thirty nine

"you shine like the stars, you light up my heart." -been through, exo.

——

"and... done," misun said, lowering her camera with a sigh. her shoulders ached, and the studio lights felt too bright. "finally."

chaewon spun around in her chair, eyes wide. "took you long enough. i thought you were gonna grow old behind that camera."

misun rolled her eyes, laughing softly. "it was a big shoot. the lighting kept changing."

"yeah, yeah." chaewon scooted closer, glancing at the photos on the screen. "ooh, these look good. send them to me, i'll start editing."

"you sure you're not too tired?" misun asked, rubbing her neck.

chaewon snorted. "me? tired? never. but, you owe me bubble tea for staying this late."

"fine," misun said, grinning. "tomorrow after work?"

"tomorrow after work," chaewon agreed, clicking away at her keyboard. "we haven't hung out in forever."

"yeah," misun murmured. "it's been... a weird few weeks."

chaewon gave her a knowing look but didn't push. "then it's settled. bubble tea and no talking about work."

misun smiled faintly. "deal."

she turned back to pack her camera, when her phone buzzed on the table.

jihoon: are you busy?

her breath caught a little. she hesitated, glancing at chaewon, who was focused on her screen.

misun: just finished a photoshoot. why?

he replied quickly.

jihoon: can you come to my studio? i have something to show you.

she blinked. his studio?

"you okay?" chaewon asked, noticing her expression.

"yeah, just... a work thing," misun said quickly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

chaewon hummed. "don't tell me they're giving you another project already."

"no, nothing like that."

her phone buzzed again.

jihoon: i'll send my driver to your workplace. you can come through the back door. i already told the guards to let you in.

misun: jihoon, are you sure that's okay? what if someone sees me?

jihoon: no one will. trust me.

she sighed, staring at the screen for a long moment.

chaewon turned her chair toward her. "you look like you're overthinking again."

misun forced a smile. "yeah... maybe."

"you need a break," chaewon said. "you've been working nonstop ever since you came back from your short break."

"maybe you're right."

"of course i'm right," chaewon said, standing up. "now go home before you pass out. i'll send you the edits later."

"thanks," misun said softly.

when she stepped outside, the evening air was cool against her skin. she checked her phone again—one new message.

jihoon: the car's waiting outside your building.

her heart thudded once.

she bit her lip, glancing toward the street.

the black car sat quietly under a streetlight, waiting.

"what are you up to now, jihoon..." she whispered, and walked toward it.