Over The Seas [Kim Sunwoo The Boyz]

Chapter Fifty-Five

It's already been a week since I started my internship at Creker Entertainment. It's mainly been running errands for the other employees on the team like printing hard copies and getting coffee. I still get to see them work with the artistic side of the company. I know that I have a long way to go before advancing.

I go in for work after I finish my classes for the day. The weather is a bit chilly with an overcast; it is starting to feel more like autumn.
When I enter the office, my supervisor asks me to meet with her. She briefly tells me that I'd be assisting with a photo shoot today. I'd have to help carry and set up the equipment and making sure everything runs smoothly. She tells me to head over to the studio with a few of the employees here.

I managed to befriend one of my coworkers, Shin Yeojin, who is a few years older than me. She's been extra kind to me and giving me tips. I wouldn't survive here without her.

As we help transfer the equipment from the van to the studio, I ask Yeojin about the photo shoot.
"We're working with the idols today. They recently had a comeback and they planned a few concerts in the next few months. These are the concept photos we're going to take for promotions."
We carefully set down our boxes and continue getting the other stuff.
"We're really going to work with them today?" I ask.
"It's really not that exciting if that's what you're hoping for."
"I most likely won't even know who they are." I admit.

We get closer to finishing setting up the lighting equipment and cameras until someone mentions they forgot a part of the camera in the car. I volunteered to get it. I quickly walk to the door so I won't take up too much time.

I push the door open. As I do, I feel someone else pull it open from the other side, immediately followed by a slight bang. I cover my mouth in shock as I walk out to see a man covering his forehead with his hand, wincing and trying his best to not lose his balance.
"I am so, so sorry! I didn't see you open the door. Are you okay?" Panicking, I reach my hands out in case he falls over. He regains his balance and removes his hand from his face.
Sunwoo?
"I'm okay, it just bumped my head a little. No worries." He finally looks up and our eyes meet...for first time in four years.

We both stand here, completely frozen in time. My mind circling with thousands of feelings and questions. The only thing I managed to say was, "A-Are you sure?" while stammering.
"Ye-yeah, totally."
"I'm really, really sorry again for hitting you with the door." I pull the door back open. "I'll hold the door open this time."
I didn't know what else to do in this moment but I knew that I had to get out of this situation.
Sunwoo walks in the building without saying anything more.

I walk to the van and find the missing part. While trying to make sense of what happened, I realize why the name of the company I work for sounded familiar: The Boyz work under Creker entertainment. Annoyed that I didn't realize it sooner, I make my way back inside.
Unable to make a clear game plan, I just take a deep breath to mentally prepare myself to see Sunwoo again.

I hand over the part to the employee who needed it before going over towards Yeojin. She tells me that the models are getting their hair and makeup done right now. I wish I could tell someone so I can get some help but I can't do that while I'm working. I know I must remain professional.

The members all walk out at the same time and greet all the workers. The photographers choose Juyeon to start with. The rest of the members either go back to finish their hair or they keep to the side.
I take out my handy notepad and begin to take notes as I observe the photographers at work.

It was getting close to our break time so I had to prepare the snack table. I got the box of snacks from the van and set them out as neat as I could.
"Look! They have the chips I've been craving." I heard a voice behind me say, growing closer.
"Don't steal all of them like last time, Eric."
I see Eric and Juyeon out of the corner of my eye. They take their time choosing their snack until I see Eric staring at me.
"Oh!"
I turn to Eric, surprised at his sudden outburst. He stands there looking at me with shock. Juyeon also stares at me.
"Is it really you, Riyae?" They ask.
"Hey, guys..." I reply awkwardly.
"Wow, it's been so long! Since when do you work here?" Eric asked with a delightful grin on his face. I knew I couldn't just ignore him so I kept the conversation going.
"Only a week ago."
"You seem to be doing well." Juyeon adds in. "Yeah, you look great!" Eric complimented out of mannerism.
I just force a smile and nod.
"Well, we know you have to work and we should head back. It was nice seeing you again!"
"Likewise..." They walk away before I could finish my sentence.

I've been so worked up on Sunwoo these past years, I didn't think much of the members. I honestly don't remember spending that much time with them yet they treat me like an old friend. At least I know they have nothing against me, so far at least. It was nice seeing them again after so long.

They were reaching the final individual shoots with the members. Sunwoo was next. I couldn't help my self from giving him all my attention. I studied his face carefully, taking any differences into detail. His face has matured more into a masculine face yet youthful at the same time. To this day I am unable to understand the cosmetic magic here. I know I haven't given myself time to think about what this all means but it's all just happening too fast.
I'll be working in the same building meaning I might see him more than once. It's strange that barely month ago l saw a poster of Sunwoo. I thought about the possibility of meeting him again, but this wasn't what I had in mind.

The photo shoot ends after a long day. The members all thank the staff as a group very loudly but genuine. Everyone packs and cleans up to head back to the company building. I helped put some stuff back before finally clocking out for the day. Exhausted, I walked back home.

All the lights are off so I can assume that Areum isn't home. I drop my stuff on the ground next to the entrance and sluggishly walk to my bed. I plop on the bed and stare at the ceiling, mind completely full of thoughts it seems like it's blank.
I hear the door open and Areum screaming, "I'm home!"
She walks into my room and notices my state of being.
"Woah, and I thought I had a rough shift."
I stayed silent.
"Wait, did you really have a bad day at work?"
Again, I didn't respond. Areum sat on the side of my bed and asked what was wrong. Knowing I had to speak at some point, I sat myself up straight.
"I saw Sunwoo."