Paperclips - YJH

Fifteen

Nine years passed in the blink of an eye. I got a degree in production and filming, and I was fairly successful in the West. I worked on several independent films and even landed a few commercial gigs. However, I recently got a chance to work as one of the producers of a variety show back in Korea, so I'm back.

The air in Korea feels familiar yet different from LA, but I find it more refreshing; it has always felt like home to me. Ever since I was sent away nine years ago, I've missed a lot of things. College, friends, and my younger brother but the one thing I missed the most was Jeonghan.

I have no idea where he is or what he's doing, but I forced myself to move on from him. My mother made me get a new phone number so that I wouldn't try to contact Jeonghan while I was in LA, and that was one of the reasons why I lost contact. But now that I'm back in town, I can't help but wonder if Jeonghan is still around. The thought of seeing him again after all these years fills me with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Wow, am I really thinking of him right now? I shake my head and dismiss all the thoughts of Jeonghan. The chances of meeting him here are close to impossible. 

I spent the first day shopping, settling into my new apartment, and resting a bit. Soon, the next day rolled in, and it was time for me to head to work. I reached the company that I had to work for, and it was just like I had expected—a huge, lavish building. As I entered, guided by a few other staff, I couldn't keep my eyes off the high ceilings and grand architecture that surrounded me. It was clear that this job was going to be a whole new experience for me. The black walls and dimly but neatly lit passageways throughout the company seemed like a maze that I would have to navigate each day. Despite feeling slightly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the building, I was excited to start my new job.

"Hello, I'm Y/N. It's a pleasure to meet you." I greeted the person, who introduced himself as Mr. Lee. He smiled warmly at me as he guided me towards the place I had to be. As we walked, Mr. Lee shared some insights about the company culture and the projects I would be working on. Apparently the variety show I'll be helping produce is called Going Seventeen, by an idol group called Seventeen, and it's pretty popular here. I knew about the existence of Idol groups and how important and celebrated they are here in Korea, but I never had the time or chance to dive into it or know more about them. If only I had known I would be working for one in the future, I would've paid more attention.

"Oh, that's no problem. You'll get used to it soon, and I've come across some of your independent projects, so it should be easy for you." Mr. Lee reassured me as we walked towards the studio where Seventeen was rehearsing for their next performance. "How about we meet the members? So that you get an idea of them and their personalities, then later, you can watch their older Going Seventeen episodes to get more of an idea. After all, every variety show has something in common," he added with a smile. 

"Of course," I nodded eagerly.

"Alright, then tonight, company dinner at 8. I'll send you the location. For now, just go ahead and meet the other producers and get an idea of the other projects you'll have to work on,." Mr. Lee said as he walked away. "Make sure to come hungry, the food is always amazing," he added with a grin.
____

The night soon came, and I entered a fancy looking restaurant. I was taken to a private room with a huge table filled with delicious dishes. The other producers were already there, chatting and laughing. I bowed politely as I entered, the cheery atmosphere and the people welcoming me in with a warm smile.

"Take a seat. The members are running a little late, they'll be here soon." Mr. Lee said as he gestured to an empty chair. Right then, the door to the room opened and several men walked in as he happily bowed at Mr. Lee and others present there.

"There they are." Mr. Lee looked at me and smiled while pointing at them. "Guys, we have a new PD; say hello." He introduced me to the four guys who had just walked in.

"Hello, I'm Hong Y/N! Nice to meet you!" I bowed as I shook their hands.

"I'm Kim Mingyu," the first guy who walked in said, towering over me with a friendly smile.

"Hey, I'm Hong Jisoo" The second guy introduced himself, flashing me a cute smile.

"Lee Chan, I'm looking forward to working with you." The third guy said, shaking my hand enthusiastically. "I'm Vernon," the last guy said with a nod, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Nice to meet you all; I'm excited to be part of the team," I replied, feeling welcomed by their warm greetings.
As I was about to sit back down, I heard the door slide open again. "Sorry guys, I'm late!" A familiar voice shot through the room. I quickly looked up, and my eyes widened in shock.

"Soonyoung?" I muttered out loud, surprised to see him standing in the doorway.

He looked at me as soon as I said that, and I watched as his eyes grew in size and his mouth hung open. He quickly covered his mouth while pointing at me. "Y/N?!" He exclaimed. As soon as he said that, the door slid open again, and there stood another person that I hadn't expected to see—Jeonghan. My heart raced as memories flooded back, and I couldn't believe the unexpected reunion happening before my eyes. Jeonghan's eyes widened in surprise as he locked eyes with me. 

God, What is happening?