Kim Minjeong
The morning air was cool as I stood outside the SME building, looking up at the big glass doors. So many people were walking in and out, all busy and focused.
It was kind of overwhelming, honestly.
But this was my shot -
to pay my own bills.
I took a deep breath, adjusted my camera bag on my shoulder, and stepped inside.
The main lobby looks pretty busy-trainees chatting and practicing lines and staff hustling here and there.
The receptionist smiled at me. "Welcome to SME. Can I help you?"
I gave her the sweetest, most charming smile I can muster.
"Hi, I'm Kim Minjeong. I'm the new photographer for Yu Karina-sshi's team."
She nodded and pointed to the elevators. "Right this way."
I know, I already came here yesterday, but somehow I'd forgotten which elevator and floor to take.
Thanks to my brain who tends to malfunction when it comes to directions.
On the elevator, my stomach did a little flip, but I tried to stay calm.
My hands were getting sweaty.
Kim Minjeong, stay calm.
I reminded myself.
When the doors slid open, the floor was alive with people-designers working on ideas, trainees stretching and warming up, managers moving around confidently.
I stepped out of the elevator, bowing and smiling politely at everyone I passed, hoping to make a good impression.
Out of nowhere, a voice cut through the noise.
"Kim Minjeong?"
I looked over and saw her, Karina Yu.
My boss.
As she stepped forward, I couldn't help but take in her presence.
Her long, wavy black hair cascaded effortlessly over her shoulders,catching the light in soft waves that seemed to flow like silk.
She stood tall and confident, her posture sharp but relaxed, giving off an air of quiet authority. Like someone who totally owned the room without even trying.
Her eyes locked onto me with this sharp, almost hard stare-like she was sizing me up and not hiding that she wasn't exactly thrilled to see me.
Ouch.
I felt a little nervous under that gaze, like I'd already messed up somehow.
She wasn't smiling or anything, just watching me like she wanted to figure me out, maybe even testing me a bit. But beneath that serious look, I catch a hint of something softer, and in a blink of an eye coolness took over again.
Karina's style was simple yet striking: a sleek black jacket over casual clothes, looking cool but professional at the same time.
Honestly, she gave off this vibe that she was used to people noticing her, but she didn't come off as full of herself. It was more like she just knew who she was.
"Are you done staring?"
I blinked, startled by her. I quickly look down, cheeks warming. "Ah, sorry... I was just..."
I cleared my throat, trying to steady my voice. "Just making sure you're really her.
Shiiiiit! That was a lame excuse!
Karina's lips twitched as if she was holding back a smirk, but she said nothing.
She glanced at her watch. "Let's not waste time."
I hurried to catch up as she led me through the busy hallway.
"I expect dedication." She said without looking back.
"No slacking off. If you want to stay, you better prove you belong."
I mentally noted her words.
She's scary!
I only nodded shyly. "Yes, I'll do my best."
We stopped in front of a door labeled 'Artist Yu Karina'
She opened it, glanced at me, then said, "Welcome to my team, Kim Minjeong."
My heart was pounding as I stepped inside,
nervous.
Without another word, Karina turned and walked away, leaving me standing there alone.
Uninterested.
Great, Minjeong, way to go.
Just then, her manager approached me, all smiles and friendly.
"Don't mind her," she said kindly. "I'm Yoona, her manager. She has high expectations, but she knows what she's doing. You'll get used to it."
I bowed," Thank you. I'll do my best for this team."
Yoona nodded, her eyes full of encouragement. "That's all we ask. Come on, let me show you around."
~
"There's an event tomorrow, I want us to be early, most importantly you, Minjeong since you're riding with us-"
"Mwo?!" Karina exclaimed, clearly startled and displeased.
Yoona-sshi and I turned to look at her, surprised by the sudden outburst.
Karina's eyes flicked to me, her expression unreadable but stiff. "Riding with us? Seriously?"
Yoona didn't back down. "Yes, Rina. It's important we all arrive together and on time."
Karina let out a frustrated sigh but said nothing more, her gaze lingering on me a moment longer than necessary.
What's wrong with her?
I tried to push the uneasy feeling aside, telling myself not to read too much into it. Maybe she was just surprised. Or maybe people like Karina didn't like being thrown off their routine.
I forced a small smile but kept my head down, hoping to avoid drawing more attention.
Yoona cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "Don't worry, Minjeong. It'll be fine. Everyone's been through this." She then patted my shoulder comfortingly.
I glanced back at Karina, only to quickly look away when I caught her already watching me...and the hand on my shoulder.
What was that?
~
The Next Day
Karina's Solo Advertisement Photoshoot
The studio felt heavy.
My heart was pounding so loud I could barely think.
My hands shook a little while I fiddled with the camera, and it felt like Karina's eyes were burning holes through me.
"Minjeong, move faster," Karina said, her voice sharp and cold. There was zero patience in it, only an edge that made it clear mistakes weren't allowed.
Just pure demand.
Her eyes scanned every angle, every detail, like she was hunting for something wrong.
It felt like she was waiting for me to mess up.
"The lighting's off. Fix it. Now."
I hurried to adjust the lights, my hands a little shaky.
When I lifted the camera for the next shot, Karina cut in without warning.
"That angle's not working. Try again. And keep your hands steady."
I blinked, embarrassment crawling in me. Everyone was looking.
"Come on, Minjeong," she said flatly, irritation clear in her voice. "If you want to keep up, you gotta be faster. Be perfect."
No smiles, no easy words.
"Keep it steady. One more time."
I could feel sweat starting to form on my forehead, but Karina didn't flinch. She was all business and focused.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm down.
I knew one thing for sure: messing up wasn't an option. Not today. Not ever.
If I wanted to prove to Karina Yu that I belong here, then so be it.