In The Name of Love

13

"Eunchae, meet Minseok."

"And Minseok..." Jo Kwon paused as he led the girl by her hand, twirling her in a full round, "This is Eunchae!" He introduced enthusiastically.

"Oh you have the same name as the crown prince. What a coincidence!"

"It's a common name. I guess people do make the connection," Minji replied nervously as she eyed Jo, hoping that he would not reveal her lie.

"Well, Minseok" Jo spoke in a rather unnatural tone, "You two continue your little chat. I have to go around greeting my other guests." He backed away subtly.

"Oh! And don't forget the performance later!"

The girl waved her goodbye and turned to face Minji. "So you're having a performance tonight?" Eunchae asked.

"Yeah kinda. I'm playing the piano." Minji replied in an awkward tone, much to the girl's amusement.

________

Karina focussed her camera at a group of guests who were drinking champagne, trying to get that perfect shot. She did her best to even capture the beautiful place where they were in. The place of the event was very luxurious, leaving the young photographer in awe. She still didn't get used to being able to attend to those kind of parties, and to do what she loves the most.

She looked around trying to find something more to photograph when she spotted a girl at the other side of the room. Karina stood there for a minute struck by the girl's looks.

Woah.

She put up her camera and took a few steps backs so she can get a better angle of the girl when she accidentally bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry!" she heard the other person say.

"No, I'm sorry! I didn't see where I was going!" Karina gave a small bow and gave her an apologetic smile. The taller girl in front of her shook her head and let out a small laugh.

"We're both sorry then!" They both shared a laugh, then something caught Hanni's attention. "That's a pretty mask. Where did you get it?"

The younger girl had a black mask with some silver on it that matched well with her black long coat.

"If I'm honest with you, I got it from my grandma's house. She got her in her carnival themed bingo" She said a little embarrassed. Karina noticed that the other girl was wandering all by herself, which was kind of odd for such a big party. "So, why so alone?"

"Oh, I actually came with a friend but now I think I lost her" Hanni replied. "What about you, Miss Photography?"

"I'm not exactly a guest" Hanni raised her eyebrows a little. "I got hired. I'm the party's photographer."

She just graduated not too long ago and got the luck to land a job with a company whose team of photographers cover all kind of important and official events. From the government to the royal family. Or the socialite, which was this case.

She was a newbie in the team so they have been sending her to the rich people's parties.

"Well, that's exciting! I'm Hanni, by the way." The princess extended out her hand.

Karina took it and shook it happily.

"And I'm Karina!"

Their friendly meeting got interrupted by one of the waiters who delivered a flower to Hanni. Both stood with confused look.

"Sorry, what's this?" Hanni asked.

Before the waiter could answer, another voice joined them.

"It's a gift from me" It was a man around the same age as them. He was wearing a green suit and Karina thought it looked like vomit.