from the chair and glared at me while the door swung open. Wooyoung smiled as he stepped in, "I'm back!"

However, the smile turned into a curious head tilt as he noticed Hongjoong inside. "Oh, hi Hongjoong, were you talking to San about something? I can come back later?"

Finding whatever strength to turn his head and grant Wooyoung a smile, Hongjoong waved him off. "No, no, it wasn't anything important. Just keeping him company until you came back. I was just about to leave anyway..."

Hongjoong trudged his way towards the door, granting Wooyoung another smile as his own form of farewell before sneaking another glare at me as he shut the door behind him. Wooyoung turned to me with a raised eyebrow. "Is he okay?"

I nodded, brushing off the wave of guilt off me instantly. "Yeah, he's just not much of a social person....but how was hanging out with Yeosang?"

Wooyoung laughed nervously. "Well...he gave me another solution to potentially find a job?"

"Really? Do tell."

"He said that he thinks I should model," the male sighed heavily, "apparently, all of my friends are models and I was the only one clueless to it. So...I agreed to at least audition tomorrow at some studio he knows."

Fighting back an accomplished smile, I chose to cover it with a playful smirk. "And is this the part where I say 'I told you so'?

Wooyoung rolled his eyes. "I'm just trying it, San. It doesn't guarantee anything, and I doubt I'll get the job. In comparison to Yeosang, he's got me beat in the unique beauty standard."

Hopping off the bed, I walked over to the male, grabbing his hand and pulled him into the bathroom. With a subtle brush of a strand of hair from his face, I turned him towards the mirror. "Wooyoung...you are more than what you give yourself credit for. You are beautiful..."

"San..."

"No, listen to me," turning his body to face my own, I smiled, "if you need to find confidence and confirmation about yourself, you can ask me. I have no problem being honest with you in saying that you can do this, because you are ethereal. Okay?"

On cue, a blush rose to his cheeks and his eyes focused into mine with genuine curiosity radiating through. Our faces were mere centimeters apart as he whispered softly, his voice as gentle and warm as could be. "...what do you see in me San? Please tell me..."

In that moment, it felt as though for the first time since meeting one another, I could clearly see the vulnerability inside him. He was someone who needed strength and care, someone who had hidden scars on his heart, locked underneath the tough exterior he displayed with the cover of quick wit and sarcasm.

With a soft smile, I murmured the sentence that encapsulated the male I saw in front of me, before placing a tender yet fleeting kiss onto his lips.

"I see nothing but a heavenly made person right in front of me..."