Return of the Genius Photographer

“Student Nam Woojin. Your identity has been verified. Please proceed to Room 303 in Building B.”

“Thank you.”

When I went to the dormitory reception, the staff assigned me my room.

I wasn’t sure how many dormitory buildings were scattered across this vast campus, but at the very least, finding my assigned dorm shouldn’t be too difficult.

‘I just need to follow the other freshmen.’

Yale provided on-campus housing for all students, from enrollment to graduation.

As long as there were no major disqualifying issues, students had the option to live in the dorms.

Since all freshmen were housed in the same building, everyone pulling a suitcase today was a freshman like me.

Looking around and following people who appeared to be freshmen, I quickly found Building B.

A long hallway greeted me as I entered.

I took the elevator to the third floor and found my assigned room.

‘Wow, this is better than my place in New York.’

It was a studio-style room designed for two people, with beds positioned on opposite sides of the walls.

I hadn’t expected much—the red brick exterior looked old, so I assumed the inside would be outdated too.

But the room was surprisingly spacious and clean.

Far better than my cramped place in New York.

I had briefly considered looking for other accommodations if the dorm wasn’t up to par, but that wouldn’t be necessary.

‘Though sharing a room with someone is a bit disappointing.’

I thought to myself as I unpacked my luggage into the closet next to the window-side bed I’d chosen.

The other side was completely empty, suggesting my roommate hadn’t arrived yet.

We’d be seeing each other for a year – I wonder what kind of person they’ll be.

I just hope they won’t be bothersome…

Bang―!

Just then,

While I was unpacking my modest belongings from my suitcase,

Someone forcefully opened the door.

“Oh? I didn’t expect someone to be here already.”

Then came a cheerful voice.

Speak of the devil – thinking it must be my roommate, I turned toward the voice and was surprised.

“Oh? We meet again?”

The distinctive golden curly hair.

The person who entered was Malcolm, memorable for his friendly smile.

“Malcolm?”

“Woojin, right? Didn’t expect you to be my roommate.”

He seemed equally surprised, eyes wide with wonder.

“Must be fate. Nice to see you again, looking forward to living together.”

Malcolm extended his hand.

I shook it and naturally replied.

“Same here, looking forward to it.”

After entering, Malcolm immediately started unpacking.

Unlike my minimal luggage, he had quite a lot – no less than three suitcases.

‘Is he planning to set up house?’

Noticing my curious gaze at the amount, Malcolm said,

“Lots of stuff, right? It’s because of my photography equipment.”

“Photography equipment?”

“Yeah, I’m in the photography department. What’s your major?”

“I’m in photography too.”

Malcolm’s eyes widened again.

“Really? Wow! Who knew we’d be in the same department!”

Malcolm seemed to wear his emotions openly on his face.

“They probably considered that when assigning rooms.”

“Ah! Is that so? Still, I’m really happy. I was hoping my roommate would have similar interests.”

“Really?”

I nodded slightly.

Though being in the same department didn’t necessarily mean similar interests…

But seeing him so happy, I had nothing else to say.

It felt somewhat familiar, reminding me of my friend in Korea…

“So where are you from? Japan? Or… China?”

Malcolm asked while unpacking, apparently more interested after learning we shared a major.

“No, I’m from Korea.”

I shook my head at Malcolm’s question.

I understand why he asked that way.

Truth be told, Korean photographers have almost no global recognition currently.

With Korea itself having minimal international presence,

Only a handful like Kangsan and Jung Woong were internationally recognized photographers.

Most recognition went to Japan, which nearly monopolized camera patent technology, or China, which cultivated artists under state management.

Even just counting international students, there were far fewer Koreans compared to Japanese or Chinese.

Maybe in a few years when Korea’s global recognition increases…

Right now, foreigners only think of Japan or China when it comes to Asians.

‘North Korea might be more famous actually? Since Gangnam Style hasn’t come out yet.’

But…

“Korea? The more I learn about you, the more I like you!”

Malcolm grabbed my hand and shook it enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Do you know where Korea is?”

I asked curiously, surprised he knew.

Malcolm suddenly started rummaging through his bag as he answered.

“Of course! Remember I said my favorite photographer was Asian? Actually, they’re Korean!”

Then he pulled out a photograph to show me.

But…

‘This is a photo I took.’

The photos he showed were ones I’d submitted to Arles.

Photos I took while traveling with Kangsan, including one of him amid volcanic fires.

‘Ah, so that’s what this is…’

I’d heard after winning the grand prize that the organizers would sell commemorative prints,

But this was my first time seeing one in person.

“What do you think? These are by the photographer I’m a huge fan of. Amazing, right?”

He proudly showed me with an innocent expression.

“I heard their name is Kai – do you know them?”

“Ah, yes… I know them well.”

Of course. Very well indeed.

Probably better than anyone else.

“I knew it, they must be famous in Korea too.”

Malcolm nodded with a satisfied smile.

“Oh right, what are you doing tomorrow?”

“Huh?”

“After the morning campus tour tomorrow, we have free time. So I was thinking…”

“Ah… I don’t have specific plans yet, just thought I’d explore and take some photos.”

“Really? Perfect! I was planning to take photos too. Want to go together?”

Whether it was his naturally bright personality,

Or because he thought I’d be good company,

Malcolm suggested with a friendly smile.

“Sure, let’s do that.”

I answered quietly.

And so began my peculiar cohabitation with Malcolm, my self-proclaimed fan.

***

The next day, we explored Yale University, taking photos.

Starting from the main gate,

Through the church with its Gothic spires that symbolized Yale,

To the massive library and galleries housing countless artworks.

We photographed every corner that we couldn’t see properly from the bus.

“I think the composition would look good if we shoot from here?”

Click―!

“Hey Woojin, come look. Don’t you think there’d be a good spot over there?”

Click―!

Malcolm was as energetic as his outgoing personality suggested.

Even after spending nearly half a day just taking photos, he showed no signs of fatigue as he searched for the next location.

No, he seemed even more energetic than when we were on the bus…

And he seemed to have a good eye, as each spot he chose was perfect for photography.

To have a photographer’s vision at just 19 or 20 years old…

That must be what they call real talent.

I unconsciously took a photo of Malcolm as he happily took pictures.

―Click!

The pure expression of a boy who truly loved photography.

I smiled slightly looking at the photo.

In this life, I’d often been called a genius or told I had God-given talent.

But I had never once thought of myself as a genius.

‘It’s different because of my experience…’

My recognition in photography came from my previous life’s experience.

More precisely, it was the result of accumulated effort.

Though that light never shone in my previous life…

So I’m different from talented students like him.

And I had to be different.

If I couldn’t achieve my dreams even with experiences carved in bone and blood, my past self might come back to strangle me…

“Woojin, look, what do you think of these photos?”

Though we’d only known each other for a day, Malcolm was already acting like a close friend, perhaps due to his naturally friendly personality.

“They came out well. I like them.”

“Right? How about you, did you take many photos?”

I casually showed him the photo I’d taken of him.

“Oh? That’s me!”

But…

“Something about the composition feels similar to Kai’s photos?”

Malcolm’s expression suddenly turned serious.

“Could you be…”

Could he…

I had an ‘uh-oh’ moment at his serious look.

He figured it out just from looking at the photo?

While compositions can be similar, immediately recognizing similarities to another photographer isn’t easy.

It’s like identifying an author’s writing style from reading a novel…

‘He has quite an eye.’

Judging by his expression, he definitely noticed something.

How should I explain this?

While I was thinking about how to explain to Malcolm…

“Wow! You’re a Kai fan like me!”

“Huh?”

Apparently, he’d misread the situation.

“You might fool others but not my eye. The way you subtly hide the subject’s gaze to make people focus on the subject – that’s totally Kai’s signature composition.”

“Ah, yes… right.”

“Though it’s a bit disappointing. If you’re going to imitate Kai, it would’ve been better to shoot diagonally – this is too frontal, don’t you think?”

Malcolm offered his critique while looking at the photo with slight disappointment.

I’m not sure if I should be relieved about this.

I didn’t say anything yesterday because it felt awkward.

And now I’ve missed the timing and don’t know how to bring it up.

Though he’d find out eventually…

“Hey, did you see Kai’s recent photos from New York?”

He had already started talking about Kai.

“He took some photos at a hidden pigment shop in New York’s World Travel, and the shots turned out incredible.”

Yeah, I know.

I’m the one who sent those photos.

“So, I actually went to that pigment shop.”

“You went there?”

“Ah, you know it too? Yeah, I went to buy one of the paintings in the photo. Well, I didn’t end up buying it, though…”

Hearing someone talk about following my trail right in front of me felt… strange.

Was it embarrassing? Or just awkward?

But wait, do they not know what I look like?

That thought crossed my mind.

“By the way, do you not know what Kai looks like?”

“Hmm… I’m not great with Korean. I tried looking it up once, but nothing came up, so I gave up.”

“Ah…”

Well, that made sense.

Thinking about it, it hadn’t even been a few months since my face became known in Korea.

And in Korea, I was more active under my real name than as “Kai,” so it wouldn’t have been easy to find me through overseas searches.

Sure, people in the industry knew who I was, but aside from the photography association exposé, I hadn’t had much contact with foreign media.

I wasn’t exactly a public figure overseas.

And even that contact was through emails, so…

“Aren’t you curious?”

“Well, if Kai becomes more famous, I’ll find out eventually, so why bother?”

Malcolm shrugged, speaking with a confident tone.

Hah, how do I even break it to this guy?

Just then, a deep voice came from behind us.

“How’s school going?”

“Seems like you’ve already made a friend.”

We turned around, and there stood Professor Ryan.

“Oh, hello.”

“Professor Ryan! I hope you’ve been well!”

Malcolm greeted Professor Ryan with a cheerful smile.

The way he addressed him by name suggested they were already acquainted.

“What were you two doing here?”

Professor Ryan, who had coincidentally run into us, asked in his usual monotone voice.

His lack of emotion made it feel like he was interrogating us.

But Malcolm, still grinning, answered him.

“We were planning to take some photos together today.”

“Is that so? Good. You’ll learn a lot.”

“Yes. I was just teaching him a few things.”

At that, Professor Ryan gave an odd look.

“You were?”

“Yeah. This guy’s a fan of Kai too, but he doesn’t seem to know much about him yet.”

Professor Ryan’s expression shifted from blank to puzzled as he glanced between me and Malcolm.

“Kai… Don’t tell me you’re…”

“Professor, we’ll catch up later. Malcolm, I’m starving. Let’s head to the cafeteria.”

I quickly steered Malcolm away before the professor could say anything more.

“Heh, alright then.”

Professor Ryan chuckled softly, finally catching on, and as he walked past me, he whispered,

“I actually have something to discuss with you. Come by my office tomorrow. Kai.”