I don't own anything.
Thank you to Tsuray for test reading the first chapter of this story.
Elegant Beings
Snap! Snap! Flashing lights and clicking shutter sounds filled up the small, cramped studio. Everyone in the studio were either busy doing what they're supposed to do, or prepared to back up for any emergency. Models displayed their best smiles and facial expression in front of the small device. Among all these busy people, only one person remained on her own pace.
" Great smile!" A cheerful voice complimented as a slender finger pressed on the button. Under the bright lights of the set a her long lock of raven colored ponytail glimmered. Though the camera was covering up most of her decent facial features, people could still feel the passion she has for her job through her auburn eyes.
This woman's name is Ayuzawa Misaki, a young photographer who works as a fashion photographer for the fashion magazine, HANA. At the age of 25 she accomplished more than the other photographers her age. It's not because she has extraordinary talent, but she started earlier than the other photographers. When Misaki was still in middle school, her father left the family a large debt and evaporated from this planet. Hence, at the age of 15, Misaki started working as a part timer in the Hana photography studio. Eventually, she became a photography assistant, then a professional photographer herself. It was only recently when Misaki finally payed off the debt.
"That's a wrap. Thank you for your cooperation." Misaki announced with her delighted voice that the shoot today was over.
"Finally!" The workers cheered and clapped. It didn't take long for them to clean up the studio.
"If you guys can clean up this fast, why can't you guys set up at the same speed?" Misaki teased her colleagues as she cleaned up her own area.
"Ahhhh~ whatever." The make up artist made a face and rapidly placed all her blush and eye shadows into a small bag.
"Any plans for today?" One of the workers asked Misaki.
"Sakura invited me to go try out this restaurant with her." Misaki answered.
"I was thinking if you wanted to go drink with us." The worker explained. "Well that sounds like a no."
"Sorry, maybe next time." Misaki replied with a smile and zipped up her camera bag. "See you guys tomorrow."
"Bye!" All the people in the studio greeted.
...
"This taste so gooddd!" A pink haired cute girl squealed with her mouth occupied by a small bite of opera cake.
"Sakura, you might want to wipe your mouth," A girl with a serious face and thick round glasses suggested.
"Is it really that good?" Misaki asked.
"Yes it is!" The pinkish brown haired girl replied, though her face was filled with ganache stains, it was still visible that she has a very cute face.
Hanazono Sakura, one of Misaki's best friends, she currently works for the editorial department of Hana. She is best known for her optimistic mind and the truck loads of men after her. Interestingly this naive girl has a secret, she is secretly dating a popular rock star.
"It's probably time for you to learn some table manners." A serious faced girl pushed her glasses and suggested.
Kaga Shizuko, a very serious girl who can say offensive things without even feeling guilty, also one of Misaki's best friends. With her cruel and vigorous personality, she puts these traits for a good use in the financial department of Hana.
"Believe me, she turns into something else in front of Ku..." Misaki casually said as she took a sip of her drink.
"Shhh! Misaki!" Rapidly, Sakura made sure Misaki didn't say the full name.
"Come on, we all know!" Shizuko glared at Sakura.
"Hmmmmmppphhhhh~~~~" Sakura pouted. "You guys are so mean..."
"This is what happens when you're the only one dating in a group." Shizuko did a face at Sakura.
"Hahahahaahahaha-" Misaki just simply laughed as she watched her two friends fought.
Ding~ It was Misaki's phone, a message just came through. Misaki took her phone out and read the message, it was from Yukimura, her assistant.
Sorry to bother you at this time, Ayuzawa-san. I just received an emergency case. The men section is one photographer short for tomorrow. I will send the details to you through e-mail. Thank you for reading the message.
-Yukimura
"Who is it from?" Shizuko asked.
"Possible boyfriend?" Sakura excitedly asked.
"No, just Yukimura." Misaki coldly said. "Work."
"Ehhh~ Why is Misaki's love life so boring?" Sakura whined.
"I have a friend who has a melodramatic romance already." Slowly, Misaki stood up from the table. "Work is priority now."
"Going home now?" Shizuko asked.
"It's better if I make sure what this job will be about first. If I want to reject it, then I have to reject it fast." From her wallet, Misaki took out some cash. "Here's my share for tonight, and bye."
"Safe trip home." Shizuko and Sakura reminded.
Cold and crisp was the only explanation for a winter night, that was the only thing Misaki thought as she walked down the streets. She zipped up her jacket, wrapped her hand knitted scarf around her neck, and walked faster; the faster she gets to the train station, the faster there will be warmth. As she rushed down the streets, though it was only a flash, a large advertisement caught her eye. It was a branded suit commercial, it was printed in black and white, and it was simply a good-looking man dressed in a suit looking straight back at the viewers. The male model had his spiky looking hair pulled to the back, and a pair of breath-taking eyes. Misaki took three seconds to look at the advertisement, then she frowned. The print quality of the large poster was so awful, it made Misaki's stomach cringe.
"I'm home." Misaki habitually said when she entered her little apartment. Starting at the age of 20, Misaki moved out of her mother's house for a more convenient access to her work place. Misaki's apartment was fairly small, just enough space for herself, but the rent was acceptable.
The first thing Misaki did when she entered her apartment was to take a shower. After a day of work, Misaki needed a shower to energize her body and mind. Finishing her shower, Misaki changed into a set of comfortable clothes, but she didn't bother to dry her hair with a hair dryer. Drying her wet hair with a towel, Misaki sat down onto the floor and turned on her laptop that sat on her short table. First thing, Misaki checked her mail. The usual routine for workaholic Misaki.
"Let me see... here it is!" The little cursor moved towards a mail that was recently sent by Yukimura. "So this new case is..."
The summary of the case was a little special combination between Hana and Yume. Yume, is a male fashion magazine that belongs to the same publishing company as Hana. While Hana has mostly female readers, Yume has their market targeted on teenage boys. However, in this case Misaki received, Yume planned to do a special edition relating to the fashion of men around the age of early 20's to early 30's. The purpose of this project was to capture the transition of boys to men.
"This sounds interesting..." Misaki said to herself as she continued to scroll down the document. "Do they have the model list yet?"
"They didn't send that to me." A little nervous, Yukimura was scared that his boss might reject the case due to the lack of information.
"I do trust the taste of the people from Yume... and I really like the theme of this edition." Misaki nodded as she read about the details. "The childish mask under adult men..."
"Then... I will give them a reply right now." Yukimura said with a slight relieve.
"Ok, thanks." Misaki thanked her assistant. "Have a good night."
Stretching her arms high in the air, Misaki decided that it was about time for her to go to sleep. Due to her habit, Misaki likes to sit beside her window as she drinks a cup of warm milk to enhance her desire to sleep. Like the usual days, she opened her window and watch the city lights shine. With her personal camera, Misaki took a few shots of the beautiful scenery. Living alone is hard, especially when you're far away from the family members you love. By taking pictures of cityscapes, Misaki reminded herself that she's not the only one in this city away from her family, trying to make a living.
"Time to sleep." Misaki reminded herself and finished her cup of warm milk. After brushing her teeth, Misaki snuggled into her single bed as she slowly entered charging mode.
Waking up earlier than usual, Misaki stood in front of her closet for a quite a long time. Looking at her collection of clothes, Misaki searched for the perfect garment to appear professional. Afterall, she'll be working in another studio today. Though Hana and Yume, these two magazines, belong to the same publishing company, a competition in sales has always linked the two branches together. It's not a serious competition, but rather each magazine branch has their pride. As a result, Misaki wanted to appear as professional as she can.
"White t-shirt with semi-formal suits jacket?" Looking at the combination, Misaki frowned. "They're going to say I'm too serious for a photographer."
Putting the two items back, Misaki scanned through her very small closet.
"Leather jacket..." Nodding, Misaki felt that she finally found the right one. Afterall, leather jacket always gives off a slightly artistic and badass feeling.
Wearing a simple white t-shirt, slim fit black pants, and her leather jacket, Misaki carried her white canvas backpack and head out of her small apartment. Another day of work, another day of productivity was about to start.
...
Entering the usual building Misaki would enter every morning, she arrived on a different floor. Once the elevator door opened, a scene of busy people walking around entered Misaki's eyes. Knowing that she has no time to waste, Misaki ran towards the desk and asked the lady to guide her to her assigned photo studio. After receiving directions, Misaki speed walked to the studio. At the entrance of the studio stood Yukimura and another man. In an instant, Misaki recognized the man with green yellow hair and yellow eyes, Igarashi Tora, also the head editor of Yume.
"Ayuzawa-san!" Seeing Misaki's arrival, Yukimura waved.
"I'm here." Misaki said to Yukimura, she then turned to the man next to her. "Nice to meet you, I'm Ayuzawa Misaki."
"Nice to meet you." Tora Igarashi greeted back. "We won in sales last week."
"I know." Gently, Misaki smiled. "We're leading in this week's sales."
For a moment, Misaki and Igarashi Tora just stared at each other with fiery eyes.
"I think that's enough of the rival play." Misaki shrugged. Afterall, they're both adults. "Whose photo am I in charge today."
"Here." Passing a profile to her, Igarashi Tora continued. "Usui Takumi."
"New model?" Upon receiving the profile, Misaki continued to read.
"He's popular overseas." Igarashi Tora added. "Read the profile, I have a meeting to attend."
"Understood." Misaki replied.
"Good luck with him." Igarashi Tora smiled and walked away.
Once Igarashi Tora walked away, Misaki and Yukimura entered the studio. While the crew set up the set for the photo, Misaki sat at the side ready to read the profile. The moment Misaki took the papers out of the folder, she thought the paper was glowing. Though it was a simple identification photo, this model going with the name of Usui Takumi had the most perfect facial ratio Misaki has ever seen. Spiky blonde hair that glowed under the light, and a pair of emerald eyes. Looking through the other information about this model, Misaki saw the number 186 right next to height.
"He's born to be a model..." Murmuring to herself, Misaki can't believe that this particular individual hasn't create a massive explosion of teen ovaries all over Japan. "He's only 21..."
"Ayuzawa-san, please check the set." Speaking softly right next to Misaki, Yukimura said.
"Let me see." Standing up, Misaki walked towards the set. As Misaki walked to the position where the camera stand was, she realized the messy electric cords on the floor. Perhaps, this studio has been so busy to even organize these tangled lines.
A white backdrop, a grey couch in the center, and black colored children toys scattered all over the floor.
"This should do." Misaki nodded. "Let's work our best today!"
"Yes." The whole crew replied.
Not soon after the preparations were completed, the studio door opened. Entering the room, were a group of people. These people included the makeup crew, and some other people from the other departments. Oddly, they are all woman. In the middle of the crowd, a tall and astonishing looking man walked into the studio. It was Usui Takumi, surrounded by a bunch of woman he probably didn't know.
"What's with the people from the editorial department?" One of the photography crew asked.
"We're here to check the progress of the photo session." A woman in the group justified.
"Yeah! It's our job!" A rather young employee said.
"Please leave." Pointing at the extra people entering the room, Misaki commanded. "This is a professional workplace, not a place to mingle. Please practice some work ethics."
"Hey!" One woman yelled at Misaki.
"I need to work." With a cold tone, Usui Takumi looked at all the woman beside him. "Please exit."
Cold and mean, those were the words to describe Usui Takumi's glare. After the warning, the crowd slowly dissolved, leaving on the makeup artist standing right next to Usui Takumi.
"Now that things are cleared." Smiling at Usui Takumi, Misaki introduced. "I'm Ayuzawa Misaki, your photographer for this session. Nice to meet you."
"Usui Takumi." Usui Takumi slightly bowed. "I'll be in your care for today."
"It's my pleasure." Misaki replied.
It didn't take long for the photography session to start. As a photographer, Misaki was excited. Not only does the theme of this photo shoot truly excite, but the whole crew from the lighting assistant to the makeup artist, everyone were individuals with high reputation in their respective business.
Starting the photo session with a series of mature looking pictures, Misaki was amazed by Usui's performance. Even though he sat right next to a pile of children's toy, everything appeared to be mysterious. In one particular series of photos, Usui rolled the sleeves of his long sleeve shirt up as he slowly looked up into the camera. After taking a ton of great photo of Usui's mature photos, Misaki thought it was about time to gradually transit to the childish photos.
"Usui-san, do you mind posing with one of the props?" Misaki requested.
Holding the black train figure up, Usui smiled.
The whole studio froze.
Presented in front of them, was the most awkward smile of the century.
"Perhaps a little bit happier?" Misaki asked.
Usui grinned.
"Sorry, I meant playful." Misaki corrected herself. "No wonder Igarashi wished me luck."
Once again, Usui picked up a few props and posed. However, the smile looked either extremely fake or scary enough to scare children away. Even after a few attempts, there weren't any good results. Suddenly, Misaki looked closer into the photos. Through her lense, she saw lies.
"Can you stop acting nervous and take this photo shoot seriously?" Switching her focus from the Usui through the lens to the Usui standing in front of her, Misaki questioned.
"Who said I'm not serious?" A smirk appeared across Usui's face.
"Really?" Misaki sighed. That smirked confirmed Usui's attitude about the photo shoot.
"How about this?" Sitting on the couch with his leg crossed, Usui stuck his tongue out.
"What's so fun playing around with us?" Misaki asked.
"No, I'm not playing around." Acting oblivious, Usui replied.
Staring at the model in front of her, Misaki endured her anger of smashing Usui's handsome face into the wall.
"I'll deal with him alone, all you guys can exit for now." Turning back, Misaki said to the troubled photography crew.
"Are you sure?" Yukimura slowly walked up to Misaki with concern.
"It's a one on one." Misaki turned to the model lying lazily on the couch.
One by one, the crew members exited the indoor studio. Only Usui and Misaki were left in the room filled with tension bright lights. Since the lighting assistant also left the room, Misaki made a few setting changes on her camera to avoid taking bad quality photos.
"Do you really think you will take better pictures with just you and I in the studio?" With a challenging tone, Usui asked.
"Well-" Without a warning, Misaki tripped onto one of the electric cords coiling up on the floor.
"Hahahahahahahaha" Seeing the woman older than him fall, caused Usui to laugh outloud.
"It's not funny!" Shouting, at the good looking model in front of her, Misaki couldn't endure her anger anymore. The embarrassment Misaki felt, hinder the mature content in her.
A tensed and serious silence swirled around the room.
"Pfft!" Unable to control his laughter, Usui lost control of his own behavior. "Hahahahahahahahahaha"
"What's so funny?" Angrily, Misaki whack the electric cord in her hands onto the floor.
"Hahahahahahahahahahaha" Nothing could stop Usui's laughter, nothing.
"No seriously!" Misaki stomped her feet onto the floor.
"You look like a softcore SM queen." Smirking, Usui added. "Queen Misa."
"What?" Confused by Usui's words, Misaki said as a reflex.
"You're wearing leather, and the cord looks like a whip in your hands." Finally able to control a little bit of his laughter, Usui explained. "Fifty Shades of Misaki."
"..." For Misaki, it wasn't funny at all. "What should I say? Thank you? Now, can we take some decent photos?"
"Take it like you do, take take take it like you do." Singing his parody version of a certain famous movie theme song, Usui entered the famous french girl pose. Lying on his side, with one hand on his hip and his head resting on the other hand.
Snap! Misaki took the picture like what Usui instructed.
"..." The sound of the camera shutter, shocked Usui. He didn't expect Misaki to take advantage of the situation, since she's such a serious person.
"Go on." A smile appeared on Misaki's face, with her camera in her hand.
"You truly caught me off guard." Smirking, Usui sat back up.
"Don't get too cheeky." Sticking her tongue out, Misaki felt like she finally got her revenge. "Go on. Continue."
Bringing her camera with her, Misaki leaped onto the couch Usui sat on. Looking down onto Usui's face through the camera lenses, Misaki took more shots
"What's with that face? Show me something more human." Misaki demanded.
"That's sadistic of you." Usui smirked.
"..." Misaki took off her leather jacket, the studio's temperature was increasing anyway.
"You didn't have to treat my words so seriously." Another cheeky yet natural smile appeared on Usui's face again.
"Sure." Misaki took another picture of Usui. "Nice candid."
Turning the small screen of her camera towards Usui, Misaki displayed a picture of Usui half blinking with his mouth open. Though Usui truly has astonishing facial features, he still can't escape the curse of candid photos ruining his original face.
"This should be the cover." Turning the camera back, Misaki giggled.
"You're not any more mature than me." Usui chuckled.
"Well, I have more experience than you." Taking another photo, Misaki said.
"Such as what?" With a suggestive facial expression, Usui purposely asked.
"Such as escaping from sexualized conversations." Coldly, Misaki said. Working in an industry related to the entertainment industry, Misaki has seen authorities abusing their powers and ask some malicious questions.
"No fun." Resting his head on the back of the couch, Usui complained.
"Then what's fun for you?" Sitting down, Misaki took a photo of Usui leaning his head against the back of the couch while looking straight at the camera. Usui's nonchalant sexiness has been expressed in one simple photo.
"Teasing you." Smiling, Usui said.
"An actual hobby." Rolling her eyes, Misaki can't believe that she's dealing with this young model.
"Playing with cats." Usui replied.
"Pfft." Dropping her camera lightly onto the couch, Misaki started laughing. She can't imagine this good looking model in front of her rolling on the floor with cute kittens. Then Misaki imagined Usui rolling on a marble floor with only a pair of Calvin Klein underwear while covered in cat fur. "Hahahahahahaahaha"
"Nice shot." Picking up Misaki's camera, Usui took a photo of the grinning lady in front of him.
"Hey! Give the camera back!" Frowning, Misaki realized she has been caught off guard.
"No problem." Usui passed the camera back to Misaki.
Receiving the camera back, Misaki found a picture of her mouth wide open and the muscles on her forehead squishing into a pile. An absolutely stunning photo in terms of scariness.
"Don't delete that." Before Misaki clicked on any buttons, Usui warned.
"It's going." Misaki didn't take in Usui's words.
"Not the ugly one, the one with you smiling." Usui said.
"They're both going." Pressing a few buttons, Misaki erased the proof of her not concentrating during her work hours.
"Are you sure you're only 4 years older than me?" Tilting his head backwards, Usui asked.
"There's no argument with age, it's a number that changes in roughly 365 days." Snapping a few more photos, Misaki answered.
"You're right." Bringing one knee up, Usui rested his head on the knee while still staring at Misaki. Without a warning, a sweet smile appeared.
"..." Taking the photo of the moment, Misaki was shocked by the picture she took. No words could describe the vibe from the still frame. Unable to comprehend with this illogical model in front of her, Misaki said, "You're weird."
"I prefer the term unique." Usui's usual mysterious smile replaced the sweet smile.
Somehow, without the whole photography crew within the room, the photography session with Usui happened swiftly. Initially, Misaki had a bad feeling about the photos, since Usui wasn't truly cooperative in the beginning. Instead, Misaki took some of the most beautiful pictures in her career.
"You're a good model, have confidence in yourself." Going through the photos, Misaki said to Usui.
"I'm filled with confidence." Usui replied.
"My lens don't lie." From many photos, Misaki saw insecurity in Usui's eyes. There was something that bothered him.
"So does my hips." With a straight face, Usui started rotating his pelvis area.
"I'm done with you." Sighing, Misaki walked towards the door of the studio.
"I'm not done yet." Usui's deep and rational voice paused Misaki's action from opening the door.
Turning around, Misaki realized she was trapped by Usui at the door. He was standing so close to Misaki that she could feel his soft breathing landing on the tip of her head. Looking up, Misaki made eye contact with the pair of emerald eyes. They stared at each other for a good while. The longer Misaki stared into Usui's emerald eyes, she felt like their heartbeats slowly synchronized with each others. It was a feeling Misaki never felt before.
"You forgot your SM costume." Pushing the door open, Usui left Misaki's leather jacket on her head, then left the studio.
"I hope you turn allergic to cat fur." Unwilling to admit the mini defeat, Misaki shouted back.
With his back facing Misaki, Usui continued to walk away from the studio. Bringing up his left hand, Usui pointed a 'V' with his two fingers.
"Cheeky brat." Grunting, Misaki crossed her arms while her leather jacket still remained on her head.