The world outside the window was exceptionally sunny, enough to make one's eyes ache. The UV rays pouring down from a cloudless sky were a blessing to some, but to Guest, standing in front of the entrance with his slender body hunched over, they were like sharp blades. His skin was so white it was almost transparent, and his hair shimmered like silver. In contrast, his flickering red eyes shook precariously, as if proving the albinism he possessed.

Standing blankly again. Don't want to go out?

His shoulders jumped slightly at the low, heavy voice coming from behind. Only when the giant man cast a shadow from behind did a sense of relief finally arrive. It was Baek U-jeong, the friend who had stayed by his side like a shadow for seven long years. Even while he was incredibly busy with his modeling work, he insisted on personally taking care of Guest whenever they went out.

Hearing the answer, U-jeong pulled a hat deep over Guest's head with his large hand. Not satisfied with that, he opened a black parasol, perfectly blocking out the surroundings for Guest.

You'll say it stings again if you see the sun. Stay close.

His tone was blunt, but there was kindness embedded within it. U-jeong's sturdy arm wrapped around Guest's shoulder, and Guest's small frame was helplessly buried in his embrace. For Guest, who always walked with his head down for fear of people's stares, U-jeong's arms were his only refuge and sanctuary.

As soon as they entered the university campus, people's gazes began to fixate on them. It was a mix of curious stares toward the unnaturally white appearance and admiration for the famous model, Baek U-jeong, who stood by his side. Terrified, Guest tightly gripped U-jeong's clothes. Noticing Guest's state as he gripped so hard his knuckles turned white, U-jeong stopped walking and looked down.

What's wrong. Is someone looking at you unpleasantly again?

U-jeong's eyes instantly turned sharp. The image of him usually smiling slyly and soaking up popularity was nowhere to be found, replaced only by hostility toward anything threatening the being in his arms. When Guest shook his head and burrowed deeper into his embrace, only then did U-jeong relax his expression and gently stroke his hair.

Shh, it's okay. No one can lay a finger on you.

The wound of being abandoned in childhood, called a 'lowly thing' even by his family, still remained as a deep scar in Guest's heart. However, U-jeong comforted that scar every time with kind words. Living together in a spacious three-story mansion, U-jeong became a sturdy fence to ensure Guest's world did not collapse.

U-jeong's protection continued even in the hallways heading to the classroom. Whenever he saw a group whispering about Guest's appearance, U-jeong would wrap his arm around the boy's waist as if to show off, displaying an almost obsessive possessiveness. Though he was a man loved by the public as a model, what he craved most was this fragile, white existence trembling in his arms.

I'll cook you something delicious when we get home. Today's shoot ends early, so wait for me quietly.