Entangled Fates: SaMo

Chapter 1

                                                  [MOMO'S POV]

The morning began with the familiar jingle of my alarm at 6 am. Rubbing my eyes, I reached over to silence it, greeted by the soft hues of dawn outside my window. Determined to kick-start the day, I swung my legs out of bed and my toes met the cool floor.

First things first-bed making. Tugging at the sheets and fluffing the pillows, I transformed the tousled mess into a neat haven. With a satisfied nod, I moved on to the bathroom, where the shower was waiting for me. I love the feeling of the warm water against my skin on a cool morning. It's like a wake-up call. As the steam surrounded me, I felt the morning grogginess wash away.

Refreshed, I made my way to the kitchen. The familiar hum of the coffee maker that automatically starts at 6:20 signaled the start of a caffeine-fueled adventure. While the coffee brewed, my attention turned to breakfast. The toaster awaited its cue, transforming plain slices into golden perfection. A bowl of yogurt, a sprinkle of granola and a handful of berries completed the morning feast.

With breakfast ready, I took a moment to enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal. The clock tickled away, urging me to gather my things and get to work. Every morning, like clockwork this is a routine that was meticulously crafted by the wisdom of countless self-help books that promised success through unwavering consistency. I want to be like them. My friends say it's insanely boring but if it means being successful then so be it.

I am never late to my company, the embodiment of punctuality and commitment. Greeting my employees with "good morning" and a smile, I navigate the familiar path to my office. As I settled into my office chair, the soft hum of the computer greeted me. Glancing at the clock, I realized Eun-ae would be joining me soon. In the meantime, a cascade of emails awaited my attention.

Fingers dancing across the keyboard, I delved into the electronic stream of messages. The screen painted a mosaic of tasks and updates, each email a piece in the intricate puzzle of the workday. As I navigated through the digital sea, I heard a gentle knock on the door, signaling Eun-ae's arrival. With a warm smile, she entered, a bundle of energy and efficiency. She carried a notepad and a pen, ready to dive into the day's agenda.

But before we go into the professional matters, I couldn't help but inquire about her weekend. "Eun-ae, how was your weekend? Do anything exciting?" I asked. Her eyes lit up as she shared snippets of her weekend adventure in Busan with her family. I couldn't help but appreciate the enthusiasm she brought to even the simplest moments. It was a pleasant interlude before the emails demanded our full attention again. Amidst the sea of messages, one email stood out–Eun-ae had sent a report that warranted acknowledgement. "Great job on the report, Eun-ae. Your attention to detail is commendable,' I praised, appreciating the dedication reflected in her work.

Before diving back into the emails, my eyes caught her outfit–a stylish ensemble that seamlessly blended professionalism with a touch of personal flair. "By the way, your outfit looks really nice today. Where did you get that top? It suits you,' I remarked, she laughed and rolled her eyes. "I don't know if you're making fun of me or if you're being serious," she said. I told her I was being honest this time and it really shows her love for fashion just like me. She's been with me since the start of the company but not as my assistant though. She quickly stood out so I asked her if she would like to work with me and she agreed right away. That was 3 years ago. HM Magazine started 3 years ago.

After lunch, I took a seat at the head of the conference room table, I looked around at the eager faces of my team. The air buzzed with creative energy as we started brainstorming ideas for the next issue of HM Magazine. It was a collective effort, a fusion of diverse perspectives converging to create something extraordinary. As the discussion flowed, a name that resonated within the realm of photography emerged–Son Chaeyoung, a renowned artist known for capturing moments that transcended the ordinary. The prospect of collaborating with her sent a ripple of excitement through the room.

Eager to turn the possibility into reality, I reached for my phone and dialed Chaeyoung's number. The anticipation grew as the phone rang, and when she answered, a warm conversation unfolded. Explaining our vision for the upcoming issue, I proposed the collaboration, a chance for her artistry to intertwine with our editorial narrative.

There was a pause, followed by Chaeyoung's voice expressing genuine interest in the project. However, she had a unique condition–a request that added a personal touch to the collaboration. "I'd love to contribute, Momo. But I also have a small request," she said with a hint of playfulness. Intrigued, I leaned into the conversation, ready to accommodate any reasonable task. To my surprise, Chaeyoung wanted a photo of herself featured in the magazine–a small corner, perhaps not the front page, but a small space where her image could exist within the pages she had helped create.

The request carried a delightful spontaneity, and I agreed with a chuckle, appreciating the reciprocity in her desire to be part of our creative endeavor. As we concluded the call, the room brimmed with excitement at the prospect of collaborating with a creative force like Chaeyoung, and a subtle anticipation for the surprise she would bring to the pages of HM Magazine.

As Eun-ae and I strolled back to the office, the echo of our productive meeting lingered in the air. The excitement for the upcoming photoshoot was palpable, and I couldn't help but appreciate the seamless collaboration we had just experienced. "Eun-ae," I began, a smile playing on my lips, "that was a fantastic meeting. Your insights and ideas really added depth to our plans. I'm thrilled to have you on board for this project." Her eyes lit up, and she graciously nodded in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Momo. It's a pleasure working with you. I'm looking forward to bringing our vision to life."

Encouraged by her enthusiasm, I continued, "You know, your attention to detail is exactly what we need for this team. Speaking of which, could you draft an email to update everyone about the upcoming photoshoot? I want to make sure the team is on the same page, and your communication skills are just what we need to convey the excitement." Eun-ae nodded again, a sense of determination in her expression. "Absolutely, Momo. I'll send an email about our plans and keep everyone in the loop"

As the city lights began to twinkle against the evening sky, I found myself driving home with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. I couldn't shake off the excitement from a recent development –Chaeyoung agreeing to be our photographer. It felt like a crucial puzzle piece falling into place. I grabbed my phone, typing out a message to Chaeyoung: "Hi Chaeyoung! Huge thanks for stepping in as our photographer. Your expertise means a lot. Looking forward to this collaboration!"

Chaeyoung's response was swift and filled with enthusiasm, "Hey Momo! No problem at all– I'm genuinely excited about this project. Let's make it something special Hehe" Her words brought a smile to my face, and just as I thought our conversation was concluding, another message popped up. "By the way, how about dinner on Friday? I'd love to get to know you better and chat about our collaboration." Surprised but intrigued, I replied, "Dinner sounds great! Looking forward to it. What sparked your interest in getting to know me better?" Chaeyoung's response had a playful tone, "Well, besides being excited about the project, I find your passion contagious. There's something about your energy that piqued my curiosity. Let's have a great dinner and see where our collaboration takes us!" As I continued my drive, a mix of anticipation and curiosity lingered in the air.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please let me know what you think about my first story. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!! :)