Whispers of the Heart

CHAPTER 2

The next morning felt different, like something important was waiting for me just beyond the door. I arrived early, my nerves quietly building as I stepped into the office, unsure of what to expect but ready to face whatever came next.

I held my breath as they continued. We were now having a meeting inside the main office. Mr. Kim was going through the portfolios of all the applicants, flipping each page with a focused look.

I stayed quiet, watching him, waiting for his reaction.

“Actually,” he muttered, looking at me. “I reviewed your work carefully last night,” he said, his gaze steady. “And I don’t just see potential. We see certainty, but to be fair, I also checked the others, but yours is the one I think suits this work.”

I smiled a little, placing my hands on my lap. “Thank you for the feedback, Mr. Kim.”

“We’re offering you a position as a stylist,” Mr. Kim said, his voice calm and firm. “You’ll be in charge of Blake’s fashion and makeup.”

“Really?” I asked, a little surprised.

For a moment, everything went still. I heard the whisper of my thoughts telling me that this wasn’t just another opportunity. This was the kind of chance that could change everything, and I knew my life was about to take a completely new turn.

“Oh, the group is here,” Mr. Kim said, glancing toward the door.

The faces I had only ever seen on billboards and posters were now right in front of me, standing in the same room. It almost didn’t feel real, but I stayed composed, simply observing.

“Blake, this is Ms. Ashford, your new stylist,” Mr. Kim introduced, his tone even.

I stood when Mr. Kim stood up and stepped beside the members. My gaze settled on the tallest one. He had to be Blake. I followed Mr. Kim and stood beside him.

“Ms. Ashford, this is Blake Anderson. He’s the one I was talking about earlier.”

I looked at him properly this time, noting the way his posture was slightly stiff, his jaw set a little too tight. There was no expression on his face, but something in his eyes flickered.

Without hesitation, I offered my hand, a small smile resting on my lips.

He didn’t take it.

Instead, his gaze shifted to Mr. Kim, his brows drawing together, a hint of unease slipping through his otherwise controlled expression.

“A student?” he asked, his voice low, carrying a trace of skepticism.

I let my hand fall back to my side, unfazed, my expression unchanged as I waited.

“Yup,” Mr. Kim answered. He gave me a quick look before turning back to Blake. “She’s a fourth-year college student in a fashion design program. I checked her portfolio, and I’m certain she can handle it.”

Blake gave a short nod, then looked at me. His eyes moved from head to toe, assessing, before he turned away and walked to a chair.

He sat down without a word.

“Hello,” one of the members greeted, offering a small smile.

The others simply smiled and nodded at me, then followed Blake and took their seats beside him.

I didn’t like his aura. It felt a bit too dark, or maybe just off. I wasn’t sure.

But it was our first meeting, so I didn’t think much of it. I just let it pass and kept my expression neutral.

We continued the meeting, but Blake remained silent, his eyes fixed somewhere in the distance. Oh, right—I’d almost forgotten. Maybe he was still affected by the rumors about his relationship.

“Okay! We’ll start next weekend. It’s a photo shoot for the comeback,” Mr. Kim announced, closing his laptop. “Ms. Ashford, I’ll send you the concept of the album so you can prepare.”

I nodded, keeping my expression calm while my mind was already running through ideas and plans for the shoot.

“Good. Meeting dismissed,” he said, standing up.

Mr. Kim had already shown me the schedule earlier, but I asked him to send it through email as well, so I could balance my time between school and work.

“You sure you can work here while studying?” a pale-skinned man with dark red hair asked. He was sitting beside Blake, who was now looking at me as well. Actually, the whole group seemed to be waiting for my answer.

I looked at the man and froze for a moment—I honestly couldn’t remember his name.

He laughed lightly, leaning back in his chair. “I’m Timothy,” he said.

I exhaled and nodded. “I can handle it. It’s my last semester, and I’ve already submitted my other papers, so no worries.”

I stood up and gave a small bow before stepping back. I wasn’t exactly a fan, and forgetting names didn’t make things any easier. I needed to lock their faces and names in my head. There were only five of them, but I was always slow with new people.