Photography 101

Junji was unsure what the time initially was, in fact he could only presume it was most likely mid-day solely judging by how busy campus was at the time. As they navigated through the bustling campus, Ekenem's long strides kept Junji on his toes, which was comical as Junji was much taller than Ekenem, yet he was having a hard time keeping up with the shorter male. The photographer's enthusiasm was palpable, his sky blue eyes sparkling with anticipation as he led the way. Junji matched his pace, seemingly content to follow, though a hint of curiosity lingered in his light pink eyes. A furtive glance at Ekenem's lean but athletic form wouldn't have gone unnoticed – the way the sunlight danced across his sun-kissed skin, or the way his black hair framed a face so effortlessly captivating, Junji was undeniably smitten, he couldn't believe someone so pretty existed.

There’s a saying that art is subjective, and beauty lies in the eyes of those who admire it…Yet in this moment, Ekenem was undoubtedly more stunning and aesthetically captivating than any artwork Junji could craft or encounter. It was verging on obsession; Junji’s sudden infatuation with the dark-skinned male was undeniable.

“Almost there! Just around this corner. It’s a practical class, right? Towards the studio!” Ekenem called over his shoulder, his tone a mix of eagerness and confidence. His voice jolted Junji from his thoughts. It was becoming increasingly embarrassing how easily he lost himself in his mind whenever Ekenem was around, but he tried to push the feeling aside and concentrate on following him. Junji gave a slight nod in acknowledgment of Ekenem, offering a subtle smile, his focus locked onto Ekenem's words, particularly the mention of "studio," which sparked his curiosity. His brows knitted together, a flicker of interest crossing his features. He mused, “A studio, huh?...He’s in the same department I am?...Not exactly. Our classes are different, or else I would’ve met him by now…then again, I tend to zone out in class and not really pay attention to those around me…So…” His gaze suddenly drifted skyward, his thoughts still spinning as he tried to piece together whether he might have crossed paths with Ekenem before but simply hadn’t noticed him until now.

As they turned the corner, Junji noticed the neatly dressed students rushing off to their next classes. He trailed behind Ekenem into one of the sub-buildings on campus, the sounds from the outdoors diminishing, replaced by the soft chatter of classrooms and the buzz of creative energy. Ekenem, seemingly unfazed by the approaching lesson, guided Junji through the vibrant hallway lined with student art. His stride was quick yet casual, as if he was keen to reach their destination without slowing down. “Here we are,” Ekenem announced with a playful punch to the door, signaling their entrance to anyone inside. The sign above read ‘Photography Studio,’ and Ekenem's excitement shone through his demeanor as he turned the handle and swung the door open, revealing a spacious area filled with various photography gear and backdrops. The main feature of the studio was a large, makeshift stage positioned at the center, equipped with draped fabric, tripods, and softbox lights.

“Welcome to the photography team’s humble workshop!”

Ekenem proclaimed proudly, his eyes sparkling with the passion of a dedicated artist. Junji stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the collection of props and setups, a blend of wonder and apprehension flickering across his graceful features. As his eyes adjusted to the soft, diffused lighting, he became entranced by the overwhelming creativity that radiated from every corner of the studio. Props of varying shapes and colors were meticulously arranged, ready to be transformed into tools for artistic expression at any moment. A vintage rug, a weathered wooden door, even what seemed to be fragments of an old, ornate mirror, among other things! It was invigorating and a refreshing departure from the usual art studios Junji frequented.

“So...this is a photography studio?”

He said aloud in genuine admiration, absorbing his surroundings. Ekenem observed him with a teasing smile, finding Junji's wide-eyed wonder completely delightful. “Yeah, you’ve never set foot in one before? Figures! You’re probably always holed up in that art studio of yours, or in classes, or maybe even hiding away in your room. You’re ridiculously introverted; it’s amazing that you’re so well-liked.” Ekenem would casually tease with a sense of indifference, shrugging as he wandered deeper into the room, the sound of his sneakers squeaking against the polished wooden floor as he moved. Junji couldn’t refute Ekenem’s comments, yet he had a feeling that the other was subtly mocking him; he wasn’t certain, but he chose not to let Ekenem provoke him, so he quietly admired the spacious studio instead.

The room was quite inviting and expansive, designed in a manner that welcomed natural light whenever it could, with large windows on one side filling the space with sunlight that harmoniously clashed with the bright LED lighting within. A striking, modern design instantly catches the eye - sleek wooden floors shining in reflection, crisp white walls accented with splashes of deep blue. Skylights incorporated into the design also help filter natural light, enhancing a sense of openness that supports the various functions of the studio. Along the walls, adjustable workstations and elevated tables offer ample space for students to arrange their cameras, tripods, and lighting gear. In one corner, a comfortable lounge area beckons for relaxation, with plush sofas and armchairs set around low tables filled with photography books and concept boards. The overall atmosphere of the room was so relaxed and soothing that it hardly felt like a classroom or practice space; it resembled more of a hangout spot among peers.

Yet, one question lingered in Junji's mind…

“Where…Is everyone?” He voiced aloud with a perplexed expression, wondering why the room was so empty. He glanced at Ekenem for clarification, knowing he had definitely heard his inquiry, and noticed him fiddling with a camera lens, likely adjusting his own equipment. Gradually, Ekenem shifted his attention away from his task to meet Junji's gaze, and with a laid-back grin, he responded, lightly tilting his head as he shrugged, “We’re early. Or maybe they’re at the other studio, who can say? Right?” He then released a carefree laugh, turning towards one of the high tables filled with equipment, momentarily turning his back to Junji.

Ekenem's reply left Junji completely puzzled. Unless this was a private studio, surely other students should already have arrived, or were they genuinely that early? He wasn’t familiar with how the photography team’s schedule operated, so he felt utterly lost. He decided to dismiss it as a possibility that they were just early and refrained from overthinking the situation, despite feeling a bit anxious being alone in a space with Ekenem.

“Hm?...Anxious?...Why would I feel anxious about something so trivial?..."

He pondered, suddenly becoming aware of his own unease. Why on earth should he feel anxious?...

“Ekenem!!!! Oh my goshy woshy!~ You’re early! You neeeerrrdd!!!”

A voice unexpectedly burst into the room, calling out for the dark-skinned boy’s attention as a student entered, their loud outcry overshadowing the clicking sound of the door, followed by the noise of fellow students arriving and chatting. The whole scene caught Junji off guard.

“Oh! Heya, Niko!” Ekenem exclaimed with a charming smile, waving at the incoming individual, “You guys are late! How unprofessional!” Ekenem playfully scolded the individual, eliciting a dramatic eye roll as the person rushed to give the dark-skinned male a warm hug. Junji observed quietly, blending into the background while the other students entered the studio, engaged in animated conversations, almost unaware of his presence at first.

“Ugh, Niko!...” one student sighed in exasperation as he plopped heavily onto a cushion in the corner, “Quit clinging to Ekenem right after lunch! He’s not your boyfriend!” His playful jibe caused a ripple of laughter among the other students, leaving Junji feeling puzzled.

“Hmph, not yet!~” Niko shot back with a teasing tone, their lips twisting into a charming smile as they wrapped their arms around Ekenem's forearm, nestled against the dark-skinned boy who appeared unfazed by the closeness. Ekenem was smiling, his focus more on fiddling with his camera. For some strange reason, the way this ‘Niko’ individual interacted so intimately with Ekenem sparked a wave of unease and annoyance in Junji, as though something was burning in his chest, yet he couldn’t identify what it was.

Junji’s gaze scrutinized every detail of Niko’s appearance, and Niko was undeniably attractive... he thought. They had a fluid androgyny, similar to himself, and he didn't want to make assumptions about their gender. With long, jet-black hair, noticeable eyelashes, and a curvy silhouette, Niko hinted at a typical female form, but Junji understood that it was more complex than that, especially in today’s world. Clad in a cream-colored, long-sleeve crop top, black high-waisted shorts, and stylish black knee-high boots, their attire was relatively modest.

Twelve individuals occupied the room, Ekenem and Junji included. The practical class was on the verge of beginning. Before long, the professor entered, dressed casually like the rest. A relaxed vibe permeated the space.

“Alright, alright! Enough chit-chat, kids! Let’s kick this party off— Hm?...” The middle-aged man halted, his gaze landing on Junji, both locking eyes at that moment. The sudden silence from their professor drew the group’s attention, following his gaze until it settled on Junji.

“Uh…Who…Wait..You're Junji Rhee!!” one of the students burst out in excitement, marveling at the fact that Junji was actually in their studio.

Junji had built quite the reputation for himself, known for seldom socializing with peers around campus. While he occasionally waved back or responded when called, he typically spent most of his time isolated in his own studio. Therefore, his appearance in the Photography Studio was a delightful surprise for everyone.

“O-M-G, it IS Junji Rhee! In the flesh! Oh my gaawwwdd!~” Niko exclaimed, thrilled to be in the presence of a renowned figure from both on and off campus! Everyone was genuinely excited... After all, who wouldn’t be? They buzzed with chatter, as though they were experiencing the thrill of meeting someone as celebrated as Junji for the very first time. For Junji, however, it felt overwhelmingly tiring.

“Mr. Rhee! What brings you all the way over here from the other side of campus?” the professor asked in genuine astonishment, pleased to see the young artist but puzzled about his reason for being there. He shifted his gaze from Junji to his other students, possibly contemplating that one of them was the reason behind it all, and he couldn't have been more correct. Lightly shaking off Niko’s grip, who was too mesmerized to mind his exit, he walked with assurance across the space, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he approached Junji. He rested his elbows on Junji's shoulders and leaned in, showcasing a mischievous grin as he chuckled shyly, “Awww, you caught us!” He mused, his eyes crinkling at the edges as his grin widened further, turning his attention to Junji, who met his gaze, genuinely at a loss for words.

“Junji here volunteered to be my little submission! Are you envious?~”

The entire room plunged into an unsettling silence right after his proclamation. Everyone was left utterly speechless. They stared at Ekenem, taken aback by his audacity to declare such a thing, then at Junji, astonished that he had consented to the arrangement.

Suddenly, one of the students, particularly striking in appearance, interjected, saying, “Nah, hold up— Pump the fucking breaks!...” The blond paused, taking a brief moment to process what he just heard, before continuing in an exaggerated manner, “You’re kidding!? How the heck did you manage that!??!”

“I told you all this guy is a fucking wizard, but y’all wouldn’t believe me!” another chimed in, running a hand through his short afro, his face expressing amusement and admiration, a grin firmly in place. The professor was equally astonished, perhaps even more impressed than the rest, approaching the duo and placing a hand on Ekenem’s shoulder, giving him a friendly pat, “That’s astounding! But if you think landing the campus’s star will boost your GPA, you’re playing yourself, young man.” The man teased as Ekenem merely laughed in response, with his classmates chuckling along at the jest. Junji, however, was the only one who couldn’t grasp what was so humorous or entertaining about the entire situation.

“Mr. Rhee!” The professor called out, redirecting his focus towards Junji, who jumped slightly at the sudden mention of his name. With a bit of hesitation, he replied, “Y-yes?..” His voice trailing off into a whisper, the situation was becoming increasingly awkward for him. He hadn’t expected the studio to become this animated in such a short time, particularly because of his presence. It was exactly this type of attention that led him to request a private studio, so he could concentrate. He could never thrive in such a lively atmosphere, but then again, he supposed everyone had their own preferences.

“He didn't pressure you into coming here, did he?” the dark-haired man leaned in to whisper, causing Junji to raise both his eyebrows in astonishment. Pressure? That’s absurd!

“No…I arrived here voluntarily. I wasn’t coerced…?” Junji responded, sounding a bit uncertain as to why the professor would think such a thing. His gaze briefly shifted to the dark-skinned man beside him, who was grinning widely while watching them intently. It was evident he had overheard the professor's comment but didn't appear to be offended. Perhaps it was just another joke from the older man. This was starting to become overwhelming for Junji… Honestly.

“Oh, I understand! Well then! Make yourself comfortable here! By all means!”

He chirped joyfully, a broad smile spreading across his somewhat bearded face. Junji merely nodded in acknowledgment, unsure of what else to say about the situation. The professor, pleased with his answer, turned to the rest of the class, clapping his hands to grab their attention as he declared, “Alright, back to work everyone! You know what you need to do! Where are your project submissions I assigned? You thought I was going to let you off easy with just the written reports?” As he moved away from both Junji and Ekenem, Junji sighed and muttered softly, “Your classmates and professor sure are quite the lively group.” He sounded utterly worn out from the social interaction alone, his eyes fluttering shut as he attempted to regain some energy. While he was gathering himself, he heard laughter from the man beside him, his eyes snapping open as he looked at the raven-haired individual, “What's so funny?..”

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