A framed kanji for beauty hangs on the wall. There's a potted orange tree and tall potted lemon grass in an eclipse vase, assistants rush back and forth, and hair and makeup people. And models talking to each other.
"Can you believe girls from our agency got a shoot with Golce and Dabana?"
Her friend says sounding surprised, "And one of them walked out on the shoot!"
"Was it the one who's in an idol group with Shirasagi Chisato?"
The one with blonde highlights responds, "I think that's her. And she's obsessed with bushido?"
"That's her. She may be weird but she's such a sweet person."
A hairstylist brushes her hair and adds a couple pins to hold her hair and the model says, "But walking out on that high end label shoot? That's weird even for her. I mean who does she think she is Gigi Hadid?"
That was awful what happened to her. I know people get impulsive but even if she believed that trash her social media handler would tell her why she really really shouldn't.
"If you think we look good now imagine us after postproduction?"
"They'll make us our faces even more defined with even tinier pores. Wait, will we even be on trend?"
Sigh, as if professionals dressing them and doing their hair and makeup isn't enough they get photoshopped too. Everyone already knows that but like how do they even feel about it?
"Aaaah!" Tomoe does not look like herself and has an I can't believe I'm doing this face.
Tomoe walks out wearing vibrant pink tennis shoes, tucked in a vibrant yellow square neck cami with a wide straps and a think purple stripe at the top, and orange high waisted denim shorts.
She ask me to watch her phone and sits down and they start working on her.
An hour goes by and Tomoe says she's thirsty and I get up. I tell the assistant, "I can do this, thanks."
I smooth my shirt and scratch my collar. I run my fingers through my hair and look over to Tomoe sitting and brush her shoulder. "Anything I can do?"
She answers, "Since I can't get out of my spot," I rest my left foot on a piece of metal that connects two of the chair's legs and Tomoe finishes, "can you please get me a bottle of water from the snack area?"
"I'll be right back. Oh, and that perfume works so well for you."
I get her water and wait longer. I text dad back telling him I'm okay.
After 40 minutes they take a short break and Tomoe says, "You know who's beautiful?"
I lean in closer, "Yes?"
Tomoe rolls her eyes. "Pretty much everyone here! And do you want to know why? Because everyone has to spend ridiculous amounts of time getting our wardrobe hair and makeup ready. Girls like these make other girls feel ugly making them starve themselves. And everything's photoshopped anyway."
"I see your point. Don't worry Tomoe, it'll be over soon enough and we can get back to playing our music."
After 20 minutes the hair and makeup people are done and she stands up. Another model asks, "Wanna practice poses before we shoot?"
"Sure."
She scans Tomoe up and down. "Want to switch places with me? I think I got the fat mirror."
Her reflection doesn't even look fat.
You know, the hair and makeup people did an amazing job making my friend look like someone else entirely. It's so ironic, an effortless look taking this much effort.
Tomoe's hair is in a high wavy ponytail with wavy curls peeping out.
Tomoe and a few other models are called to the set where they're shooting.
Then 40 minutes go by and she's already done! "I hope I did alright."
I feel weak and lightheaded, and the lights feel harsh now. Models and photographers pass us
"Hey, only a few more shoots and you won't have to worry about anything ever again."
"Should I tell anyone on Instagram about this?"
Hmm, I stroke my chin. "You know, the fact you're even asking means you feel unsure enough not to just tell everyone so no. You'll never be able to live down."
"I'm still kind of unsure. Like I still have an image to maintain as our drummer."
"Okay let me rephrase that. I won't ever let you live it down. Besides the agency's keeping track of your social. If you complain they'll note it."
"Yeah I see your point."
The EDM playing over the speakers here is actually nice. Nothing against really bass heavy music but it'd just make my headache worse.
We go to Saya's bakery and I get Moca a cinnamon roll and water for myself.
Hey it's Eve and Hina.
Hina's eyes and mouth widen into perfect circles. "Is that really you Tomoe! You're really boppin today!"
Eve tells Tomoe, "I know your first day is hard but you used your bushido and did it."
"Well I'm not even sure I got it right."
She then gives Tomoe a big hug. "You look amazing!"
Tomoe looks kind of nervous. "Thanks."
A few models walk in, "Hey it's her! I heard you slayed back there."
Eve waves to them. "Hi."
"Okay whatever. So Tomoe, your post production really brings out your best features."
"They're already done with post production?"
Ayano tells her, "I just knew you'd be great for our agency."
Tomoe grins. "So what gave it away?"
"Your walk, attitude, high cheekbo…heh, nice try. No but seriously you were hot back there. Wanna hang with us?"
"Hmm, I have to walk Ran home. Although I am free tomorrow."
Is she serious? This can't be happening.
"Oh, you can prepare for a shoot before showing up and they shoot all over town. So…like if you don't have to wear a brand or label's clothes then yeah. They give us instructions on what we should wear and stuff."
On the way home I ask Tomoe, "This isn't you I just know it."
"Meh, I figure I can party with them and I can tell you how ridiculous everyone was."
Oh I see, it's like she's going undercover so she can reform the system. Makes me feel all warm inside. "Don't forget to tell me everything."
I'm walking in the halls with Tomoe, stepping aside girls walking looking at their phones. "So Tomoe you up for the skate park later?"
"Sorry Ran, I promised mom and my aunt we'd shop together."
She giddily puts her hand over her mouth and grabs my arm. "Isn't this exciting or what?"
"I'm glad you're getting along with her again. But, I don't know, have fun shopping!"
I hand Moca the bun I picked up from Saya's bakery.
"Mmm, Moca too has a modeling gig."
"You too? Did you tell anyone before me?"
Moca takes a selfie. "Hue hue hue, do the crumbs on my face bring out my dimples?"
Oh Moca you almost had me! "Good one Moca."
Hina makes short quick steps towards Tomoe, "Now that's a boppin hairstyle! You can style hair with us sometime if you want. And bring your double barrel wand. Those beach waves are boppin! Can I take your pic? I'm gonna draw you in so many different styles."
Tomoe smiles flicking her hair back. "Sure, go right ahead. Just remember to use lighting and shading layers. And maybe a second skin layer for my undertones."
"Thanks Tomoe. I'll tell you when I'm done and don't forget to repost when I'm done."
I can't believe this. She's changing right before my eyes. I know we usually draw with Hina but there's just something different about this.
After school I change into my skater gear at home. "Tomoe modeling, that's pathetic. Then again we still have to pay for the drums but modeling? Couldn't we have waited tables or something?"
Mom tells me, "Do you know how many girls try and fail to break into that industry even with parents who push them super hard? I'm just not too sure about those parties she's going to."
"Me neither. I mean what if she likes them better than me?"
I meet Misaki and Hagumi at the skate park. Oh a text from Tomoe. Huh, she actually seems happy, shopping for stuff she doesn't even like without me.
I nosegrind on a rail then gain momentum going up the half pipe. Me and Misaki almost crash into each other but I keep going left avoiding her. Oh my gosh Hagumi can skate. She fly outs over the half pipe edge and stretches her foot back then grabs the tail end of her board. Woah she's skating down the ramp really fast! She swerves past scooter kids then slams her skateboard down then jumps over a short rail.
Looks like she's going to the really steep part. Instead of railsliding she leaps really far, her skateboard spins three times and she touches the tail of her skateboard and slams it down landing on it. Wow those skills.
Then she slows down and sits with me on the halfpipe's edge on my end. "Skating's so much fun isn't it you guys?"
I'm already dizzy and lightheaded from all this skateboarding, like millions of tiny things are pressing against the inside of my forehead so I sit with Misaki.
I tell her, "I'm actually impressed."
Hagumi gets back and I ask, "You were so awesome is Vans or Thrasher endorsing you yet?"
"Nah I'm just having fun. Maybe Tomoe's happy with her new life? She's still your bestie as far as I know. I miss Michelle but I know she's always there for us whenever we play. Our fluffy wuffy bear friend is always there when we need her."
Me and Misaki share a look, she grins like she's trying not to laugh. I ask, "You're fluffy wuffy?"
"We don't talk about Michelle outside of rehearsal." "Oh, right. Well anyway I'm glad she's getting along better with her aunt but she seemed a bit too happy going shopping for all these outfits that she doesn't even like. I know her, and I know she doesn't like those stores."
