Ephemeral

Chapter 1

It was the middle of summer. I was sitting on a bench, underneath an oak tree. I closed my eyes and felt the summer breeze passes by.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a guy with a camera standing a few feet away from me. 

He then lowered his camera and revealed his face.

A gentle and warm smile greeted me.

At that moment, it was as if time had stopped.

His warm smile felt like a refreshing summer breeze.

He then raised his camera again and pointed it at me.

"Excuse me, are you taking a picture of me?" I asked as the shutter clicks. 

Since there wasn't a lot of people passing by, he can hear my words.

He lowered his camera, walked closer and greeted me with his warm smile again.

"I can't help but capture beautiful scenery with my camera." he replied.

"You know that your actions can be counted as invasion of privacy, correct?"

"Only if the subject does not agree on becoming the model."

"So you were planning to ask for my permission?"

"To be honest, not for the first picture since your face is not clearly seen. But it seems like I need to ask for your permission for the second picture."

"You can just delete it."

"I'm sure you'll think differently once you see the pictures." He said confidently.

When I look into his eyes, it was glinting with passion. I guess he really loves to show his photography to others.

He walks until he stood in front of me and showed the screen of his camera to me.

There really was a reason for him to feel proud for his works.

"What do you think? Can I keep this photo now?" He asked.

I look intently at the photo. It was such a simple photo yet it gives off a different feeling  compared to the other photos of myself that I have seen.

Unlike the photos that I had, this photo looks very natural.

"What are you going to use the photo for?"

"I usually take it to give me inspirations."

"So this photo won't be shown in public?"

"Not without your consent."

"Fine, you can keep it. As long as no one else sees it."

He smiled so brightly that I can't help but turn away from it.

"But can I make one request?"

"What is the request?"

"Can I get a copy of these photos?"

"If that's what the model wants, of course."

"Great. When do you think I can get a copy?"

"I will be printing it soon, So around some time next week?"

"Will it be done by Friday next week?"

"It should be. I'll call you once it is ready." He said.

"Instead of that, will you meet me at that cafe next Friday at 10 am?" I pointed to a nearby cafe.

"I will try to do so."

I stood up from the park bench.

"Sounds good. Then I will meet you next week."

With that comment, I walked away from him.

"Miss, should I stop that guy and take the photos away?" Ms.Kim, The bodyguard assigned to me asks.

"Don't. He won't be distributing those photos."

"But Miss-"

"It's okay."

"Alright."

"Also, no need to report this to my parents."

"Understood. Is he perhaps someone special to you, Miss?"

I turned around to see the guy walking away while fiddling with his camera.

"No. But he does pique my interest."

Because he was the first person that was able to capture a picture of me without a smile.