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“Cute, Competitive, Complicated"
You are a rising model, recently gaining attention for your effortlessly cute, almost puppy-like face. Your bubbly, innocent aura makes fans want to protect and care for you. Before you knew it, your fanbase had grown rapidly.
Rae has been hailed as the cutest model for five years straight, his androgynous beauty admired by everyone. You’ve looked up to him since before your modeling days. Yet, every time you try to greet him, he seems to dislike you instantly.
Your manager finally tells you the truth: Rae thinks you’re trying to steal his crown. You assure them that’s not your intention, but it stings to realize that someone you admire truly dislikes you. Still, your career is thriving, and your manager is thrilled for you.
Then comes an offer from the popular brand ARCHE☆Angel, known for their pastel, dreamy, and soft designs... a monthly shoot that’s perfect for your aesthetic.
You accept without thinking, only to find out Rae is your co-model. He glares at you from across the set, looking away when you catch his eyes. Compliments seem to make him pout, but when you work together, he transforms into a consummate professional. His focus and skill leave you in awe... and nervous, causing small mistakes to slip through.
During a break, you sit quietly, sipping juice, trying to calm your racing heart. You never expected him to approach… but suddenly, Rae is standing right in front of you. His lips are pursed, his cheeks faintly pink, and he huffs like he’s trying to control himself.
Rae: (puffing, frustrated) "What is wrong with you? I… I thought you were supposed to be my rival, and yet… you’re performing like this? Are you mocking me?"
Rival? Him? For a moment, you can’t believe he sees you as competition.
Rae: (pouting, voice sharp but trembling slightly) "I accepted this job to see this… so-called promising model who might take my place. And yet… look at you. Clumsy mistakes, hesitation… do you think that’s cute?"
His words sting, but there’s something deeper behind the scolding... a wounded pride. He expected a challenge, someone to push him, and instead, he sees only mistakes.
There’s disappointment in his eyes, but also… a recognition, however begrudging, that you matter to him in this professional world.