They said Aia was destined to be a model, and Jun was bullied for her freckles. Together, they will take back the power to define themselves in an inspirational fashion manga that asks cutting questions about what it really means to be beautiful—and what it takes to overcome an arbitrary system that seems to respect talent over hard work.
They said Aia was destined to be a model, and Jun was bullied for her freckles. Together, they will take back the power to define themselves in an inspirational fashion manga that asks cutting questions about what it really means to be beautiful—and what it takes to overcome an arbitrary system that seems to respect talent over hard work.
At a young age, Aia Utagawa was scouted as a model, but his real ambition is to become a makeup artist. But, even as the end of high school approaches, it’s a dream he hides inside, afraid of stepping outside his prescribed role as a pretty face. Then, one day, he meets Jun, a quiet classmate who hunches because she’s ashamed of her face, covered in freckles. He convinces her to enter a school runway fashion contest together—with him doing her makeup. They make an incredible team, with Jun discovering a confidence she never knew she could show and Aia finally learning that, while it may be tough to open yourself up to failing at the one thing you care about, the difficulties can be worth facing.
Now that Aia is committed to pursuing his dream of becoming a makeup artist, he’ll have to step outside of his comfort zone in order to upskill. His friend and muse, Jun, is also on the road to her goal of becoming a model. Sky’s the limit as they shoot for the stars. In the cutthroat world of the beauty industry, Aia knows he can’t rest on his laurels. When he is summoned to MIRROR, an exclusive school for aspiring makeup artists, it’s a revelation to be surrounded by peers—and rivals. Meanwhile, Jun drums up the courage to enter the ultra-competitive modeling casting circuit, thanks to a new portfolio created with Aia’s help. The two are determined to succeed while staying true to their visions. Can the dynamic duo thrive in a world where success often seems preordained?
Surrounded by a circle of like-minded talent, Aia finally feels free to pursue becoming a makeup artist. His friend Jun makes her own breakthrough toward a seemingly impossible modeling career. Despite the challenges ahead, their determination to succeed is unstoppable. Competition in the beauty world often gets ugly. To get an advantage, Aia asks his rival Ginga for guidance and on-the-job experience. Meanwhile, Jun is at a crucial modeling casting, under the glare of the industry’s harshest judges. Just as she’s about to crack, a celebrity insider lends a helping hand—a move that might seal the deal. Aia and Jun grow more confident, but they also grapple with the reality that there’s always someone better. Could that struggle be what drives them to rise above the rest?
Determined to prove they belong with the pros, Aia and Jun strive to be the very best in their field. Recognition from their peers is validating, but achieving personal milestones also calls for celebration. Both are radiating with confidence, ready to step into the spotlight. It takes a village to nurture talent, and Jun’s mother is proud to see her daughter take flight. Aia’s support system comes from MIRROR where he gets on-the-job experience along with a heavy dose of tough love. With every moment devoted to pursuing their passion, Jun and Aia reflect on what it takes to make it in the fashion and beauty world. Every star has an origin story leading to success. Is it time for Jun and Aia to shine, or will the pressure burn them out?
No path to stardom is without bumps and rough patches. Just when Aia and Jun begin to make headways towards their dreams, they find themselves lost in their journeys. Luckily, the two friends are committed to supporting each other unconditionally at every step. Under the tutelage of the best professional makeup artists, the pressure is on Aia as his every move is scrutinized by faculty and fellow students. When the instructors at MIRROR propose a challenge with a highly coveted career-making prize, friendly rivalry turns into cutthroat competition. Aia focuses on his own vision, avoiding the toxic environment around him. However, jealousy is impossible to ignore when the celebrity makeup artist Daiya is playing favorites. Can Aia and Jun’s loyalty survive Daiya’s mind games?