SunByung Shorts

a game of jenga

'Hyomin! Just reminding you of our shoot tomorrow. You don't have to wear anything fancy. Just go with what you're comfortable with, alright? See you!'

Hyomin smiled upon reading the message. She mentally took note of what were her available clothes in her closet that's suitable for the shoot tomorrow. Unable to contain her excitement, the girl—who said she was dead tired a few minutes ago—got up and decided to prepare the clothes for tomorrow. She was lucky enough to find part-time jobs she actually enjoyed that they didn't really affect her studies that much. Hyomin was a college student and a part-time model and YouTuber in between.

Youtube. Hyomin never imagined herself doing videos on that site. Yes, she's used to the camera but those ones took pictures of her, not videos. What made her accept the offer aside from the pay and the flexibility of the schedule was the challenge. They will never know what they will shoot and were only advised on what to wear or bring, like what the show's PD sent earlier. It kept Hyomin at the edge and the thrill fueled her. She was not one to back out of a challenge.

Feeling her adrenaline wind down, Hyomin stifled a yawn as she hung the outfit she chose. She let out a tired yet satisfied smile before treading back to her bed. Her tired brain and body demanded sleep as the events of the day, mainly her just finished final exams started sinking in. She let herself succumb to a much-needed sleep.

—

"Good morning, Hyomin!" A few other heads turned in her direction as she walked inside the room. It was still quite early when she arrived, she noted, looking at the crew doing final touches and preparations for the shoot.

"You're early." A smiling burly man made his way to her.

"Good morning to you too, Taewoo, and no, I'm always early. You know that."

He laughed. "I know! I'm kidding. Anyway, there's breakfast on the snack bar. You know where to find it right?" Hyomin nodded in response. "By the way, nice outfit today. Trying to impress your co-host, I see."

Hyomin already knew he's kidding by the playful glint in his eyes. They're always like this anyway. Taewoo's one of the PD of the show and a good friend of hers. He was three years her senior so it was quite a mystery for people who don't know them how they're so close with each other and exchange playful banters like this. The thing is, they were club-mates and Taewoo was an active alumnus helping out a few of his club-mates and college juniors every now and then. Yes, Taewoo attended the same university and college Hyomin's currently in.

Apparently, the show's other PD, Yuri, heard the last statement and gave her a knowing look. She stuck out her tongue in their direction causing them to laugh once more before continuing back to their task at hand. Hyomin made her way to the snack bar taking in all her options. Glancing on her watch, she opted for the Iced Americano considering the amount of time she have left.

Thirty minutes. She noted as she took a seat on one of the empty chairs. Sipping her coffee while looking at the scene before her, she thought of what Taewoo have said. 'Co-host? I was not informed I will shoot with someone today.' Hyomin became slightly hyperaware and mentally took note of what she's wearing: a light blue cuffed long sleeve blouse and black tight pants partnered by her square toe white heels and white handbag. 'Nah. Not bad,' she thought. Just enough for the shoot.'

A movement from her right caught Hyomin's attention. It seems that the person was also a bit surprised to find Hyomin there. Both nodded to acknowledge each other's presence before continuing on with what they were doing. Hyomin, on the other hand, was preoccupied with thoughts of that person after the encounter. Her simple yet very comfortable outfit unknowingly made an impact on her: a plain gray sweatshirt and denim pants partnered by what seems to be a mid-cut white Nike Air Force 1 and a black baseball cap. Casual but comfortable. Hyomin took note. 'Too bad she's wearing a mask. She felt familiar.'