Hurdles

The restaurant was crowded with eager customers, but it is was obvious that it was near impossible to get a seat if you did not make reservations. The staff were dressed in formal wear, and wore bright smiles as they welcomed each guest. The food looked appetizing and pleasing to the eye, but it was no match for the taste that followed.

The hostess lead Jin Ae, Seo-yeon, and Band PD to a private room in the back that was reserved for those that wished for solitude. The table was excessively large, but still held a welcoming vibe. Jin Ae sat across from Bang PD, right in front of him. Seo-yeon sat to Jin Ae's left. They each ordered a drink to start off.

"We'll have today's special. Please send in your best wine, and five glasses," Bang PD requested of the waitress.

Seo-yeon and Jin Ae were surprised by the request as they were still on guard. The only thing that they could think this meeting regarded, was possibly the issue's success. Neither could think of what would bring Big Hit's CEO to their office.

"Were we expecting more people?" Jin Ae curiously asked.

"Yes, but they had business to attend to and will be making a late entrance," he casually brushed off.

"Who-"

"Let's not worry about trivial matters,"he interrupted Jin Ae before she could interrogate further, "I'd like to make you an offer."

Seo-yeon and Jin Ae exchanged looks of confusion. A business proposal was the last thing they expected from him. K Magazine was nowhere near as successful and Big Hit. As far as the two women thought, they had nothing to really offer. Jin Ae welcomed his offer with a nod.

"BTS will be going on tour in a few weeks, and we are in need of a photographer, as our current one wishes not to travel. We need someone that works well with our team, and especially with our boys. After the distribution of last month's issue, Seo-yeon's capabilities have spread all over."

He took a sip of his wine, while checking both women's expressions. Both women had stopped moving. Jin Ae held an 'all business" posture, and listened intently to every word he spoke. Seo looked slightly confused, and very nervous.

"Anyway, I did see the pictures taken, and the work speaks for itself. Seo-yeon, you have marvelous skill, and I heard great things from Manager Sejin on your professionalism," he smiled pleasantly at Seo.

"Thank you. It wasn't all my skill. They're very photogenic," she graciously said.

"You're too modest. You have a gift with the camera and should be proud," he complimented again. He faced Jin Ae and continued in a business tone, "My offer is this. Big Hit would like to take in Seo-yeon as our photographer that works with our idols. As of now, she will focus on capturing images during BTS' tour. Of course, she will not be limited to tours, or BTS. I understand that taking her would leave you in a bind, so we will compensate you until a new photographer is hired on to your team."

"That's very kind, but we couldn't possibly let Seo-yeon go," Jin Ae said as she held Seo's hand. She genuinely meant what she said, and didn't want to loose a talented worker. Seo-yeon was moved by Jin Ae's words and gesture. She didn't know what to make of the whole situation. She loved her job at K Magazine, and she feared she would be caught in a scandal working so close to Jin.

"You're a businesswoman, so of course I would not only compensate you, but add in some perks," Bang PD pushed forward a written contract, "K Magazine would be given the first interview for future albums, tours, and upcoming awards. This would not be limited to BTS, but other idols at our company."

Jin Ae gaped in amazement at the written contract. She was indeed a businesswoman, and knew how this could bring more publicity to the magazine. The endless possibilities began to swirl in her mind.

"How long will this be in effect?" Seo faced Jin Ae in shock. She couldn't believe she was being "sold off" so easily. She understood her reasons, but she still felt betrayed.

"It would stay in effect so long as Seo-yeon is employed at Big Hit," he stated as he placed a pen on the contract.

Jin Ae sat still looking at the piece of paper on the table. Torn between keeping her hardworking employee, and trading her for a deal with a popular entertainment company. Seo-yeon bit her lip. She didn't know how to process the entire situation. She was feeling very overwhelmed.

"Do we have a deal?"

Seo-yeon watched as Jin Ae silently signed the contract. Bang PD placed the paper in a suitcase, and smiled broadly. He lifted his glass in a toast aimed towards Seo, and then drank. The doors opened, breaking the tense atmosphere.

Manager Sejin and Jin entered the room. Bang PD happily waved them in and gestured towards the two remaining seats. Manager Sejin graciously accepted. Jin froze having spotted Seo-yeon. She, too, froze, having not expected to see him. Not wanting to draw too much attention, Jin sat between Manager Sejin and Bang PD.

"Jin, welcome our new photographer. Miss Park will be touring with you guys in a few weeks," Bang PD announced proudly. Seo-yeon bowed slightly, wishing to avoid his eyes.

"If I'm no longer needed, I must get back. I have a meeting soon," Jin Ae abruptly stated. Seo-yeon began to stand with her, but Jin Ae gently pressed her back into her seat, "Seo, you can stay. Seeing how you will be switching over, you should take this time to become more comfortable with your co-workers."

Seo-yeon watched her role-model leave the room. She faced the three men. Manager Sejin awkwardly sipped his drink. 'He knew this was going to happen and didn't warn me or Jin.' Bang PD began to eat the food that was brought in while Jin Ae exited. Jin glanced at her, but looked away as if ashamed.

"Seo-Uh, Miss Park, did you want to switch companies? PD-nim, did you ask her if this is what she wants?" Jin implored.

"Jin, calm down," he nonchalantly said, "I did this for your sake."

Seo-yeon felt her heart drop to her stomach. She knew this was not about her skill with a camera. Deep down she knew Bang PD was aware of her relationship with Jin. This must have been his way of keeping her within his reach.

"My sake? What do you mean?"

"Sejin told me everything. I wish you would've come to me first, but it can't be helped."

Manager Sejin squirmed in his seat at Jin's glare. Seo-yeon stared at her un-eaten plate of food. She couldn't believe it had come to this.

"Don't be angry with Sejin. You weren't as careful as you thought you were, and were almost exposed to the world," he said as he placed three pictures on the table. Jin and Seo-yeon's eyes widened in surprise. There stood Seo-yeon and Jin in the garage of K Magazine.

That day he had come to pick her up on a weekend. He had felt it was safe since no one would be at the company other than her and maybe a small number of employees. Seo had been upset with him for being reckless, but overlooked it as he was so excited to see her. She breathed a sigh of relief that they hadn't engaged in any acts of public display of affection. The pictures were of them facing each other smiling lovingly, Jin opening the door for her, and them sitting smiling as Jin drove away. Innocent to those that know them, but a major dating scandal to outsiders.

They glanced at each other, mentally apologizing to one another. They knew what a picture like this could do to their lives. They knew how powerful the media could be, and how they could twist an innocent outing into a scandalous encounter. Each felt backed into a corner. It felt like another hurdle their newly established relationship would have to overcome.