Pictures are where memories are kept forever.

I take pictures for a living. I help people keep their memories in a single shot, a singe piece of film.

I capture their first kiss, their first family photo, their son's graduation photo, their father's last wish. I do it all. 
Everyday I see genuine smiles and tears sparkling in some eyes. I hear genuine laughter and I feel genuine hugs from one to another.

I smile along taking as many shots as I can, from different angles and lighting,

I want their memories to be perfect.

People tend to forget about their own interests when they get too tangled into others. I am always the one taking photos and creating memories for other people that sometimes I forget to create memories for myself. 

I have a bunch of photo albums at home.

But none of them are mine.

They contain the smiles of others. 

Sometimes I look into the mirror, I am not smiling.

I am unhappy.

I have no memories to keep. Nothing to make me smile.

I pull at my cheeks. I pull it upwards.

I smile. 

I put down my camera, the day is finally over. I release the tension on my facial muscles. I walk over to switch off the lights. 

'Are you still open?'

I pull at my facial muscles.

'Do you need a picture? I can close up after yours.'

The boy enters the studio,black v-neck complementing his tan skin, brown orbs looking into mine.

'How should I take your picture? Is it a graduation photo? Or.'

'I just want a photo. Do what you like.'

I nodded. It was the first time.
My hands quivered for the first time, as I positioned the camera. I pressed  the button.

He wasn't smiling.

'All done. Do you want another shot? Because you weren't smiling in this.'

'It's okay.'

'What's your name?'

'Jongin.'

'Kyungsoo. Here you go. Have a great night.'

Jongin left the studio. I might have felt my heart beat a little faster. I might have felt my palms become more sweaty. I might have wished for him to come back again.

But he never came back.

I take pictures.

Pictures ranging from graduation pictures to family pictures.

It is my profession. 

And two months later, I found myself taking a new genre of pictures.

Pictures serves to remind us of our past, achievements and regrets.

Pictures serves to remind us of the things and people we missed,things that we tend to overlook.

And in my case, the most recent picture serves to remind me that I've fallen in love.

I never knew that this picture would be the last one I ever have of jongin.

But the truth hurts sometimes,reminding me that he is no longer here.

I take pictures.

And for some, I take their last picture.