PHOTOGRAPHER (SATZU)

5

SANA'S POV

While waiting for a confirmation email, I decided to kill time by playing a few games on my laptop. After a couple of rounds, I suddenly received a notification. My heart skipped a beat. I rushed to unlock my phone, excitement bubbling inside me.

Subject: Interview Invitation - ECLAIR Fashion

Hello, this is ECLAIR. We're pleased to inform you that we've reviewed your application and would like to invite you for an interview. Thank you for applying with us—we look forward to meeting you!

Location: ******** Ave

Best regards,
ECLAIR Fashion Team

I turned off my phone, and for a moment, I was so overwhelmed with joy I almost threw it across the room.
This was it—I finally had a shot at a job. I could pay my rent. My heart was light, and I felt like I could float.
Eventually, I dozed off, the excitement lulling me into dreams of what tomorrow would bring.

⸻

The next morning, I woke up early—it was 7 a.m.—and began my routine. I put on a crisp white polo shirt, added a tie to look professional, slipped into my favorite jeans, and stepped into my red heels. A touch of light makeup completed the look.

I glanced at myself in the mirror.
"You look pretty today," I told my reflection with a smile.

Grabbing my camera and bag, I headed out and hailed a cab. Thankfully, the streets were clear. As we cruised through the city, my thoughts swirled—excitement, nerves, hope. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself.

After about 25 minutes, we arrived. I paid the driver, stepped out, and walked toward the entrance of the building.

Inside, I was greeted by a woman at the front desk.
"Hi, ma'am. Welcome to ECLAIR. How can I help you?" she asked with a warm smile.
"I'm here for a job interview," I replied, smiling back.
"I see! Right this way, ma'am—please follow me."

We took the elevator to the third floor. When the doors opened, she led me down a hallway and stopped in front of a door.
"Here's the office, ma'am. Good luck with your interview," she said with a kind smile.
"Thank you," I replied, bowing slightly. She bowed in return and walked away.

I took one last deep breath and turned the door knob.

Inside was a man—maybe in his thirties. Probably the one who'd be interviewing me.
"Hello. I assume you're here for the interview?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered shortly, nerves gripping my voice.

As I glanced around the room, I noticed a girl seated next to him.
She looked up—and my heart stopped.
She looked familiar.
Too familiar.

What was she doing here?