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This definitely wasn’t Harin’s first rodeo when it comes to working in the documentation team. Heck, this isn’t his first time working as documentation for his campus’ faculty orientation. However, this year felt oddly different compared to his past experiences.
Maybe because he was one of the seniors in the comittee this time, looked up by the newcomers who he vaguely remembers taking pictures of last year when they were freshmen. One in particular had caught his eye the moment he joined the staff welcoming party.
Son Dongmyeong, now a sophomore from the criminology major, was one of the newest mentors for the new students. Harin recognized him, of course. His mop of pink hair when he started as a freshman. Now sporting black hair, his smile still stood out in the crowd.
Despite still having a week before the opening for orientation day, Harin still chose to hang out at campus that day. Well, it wasn't solely for hanging out; some of the freshmen had came to campus to meet with their mentors and start working on the assignments they were given a week ago. Harin remembered those days, interviewing seniors and decorating flags for the parade.
Now, he's in the position of documenting those moments. He walked around with his camera in hand, scanning the clusters of students huddled up in different areas across campus. Some even greeted each other when they passed.
He spotted one specific group sitting in the park, interviewing who looked like one of the members of student executive body. Harin stood at a sace distance from them, taking pictures of all their faces. He took a few extra pictures of the mentors as well.
“Oh Harin!” A voice called from the group. It was Dongmyeong. Harin was rather surprised being called over like that, they've only ever said hi during staff welcoming. The mentees, expressions painted with excitement and nervousness, greeted him as well.
"mind taking a pic of us?"
Who was he to not say yes? He took a few snaps of the students together with their interviewee before parting ways with them again. He made a mental note to move these pictures to the drive folder tonight. He's gonna take way more pictures come d-day.
—
Harin remembered how he was intimidated by the disciplinary team when he first got to campus. They were cold and stern with orders. They were polar oppsites to the mentors; cheerful, bubbly, and acting like older siblings to the freshmen. Dongmyeong applied for the mentor position the moment he could. And of course, his bright personality landed him the position.
Harin sneakily took pictures of the freshmen lined up in the parking lot, capturing their sleepy and nervouse faces. They probably got quite the whiplash from meeting the disciplinaries.
It didn't take long until came back checking time. All the freshmen stood up and had their bags checked for any forbidden items. Harin took this time to take pictures of the mentors who were standing by, particularly intrigued by a certain mentor.
Dongmyeong's hair had went from it's previous black to a striking deep red. It reminded him of one of his seniors who had graduated last year. He snapped a few more pictures of Dongmyeong, focusing on his bright smile as he exchanged gossip with another mentor.
Soon, the freshmen were sent off to their first task. Harin tailed behind one group and waved at some familiar faces.
—
The opening ceremony rolled around quickly, continued with a lunch break with the mentors. Harin went around clicking some pictures before going to have his own lunch. He had to prepare for the next event, which is definitely gonna be somewhat more taxing.
The students were ushered out to the parking lot once again. This time, they sat in a huge circle, with the head of the student body standing in the center.
“Starting from today, you are the future of the nation!” He begun.
Everything he said alligned with what they were taught in their assignments: injustices within both the country and the education system. Harin's faculty did expect the students to be critical of these things, it's no surprise it's implemented in their first days on campus.
A few students stepped forward, given the opportunity to voice their thoughts and practice their public speaking. Harin stood silent the whole time, perching on the watch tower to take high-angled pictures. One of the students fumbled with his words slightly, but managed to pick up her confidence again.
The day ended with the disciplinary team leading the students to the designated exit points. Harin finally took a breather and sat next to Dongmyeong. The younger looked at him with a tired smile.
“Hey there.”
Harin smiled back, body more relaxed knowing he only has one day left of work to do. He greeted Dongmyeong back and they ended up chatting about what the day has been like.
“Guessing this is your last year then?” Dongmyeong quipped.
“Maybe, maybe not. We’ll see.” Harin shrugged.
—
Come the last day of the orientation week. Harin had dressed far more comfortable for today. It was parade day, a day all the freshmen looked forward to. Harin stayed by the sidelines of the group, snapping pictures of the waving flag and the orange smoke bomb that surrounded them. Halfway through the walk he bumped into Dongmyeong, who was wearing a face mask.
“Not a fan of the smoke?” Harin asked. Dongmyeong only responded with a tight nod and continued walking. Harin found this weird because he was pretty sure Dongmyeong had always led the chants during other events.
Or maybe it was his twin brother, who knows.
The faces of the freshmen were lit with joy, waving flags and following the chants the seniors were yelling at the top of their lungs. Harin followed along during some parts as well before trying to take more pictures amongst the orange smoke.
When they got to the stadium, Harin sat down where he can see the game. He was a bit far from the rest of the crowd, so he was a bit confused when Dongmyeong sat next to him. His mask was off and Harin could tell he was exhausted.
“Didn’t sleep well last night,” Dongmyeong explained before Harin could even ask. He leaned back on his chair and closed his eyes.
Harin couldn’t resist taking a picture.
—
The closing ceremony went by quickly. Harin and Dongmyeong stood side by side while waiting for the students to leave the hall. All the members of the comittee stood in a long line, forming a guard of honor for the new students.
“I kinda remember you last year,” Harin remarked. Dongmyeong looked up at him with a raised brow.
“You were smiling so much while you high-fived everyone, i thought your face was gonna fall off.”
Dongmyeong’s face turned sour for a second before laughing with Harin. He remembered how Harin was also taking pictures of students as they passed by last year.
“Feels like lightyears away.”
“That’s what uni does to you.”
And Dongmyeong’s smile when he high-fived the new students was as bright as when he was in their place.
—
The rest of the night went by a blur. Harin could only remember him moving his photos as quick as possible before knocking out cold for the night.
A week later, the pictures were launched for the public to see. And when they did, Harin received a message from Dongmyeong.
Care to explain why 60% of your folder is my face?