reading this takes 25 minutes 22 seconds, if you read average 3 words per second

REFUSAL

The air was chilly outside but it was a change Sehun welcomed.

Baekhyun proved once again what kind of a party mastermind he is and made their regular, way too formal for a gathering party into a friendly, almost boisterous event. Sehun eventually forgot to count how many drinks were handled out. But he saw was Junmyeon confiscating the DJs desk, Baekhyun making a move on Jongdae rather inappropriately and suddenly it was too much. He had to excuse himself to take a breather.

Okay, it also has to do with the thing that he drowned some tequila as well… and that Tao was watching him all night intensely.

Sehun leaned on the doorway and without thinking of the consequences, pulled out a package of cigarettes along with a lighter he had borrowed from Donghae. His mind was a mess. He needed some sort of relief.

„Could you lend me a hand?”

Nice. Just the person he wanted to see last.

„You have your own. Leave me alone while I’m being nice.”

Tao arrived next to the other and leaned on the opposite end of the door with a smirk. He was holding a cigarette as well.

„Your empty threats won’t work on me.”

„Okay. Then simply just off.”

The Chinese male laughed at the grumpiness.

„I just want to have a smoke. Come on, don’t be an and help an old friend.”

Sehun hesitated for a second. Then begrudgingly reached out the lighter towards him. Tao took it so their fingers brushed.

Just a smoke, huh?

It wasn’t only his actions which told about other intentions. Tao was brave – or desperate – to speak openly about it.

„We weren’t so bad together, Sehunnie. Have you thought about picking up where we’ve left off?”

Sehun had to snicker.

„I have. So what? We won’t be like that again, Tao. We are finished. You finished it.”

„I’ve told you why I did that.”

„And I understood. But still, it happened. You chose work over us and I’m never going to forgive you that.”

Maybe he was being harsh. Probably. But considering all the pain he felt, Sehun didn’t regret being mean for once. Tao didn’t go through the same as him. He just doesn’t know how it is. And all his attempts at making up for it are beyond miserable.

The next second a hand was sliding into his. Sehun pushed it away before looking over his shoulder hurt.

„ off, don’t you get it?”

„You could at least hear me out.” Tao pleaded in a firm voice.

„I’ve tried. I’ve did. It didn’t change anything. It didn’t change the fact that I won’t be together with you like that anymore… If you’re keeping this up, we might as well stop being friends, colleagues or whatever we are the moment too so please, stop.”

This worked. Tao looked at him in disbelief for a second, then marched back into the inside of the house upset.

Sehun blew out the smoke leisurely. He was frustrated as well. But hurt? Not anymore. He had been hurt enough. Now it was just bitter nostalgia and regret. There was a period he and Tao were fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. It’s just that period had ended. You can’t have everything, especially not something which you once had gave up so easily - that’s something Tao must learn however much that hurts for him.

Suddenly he heard steps behind his back. Sehun rolled his eyes and turned around to send the Chinese model to the other end of the world but surprisingly, someone else checked on him that night as well.

„Why are you being a party pooper? Drop that and drink with me.”

Sehun grinned seeing Jongin stumble out. He was heavily intoxicated... and ever so cute.

„I don’t think you need one more drink, Kim Kai.”

„Maybe.” The other model chuckled in a silly way and with that, collapsed on the floor. „But I need you. Don’t let me down Sehun-a~”

The boy called chuckled and put the cigarette in the ashtray on the ground before hauling his friend up. Jongin smelled like alcohol and Dior. The first two buttons of his shirt were undone and his skin was hot.

Jongin himself is hot in every way possible – at least that’s how Sehun reasoned his next act makes totally sense and it’s not the alcohol in their system which makes them lean towards one another to engage in a kiss.

* * * * *

Suho
I’m in front of your apartment in five minutes. Don’t be late.

Hana closed the message swiftly and took one last look of her face in the mirror. The area under her eye was dark, her hair looked disheveled and her lips were still bearing the after effects of the fillers.

The photoshoot for Stardust was today and she wasn’t camera-ready at all. Nice.

„Not now, Hugo.” Hana pleaded her cat begging for some past-breakfast snack.

The tuxedo continued meowing regardless of the refusal and even accompanied his owner to the toilet in hope of mercy. But it was in vain.

„I’ll get you something when I come back, I swear.” Hana promised while fixing her hair in the mirror. It was a mess. What luck there is nothing which beanie and sunglasses can’t fix.

She had just put them on when the doorbell rang.

„Be a good cat!”

Hugo responded with slipping away from her sight, doesn’t even looking back. He was offended because of the mistreatment, apparently.

Hana closed the door and approached the car parking on the front with quick steps. At least the weather went easy on them today – it wasn’t snowing and the wind wasn’t that strong either.

„Good mor… ning.” The pause in Junmyeon's greeting was enough to ensure that the cover she shielded herself with does very little to hide her mess of a state.

It didn’t stop Hana from being positive though. She just couldn’t let herself feel bad because of something which will eventually be fixed by a pro makeup and stylist team in an hour.

„Good morning to you too.”

„I guess you didn’t sleep well?”

„I have no idea why you assume that.”

Junmyeon grinned while navigating the car away from the street, towards another point of the city.

„Don’t take my words the wrong way. You don’t look bad. You just look normal... Save for the sunglasses in the middle of winter.”

„The sunlight is strong.” Hana answered unfazed before glancing at the man behind the wheel. „Speaking of looks, you look positively refreshed to me. I guess you could rest during these few days?”

She didn’t mean it as an insult or reference to anything but Junmyeon's face pulled at the comment. He must have looked like a mess before their break.

„Yes, I could. You’re right about that… What did you do during Christmas? Jongdae called me a few days ago, and told that this year they couldn’t go over at the end.”

„This Christmas was different.” She agreed carefully, not wanting to upset the other with spilling the truth. „It was great nonetheless.”

„Did Kyungsoo visit you at least?” The man asked, obviously doubtful.

She nodded.

„We went to a Christmas market, I made him bake a cake for me and finished a bunch of designs as well… It was fun.”

It indeed was – until he didn’t have to suddenly leave. Since Hana didn’t know about it, she was surprised when Kyungsoo said goodbye early and went back to his apartment to pack. He had a flight to catch the next day to England, it turned out. What reason for, she didn’t know. If it was work-related, Kyungsoo would have shared it with her to the smallest detail. She believed it must be something personal, therefore none of her business so she didn’t ask around. No matter how bitter she felt about the quick end to their vacation.

„I’m glad to hear that.” Junmyeon smiled at her briefly before clearing his throat. „So, where does Chanyeol live exactly?”

At the Christmas party Hana offered Chanyeol to go with them to the photo shoot and the boy happily agreed.

„I have his address somewhere. Wait a minute.”

Thanks to the GPS installed they reached the destination under relatively short time. Chanyeol lived in the suburbs, a bit far from the city center.

Junmyeon parked the car the closest he could find a free parking space while Hana curiously looked around.

The two-storey house they were waiting in front of was small but cozy-looking. It was also very different from the modern and somewhat cold city style Hana is used to. She found it loveable though. No wonder why Chanyeol has such a likeable personality, Hana wondered catching sight of a giant candy cane by the entrance. He must have grown up in a loving family.

A few minutes later said boy appeared from behind the door in a way oversized scarf and cakebox in hand. For a brief second Hana also saw Mrs. Park in the gap by the door – they were talking about something animatedly before the door shut and Chanyeol left the porch.

„Good morning. Sorry for making you wait.” He greeted them while shuffling inside to the back.  With one hand, he shut the door after himself quickly, while he reached the cakebox out forward with the other. „It's embarrassing but mom sent some of the leftover cake.”

„I'ts okay. Tell her we are grateful for it.” Junmyeon told relaxingly. Being quite sweet-toothed, he was secretly looking forward to it.

Chanyeol nodded and put the box somewhere next to him.

Hana waited until he arranged his stuff and put on his seatbelt. When he looked up, their eyes met in the rearview mirror.

„Hi, Hana.”

„Hi. How was your break?”

„I had a few assignments here and there but otherwise I lazed around.” Chanyeol responded before clearing his throat. „How was your break? You have had a break, right?”

Junmyeon snorted in amusement, hearing the second question. Hana narrowed her eyes at the driver before answering.

„I am admittedly a workaholic but I have had a few days off.”

„That’s nice to hear.”

Chanyeol said that with a warm smile, ensuring he isn’t teasing this time. Hana couldn’t help but smile back. The morning didn’t start well but here she is, already moving forward to make it better.

The third person in the vehicle just concentrated on the road, only letting a little smirk grace his face seeing the interaction.

The magazine Stardust’s office was in the most populated part of Seoul, in a grand office tower. If they didn’t come with an appointment, they would have probably never found free parking space in the neighboring area.

Hana entered with Chanyeol and Junmyeon walking on her sides, respectively. The few employees walking by sent her looks screaming envy. She paid no mind to them.

However, the desk lady who greeted their trio was on another page.

„What can I do for you?” The woman practically purred, her eyes alternating between the two handsome men.

Junmyeon, if he noticed, remained polite and smiled back at her friendly.

„We have an appointment with Editor Heo from Stardust.”

„I see.”

Hana glanced at the boy standing on her right. The woman kept giving not-so-subtle looks of interest to Chanyeol but the latter was busy looking around in the well-designed, modern hall. He didn’t notice the attention. Good.

„Editor Heo is waiting for you on the sixth floor.” The woman, whose nametag read Jinhee spoke, now disappointed by the lack of feedback.

As in feedback from the men because Hana grinned at her before leaving and didn’t stop looking back above her shoulder until they reached the elevator.

„If looks could kill…” Junmyeon commented ambiguously.

Hana shrugged.

„She was asking for it.”

„I am pretty sure that’s not what she wanted.”

„Then go back and settle it with her… I hate women who throw themselves at every good-looking man they find.”

„What are you talking about?” Chanyeol chimed in, oblivious to the conversation going next to him. He was nervous because of the shoot but seeing distress on Hana’s face, was now eager to know what the matter is.

Junmyeon just shook his head.

„It's nothing important.”

Hana thought otherwise but indeed, now wasn’t the time for stressing over something minor like that. There was a magazine interview and photoshoot ahead of them, something clearly important regarding to their company’s future and image.

Editor Heo, or as Jongdae had introduced her to them, Heo Solji was sitting behind her desk but immediately stood up to greet them warmly. She had the typical look of a magazine editor – long-sleeved shirt with dress pants and heels. What made her stand out, was the bright orange color of her long hair tied into a ponytail.

„Miss Hong, I assume.”

„Hong Hana. Nice to meet you.” They shook hands before Hana introduced her companions. „This is Kim Junmyeon from our Financial Department and Park Chanyeol, one of our gorgeous models.”

Just when the editors face pulled into a wide smile, did Hana notice her overflowing tendency to praise has surfaced.

„Gorgeous both, as I see.” She chuckled, causing the tips of Chanyeol’s ears go red and Junmyeon clear his throat in embarrassment. „Shall we go and visit the site? Jongdae and the rest of your colleagues are already there.”

They only went a floor down but it couldn’t be more awkward. Hana cursed herself and made a promise to keep herself on hold for the day. Spilling compliments in their office building was fine because the people surrounding her are used to it. Doing it outside of that, however, proved to be embarrassing and weird for both them and others.

The photoshoot was scheduled first. Everything was already set by the time the four of them entered.

From a chair Jongdae waved at them enthusiastically.

„Weird to see you get your hair done.” Junmyeon chuckled.

„I know, right? It's strange for me too. But I know I’m in good hands.” Jongdae sent a smile above the hairdresser currently combing through his hair. The girl averted her eyes blushing.

Solji sighed.

„Kim Jongdae, stop being a flirt.”

„Your boyfriend is getting his makeup done at the other end of the room.” Hana added after exchanging greetings with Baekhyun from afar. „Today is a family day, oppa. I don’t want you two start bickering and possibly ruin the atmosphere.”

She didn’t mean it as a scolding, more like a friendly warning but in the next moment Jongdae bit his lip, his pupils shaking nervously.

„What is it?” She asked, taken aback.

Before she could get an answer out of him, Victoria showed up from a smaller room, looking just as frustrated. Without further ado, Hana went up to her. Something was wrong… and something was telling her she knows what that is.

„Hana.”

„Hi, unnie.” She greeted her before hesitatingly asking. „Where is Tao?”

After a quick scan of set, Hana found him missing. He was supposed to be here. Even though Hong’s House did not employ him directly, he was considered as family, thanks to the lot of work and dedication he has showed towards the fashion house, along with Sehun, Kai and now Chanyeol.

Victoria casted her eyes down.

„Zitao can’t come today. He fell sick two days ago.”

Hearing the news, Hana gasped.

„Is… is he okay? Is it something serious?”

„He had probably caught a cold but his fever is running high. We had to cancel his schedules for the week… I am so sorry, Hana. I know this shoot is important for you.”

It indeed is. But isn’t the most important thing at the end of the day.

„It's okay. What matters the most is Tao's health.” She said kindly. „It’s a pity he can’t be featured in this magazine interview but his health is first. He's first… Is he resting at home? I want to visit him after we are done here.”

It was probably stupid to assume but Hana thought its somehow her fault. She neglected Tao lately, even though she had promised him back then they will go back to how things was when he started out. She could barely change anything regarding to their struggling relationship and it hurt. She felt the need to make up for it somehow.

But Victoria put an end to her endeavor.

„He is but… Don’t misunderstand me, Hana, but it would be better if we just left him alone for a while. He’s just have come back from China. He is exhausted, mentally as well. The most I can do for you is to report if there is improvement regarding to his condition.”

„Okay. Please do. I want to know how he is.” Hana accepted the decision. Victoria has been Tao's manager ever since he became a model. If she thinks that’s the best, it must be it. „Don't visit him too much though. I don’t want you to get sick too.”

The woman smiled at the care.

„I am tough, just like you. You don’t have to worry about me… Hi, Kyungsoo.”

The other designer cornered them already tired. He looked good with makeup, styled hair, and expensive clothes but his facial expression didn’t match.

„I want to go back to my sketches.”

The women couldn’t help but laugh.

„You haven’t even started yet.” Victoria told.

„This is going to be good.” Hana encouraged him with a friendly pat on the shoulder and a faint smile. „Just give yourself a chance to enjoy it.”

The change in the number of participants required some changes but overall it didn’t cause too much trouble. To be honest, it found Hana bitter how no staff complained one of their main models is cancelled. Although it was just one aspect of the industry – people come and go and there is no way they can’t be replaced.

„Smile for your fans, please. We are done with chic photos.” The photographer of the magazine, Hyojin, exclaimed. „Also, tall guy in the green sweater. Don’t stand too away from the guy on your left.”

Sehun, donning a rather nice, bottle green cashmere turtleneck, reluctantly took a step to the left, lessening the space between his body and Kai's. They were still more apart then usually. Hana remembered one couple shoot they have done in the past, their nice contrast and buzzing chemistry. Nothing of that showed right now.

Is she worrying too much because of Tao or is that something worth to be concerned over for?

„You’re not smiling.” The little voice came from above her head.

Hana instantly broke into a wide smile then muttered.

„You’re talking. Don’t talk, pose.”

Chanyeol snickered at the comeback, resulting in Junmyeon elbowing him in the side to pay attention.

Aside from the complications, the group photos – or family photos, as Hana liked calling them in her mind – turned out be nice.

„Well, no doubts you’re from a fashion house.” Hyojin commented casually, flipping through the photos on her laptop. „This might be the best-looking crew I have worked with in a while… I have hard time deciding who lucked out though.”

„We couldn’t decide that yet either.” Kai responded cheekily.

Hana didn’t think about what they mean, she asked instead.

„Are we doing solo shots now?”

„Yes, we are. Also, some couple pictures.” The photographer replied before grinning. „I sense awesome chemistry between certain people.”

Baekhyun and Jongdae went first and of course, the pictures shot were walking a fine line between being publicly acceptable and borderline inappropriate.

„Someone please get Baekhyun's hand off of Jongdae before I go up and do myself.” Kyungsoo pleaded deadpanned.

The former grinned and lowered his hands even more as a response. The latter leaned his head on the others shoulder to look up seductively. The fact their behavior annoyed Kyungsoo apparently only fueled them more.

„I am trying to be mad at you because I’ll have to a lot of editing but it, you are cute.” Hyojin grumped, earning chuckles from the people around her. „Next couple, come forward.”

Since the journalist who was given the task of doing the interview had already arrived and Hana was the first in line that day to give her answers, her pictures had to be placed first and foremost.

Taking pictures with Kyungsoo on her side was easy. They have known each other for long and wasn’t uncomfortable with whatever pose the photographer asked from them.

At least Hana wasn’t.

„Is it just me or does Soo looks like a high school boy taking a photo with his prom date?” Baekhyun mused.

Junmyeon snickered.

„I see that too.”

„Isn’t he always like that though?” Chanyeol murmured before his eyes widened.” Don’t tell him I said that.”

Sehun shrugged.

„Hyung is usually like that. Hana just makes it more obvious.”

Said girl was currently back to back with her fellow designer. Without being instructed, soon she leaned his head back to let it rest on Kyungsoo's shoulder.

„Are you tired?” He asked while hardly trying to maintain his strict face.

„No. I just want them to know to know how kind of a support you are.” Hana replied with a fond smile. „People should be more aware of that.”

„Nice.” Hyojin called out at the view.” Next.”

Chanyeol was the last one to pose with the heir of the fashion house. When he passed by Kyungsoo who has just stepped down from the site, he saw the designer's face flaming.

Hana greeted her with a hesitating pat on the chair.

„I can’t believe this is the first time we are photographed together.” He said while sitting down.

„It's understandable. I am designer, not a photo model.”

„You could be one though… And if I could, I would have asked for a photo way earlier.”

Hana was glad they’re facing away because suddenly she didn’t feel so comfortable about the shoot.

„You could have- I mean, if you asked for a photo, I would have agreed.” She said. She didn’t want to reply to that so much but she was afraid if she doesn’t, Chanyeol will find it suspicious.

„Oh, you would have? So if I ask for a selca after this shoot-”

„Yes, I let you.”

Chanyeol smirked and looked over his shoulder so he can reach her ear.

„And what should I say if someone sees? That you’re my girlfriend?”

Oh God.

Here they go again. Hana hoped it will take more time until Chanyeol talks about the stage of their relationship or frankly, he never mentions it again.

„That is-”

„I understand you must have a delightful conversation but I am still here trying to take pictures of you.” The photographer interrupted their back-and-forth mildly annoyed. „Stand up you too and give me something I can work with.”

Thanks to the sudden change of atmosphere, Hana couldn’t take it as easy as before. It also didn’t help at all that Hyojin asked for different poses than earlier.

„Chanyeol, hug Hana from the back.”

„What?”

„Go behind her and hug her.” Hyojin explained slower in case she wasn’t heard clearly. „If you look good, it goes on the cover.”

Hana was positive she looks anything but good as Chanyeol’s arms encircled his arms around her shoulders. And it goes on the cover? No way.

„Chanyeol, please step back next to Hana… Thank you. Turn to face each other.”

Hana looked up at the boy before her somewhat stiff. She is tall but next to such a tower like Chanyeol she felt like a midget, regardless the high heels. When Chanyeol looked a bit down and their eyes met, she had to gulp. She would have turned away if she could but Hyojin wasn’t done with getting the pose.

„Okay, we are almost there. Now, Hana, all I have to ask of you is to step a bit closer and hug his neck.”

She took a deep breath and did so. Thankfully she could reach up to him without getting on her tiptoes or Chanyeol crouching down. They held eye contact for a short time. For Hana, it felt like hours because although Chanyeol’s eyes she has found kind and nice to look at, the way he looked at her with them made her feel too much for the situation. This was a photoshoot for a magazine, they posed as employer and employee yet…

And the torture went on.

Hyojin was saving the best for last.

„Hana, sit on Chanyeol’s lap, please.”

Hana reflexively snapped her head to the photographer.

„Come again?”

Jongdae and Kai chuckled loudly in the background. Her comment was one thing. The whole couple shoot was ridiculous, truth to be told. Both participants looked embarrassed and hesitant about the smallest thing and jumped at every skin contact like little kids.

Hyojin glanced at the girl in the set tiredly by now.

„Seriously, Hana, I’m not telling you to marry him, just to look a bit more intimate.”

Hearing the keyword, Kyungsoo stepped up to help.

„It’s not a wedding shoot, yes. Therefore, there is no need to appear intimate.”

„I’m just doing what I was requested.”

„I am certain this is not what we signed up for.”

The photographer scoffed at the designer’s remark.

„Look, if you don’t like the way I like, go and complain to Editor Heo. But if you have problems with them being close, you should work that out with them in private. Leave me out of that, please.”

Hana looked between the two worried. Especially Kyungsoo, he looked furious. He wasn’t positive about the magazine appearance initially and he seemed anything but fine now. She wanted to go up to him and calm him down but –

„If you step in too, you just make a scene.” Chanyeol grabbed her shoulder lightly to keep her back.

Fortunately, before a real argument could break out, Jongdae went to get Solji and she put everybody to their places.

„Okay, I don’t know what the situation right now is, and it shall remain that way, but certainly I see there is no progress being made. „ The magazine editor said in strict voice. „Speed things up a little bit, Hyojin, we don’t have all day... Kyungsoo-ssi, I’d like to have a word with you.”

Hana watched as the designer left with Solji. His interview was done ahead because of another work abroad. She was both curious and anxious what the two could talk about outside.

„Alright, back to work.” Hyojin sighed, brushing through her long hair with her fingers, obviously still frustrated a bit. „Tell me guys, do you want to do the pose or not? This is the last time I’m asking.”

„I think that would be over the top, too.” Chanyeol answered before Hana could utter a word. „If that’s okay with you.”

She wasn’t sure if she was the one asked but Hana nodded.

The photographer snorted while shaking her head, taking one last shot with the two sitting on the ground, the guys hand around the girl’s shoulders. They looked amazing. She couldn’t help but think back to how the other designer, Kyungsoo, was so opposing to this as well.

Hong Hana hasn’t had many men around her for nothing, Hyojin thought.

Author's Note

First of all, I am sorry for the more-or-less two weeks with no update. I have entered exam period and on top of that, I am not feeling too good lately. Frankly to say, writing this story is one of things which keep me stay afloat. /so poetic omg

Secondly, I did raise the word count at the end but not by much - instead of the usual, around 3000w this chapter contains ca. 4500w. I was freaking over nothing, you could think now, rightfully so but initially I wanted to write much more into this chapter. At the end though, I have decided to put one scene into the next one. I think I have made the right decision. Thank you for those who voted! ^^

About the actual chapter - I am bit regretful about skipping on the Christmas party and on the whole Christmas time in altogether but in order to concentrate on certain things, I have decided to let go of it. There will be references to it later on and as you see, I did not skip fully because there is a little but rather important scene in the beginning. There will be more about New Years Eve, that I can promise. ;]

How do you like the shoot? I loved writing it, I hope you found it entertaining as well. In the next chapter there will be more of it because as it was mentioned, Hana has an interview to done. Are you curious how will it be? I am ><

All in all, what do you think? Dont be afraid to share your opinion with me~

Subscribe if you like the story so far, upvote if you think the story deserves it and first and foremost, comment if you have anything to say about this chapter!

Until next time, take care!

chloris

ps. I have talked about it at the poll but since then we have hit 900 VIEWS WOW~ I am speechless, really. THANK YOU! look For the subscriptions, comments as well. You make me really happy and grateful. I hope you feel the same after reading a chapter  :')