In the studio, the quiet buzz of preparation filled the air as I readied myself for the day's sessions. My mind was a whirlpool of thoughts from the previous night's revelations, making it difficult to fully focus on the tasks at hand. Just as I was setting up, Xiao and Ten entered, each carrying coffees, an apparent peace offering or perhaps just a gesture of normalcy in the wake of recent tensions.
My assistant trailed behind them, her arms laden with boxes. I turned and took them from her, a silent nod serving as my only greeting. I began unpacking my lenses and setting up the lights, immersing myself in the familiar, soothing routine of organizing my equipment.
As I arranged the camera lenses, the weight of everything that had transpired hung heavily around me. There was a lot I wanted to say, questions and grievances that needed airing, but the words felt trapped behind a dam of decorum and professional restraint. Acknowledging that nothing I could say would come off as polite or nice under the circumstances, I opted for silence. It seemed better for everyone involved if I kept to myself, allowing the rhythm of my work to occupy the space where conversation would normally fill.
Xiao and Ten seemed to sense my mood, exchanging brief glances with each other but choosing to respect my silence. They settled themselves quietly at a nearby table, sipping their coffees and occasionally whispering to each other, careful not to intrude on my thoughts or disrupt my focus.
Focused on the meticulous arrangement of my equipment, I barely glanced up as I directed the makeup assistant, ensuring we stayed on schedule. "Prepare Ten and Xiao for the shoot—I need to be done within two hours for the next one," I said, my tone firm yet distant. My gaze remained fixed on the camera lenses in front of me, each one carefully wiped clean and checked for clarity.
The makeup assistant nodded understandingly and briskly moved toward Xiao and Ten, who had been quietly observing, waiting for their turn. They both stood up as she approached, ready to be prepped for the session. The usual chatter that might accompany such preparations was notably absent, replaced by a professional efficiency that matched the somber mood of the morning.
As the assistant worked, applying makeup with practiced ease, I continued setting up the lighting, adjusting the angles and intensities to ensure the perfect ambiance for the shoot. The soft hum of the studio lights and the occasional click of the makeup brushes were the only sounds filling the space, creating a cocoon of focused activity.
Ensuring everyone was on the same page for the shoot's specifics, I settled into my director's chair, my voice carrying clear instructions across the studio. "Korea Vogue shoot—they mostly want portraits," I stated, conveying the focus of today's session to ensure that everyone's efforts were aligned with the magazine's expectations.
