Minjae's work was easier compared to the last few days.
During his shift, only a few people visited the convenience store. Most of the custors were people who just got out of work or were foreign people strolling around the area, watching the night lights of Seoul.
Before leaving his work, Minjae grabbed a sandwich and ate it as he looked for affordable studios nearby. It was his day-off, so he planned to take care of everything he needed to do and rest the whole day after.
Minjae didn't mind if his face looked tired or if he was dressed in plain clothes. Studios who do professional headshots handle everything from clothes to make up, so he wasn't worried about anything.
He just needed to find one that was good enough for a decent price.
Minjae walked along the streets while scrolling through his phone as he searched for a studio that could do a decent headshot without costing him an arm and leg.
There were a few near his area. However, they were mostly the popular ones with price points that cost a fortune.
Minjae decided to check the one with the highest rating, but he imdiately regretted it.
"300,000 won for a single headshot?" Minjae was in disbelief as he saw the prices listed on his phone. "And this was only the basic one? The fuck? How co their deluxe package that includes hair, clothes, and make up costs 500,000 won?"
Minjae was flabbergasted.
'This prices, man' Minjae shook his head and imdiately looked for other options.
Minjae continued to look for more options, but the price range was still similar to the first one. The only thing good about it was that their portfolios showed flawless lighting, perfect editing, and professional settings.
But still, the costs weren't justifiable.
"In my last life, money was never an issue... but now I've got to watch every penny. It has been ages since I last minded my money." Minjae sighed, feeling the humbling reality of his new life.
He could afford the expensive ones with his current savings, but that would cause a large decrease, and he wouldn't want that.
For the last hour, Minjae wandered around, visiting multiple studios, and even going through narrow streets. Just as he was about to give up, he found a newly opened studio just a few ters away from where he currently was.
"Daybreak Photography! We're Offering Special Discounts for New Clients" the sign in front of the store read.
Minjae slowly approached the store and an old man greeted him outside.
"Hi there, young man! Are you looking for photo studios?" The old man asked excitedly. After a week of opening, it was his first ti seeing soone interested in their store.
"Yeah, I am, Uncle." Minjae replied respectfully to the old man. He tried peeking inside to see the interior. The place wasn't fancy compared to the ones he had visited, but it looked warm and cozy.
The prices on the board were also very affordable and were one of the cheapest he had seen.
"You ca to the right place!" The old man happily uttered. He introduced himself as Mr. Kim before leading Minjae inside.
The two of them chatted as they walked, with most of the talk coming from Mr. Kim. Mr. Kim looked visibly happy and excited. Despite his old age, he sohow looked adorable, wearing neat and tidy clothes, and even putting a small bow on top of his polo.
When they went inside, Minjae noticed a young man adjusting so lighting equipnt.
"Minjae, this is my one and only son, Hyungso. He just graduated from a photography school. He was on top of his class! It was also my son's idea that we should start this place together!" Mr. Kim proudly shared the story behind their business with Minjae.
Minjae nodded with a small smile. "That's great, Sir." he said, genuinely impressed. He rembered his own early days in the industry.
Hyungso approached Minjae, looking slightly nervous but enthusiastic. "Hello Sir, I hope my father didn't make you uncomfortable," he said, slightly anxious.
"It's fine." Minjae assured Hyungso as he saw the anxiousness in his eyes. "I ca here to do a professional headshot. Do you offer a package that can take care of everything for ? Clothes to my look."
"Of course!" Hyungso's eyes sparkled at the question. Finally! They have a client now!
"I will take care of it imdiately, Sir! Take a seat first while I get everything ready!" Hyungso uttered in a hurry. "Dad! Please take care of our first client!" he shouted out loud as he ran to do so preparations.
Mr. Kim bead as he gestured for Minjae to sit in a cozy armchair near a small vanity area. He looked at Minjae, eyes twinkling with pride, and said, "Hyungso has been so excited to put his training to use. You'll be in good hands. He's been dreaming about this since he graduated!"
Minjae nodded, feeling an odd warmth from Mr. Kim's enthusiasm. The studio was humble, but it had a charm that the most popular places lacked—a sense of genuine passion for photography.
After a few minutes, Hyungso returned with a selection of clothes and so basic grooming supplies. They looked new and unused.
"We don't have a lot yet, but I've prepared so options that should complent your look," Hyungso said, gesturing the clothes to Minjae. "If you need any adjustnts, feel free to tell . I'll make sure you're perfect!"
Minjae only picked an outfit that looked sharp but not too flashy and let Hyungso handle the rest. He was used to being styled by professionals and he appreciated Hyungso's attention to detail even if he lacked the resources.
Mr. Kim was the one who was styling Minjae's hair and clothes. He was putting in so love and effort, while Hyungso checked the lighting and cara thoroughly. When everything was done, Hyungso guided Minjae to the simple set he had prepared.
As the shoot started, Minjae fell naturally into place. He posed easily as Hyungso counted upto three. Despite the simple setup, he held himself with confidence and grace.
The set up beca more extravagant because of it.
It was the sa with Hyungso. Even if he had just established the studio, he was taking pictures as if he was a professional with years of experience.
'I can't believe this..."' Hyungso's eyes widened with each click, clearly surprised at how smoothly the shoot was going.
"Wow... you're really natural in front of the cara, Sir," Hyungso said, barely containing his excitent. "When I was still training, I usually had to guide clients through their poses, but you're already so polished that I just need to click the button of the cara!"
"Well, I guess I have so secret talent." Minjae chuckled in response.
They went through different poses, and every shot seed to capture Minjae perfectly. Hyungso's skills, combined with Minjae's experience, resulted in images that looked like they belonged in a high-end studio.
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