Chickadee - A Yoonmin Fanfiction

Part 1

• Yoongi •

Professor Ahn flips back and forth between contrasting slides, rambling on about the effect of light filtration in the editing process. "As you can see, the cast of the man's face is more stark in the second image. We do that by adjusting the light input on his brow and cheekbone, providing for a more chiseled effect." He looks up, singling me out from the crowd in the lecture hall "a truly masterful photographer will know the exact levels of light needed to provide this contrast. Although editing is important, it is crucial to select the appropriate lighting during and throughout the shoot. Only then will your work truly shine."

He straightens his back, dismissing the class of fourth year students in the lecture hall. I watch the group of mostly twenty-two year olds sift out of the auditorium. One by one, they gather up their things and depart, leaving me alone in the back row.

"Min Yoongi" the professor intones, his voice carrying strongly across the hall, "come here".

I keep my expression blank, gathering up a stack of disorganized notes and stuffing them into my backpack. I am curious about what he has to say, but I have always been cynical of Mr. Ahn. The old crow thinks he knows everything.

Once I have made my way down to his level, the old man addresses me again. "You have an assignment coming up in your syllabus. Normally, for this work, I give out a series of images for my students to edit. But I have seen your pictures in the student magazine. You are extremely talented." He looks up, expecting me to gush with thanks. I nod, motioning for him to move on. "Well, anyways," the professor continues, "I've pulled some strings with the head of the academy of dance. We think you have the ability to take on a...er, special project."

"What sort of project?" I ask evenly. I'm not excited by these 'special opportunities'. If I know Mr. Ahn at all, he's probably using me to return a favour owed to the head of the dance department.

"You're going to be in charge of a promotional shoot for one of their most talented young dancers. I have arranged for you to have complete control over the department's lighting and equipment, as well as a variety of props and costumes. If you do well, we will use your images as the official advertising for the young man's upcoming solo debut."

My heart skips a beat. In my four years with the photography program, I have worked endless hours trying to set myself apart from the other students. Something like this could kickstart my career...But I keep my expression level. I'm not giving this man any more power than he already has. "Will grading be the same between myself and the other students?"

"Hem...I haven't considered that yet." Mr. Ahn responds, his face crinkling into a frown.

"What about the time commitment?"

"Well, er, you may need to put in more hours, but the reward may be better if your work is chosen for display. I would truly encourage you to do this. The dance director has done some very nice things for me and..."

I knew it. He's a selfish idiot, but I know that this puts me in a position of power. He really wants me to do this, and if I have to sit for hours, watching some dancer pose like a peacock in front of the camera, I'm going to ask for more than the possibility of a promotion. I lock eyes with him. "Do I get paid?"

"Yes." He mumbles. "I...I'm sure that can be arranged."

"Okay then," I say, masking a smirk, "I'll do it."

He looks up at me, startled. "You'll do it?"

"I just said I would. Now, when do I start."

The older man breaks into a doughy smile. "The dancer is expecting you in fifteen minutes. Go across the courtyard to the dance academy and find hallway B4."

I curse under my breath, turning on my heel to race up the stairs leading out of the auditorium.

"He should be in room fifteen!" The professor calls over my shoulder. "I appreciate this Min Yoongi."

I stop at the head of the stairs, my hand resting lightly on the door handle. "What's the dancer's name?"

The old man smiles widely. "Park Jimin."