15 New normal

Tuesday arrived faster than she had anticipated. She had spent the remainder of the past week packing, and finalizing her paper work with the apartment she signed with. Kang Dae had family near the city, and were willing to rent her a small apartment. It wasn't much, but it was close to a bus route. She couldn't affort to live in the city, and wouldn't want to live in the craziness, so opted to live fourty minutes away. It required her to wake up early, and not miss the bus. It was the price to pay for working in the city.

Tuesday she had checked into HR and filled in the necessary forms. She then was photographed for her work ID. She was quickly briefed on her position. She would be responsible for the online photos: uploading, editing, and final touches to be sent to publishing. She would assist the lead photographer, Ae-Cha, when necessary, but be given opportunity to photograph on her own. Jin Ae, the manager, priortized organization, professionalism, and privacy of the clients, as there were many celebrites.

The first week flew by. She made mistakes which frustrated the staff, especially Ae-Cha, as she did not like to work late. She had to adjust to new equipment that she never dealt with, and stayed late practicing. She would leave late at night, and arrive early in the morning. Sometimes she would sleep in the staff lounge having missed the last bus.

Her mother called every night to check to see how her day went. Mom didn't have to say it, but she worried about Seo-yeon living alone. She worried about her taking the bus home so late, and if she was eating properly. Seo-yeon would not be able to visit home as often as she wished. She lived too far, and would limit the drive to every other week, unless she was busy with a shoot. It was an adjustment, but by the third week, she felt she adjusted well.

"Hey, Seo, staff meeting in 10!"

"Thanks, Eun-ha." Seo-yeon saved the last of the edits she had just completed. If it had not been for Eun-ha, she would have not remembered the meeting. She began gathering her tablet, and notes. Eun-ha saved her a seat at one of the far tables. She didn't have many friends, but she had her. They had met the second week of Seo-yeon's employment. She was given her first lead photo shoot, and she was petrified. Eun-ha was the make-up artist assigned to that shoot, and happily greeted her. She had two years under her belt, and took Seo-yeon under her wing. She taught her what she could about the company and the employees. A quick friendship formed. Both came from small towns, and lived outside the city. Eun-ha was a breath of fresh air in a hectic city.

"Ok, we're gonna start" Jin Ae began the meeting. There were discusssions of upcoming events, and advertisement. PR, and other staff shared ideas, and happenings within each department. Seo-yeon followed along, waiting for her new assignment. Being a photographer, she was expected to work for each department, depending on the need.

"Seo, you and Ae-cha will need to work together for this coming shoot." Seo-yeon internally groaned. Ae-cha was not a horrible person, but she often pushed most of the work on her, and took on the easiest parts of the job. Being the professional she was, Seo-yeon simply said, "I understand."

"I need you both to bring in your 'A Game!' We will be using the week on this project. We were lucky to get this!"

"Don't beat around the bush, Jin Ae. You're making me nervous. Who did we book?" Ae-cha asked intrigued. It was evident that Jin Ae was beyond thrilled for this job, and the urgency of two photographers caught everyone's interest.

"BTS."