Photo Finish

Star of Seoul

     I kicked open the door and waltzed in, Julian at my side. Singer looked up at me with an expecting smile. I sat elegantly in the chair. Singer leaned back with his hands folded on his desk.
     "Ah, yes. I see you've found out."
     "Yes, now about the payment."
     "Yes of course, my queen," the boss joked. "You will be getting paid three times what you are now. It should be enough to pay your rent or buy out the entire building."
     I immediately broke character, jolting at the amount. "Excuse me? Is that right? Are you sure? I mean yeah, but —"
     "Is there a problem?"
     "Of course not! I was just wondering why it was so high."
     "It's because of the movie genre. It's a romance, so there will be intimate scenes. It's a bribe, dear."
     "I'll do it. It doesn't matter about the genre or the scenes."
     "Good, because the actor is already on his way."
     "WHAT?!"
     "Also, we all know how you love to multitask, so you will also be managing him as he models here. He used to be a part of our company's rival, until we made a trade."
     "Who did we trade?"
     "Monica Billings, upon request."
     "Oh. Do you have any info on the new model-slash-actor?" I asked, breaking character indefinitely.
     "Of course." He handed me a folder. "His name is Dae Lee, he is known as the Star of Seoul in their company. Here's his file, if you want to give it a look."
     I took the tan folder that Mr. Singer held out to me and opened it. Inside were some transport documents to start out with containing passports, ID, and basic information. I chuckled a little, reading some of Dae's facts.
     "He really likes kimchi..." I said quietly.
     With a small smile, the CEO leaned over the desk and turned the page. I was shocked at the photos beyond the information. The man portrayed in all photos was a pure, yet mysterious person whom I could only describe as radiant. But in none of the photos could you see his face.
     "Incredible," I said under my breath, then looked up at the expectant CEO. "None of these pictures show his face, but yet he still shines. It's gotta be the eyes. They're so expressive, so fierce...like a dragon." I was lost in the photos.
     "Exactly, that's what made him so popular. I heard not even outside will he wear anything less than sunglasses and a black face mask. It's really quite interesting. I wondered if he has an ugly face, but on his papers it said no external injuries or undesirable attributes. That could only mean that he is good looking."
     "That may be true, but it's still concerning. Maybe he has low self-esteem?"
     "You could ask him yourself," the man said, and stood.
     "Why are you standing? Does you're butt hurt or something?" I asked almost trance-like, continuing to look at the model's photos. "Wow, he has a nice body. He would be good in a few poses that I have, of course I'll need to do more research depending on the image he wants to portray here in America and--"
     "Ahem."
     I looked back curiously at the entrance doors. Standing in front of them was a man clad in black. His face was hidden by a black, fashionable surgical mask. He looked familiar, then I looked down at the pictures again. Realizing my mistake, I bolted from my seat and stood pin straight.
     "Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed, realizing my stupidity.
     I heard Singer stifle a snort behind me. I shot a threatening glance and raised my fist slightly.
     "Yao, this is Dae Lee. You will be managing, directing, photographing and acting as his co-star while he stays in America. Mr. Lee, this is Laurraine Yao."
     The man in front of the doors bowed slightly and in a deep, attractive voice said, "It's nice to meet you."
     My heart skipped a beat and my legs gave out a moment. "You too."
     "Well, I'll let you two get to know each other. Yao, his first shoot is in two hours for Cliché    Magazine. Figure out poses, the concept was in the briefing this morning, and I will see you at the welcoming party later tonight."
     "Wait, that was about him? It doesn't fit him at all!"
     "That's what the magazine wants, so that's what they'll get. Besides, he'll look good in anything you put him in. Now shoo! I have to call my shmoopy-poo!"
     Mr. Singer shooed me out of the room along with the new model and my manager. As the doors slammed shut behind us, I turned.
     "How can your wife be more important than your favorite, completely confused employee? Hey!" I shouted, hitting my fists against the glass.
     "Miss Yao, shouldn't we go?" Julian asked.
     I turned to him with a defeated look, then at Dae. The boss wasn't wrong. He would shine even if you put him in rags. 
     "Yeah, I'll show him to the dressing room."
     I lead the both of them down the elevator and into the set room. Four squares lined the walls as usual, and directors shouted above each other to their models. Yong seemed to be entranced by the sight, like a child in a candy shop. I smiled and gave him a small nudge with my elbow. He snapped his strong gaze at me.
     "You'll be doing that too. I modeled with them too, once."
     "With the men?"
     "Yep. It was for Pride Month."
     "Why would you model with the male models for pride month?" Dae asked confusedly.
     "It's a long story. Here's your room. My favorite stylist is going to help you out."
     "Aw, you don't have to say that," Matte said, a bundle of leather bonds in his arms. He bumped me playfully with a cheeky smile as he passed. "But you could keep going. I rather like it."
     "Dae, this is Matte White, my favorite stylist only because he didn't make me look like a clown that one time."
     "Are you talking about Pride? That was fun. Whatever happened with you two anyway?"
     "I don't wanna talk about it. Anyway, this is Dae Lee. He just transferred here as a kind of peace treaty."
     "Woah, what is this? We aren't in some Joseon Era drama, are we? There aren't peace treaties anymore."
     "You know Korean drama?" Dae asked.
     "Yep, thanks to this one," Matte said, pointing at me.
     I gave a nervous laugh. "Guilty. They're my favorite. Anywho, get him fitted for the concept discussed this morning."
     "That was him? But it doesn't fit him at all! And he has to show his face, and he doesn't like that."
     "Work around it." I turned to the shy model.
     "I'd prefer not to show my face," he mumbled cutely. 
     Matte dramatically put his hand to his heart and fanned himself. "I'll work around it for you, darling."
     The drama queen reached his hand desperately for the model, but I slapped it.
     "Keep your homo hands off the poor guy. You have me, after all," I said deviously, gripping onto the man's arm.
     "Ew, cooties!" He screamed and ran into the dressing room.
     I burst out laughing, then ushered the Star of Seoul in after him.
     "Alright, so we're going for a devious bondage look for the new Fifty Shades movie. You will portray a Christian Grey inspired look with the roles flipped."
     "What does that mean?" Dae asked as I set him in front of the mirrors.
     "You're going to be a bottom," I stated bluntly.
     "Oh."
     "And I'm going to make you look dark and sexy. I'm thinking black lace over the mouth so you can barely see the ruby lips and -- OH! What happened to that white mask we have?"
     "It's in the back. I'm thinking a single tear too, but with what?"
     "I have black face paint."
     "Then use that on the right eye down to the cheek bone." I plopped down onto the soft couch cushions, crossing one leg over the other so it just peeked out of the folds of the dress and whipping out my phone.
     "What are you doing? You should change into something more presentable."
     "I have time. I don't even have poses yet, so I'm looking before I do anything." I looked up at the stylist. "Do we have a chaise lounge anywhere?"
     "Those therapy couches? Yeah, why?"
     "I'm thinking of using that. Also, I want pillows and blankets." I smirked. "I'm gonna get ready."
     I skipped to the back of the room and picked out a cute casual outfit. I had assumed it was for a male part of the movie. Changing quickly behind the rack, I spotted Dae's outfit on a rack next to mine. I laughed and pulled it out. It was a black button up shirt with a solid bodice, mesh sleeves, and two solid cuffs. Around his neck and wrists would be a white, leather choker and cuffs. There was a black belt with hoops at the sides, I could only assume it was for decor around the waist. The outfit was completed with black leather pants and I presumed bare feet. It was quite the look, especially on the model. Though the abs and pecs could not be seen, his muscular arms would still bring out that "Wow Factor!" 
     I waited on set, readying the camera. Dae came out in the outfit. Unlike what Singer said, simply 'good looking' was an understatement. The shirt and belts accentuated his Disney princess waistline like an Elizabethan corset, and his hair was crimped and parted down the middle like a sexy poodle. His perfect, ruby lips could barely be seen through the ancient black lace mask. I gulped, looking at myself and feeling a little self-conscious. He bowed slightly and walked on set.
     "I couldn't find the chaise lounge, so we have a bed instead," I explained. "What I want you to do is hop on and face me. Yep, now kneel like you're straddling a horse. Hold that pillow, more toward your hips, dear. Yes. Now tilt your head."
     Snap.
     "Now see the blanket behind you? I want you to pull that to your shoulders and hold it out. Not too much."
     Snap.
     "Can we move the bed horizontal please?" I called. With the model still on it, several crew members flipped the bed sideways. "Now lay on your back with your knee farthest from me bent and turn toward the camera. Stare at it like you want it. It's a yummy snack."
     He lay back down and did as instructed.
     Snap.
     "Alright, that's a wrap," I called, packing away my camera.
     Dae cautiously approached me. I stared at him curiously as he just stood in silence. I slung my bag over my shoulder.
     "Do you need something?" I finally asked.
     "When is my next photoshoot?" He replied.
     "Tomorrow or the day after. It depends on when we start the movie. Plus, we need to do a promo shoot for the film."
     "Okay. Thank you." He bowed and walked over to the dressing room.
     I smiled. "He must've had fun."

     "I'm home!" I called, entering through the door.
     The apartment was silent. I could tell no one was around. I shrugged and took off my flats and beret from earlier. My sweater dress was still soaked, but my hair and makeup was fabulous. At least that made me feel better, though it didn't matter. I was home and no one cared what I looked like there.
     "I should check my email," I remarked to myself as I changed into some pajamas and wiped off my face.
     Sluggishly, I trudged over to my side of the room. I sat at my desk and opened my laptop lid.  Scrolling through my email, I found something interesting. My professor had emailed me a few hours before, as well as several of my classmates. I opened my professor's message first.
     "Your final project is due in one day. I expect great things from you."
     I gulped, realizing I hadn't done any part of it.
     "Yao! Help!" I read the other messages. "Why haven't you contacted us?" "Where are you?" "Can you do the project for me?"
     I scoffed at the last one, writing them back in a group email. "Don't worry, guys, I have it all under control."
     Thank you, Precious, for teaching me how to lie. In all honesty, I had nothing planned. I looked at the clock. There were fifteen hours until my photography classes. I had about that long to figure out what was going on. I decided to email them once again.
     "What were the prompts again?" I asked.
     "We had three," One replied.
     "Don't you remember? Some leader you are," another said.
     "Again, I don't care. Just get me the A. I have to beat level five hundred before class."
     "It was soft, yellows, and black-and-white."
     I smiled at the one serious response. "Thanks, Peter."
     I looked at the clock. I had the perfect idea. Picking up my phone, I dialed Dae's number I had acquired before the shoot. I put the device to my ear and waited. Once... Twice...
     "Hello?" Came a groggy, tired voice.
     "Hello? Mr. Kim?" I exclaimed.
     "Miss Yao? Why are you calling me this late?"
     "It's only eight o'clock. I have a request."
     "What is it?"
     "I want you to model for me tomorrow morning. I already have everything figured out. I just need two, maybe three, pictures. What do you say?"
     "I'd say I'm tired, but sure. When do you want me there?"
     I fist bumped the air and replied. "I want you to meet me in front of HQ at seven o'clock tomorrow morning. Matte will do your hair and makeup and I'll have a friend of mine make your clothes tonight. What are your measurements?"
     "Um..."
     After the conversation, I hung up and immediately dialed Emilia. She picked up rather quickly.
     "What is it, Laurraine, I'm kind of in the middle of something."
     "I need you to make some clothes for me. This guy has unusually feminine measurements and I don't think we have any printed clothes that would fit him."
     "Fine. I'm at the studio anyway. Just let me finish up, okay?"
     "Oh, sorry," I said sarcastically, "am I interrupting something?"
     "No, I'm fitting someone at the moment."
     "Oh...hehe. Thanks, bye!"
     I hung up at slammed my phone on the desk. I clicked on the shared email and began typing. "I've got everything under control."
     I picked up my phone once more, dialing a number. The receiver picked up and greeted me.
     "Hey ma? I need to borrow FeeFee."
     "What?"