Photographer

Part 1

"You're welcome."

"For what?" you asked, barely even glancing at the folder your coworker and friend just dropped on your desk as you focused on your screen. "Another session you need me to cover for?"

"No, this one is a gift."

"A gift?" you asked, picking up the folder and taking a look. "So you're telling me you could take this appointment if you wanted to?"

"Well, not exactly," your coworker replied while leaning against your desk.

"Of course," you sighed, putting the folder back down. "I'd love to help you again, but I'm already booked this time around."

"Hold up, hear me out," he protested, picking the folder up and holding it out to you again. "You're right, I can't make it, but I fought pretty hard to get you this gig."

"And why did you feel the need to do that?" you asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Because I owe you for last time, take a look at who it is."

Even though you were still suspicious of his motives, he had your interest. You accepted the folder again and looked more thoroughly.

"Lee Ji-eun, actress?" you read out. "I've told you before, I don't watch Kdramas."

"Yeah, but you listen to Kpop."

"So what? Get me a photoshoot with Eunbi then."

He looked at you in shock.

"Wait, you really don't know?" he asked, his mouth agape.

"Don't know what?" you asked, getting tired of his games.

"You're really in for a surprise," he laughed while turning around. "Get there at least an hour early, just in case."

"I told you, I'm already booked," you replied infuriatingly.

"I've already covered your schedule," he said while walking away. "Thank me later, and make sure you don't tell anyone else about this one."

What made this appointment so special that he would go through the effort to clear your schedule? You shook your head, deciding you'd worry about it later, before turning back to your screen.

—

Are you there yet?

Even though you weren't sure why this appointment was such a big deal, you made sure to be an hour early just like he suggested, and you also dressed up nicely to give a nice first impression. You sent him a quick test saying you just arrived before putting your phone away and walking into the building.

There was so much work to be done, you never got around to checking out who this Lee Ji-Eun girl was. Typically, you'd like to do a bit of research about your clients, but you were on track for a promotion and spent all night working on a project that you were certain would get you there.

"You must be the photographer."

"That's me," you replied, handing the lady at the front desk your ID. "Beautiful building by the way."

"Are you surprised?" the lady laughed while handing the ID back. "Are you a fan?"

"Um, sorta," you said awkwardly, feeling extra embarrassed that you didn't do any research. She likely played a role in some new drama that had everyone hooked.

"Just follow the hallway and take a right. The whole third floor is hers."

It wasn't unheard of for someone to request an outcall for their shoot, but booking an entire floor for the studio was a bit of a flex. You racked your brain, trying to figure out if you had seen the name before - it did sound a bit familiar.