I am 5 feet tall and the least photogenic person you'll ever meet, so obviously, I've never been a model. When I started doing some research for this story, I was really surprised by some aspects of modeling that I wasn't at all expecting. I'm excited to explore the world of glamor and size zero outfits from the inside.

Disclaimer: I don't own Shugo Chara.

"And... turn! That's it, Ikuto! This way! Look this way! Perfect!" Finally, the camera shutter stops clicking and the camera man straightens. "That was great Ikuto, take a short break and change outfits. We'll start again in a few minutes."

I sigh and comb through my hair with my fingers, an action that leads to immediate protest from the approaching hairstylist, "No, no, no Ikuto! Don't do that! We need your hair in your face for this next set of photos!" She drags me to a chair and pushes me down so that I am the right height for her to cover my head in hairspray. They don't really need my cooperation for this part, so I slump back and scroll through my phone.

Missed calls and messages; 3. All from Utau. Delete.

Text message: "Yo Ikuto! So are you..." From Kukai. Delete.

Text message: "Ikuto, why don't you answer..." Also from Utau. Delete.

Missed call; 1. From agency. Ignore and listen to later.

Email: "Ikuto, it's nice to see..." From agency. Close and read later.

Email: "Hello Ikuto! We just wanted to say thank you..." From past client. Delete. If only people knew that I have no interest in their appreciation. Then maybe they'd stop sending me this stuff.

I sigh again. This is going to be another tedious day.

My phone buzzes in my hand. A call from the agency. I consider hanging up but decide against it. They'd already tried to contact me twice, it could be important. But probably not.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Ikuto!" Yoru: the person they usually use to contact me because he's the only one who can get my attention. Mostly because he's so tenacious, annoying and flamboyant. "You busy?" I glance around. They were still setting up lights and cameras. It would probably be a long wait. "Yeah, I'm busy. We're shooting now."

"Liar." This time, the voice comes from behind me, I whirl around to the dismay of the makeup artists. "What are you doing here?"

"It's nice to see you too." Yoru flounces closer, "You look really busy."

"There's a lot on my mind. I'm busy on the inside."

"Uh huh." He doesn't sound convinced. "So, listen, are you free next Saturday?"

What a funny question. Am I free next Saturday? Buzz Rickson's had offered me about 800,000,000 Yen ($80,000) to shoot for their latest clothing line. I was playing with the idea of accepting just for something to do, but I could easily blow them off. That would teach them for being cheap.

"No, I have something planned on Saturday."

"A Buzz Rickson's shoot, right? You're not seriously considering that offer."

"I don't know why you bother asking me things. You know about everything that goes on in my life."

Yoru grins, "Of course! Your face is our agency's biggest money maker."

My mouth quirks up ever so slightly, "You're like a pimp. I should start calling you Big Daddy."

Yoru laughs, "That'll be the day. Anyway, we're having a big audition at the Kintetsu Mall next week. Huge promotion. We want you there as, you know, an incentive."

"Easter doesn't need an incentive to get new models."

"I know, but we want as many people as possible this time. Someone new, a fresh face."

As far as I know, models don't need a fresh face, just a pretty one. And there aren't many variations of a pretty face. Besides, Easter has thousands of people sending in portfolios a day, if they need a fresh face, they would've found one by now. It's obvious that a fresh face is not that important. "I suppose Easter does need a new face. It's been getting boring seeing the same people around the agency."

"Exactly, so we want you there. We'll put your name, and better yet, your photo on the promotional flyers and girls will come flocking in."

"What about guys?"

"Why Ikuto, I didn't know you swung that way." He gives me a suggestive eyebrow raise.

I sigh and feign annoyance at his antics, he immediately backtracks, "You know I'm joking. We'd prefer a girl this time. The agency's a sausage fest, it wouldn't hurt to see some boobs-"

"Ok, ok!" It's always better to stop Yoru while he's ahead, before he gets too profane. "I'll do it."

"You just don't want to hear me say boobs. Boobs, boobs, boobs, tits-"

"Yoru!"

He spreads his hands innocently, "Alright, whatever. Just make sure you show up on Saturday."

"Right, I'll make a note on my day- planner." I haven't touched that notebook since the day I bought it.

Yoru is interrupted right before he replies, "Ikuto! It's so nice to see you again!" This designer leans in close and air kisses me on both cheeks. How have you been?"

I should probably remember this guy's name. I'm pretty sure I've worked with him enough times. If only it was as memorable as his voice, which is much too high pitched for a man. "I'm fine."

"Great! I have an amazing new outfit for you today, you'll love this design, it's perfect for you..." He begins leading me away, still babbling. I tune him out completely, a skill I acquired some time ago. It's very useful and I'm quite proud of it.

I turn around to wave good- bye at Yoru, he exaggeratedly mouths Saturday at me.

Note: next Saturday at the Kinetsu Mall. Promotion. From the agency. Think about it later.

I hope they send me a memo just in case.