IMPORTANT NOTE: I do not own anything
CHAPTER 8
As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is expected to be a very crowded city. That's something indeed true. The streets are filled with people going to their jobs or just shopping around the town. The train station is full of students waiting for the right train to go to their schools. It was a good thing, though, that these young people, both girls and boys, were chatting happily between them. As it seemed the majority of them enjoyed the high school life. It was around this time in the morning that the stores were opening. However, the most annoying and stressful thing was happening at the main street of the town. People were parking their cars wherever they wanted without caring if they were bothering others or that they were causing problems or even accidents. That was something unexpected and phenomenal, in the bad way, for the diligent country of Japan…
This unfortunate loss of time made people relax inside their cars. Relax?! Didn't they have to be at work? For sure they did but since they couldn't because of the current situation, same was happening with their supervisors and bosses. If not…They just needed to beg for mercy…
The majority of these people would start cursing the one in front of them, even if it wasn't his or her fault. Yeah…In a strange way, that could be considered something like…a "tranquilizer". They felt good by doing that, so end of story. Anyway, some of these people would read the daily newspaper, others would turn on the radio and start singing, if they liked the song, which was playing. Women would take out their small mirror and start correcting possible "mistakes" on their makeup. Another significant percentage of people would take out their cigarettes and start smoking…
…
Sigh…
A young man relaxed his back on the car's seat and let out an irritated sigh. He looked at the empty seat next to him and took notice of his cigarettes and lighter resting on it. He turned his gaze on the road once again and nodded desperately at himself as he witnessed the big row of cars in front of him. Without thinking much of it, he grabbed the little white box and opened it. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it up after throwing the small box back on its previous place.
He inhaled some smoke and smiled in the inside. Good thing, he remembered to take them with him. He had already thought from yesterday that he would need them for today. The reason why? The first one was the young girl, who was sitting in the back seats. He could feel her negative vibes and an aura like "If you dare talk to me…try to imagine the consequences.". But it was obvious that he couldn't do anything about her. He hoped that she at least was aware of that…
The second reason? That's a little too early in the morning to be said…It would be understandable soon enough, though.
He set his gaze for a second at the front mirror to check on the young woman. She was having her legs crossed and he could notice her hands trembling slightly. Must be because of them being late. It was true that she was a punctual person both in her job and more private things. However, what irritated him the most was the real reason of her obvious annoyance. He decided to not even mention anything. When they would be able to leave, they would do so…But, in the end, he said something to break the silence…
"Does it bother you if I smoke?"
He tried to inhale some smoke again until he heard her saying something that made him choke…
"Yes, indeed, it does. I don't wish for my hair to reek of smoke."
He opened the window and threw it outside… "Alright…" he mumbled…
…
Lili Rochefort watched her bodyguard throwing his lit cigarette outside the window. She could tell that he was murmuring to himself but she had no idea about what, since he was talking in Korean, his native language. He was probably angry because she asked him to stop smoking. However, Lili had no piece of guilt inside her head. She was his boss and he had to act according to her wishes and demands. She smiled in the inside to herself and opened her bag. She took out her small mirror and checked her face. She decided to not put so much makeup on. Anyway, she was going to do this whole thing for about…who knows? Maybe, five times today? And not to mention tomorrow. As she remembered about the next day, she thought of the promise she made to Asuka Kazama. She had to make sure Hwoarang was going to go and take her. She sighed guessing how much he was going to whine about it. Maybe, not with words but he was a man, whose feelings were obvious at both his face and body language. She was relieved when she made sure that there was not a single flaw in her face, until she noticed a pimple on her right cheek. That was bad! It wasn't there in the morning! Oh no…She let the mirror fall on her side without paying attention to it. She searched through her bag clumsily and took out her beige personal journal. She turned the pages quickly and frowned when her gaze fell on a certain page...
That was the last thing she wanted these days. Why did it have to be now? How could she forget? But no…She had to realize it sooner. Her chest was swollen somehow and from years of experience she could tell that this was one of her period symptoms. For a moment, a desperate tear was almost ready to fall from the corner of her eye but Lili kept it inside…
She placed her hand under her chin and shifted her position to the center of the back seats. She looked in front of her to look at the endless row of cars and felt bad for Hwoarang. Maybe, she should have let it pass and let him smoke. They were going to wash her hair again. On the other hand, the last thing Lili wanted to do today was to apologize to someone. She relaxed her back at the seat and took out both her wallet and cellphone…
"Hwoarang?" she called him in low calm voice, yet her tone was demanding enough. Only a person like Lili Rochefort would be able to do that…
The man turned slightly his head to look at her direction… "What is it?"
"I'll call the photographer and inform him that we are stuck here."
"I could do that. Leave it to…"
"No!" Lili interrupted him and dialed the number…
She raised her head to look at him and gave him a faint smile. Hwoarang watched her grabbing her wallet but he got surprised when he saw her passing it to him…
"Here." She said and let the wallet rest inside his hands…
Hwoarang raised an eyebrow and looked strangely at it… "And you're giving this to me…because?"
"Pretty simple, if you were supposed to ask a woman. I realized something unpleasant today…"
"I wonder why? Maybe because you didn't do anything but think about that bastard?" thought Hwoarang while Lili was talking to him…
"…whatever…Since we're stuck here, I'd like for you to go outside and find a pharmacy for me."
"What for?"
A light blush appeared momentarily on her cheeks. It was pretty embarrassing to be discussing such things with a man. To be honest, it was Lisa the one, who was taking care of everything without even asking her. She was calculating everything whenever it was coming to Lili's health. Lisa was relieved that her client didn't have a more intimate personal life, something that there was no way she would tell her. She didn't have a death wish…That would make her more self-conscious that she wasn't going to confide anything to her anymore…
Lili shook her head and turned her attention to Hwoarang once again… "About that…I want you to go and buy for me some pads."
The man blinked his eyes several times. He scratched the back of his head and wondered about what she meant. Lili closed her eyes after noticing his cluelessness. A disappointed sigh escaped her lips…
"P-Pads? What do you actually want me to buy?"
"Seriously, Hwoarang?" she shook her head… "Whatever…Ask from the pharmacist for some pads and he will understand. He obviously has female customers. Oh! Some tampons would be nice, too."
It was that time that he understood what she wanted. It was about time already… "Huh? You ask me to go and buy…t-these things?"
"Good thing you finally realized it. Just go now."
"But I…"
"No buts! Get outside the car."
Hwoarang bit his upper lip and opened the driver's seat. He stopped for a moment and took his cigarettes from the seat next to his. Lili smiled to herself when she noticed this. As expected…
He walked outside the car, closed the door and locked the car with Lili inside. The young woman pressed the "call" button and waited for the photographer to answer…
…
A similar problem was troubling Steve…No…Let's say better that it was troubling Steve's manager. The blond man seemed completely unaffected since this was something inevitable. They couldn't do anything about it, so why stress over that? Steve's logic would make sense to a lot of people but to those, who were taking seriously their job…not really…
However, their situation was way better since they have started earlier. The man had already informed the photographer. He felt awful for making such a bad first impression. He was a man, who tried to be punctual to almost everything and, in reality, his demanding client was making this difficult. That being said, it was easy for Steve to make easily a bad impression to someone. Just give him some drinks and there you have it…
The older man sighed and looked behind him. He saw the boxer having his eyes closed with his earphones to his ears. He was definitely half asleep. He tightened his grip on the stirring wheel and pursed his lips…
"I honestly can't believe you." He finally said…
Steve opened tiredly his blue eyes… "Hm?"
The man turned his head to look at him… "You're even sleeping here? You seriously have a mental problem. How to call it? Umm…Indifference? No, that would be the easy way to describe this. Better say callousness."
The other younger man rolled his eyes and took off his earphones… "Chill out…It's not that we can do anything about this…and, let's face it. They can't even start without me."
The manager's eyes widened in disbelief… "You sure are…That's even worse you selfish being!"
"Hey? This selfish being, as you call me, is paying you." Said Steve pointing at himself…
"Your agency is paying me not you."
The man turned his attention back to the road when he noticed that the cars were moving slowly and started the car once again…
"It's the same, old man. They are paying you with the money I earn."
He decided to not pull the matter any further, since there was no way someone could deal in a sane way with that guy… "Just continue your sleep."
Steve chuckled and placed the earphones back to his ears… "Will do." He said and closed his eyes…
…
A black car was parked by an anxious man inside a parking place. He took his briefcase and opened the driver's door. Before he was ready to walk outside he glanced behind him and saw the blond young man being still entrapped in his dreamland. He sighed irritated and walked outside the car closing the door behind him. He opened the back seat and hit with his briefcase the other man…
"What the fuck, man?!" said Steve rubbing angrily his head…
"We have arrived already. Get out."
Steve Fox covered his face with his hands. He wasn't in the mood for anything like that. This man didn't care for self-promotion or to have fans. But he was popular and couldn't help it. Of course, he was wanted for advertising. The only good thing in this whole situation was that he would see Lili. He made some plans concerning her in his mind…If only she complies? He thought smirking to himself. In the end, he wore his jacket, which was resting next to him, and followed his manager towards the building…
When, they arrived to the entrance, the man was ready to inform the bodyguards of what they wanted here, however, the two men recognized Steve and let them inside…After, asking from him to sign an autograph for each one of them, of course…
The two men were welcomed by a crowd full of people, mostly women, who wanted to see Steve. They were going to be seeing him for the next two days but…well…We're talking about Steve Fox! Every woman would possibly want to touch him or the most romantic ones to see his smile directed towards them. It was true that Steve was a man, who was smiling quite a lot but it was only when he was happy or better satisfied. Never to please someone else. He wasn't good at it, since he was always honest with his feelings…
"Mr. Fox, good morning!" said the photographer while approaching him…
Steve gave him a nod and a faint smile. Even his manager was satisfied with that. It was preferable for him to have Steve nodding his head than letting him talk. You could never guess what he was going to blurt out…
The manager bowed slightly and an apologetic expression appeared on his face… "Please, let me apologize for running late…We're usually very punctual but…How to say it? I'm not used to Japanese roads."
The photographer took off his rimless glasses and waved his hands… "Don't worry about this. Miss Rochefort informed us that she might be a little late because of the traffic."
It was the first time today that someone got Steve's attention when Lili's name was mentioned. He assumed that she would have been here already. He looked in front of him when the photographer spoke to him… "But we can start with your solo photo-shoot, Mr. Fox."
"That's a very nice idea." Said his manager placing a hand of Steve's shoulder…
The blond man crossed his arms and shook his head… "That won't do…I promised Lili that I would show her my awesomeness."
His words made the man next to him lose his composure. What was this idiot saying in front of strangers? And why is he using that girl's name as to justify his boredom? That poor girl, he thought…
"I'm sorry about that. Could we just have him ready?"
The photographer smiled and nodded. What a kind man? Thought the manager…
…
The crew was decorating the place, deciding where everything is supposed to be. They were doing the same thing for about a couple of times. Others were checking the lights, cameras. Even by watching them someone could say that this day's going to be a long one. Lili Rochefort stepped inside the building and took off her sunglasses. She didn't wear them until they got out of the car. A lot of people were passing along or others having their breakfast at the local shops. She knew that she was attracting attention and that she was one of the people both reporters and people wanted to see up close. However, even though Lili liked usually to sign autographs or take simple photos with her fans, today she wasn't in the mood. There's no need to wonder why…
Lili was amazed as she watched how hard these people were working. The results were going to be satisfying but she would make them even better just by being the one the lights and the camera would portray. She, suddenly, remembered Steve, as well. Acting arrogantly wouldn't make her any good. But she wasn't intending to back off from her goal…His eyes were not going to leave her body today…and tomorrow…and all the time she was with him…She smiled at herself thinking about that…
"Miss Rochefort, good morning!"
Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of her name. She spaced out again…At least she hoped that she didn't make a fool out of herself. A smile crossed her lips and extended her hand for a handshake… "Same here. I hope it works well today…I mean both today and tomorrow."
"I'm not trying…how to say it to not misunderstand me…erm…but I think that with you that's gonna be quite easy."
"Hehe…You're flattering me."
The photographer raised his hands and motioned for two girls to approach him. He placed his hands at each one's shoulder and then looked at Lili again…
"This is Eri and Ai. One of the beauticians and stylists. They are going to be taking care of you for these two days."
Lili crossed her arms and, then, placed her hand under her chin. She eyed the two girls upside down making them feel uncomfortable. Suddenly, she felt a light punch on her arm and turned her head to see Hwoarang. She cleared her throat and bowed her head at the two girls… "I see. I'm looking forward to our work together."
"We won't disappoint you, Miss Rochefort!" said the two girls in unison bowing deeply in front of Lili…
There was a moment of silence. Both the photographer and especially the girls noticed that Lili wasn't going to go easy on them. Not that she was going to cause trouble for them but just that they had to give their 110%. Finally, Hwoarang spoke walking next to Lili…
"Miss?" he said turning to look at her and Lili returned his gaze… "We should get you ready."
She gave him a nod and turned her attention to the photographer… "My bodyguard is right. Shall we begin?"
"Of course! The sooner the better. Mr. Fox is here, too. He's in his dressing room."
Lili felt a slight piece of warmth entering her body. On the other hand, Hwoarang was trying his best to not curse everyone inside or, even worse…Start kicking the cameras or in other words, to destroy the whole set…Seeing Steve Fox was what made him make sure to have his cigarettes with him…
…
Meanwhile, inside Steve's dressing room, the man was sitting on a chair in front of a large mirror as the hairdresser was trying to style his hair in the best possible way. On the other hand, the stylist was still trying to decide which outfit he should wear first or second. The choices were quite a lot and it all depends on what was exactly what the company wanted to sell. Shoes, shirts or pants? His manager was sitting on an armchair reading some files concerning the next tournament Steve had to enter. It was a mixed martial arts tournament. A sigh escaped his mouth. Steve was very excited when the agency asked him to compete. He refused to tell him the cause of his excitement telling him that it doesn't concern him. Of course, an answer like this would make someone's curiosity rise even more. The only thing he did was to shake his head. He hoped at least that what happened the last time he entered that tournament wasn't going to happen again…
Steve heard some noises coming from inside but he made notice of Lili's gentle voice. He turned his head to the door and smiled…
"Lili's here. Nice!"
His manager apologized silently to the hairdresser, who was obviously irritated that her whole work was ruined because of Steve shaking and turning his head. She smiled at the man and nodded. He, then, stood up and walked next to her. The woman made a step back being confused about what the man wanted to do. He placed his hands at each side of Steve's head and turned it towards the mirror.
"No one cares. Shut up and let the woman do her job already."
The blond man clenched his teeth and rubbed his neck. For now he decided to "be nice" and stayed still looking in front of him. The manager made his way to the armchair but before sitting his turned his gaze to Steve's direction… "Before, anything else happens…I will tell you this. Do not dare to make trouble for Lili Rochefort."
The younger man raised an eyebrow… "Why would I do that?" he answered and watched from the mirror his manager sitting on an armchair…
"She is the most successful model of her generation. Her career is in the top and the last thing she wants is a failure. Make sure, it goes well."
Steve smiled slightly and closed his eyes… "Since, as you said, it's her job…well…I don't think she'll have much of problem. And I'm not an idiot to cause trouble for her, since I wanted to ask her on a date later."
The manager's eyes widened. That guy…He's not losing time. Straight to the point as always… "Please, don't do unnecessary stuff."
This time he opened his eyes and frowned… "Where's the problem? If she doesn't want to, then she's just going to refuse."
"Just don't mess up her job. That's all I ask…But do not dare to embarrass her, you hear me?!"
Steve chuckled at his manager's expression… "Who would have guessed, huh? So, you're a hardcore fan of hers?"
A slight blush appeared on his cheeks and he looked away. Well, it was true that he liked her a little… "I…I do find her beautiful and talented. Is that bad?"
…
Alongside, the hairdresser and stylist Lili arrived outside her dressing room. She turned her head and noticed that Hwoarang was just some steps behind of her. He wasn't going to leave her alone for a second. She was so angry at him. How was she going to have a private moment to talk with Steve? She wasn't intending to let go of a chance to get closer with the man of her dreams. One of the two girls opened the door and took Lili's attention by asking her to walk inside first…
"Miss Rochefort, we're here. Please come in."
Lili smiled at the young woman and made a step inside with the other two following her. Hwoarang, however, stayed where he was and cleared his throat to gain her attention. She looked at him and he bowed in front of her. Lili knew that if it was the two of them, he would never do something like that. However, she had to admit that whenever he remembered that he was actually a bodyguard, he would act as one.
"I'll be waiting outside the room." He said and raised his body…
"Uh…Ok. Do that."
Hwoarang gave her a nod and before he was ready to close the door behind him, Lili called him once again… "Oh wait a minute!"
"What is it?" he asked…
The young woman turned away from him and walked towards the stylist, who was preparing the clothes for her. She sat on the small white couch and glanced at him for a moment, since she was paying more attention at the stylist…
"Call Lisa and tell her that we're at the studio. I don't want her to interrupt me later, so deal with it."
He bit his upper lip and nodded to himself…
…
With the professional's help, Lili wore the first outfit and looked at herself at the full length mirror. As expected, it was wonderful on her. Someone could say that it was Lili, who made the outfit seem so radiant. Truth to be told, it would be difficult for someone to disagree on this. The two women inside the room were looking at her upside down and that made her feel even more confident. She was a girl, who knew that she was beautiful but a lot of insecurities were flowing deep inside her mind. In other words, Lili Rochefort was a girl, who wanted to be acknowledged by the people around her. Especially, her father, who she loved more than anyone. There was no person, man or a woman, who Lili was going to love more than her father…
"Miss Rochefort?" one of the girls called her…
"Hm?"
"Even in this athletic outfit…I mean, you look so awesome! So pretty!"
Lili closed her eyes and smirked. She opened them once again and walked towards the chair in front of the mirror. The beautician and stylist looked at each other for a moment and then the first one walked towards her to make her hair and makeup…
"It does? Well, isn't that supposed to be my job? To be able to look good in anything?"
The two women nodded and she smiled…
"By the way, Miss Rochefort, do you want to know a secret?"
Lili raised an eyebrow in question. Secret? If it had to do with these two girls…then, "no thanks". She had her own problems. However, trying to maintain her image as a very approachable model towards her staff, she asked… "Secret? What do you mean?"
The young woman smirked playfully and walked closer to her still holding the next outfit, Lili was going to wear… "It's about Steve Fox."
Steve's name gained fully her attention and thoughts. And how did these two know a secret of his?
"What's with him?" asked Lili trying to sound as natural as possible…
"Hehe… I think he wants to impress you."
She smiled widely in the inside. Was there a chance that he told them about what they were talking about the other day? That he wanted to show her his abilities?
"Impress me? What made you think like that?"
The girl's eyes widened and she set the outfit on the couch Lili was sitting before… "Think?! He said it by himself, didn't he, Eri?" she turned her head to the beautician for a moment, who nodded at her and she said again… "He wanted for you to be present when he was going to have his solo photo-shoot."
Lili was very satisfied with what she just learnt. In the end, as it seemed he was serious about what he was saying the last time she met him. That warmed her heart and made her anticipate their work together even more. At first, Lili was happy just by seeing him. Now, she wanted to make the best of this photo-shoot together with him. Would they manage to cooperate well according to the photographer's expectations? She was going to make it happen…
"Is that so?" said Lili waking up from her previous thought… "Well, we'll see if he's going to impress me."
"Lucky you! But don't go too easy on him, ok?"
"Why?" she asked raising an eyebrow…
"He seemed pretty arrogant." Said the young girl in a secretive way making Lili laugh slightly…
"Hehe…Ok, ok. I'll be strict."
...
"Yeah…I'm still confused on this matter…and…How do you want me to know, Lisa?...You're her manager…If I steal those pills, she's gonna find out eventually and I won't be able to handle this…Ugh…Fine…I'll tell her…Bye."
The auburn haired Korean man dropped the call being irritated by his godmother's vague replies. The same thing was happening with Lili…Hphm…At least, these two could handle each other. Suddenly, he remembered one of the things she told him. He looked at his hand, which was holding a plastic bag. Damn it…He forgot to leave it in the car. It would be completely embarrassing or even worse…humiliating for him to be seen with this bag's content. He brought it closer to his chest and looked the one box he bought with the tampons inside. When he let Lisa know about Lili's current situation and what she asked him to do, he noticed the panic in her voice. In an instant, she told him to get rid of those…One could say that she ordered him to do it. When he questioned her about that, she dodged the question asking him to ask Lili to give her a call, after she's done, about this matter. Hwoarang shrugged his shoulders. Lili's gynecological issues were the last thing inside his mind. Remembering to toss the box away, he took it off, looked around him and when he noticed that no one was around, he threw it inside the closest trash bin. Then, he opened his backbag and put the rest of the bag's content inside it…
He placed once again the backbag on his right shoulder and tilted his head trying to relax his neck. When he was ready to make his way inside the shooting to check the area, he felt a masculine hand grabbing his shoulder. A chill ran threw his spine. Where were his cigarettes? Did he forget these, too?
"Oh Hwoarang, good morning…What a lovely way to start my day other than seeing you?"
He removed his hand from his shoulder in an instant and turned his head to look at Steve Fox, who was already prepared to have his photo shoot. He rolled his eyes in the inside. This guy was covered in makeup. Both his body and face…Imagine how Lili was going to get out of there. Probably like a wax doll. He thought and nodded to himself. Ew…These things were creeping him out…
"Good morning? You just ruined it."
Steve chuckled to himself… "Why are you so hostile?"
That made him roll his eyes… "Use your worthless brain. It might be difficult…but who knows? There's a small chance for you to realize it."
The blond man glanced behind him and watched his manager talking on the phone. He looked back to meet Hwoarang's hateful gaze and smirked at him…
"Don't worry…I'm not planning on seducing your princess." Hwoarang's lips parted for a moment. Like this was the reason behind his hostility towards this guy. Well, partially, it was, since he was responsible on keeping Lili healthy and steady on her feet. And since, as it seemed, this guy was one of the reasons she was excited…well…he just had to bear with it…and him… "Heh…Don't confuse yourself…She's already seduced that's what I meant."
"Like I was worried about it…" a sigh escaped his lips… "Hoping that I'm not mistaken…That means you're interested in her."
Steve placed his hands on his hips and looked around him… "How could I not be? Lili is a very beautiful and charming girl…and hehe…Definitely a guy like you, would never have a chance with her."
The younger man raised an eyebrow… "What…the hell are you talking about?"
"I'm a man, Hwoarang…I can definitely tell how you look at her…As it seems someone else is interested in her, too."
Hwoarang tried to suppress his laugh. Good thing he made notice of Steve's manager approaching him… "Ok, ok…You're right…How could I not be? Lili is a very beautiful and charming girl."
The boxer nodded at himself. He noticed Hwoarang's sarcasm but that didn't mean that he was wrong. He turned his head when he heard his manager's voice…
"Steve, they are calling for you."
He nodded and motioned for the man to leave first. He, once again, turned his attention to Hwoarang… "Seems like I need to go, dude…Ugh…" he sighed … "Such a shame? And we just started catching up." He, then, smiled and shrugged his shoulders… "Well…no big deal. We'll be seeing each other lots these days."
Hwoarang's lips turned downwards… "And you're saying this for good?"
The other man giggled irritating him… "Hope we get along…this time, ok?"
He didn't answer and just placed his hands inside his pockets, while watching him walking away. However, he stopped him for a reason…
"By the way, Steve…" this was the first time he called his name…
Steve turned his head and looked at him as he watched him walking towards him…
"Seems like you've been both eating and drinking lately, am I correct?" he didn't wait for an answer and pointed to his body… "When you finish ask from the photographer to except from your face…to, also, photoshop your body."
The blond man pursed his lips. It was true that he started getting on his nerves…but he couldn't blame him. He could admit that much. He faked a smile and gave him a nod before leaving again…
…
"All done!" said a woman cheerfully as she opened suddenly the door of Lili's personal dressing room… "We informed the photographer that you're ready."
The young woman bowed in front of Lili, who stood up from the couch she was sitting. She gave a small smile to her direction and made a few steps to walk outside the room. Oh…How she hoped that there's was a chance for her to be able to catch a glimpse of Steve posing on his own? As she was ready to grab the doorknob the stylist stopped her by placing a white robe on her shoulders…
"Please, wear this, though." She said and Lili nodded. She completely forgot. Both her abdomen and long slender legs were exposed. The last thing she wanted was to get sick and she wasn't used to Japan's climate, yet…
"Uh…Ok, thank you…" with that she wore the robe and walked outside…
…
Her eyes blinked several times when she noticed Hwoarang waiting for her just outside, while leaning his body on the white wall opposite her dressing room. It didn't take long for the man to realize that Lili finished with her preparations…Finally…He thought sighing in the inside. He looked at her upside down and his suspicions were confirmed. She really was like a wax doll. He, then, remembered the frivolous thing Steve dared to say to him. Was there a chance that he would ever see her as a woman? Uh…N-No…It's best to say, if he would ever consider her as a romance target. He shook his head…Damn no…Yeah, yeah…All pretty and good but…His tastes weren't even close to "her type"…
"You're still here…" mumbled Lili to herself even though she knew that he heard her…
Hwoarang smirked and placed his hands inside his pockets. He raised his head to meet her gaze. Well…Those fake eyelashes were making it quite difficult for him to actually understand if he was staring in her eyes or her eyebrows. He decided to go with the safe solution and focused his gaze on her nose. At least that was in its place…
"I'm your bodyguard…Remember? And anyway, even if I wasn't, there's no way I would allow to myself to leave a woman alone with that twisted person."
Lili tilted her head… "Let's go." She said and walked towards the stage, where the photo shoot was taking place, with Hwoarang following her right behind…
…
Her blue eyes looked around the stage…Hmm…She wasn't really enthusiastic about the setting but, maybe, because it was her first time advertising for a sports clothing brand. That moment, she understood that she really needed to do her best, since experience in this new environment for her wasn't enough. For a moment she smiled. A challenge just appeared in front of her…Finally…Something new in her steady monotonous career. She still didn't ask her manager about the payment. After years of work, she stopped asking or caring about it…Irritating about people, who even get themselves on their knees to find the simplest job, but unfortunately, even these people knew that they couldn't do anything about it…
"Here, Miss…" said Hwoarang pulling the seat, which was meant for Lili. His voice gained her attention making her escape her previous job… "This seat is for you."
Lili carefully sat on the seat and gave a nod to his direction. He knew what this meant and moved himself behind her. Soon enough, she had the whole crew's attention. Even the photographer, who was still talking with Steve and what he had to do. A sigh escaped the young woman's lips when she noticed him walking towards her…As expected…
"You look lovely, Miss Rochefort." Said the Japanese man and bowed in front of her. Hwoarang rolled his eyes in the inside but soon this "rolling" appeared on his face when the most hateful person for him pushed, as "gently" as it was expected from him, the poor photographer away…
"Amazing…Beautiful…As expected of you, Lili" Steve Fox lowered his body to touch her cheek with his hand, only to be stopped by Hwoarang, who grabbed tightly his arm…
"It's Miss Rochefort…for you."
Lili gritted her teeth trying to make her annoyance as oblivious as possible. However, it was always difficult when it came to Steve. She was so vulnerable with her feelings and actions… "Hwoarang!" she called his name angrily in a low voice, enough for him to realize her anger…It wasn't like he actually cared. He chose to take care of Lili and be her bodyguard for Lisa's sake. One of the most humiliating things for him to do was to follow a girlie around the town and being ordered by her…Yes…He was only showing his appreciation to Lisa by doing that…
The blond young woman frowned and returned her gaze to meet Steve's… "I'm sorry…about this…" she let out an awkward smile trying to lighten up the mood… "My bodyguard is the "by the book" type…so…"
Steve smiled ironically and glanced at him, who looked away…Lili was making him a favor right now…Messing with Hwoarang without doing anything…
"It's ok…He's just doing his job…I guess, you're satisfied with him…Right?"
"You can say that." She mumbled and shook her head… "Anyway…Call me Lili."
He gave her a nod… "Same here."
"Huh? You want me to call you Lili?" she said jokingly making him blink his eyes…Both of them giggled at this… "Sorry…umm…I'll do the same, then…umm…Steve."
"That's it!"
Lili smiled awkwardly at his "beaming full with happiness" expression. She just realized that Steve Fox could be a really perplexing person to deal. He was overdoing it a lot and Lili was aware of the fact that he wasn't as seriously as she was into this…
She watched him turning his head behind him when his manager called him, being curious about it, Lili tilted her head to find out and noticed that everything was ready for Steve's photo shoot. She hoped that he wouldn't take long…Oh well…She had to show some patience, since Steve wasn't even a model…
"Tsk…" he shook his head… "It's time for my debut as a model, I guess…I have to go…" all of a sudden, Steve took a glimpse of Hwoarang, who was looking disgusted at him. This guy was giving him so many chances… It was all his fault… "…for now, alright?"
This time she didn't say anything or smiled at him. She just let him go. From the moment, the photo shoot was ready to start, Lili got into "professional mode". It was about time, thought Hwoarang, who seemed satisfied with her reaction and especially at Steve's dumbfounded expression. Lili Rochefort didn't capture her fans' hearts just because of her pretty face…Everyone could see how devoted she was in what she was doing and almost all of her co-workers, even in the modeling world, knew of her professionalism. She was earning their respect in this way…
When she made sure that Steve wasn't able to listen to what she was going to say, she gave a nod to herself and then, looked at Hwoarang with the corner of her eyes…
"Hwoarang?" she said in a low voice and he walked closer to her. The man didn't bother asking her about what she wanted, since he already was aware of it…Oh hell… "You talk and act whenever I tell you." Her eyes narrowed… "Got it?" Hwoarang pursed his lips and mumbled an apology, which Lili ignored…
…
An hour passed and Steve was still up there. His poses were awkward and clumsy at first but he managed to pull it off. Lili had a smile on her face. She found cute the fact that he was doing his best. Could it be that it was to impress her? Or that he was talented after all? She shook her head…It didn't matter as long as the photo shoot was a success. She didn't have a lot of time. Her commercial was going to start soon and she needed to dedicate herself there…It had a very interesting theme, as Lisa told her and that raised her curiosity…She enjoying trying new things, since she was gaining more experience…She woke up from her thoughts when a shadow appeared above her…
"I started getting tired up there…" he said rubbing his shoulder… "And those lights…man…so bothersome." Lili giggled…
"You did just fine…Hehe…Could it be that you want my praise?" she asked jokingly…
"Definitely…Would you give it to me?"
Lili stared at him for a while and then stood up…Steve watched her as she was walking back to her dressing room with Hwoarang following her. But then, she stopped… "I'm not able to give it to you…" he raised an eyebrow when he heard her… "Professionals expect praise from the people, who trusted them and bought the product because of them…My own praise would be a mere compliment with no deep meaning."
Hwoarang's lips turned into a satisfied smirk, which was visible from Steve. It wasn't like he wanted to hide it in the first place. Before Lili was ready to walk inside the room, she heard the photographer calling for her. Were they ready so fast? Admirable…She commented in her mind…
"Miss, we should go…Before that could it be that you have any difficulties…" Hwoarang looked around him and then whispered close to her ear… "I mean…concerning your injury?" she shook her head without giving a reply. She just made her way to the stage…
…
When she started her photo shoot, Hwoarang decided to leave the stage. It was true…That bastard was right…The lights were bothersome. It was a bad thing that he mentioned him even inside his mind, since he found him in front of him…He rolled his eyes. That guy was way more bothersome than the lights…
"Are you satisfied?" said Steve Fox walking close to him…
Hwoarang bit his upper lip and crossed his arms… "I would lie if I say that I'm not and unlike someone else…I prefer being honest most of the times…Not the other way out…And…whatever…Let's get to the main issue…" he said and narrowed his eyes… "As her loyal bodyguard…I won't let you lay a hand on her."
Steve chuckled… "You're taking your role a little too personal…Acting the way you do…She's gonna fire you."
The auburn haired man shrugged his shoulders… "If she fires me then, that's fine…You can do whatever you want with her…But as long as I watch her back…I'm doing my job as I see fit…Mr. Fox."
He scoffed after Hwoarang's full of mockery words and he was the first to leave…
…
It's been some time and Hwoarang looked at the clock opposite him to check the time. As it seems, Lili decided to finish with her solo today. Was there a chance that she lost interest in him and wanted to finish as soon as possible? He shook immediately his head…No way this was happening…He decided to play some games on his cellphone to pass the time but before he was to do it he felt a hand on his shoulder. He raised his head and saw Lili being obviously exhausted…
"Where's Steve?" was the first thing she asked annoying him…
He sighed… "Well…I heard some of the staff saying that he was watching your photo shoot but…I haven't seen him myself after…" he stopped…
"After?"
Hwoarang scratched the back of his head and stood up… "Forget about it…What are we to do now?"
Lili frowned…She wanted to apologize for before. Well, she knew that she was harsh with him but indeed, whenever, she was in her "professional mode" her whole attitude was changing…
"Miss Rochefort, is everything alright?" they both flinched when a member of the staff appeared behind them…
"Is Mr. Fox still here?" she asked hoping for a positive answer but the woman shook her head negatively…
"Uh…N-No…He left around ten minutes ago…"
Obviously disappointed Lili gave her a nod… "Is that so…Thank you." When she thanked her the woman bowed…
"Shall we take off the clothes and makeup? You must be really tired."
Suddenly, she realized the exhaustion coming from her body. Truly… "Yes, please."
…
"How come you wanted us to leave?" asked Steve's manager while driving towards the downtown. He questioned that decision of his when he told him while he was watching Lili. Back then, when he glanced at him accidentally, he could tell that this woman had him captivated. Served him right, thought the older man…
Back in London, Steve Fox, when he wasn't fighting in the ring or practicing by himself, was spending his time hanging out with his friends…and umm…usually he preferred female company. The young man was interested in Lili from the first time he met her but this didn't stop him from entertaining himself. When he would make her "his woman", of course everything would change. Steve knew that he had a lot to give…Love…Kindness…Happiness…All these beautiful things…And Lili would be the one to have them…This decision came to his mind while he was watching her today. Her poses…her smile…the comfortable feeling she had with the camera…Yes…She was a professional…Maybe, Lili was talking about herself back there…He couldn't blame her. Complimenting her would be just a waste of words as Lili said…Well, she didn't say it like this but…He would feel like he was telling her something she was already aware of…But he just couldn't stop it…She was so enchanting…Like a woman coming out of a fairytale…
"You said that you wanted to watch her…I mean the whole thing." He said once again…
How annoying? That was how he felt. He started rubbing his shoulder, since he was tensed from the moment he finished with his photo shoot. Or could it be his idea and it was actually something else? "I know…" he mumbled to his manager…
"Then?"
Steve gritted his teeth and glared at the man… "Then what?! What's your thing?"
The manager got surprised by Steve's sudden outburst. He was usually so indifferent that he had to drag him around whenever Steve had to do something, which didn't include boxing… "Are you feeling alright?" he asked concerned…
The blond man sighed and looked outside the window noticing that they were getting closer to their destination. Finally, he needed to have a bath and…more importantly…sleep.
"I'm fine."
There was a moment of silence inside the car. The manager found it confusing from Steve. Not exactly since Steve was sleeping almost all the time but there was something weird and awkward in the atmosphere. He couldn't understand what might have happened. His thoughts for a moment led him to Hwoarang. He knew that he had met him somewhere but he couldn't remember when or where. He was ready to ask Steve but immediately regretted it. These two didn't seem on good terms…
"I have to praise you, though" he said with a smile…
Steve turned his head to look at his manager. He raised an eyebrow. What the hell was he talking about?
"Huh…?"
"You did a nice job. I'm proud of you." He said and turned his head to notice Steve looking almost disgusted at him… "H-Hey…" he mumbled…
"Hm?" The man turned his head again towards the window…
"Nothing…Actually, you see…Hehe…" he giggled making Steve roll his eyes… "I knew that Lili Rochefort is considered a goddess…She deserves it in my opinion…but you immediately get the feeling when you see it with your own eyes, right?"
He nodded at this…It was just so true…Lili's beauty was both imagination and reality…
"Unfortunately, I feel the same way…Even worse…I have a bad feeling about this…Yeah, she's p-pretty…" Steve's last words were unstable. He knew that he was "losing ground"…
Entry nine: The you, who mesmerized me with your ethereal enchanting beauty.
Thanks for reading!