Chapter 20: First day at Wailers
The day to finally start working at Wailers arrived.
I successfully moved into the apartment, and used everything in my power to avoid bumping into the twins and it worked... Most times.
We did run into each other a few times but I always acted like I didn't see them, ignored them, and went the other way. It was harsh, I know, but what could I do? And they didn't try to disturb me either so I figured it wasn't a big deal.
It was like they were giving me the distance I hoped they would give me and I was thankful for that.
They were honestly being very considerate since I was always the one leaving first. I was always leaving them behind, running and hiding.
Haah, I was really like a mouse, wasn't I?
Wailers were huge and prosperous in the entertainment industry, and they were mostly known for producing gorgeous models.
"I can do it. No need to be nervous." I muttered to myself, taking a deep breath in and out.
It was the first time I was leaving Lily in the house alone but at least now, it wasn't so cramped like it was in the studio. She could move around as she pleased.
This would repeat itself a lot in the future so I hoped she'd get used to it on time.
'I hope she eats the tuna I left for her. She can be so picky sometimes.' I thought and suddenly bumped into someone.
I staggered back, rubbed my nose, and looked up to see a tall handsome man with pink hair. Wow, he was so good-looking.
Wait, no. I shook my head. I had to apologize.
"I'm sorry for that." I said, bowing my head. "I should watch where I'm going."
This tall handsome pink pink-haired guy glanced at me, clearly displeased by the sight of me. He simply dusted his shoulder, lifted his face in the air, and walked past me.
"Hmph!"
Yeah, he ignored me. Well, it's better than being yelled at.
I scratched the back of my head and made my way to the elevator.
My stop was on the 13th floor. I got lost along the way so I might've been a bit late. It was my first day and I wanted to make a good first impression but I was already late.
'So much for a good first impression.' I thought and looked up at the elevator's top. It was shining silver.
And the walls were mirror-like since I could see my reflection perfectly on them.
Wailers was such a big company and I was glad I got to bag this job. I had to keep it no matter what and the key to doing that was to probably stay humble.
Yes, I've been humble my entire life so this was no big deal.
Or so I thought.
I once heard people saying the entertainment industry was filled with Jaguars who would rip you apart. It's not for the pure in heart, the meek, or the humble but if you want to survive, you have to humble yourself.
It greatly contrasts the notion but it's the truth. And now, I was feeling scared. Had I thrown those innocent twins into a Jaguar's den?
"Hey, are you the newcomer?" A man asked as he approached me.
The first thing my eyes went to was the camera in his hand. Wow, it was the latest model. Next, my eyes scrolled towards his face and I immediately recognized him.
He was a famous photographer working in Wailers. I absolutely adored this man, respectably, that is.
I immediately bowed my head in greeting.
"Hello, it's so nice to see you." I said and he burst out laughing.
"You're a lively one." He said and patted my back. "I saw your work, you're amazing in shoots. The angles were perfect and I found myself mesmerized by the outcome. You're a trusted photographer, I can tell."
Hearing him praise me so much made me gloat. It was amazing.
"What's your name kiddo?"
Kiddo? I'm 29 though, but I probably don't look like it.
"I'm Lee Dongwoo."
"Meong Taiha." He said and I nodded.
The famous Meong Taiha. The man behind a lot of brilliant shots.
"Don't worry," he said, placing his arm around my neck. "This Hyung-nim will put you through everything in this studio so stick with me." He gave out a hearty laugh and that made me feel welcomed.
Well, he was an easygoing person and touchy too. Perhaps, too touchy. I wasn't very comfortable with his arm around my neck but I didn't want to seem rude so I kept quiet.
"Ah, yes, the new recruits arrived about an hour ago. They're getting changed into their very first outfit." He said.
"Um, Mr. Taiha," I called and he said,
"Just call me Hyung-nim. It shows we're close." He said, still smiling heartily.
"Um, Hyung-nim... Taiha, can you perhaps... Let go?" I requested, a little nervous. I hoped he wouldn't take it the wrong way.
"Ah, I seem to have forgotten that my arm was around you." He said and took his arm off, allowing me to breathe freely again.
Was it normal to forget such a thing? He was an odd one.
Or was I the odd one?
"Here, come with me." He said, leading me to the screens. "We're not really walking side by side with time so I'll introduce the crew to you later." He said and I nodded.
The stage was already set, waiting for the models to be done with their make-up and dresses.
"Take a look at this." He showed me the themes and I schemed through. "I heard from the boss that you're going to be the one to take the first shot so I'll put you through some things you need to note when taking the picture." He explained and I nodded. "You don't seem like a newbie so you'll probably be fine. You might already know these but I'll say them just to be sure."
Once again, I nodded.
This was actually exciting. I was on the set, waiting for my first shoot and I was being led by such a professional. Could things get any better?
"You got the basics, right?" He asked and I nodded vigorously. "Great. Your lens must be at the right angle and for this theme, which was inspired by your winning picture, we're going to need you to work your magic again. Hope you can do that."
"I... I can." I confidently said.
He handed me a brand new camera with its lenses fixed. It was the same model as his and my eyes sparkled.
"This will be your work camera so treasure it."
"I will treasure it with my life." I subconsciously said and he laughed.
"You're a funny one."
I got embarrassed by what I said but the rest of the crew didn't have a problem with it and laughed along, saying things about photographers being very enthusiastic about cameras.
Well, can you blame us? It was our source of joy.
Then, the stars of the set showed up, walking in with their white robes. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when coming here today, but I was glad with what I got.