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Coffee Shops and Cameras
Chapter 19
I stared into the suitcase open on my hotel bed. Arms crossed, foot tapping, a grimace on my face.
I was going to kill Kaoru.
We're talking strung up by the ankles, whacked like a piñata kind of treatment.
We'd checked into the hotel about an hour ago. It was about 12 now, and after staying up all of last night and yesterday afternoon helping with the suit, I was feeling the fatigue. All I wanted was to crawl under the sheets of the 5 star hotel bed and sleep. Unfortunately we had about and hour and a half until we were all due to meet Ayame Jonochi for lunch.
When we'd been given our room keys I had been instructed to get changed and meet everyone in the lobby. Once inside I'd laid out my suitcase with that exact intention, until I was stopped dead in my tracks by what I found inside.
When we were designating jobs the day before, Kaoru was the one who volunteered to pack the bags. It didn't quite click that he had included my own bag in that equation until he passed it to me in the hallway at home.
Hindsight was a wonderful thing. And I realised quickly that I should have packed my own bag.
I readjusted my glasses as I stared down at the pile of neatly folded lace thongs, push up bras, satin nighties, tight dresses and form fitting blouses and groaned woefully.
"Fucking goddammit Kaoru" I growled quietly to myself. I riffled through the pile of clothes, hoping to find some trousers or a t-shirt or something comfortable – but nope. Nothing. Nothing but lace and satin. My own personal nightmare.
A knock at the door shook me out of my inner-turmoil and I slammed the suitcase shut in response.
"Yes?" I called out.
"It's me" Hikaru's voice replied.
I heaved a heavy sigh and walked over to open the door, and I was welcomed by the breathtaking sight of Hikaru in tailored black suit, white shirt and no tie.
God daaaamn...
Why did he always have to look so freaking edible? And by the arrogant look on his face...he knew it.
"You're drooling" he winked.
"Shut up no I'm not"
He chuckled and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
"You haven't changed?" he questioned, gesturing to my ripped mom jeans and oversized knit sweater, "You can't go out like that, you look shocking"
"Wow, your compliments are remarkable"
"Thank you, I've been practising" he shrugged his blazer of, tensing his toned biceps under the crisp white shirt sleeves as he laid it down on the bed. I failed at disguising my blatant gawking. Hikaru clicked his fingers in front of my eyes, "If you keep looking at me like that I won't be responsible for my actions" he chuckled, "And we don't have time for that. Now, lets see what we've got here" he reached out towards my suitcase - to which I quickly threw my hand out. But he was too quick, and the lid flipped open.
What followed was several awkward moments of silence, as we both stared at the offending stack of what was essentially lingerie and thin squares of material.
Hikaru cleared his throat and inhaled sharply, "Uh...wow...okay. I never took you for a thong girl..."
"They're not mine" I hissed, "Kaoru packed my bag. What the hell am I suppose to wear?"
Hikaru didn't reply, instead he reached into the case and pulled out a thin black lace thong and played with it between his thumb and forefinger, "Wowww"
"I'm serious Hika!" I snatched them away from him.
"Oh come on, it's not that bad" he smirked, "You know a lot of women wear this stuff everyday"
"I'm not going to a fucking business meeting dressed like a stripper"
He rolled his eyes and turned back to the bag. He flipped through it for a few seconds before pulling out a simple black dress with a low squared neckline and thin straps, "Ta-da" he announced, "Put this on"
"This?"
"What? It's a little black dress, every woman should own one. It's classy, easy and appropriate"
"But-"
"And you'll need those" he pointed to the thong in my hand, "And this" he pulled out a matching strapless bra, "Otherwise you'll be able to see the outline of your little cotton numbers"
"But I-"
"Running out of time Fujioka" he yawned and laid back on the bed, arms folded behind his head, "Tick tock"
I scowled at him.
I guess I'm getting stubborn, arrogant Hikaru today then...
I'd kind of been hoping for nice Hikaru today. After seeing him be so helpful with his Mom and even going above and beyond to make sure everything was going smoothly and comfortably, I thought maybe he'd bring that version of Hikaru with him on this trip.
I guess Kaoru remembered to pack the thongs but forgot Hikaru's personality...
I excused myself to the bathroom, since it didn't appear that Hikaru was planning on leaving me to change in privacy. I threw on the offending underwear – the goddamn thing went right between my cheeks.
How the hell am I suppose to get used to this?!
And donned the strapless bra, that was thankfully more comfortable than the thong. The dress wasn't as bad as I had thought. It was longer than my knees which was a blessing, and though the neckline was wide and low, it wasn't too revealing. I pulled up the zip on the side and exited the ensuite, finding Hikaru in the same position I left him in.
I threw my knitted sweater at his head.
"I'm starting to think that breathing in your family is optional" I grumbled, "Why are all these dresses so goddamn tight? Aren't oversized dresses a thing yet? A hospital gown maybe?"
Hikaru chuckled and sat up right. But as his eyes fell on me his laughter died out pretty abruptly, "Holy shit" he hissed, "I need to buy Kaoru another car. No, 2 cars. He needs some sort of prize for this"
I rolled my eyes.
"You look great, stop being annoying" Hikaru sighed. He approached me and pushed my glasses further up my nose, "Did you bring contacts?"
I shook my head, "Kaoru forgot to pack them"
He ignored me and pulled my glasses off.
I squinted, "Annnd...now I cant see"
"Hmm" he murmured, "We can't have that, you need to see how good I look"
"On second thoughts leave them off"
"Ha ha"
"I'm so nervous" Yuzuha fanned herself, "Do I look nervous? Is my eyeliner shaky?"
"You look amazing Mom" Kaoru smiled sweetly.
"Good, good" she took a long breath.
We were seated in the restaurant where our initial meeting was taking place. The main event wasn't happening until the morning, so this little business lunch was just a formality to outline the interview. Even though I wasn't the subject matter, I was still nervous to meet this big time fashion lady. My one semblance of calm came from the educational standpoint. At least seeing this interview would give me some idea of what Hikaru was to expect in the next week or so.
Jeez it's creeping up fast...
What was it now? 10 days until his meeting?
Oh shit was he even half way ready yet?
I glanced over to where he sat beside me, but when I turned his way his head shot to the side.
Had he been staring at me?
I nudged him with my knee, "You look nervous" I whispered in his ear.
"I don't get nervous"
"Liar"
He scowled.
"This is good practice" I grinned, "Remember what we've been working on. You can practice on this Jonochi woman. Then tomorrow you can work with the camera crew and make up artists in the way we discussed"
He lolled his head back with a groan.
"Surely it's more effort to act like a dick"
"Strangely enough no, it comes so naturally"
"I thought you liked a challenge"
"Only if that challenge is a 5ft 3 brunette wearing a lacy black thong"
I stomped on his foot under the table.
"Ah!" he seethed.
"Hika?" Kaoru looked at him concerned, "You okay?"
"Yeah" Hikaru hissed, "Just...sharp whiskey"
"You sure it's a good idea to start on the hard liquor so early?" Kaoru raised an eyebrow, "If you don't slow down someone might have to help put you to bed" as he said the last few words his eyes met mine, a smirk on his face.
What does that look mean?
"Mrs Hitachiin!" A chirpy voice called out. We looked over to see a tall slim woman wearing a golden brown velvet dress coming our way. She had long dark hair that fell in thick curls down her back and a pair of rimless designer glasses rested on a pointed nose. For some reason I expected to see someone a lot older, but this woman couldn't have been much older than the twins.
"Ayame" Yuzuha beamed, she stood from her seat and bowed politely. Ayame did the same.
"Thank you for meeting me at such short notice" Ayame smiled.
"Not all all" Yuzuha gestured to the empty seat beside her, Ayame took a seat, "We're excited to be working with you"
"Well the pleasure is all mine" Ayame pushed her glasses up her nose and turned to look at myself and the twins. She offered us polite tight smiles and took each of our hands to shake. I did my best not to let my voice shake as I introduced myself. Something about this woman felt so proper and...intimidating. Like I was sitting opposite my old school head teacher all over again. I gulped as she sat back, regarding us one by one, her dark eyes studying the twins before lingering on me. I could feel her analysing me, her stare penetrating through me. Finally, after several quiet moments, she smiled, flashing straight rows of pearly white teeth my way.
"I have to admit I'm a huge fan of your family Hitachiin" she placed a hand over her heart as she turned back to Yuzuha.
"Oh my" Yuzuha grinned, "Thank you so much. And thank you for this I can't tell you how excited I am to work with you"
"The pleasure is all mine" Ayame bowed her head, "Now, shall we get down to business?"
For the next hour, we sat with hushed voices, listening as Ayame explained what the plan for the next day was. She took notes as she asked Yuzuha questions on her new line and took notice of anything Kaoru and Hikaru had to add. Well, mostly Kaoru, as Hikaru seemed to keep his mouth shut for most of the meal, only parting his lips to sip from his glass.
Sometime during the breaks between questioning, Yuzuha excused herself to the bathroom, leaving the four of us to nurse our meals in polite silence.
And then Ayame caught my eye and smiled.
"Fujioka was it?" she asked.
My fork paused half way to mouth, "Y-yes. Please, call me Haruhi"
Ayame folded her napkin in her lap with a small smile, "You're quite new to this business aren't you?"
I blinked, "Well, yes"
"I have to say, your designs are remarkable for an artist whose only been doing this for a few weeks"
"Thank you" I bowed.
"But I must enquire...you seem awfully involved in the family for just an employee"
I almost choked. At that remark, Hikaru straightened to attention, his arm tensing as it brushed against mine. There was weight behind her question, like she was suggesting something by the word...
"Involved?" I cleared my throat.
"Well, I mean...no offence but the design artist is just personified photoshop, a tool if you will. I don't think I could name a single design artist in the business aside from those designers who pen their own work"
Defensiveness boiled in my gut and I felt the frown tighten in my forehead, "What exactly are you implying?"
"What I mean is you must play a bigger role in the Hitachiin family for you to be so close and involved with them. You are just an employee after all" Ayame breathed, taking a bite from her forkful of halibut. Her smile suddenly didn't seem so innocent. Now it felt more sinister. Was she playing some kind of a game? What was with these questions? We weren't here to talk about me, we were here for Yuzuha's work.
I scowled at the woman, "I think we're straying from-"
"Haruhi is our friend, she's practically family" Kaoru spoke up, "And she's far more to us than a tool"
Ayame gave a tight smile and shrugged, "Forgive me. I seem to have touched a nerve"
"Not at all" I grit my teeth, "I just think we have plenty more to talk about concerning Yuzuha's designs"
Ayame poured herself a glass of wine, "I'm sorry, I have a journalist's curiosity. From what I've seen online about you I couldn't help but ask"
At that exact moment, Yuzuha returned to the table, smiling brightly, having no idea what had just happened. Ayame turned back to her, resuming their previous conversation. Under the table I felt a hand squeeze my leg comfortingly, and a heavy breath passed my lips.
"I need some air" I murmured.
"Are you feeling okay dear?" Yuzuha asked.
I nodded, "Yeah, it's just a bit warm in here"
"I'll come with you" Hikaru blurted, jumping from his seat. I looked up at him from where I sat as he offered me a hand. I took it, and the moment I was standing he was leading me away from the table.
"Wait up" I grumbled, "My legs aren't as long as yours"
He ignored me and kept striding across the restaurant, until we were out the doors and into the outside garden. The second we were alone he pulled me roughly into his arms.
"Hikaru?" I gasped.
"Don't talk. Give me a minute" he replied, his voice low and desperate in my ear.
"O...okay"
We stayed like that for a while. Just standing there, Hikaru's arms wrapped around me like a vice, his face buried in my hair as I inhaled against his chest.
When he finally pulled away he just kind of...stared at me. His brown eyes penetrating mine with an intensity I'd never seen before.
"Hikaru?"
He blinked, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine"
"Don't lie to me"
"I'm not lying" I furrowed my eyebrows, "I'm fine"
Why was he acting so weird? It wasn't like Ayame said anything to him.
"She shouldn't have spoken to you like that" Hikaru growled.
I rolled my eyes with a chuckle, "Why are you so concerned all of a sudden?"
"Because" his jaw tensed, "Be...because I'm the only one who can talk to you like that"
"Wow"
"You know what I mean"
"Well, it's fine. I'm fine"
Hikaru ran a hand through his hair and took a step back to pull out a cigarette. He caught me staring at the box and offered me one.
"I quit" I murmured.
He laughed, "Like fuck you did"
"I have!"
"I saw you have one yesterday"
I blushed. Okay yes so...I fell off the wagon since the whole tabloid fiasco, but I wasn't going to let that be the reason I backtrack.
"I'm okay"
"Suit yourself" he placed it between his lips.
I watched him take a deep inhale in silence, then glanced across the restaurant garden, taking in the dimming sunlight as sunset began to paint the sky orange. I sighed. I guess I should have expected that this Ayame woman would know about the articles. She was a journalist after all, all she had to do was google 'Hitachiin' and voila, there I am with Hikaru.
"You did good in there" I said.
"But I didn't say anything to her"
I chuckled, "Exactly. You could have said anything, but you didn't"
"I wouldn't do anything to spoil Mom's interview. This is about her. Not me"
I smiled at him, "Sometimes I think we're achieving a lot more than we realise"
"I must be a really good student"
"Or I'm a really good teacher"
Hikaru smirked, "I guess you're not so bad"
He flashed me a wink and took another drag of his cigarette.
The next morning we met met in the lobby for breakfast. I donned a smart black silk blouse and dark pin stripe trousers. This would be one of my first public outings with Yuzuha as a member of her team, and I was determined to look the part. Looking in the mirror I was reminded of the time I used to work as an office temp, Dad always said I was the spitting image of Mom when I'd leave for work in the morning.
It was hard to tell if the twins had made any special effort in their appearance, they seemed to always look ready for the runway, and I couldn't rip my eyes away from Hikaru as he sipped his coffee across the table, wearing a crisp white shirt and dark jeans. Sleeves rolled up over his forearms, revealing the ropes of his muscles as he lifted the cup to his lips. Those full, soft lips...
As if he could read my mind, he winked with a smirk.
The big shoot was up in the penthouse of a 5 star hotel in the centre of the city. Eyes watched us as Yuzuha dominated the room with her stunning smile and show stopping confidence. All the nerves she voiced that morning had seemed to disappear as we found ourselves mingling among the photographer team and Ayame's PA's.
Speaking of the devil herself. I couldn't stop scowling at her as she approached Yuzuha and I, her notebook in hand.
"Good morning ladies" she beamed, "How are we today?"
Even though she was smiling, something told me it wasn't genuine.
Throughout the interview with Yuzuha I sat patiently and silently, not wanting to interject and ruin Yuzuha's train of thought. I did however take my own notes, it was nice to really hear Yuzuha's thought process when planning designs, I was understanding her style, her inspirations, how she could start with a colour and build up from that. Maybe with that information I'd be able to capture her ideas a lot faster and more precisely.
"And what about you Miss Fujioka?" Ayame cleared her throat and locked her eyes with mine.
"Pardon me?"
"As her design artist how do you feel you influence the outfits?"
I furrowed my eyebrows, "I assist Mrs Hitachiin in any way she needs. If she needs someone to bounce ideas off of I'm always there"
"You're very involved for someone who has no experience in fashion" Ayame's fake smile was still frozen on her porcelain face.
"I'm not there to design or make the garments. I just put the ideas down on paper and create a visual of Mrs Hitachiin's work"
Ayame gave me a look that told me everything she was thinking. I was reminded of what she'd called me the night before. A tool, essentially a human photoshop. I wanted to pull her aside and ask her what the problem was...with my fists.
But from the way she seemed to be challenging me with her questions, almost dangling the red sheet in front of the bull - I decided it was best I kept my mouth shut. I was having enough trouble with journalists, I didn't need another one on my back. I didn't want the next article to be – Hikaru Hitachiin's lover assaults journalist in penthouse using the worst karate Japan has ever seen.
Eventually the interview ended, and even though I wasn't entirely happy, Yuzuha seemed pleased enough.
Then it was time for 'lights, camera, action', and wow, Hikaru looked amazing in the suit, drop dead gorgeous level of amazing. My jaw was at my feet for the entire shoot. The way he seemed to effortlessly command the camera, and the room for that matter. My eyes didn't trail for a second, for the full shoot I watched the handsome man flex his arms under the sleeves of his blazer, tilt that chiselled jaw and square his strong wide shoulders. My stomach was quivering with butterflies every moment, and when his eyes met mine and that cocky smile lifted the corner of his lips, those butterflies became a tornado.
"Hey" a voice suddenly pulled me from my obvious ogling.
I blinked and turned to the source. A man wearing a headset around his neck and a beaming grin stood beside me, clipboard hanging at his side.
"You're here with the Hitachiin's right?" he asked.
I nodded, "Uh, yeah. I'm Mrs Hitachiin's design artist", I held my hand out politely, "Haruhi Fujioka"
His smile only widened, "Miho Sohma" he took my hand and held it with only the slightest shake. It was weird. I let go pretty fast.
"I'm one of the creative directors" he explained, "I hope everything is to your liking"
"Oh...yes, yes it's great. Hikaru looks...great, I'm sure the photos will be amazing"
"You don't need to worry about the photos, Hikaru Hitachiin knows his way around a camera, and the crew has dealt with him enough times to know what his preferences are"
He was referring to Hikaru's usual complaints. Although I hadn't seen him have any wobbly moments today, I was sure he'd had a least a couple of things to say whilst I wasn't looking.
"How long are you in town for?" Miho asked.
"Only for today, we head home in the morning"
"Hmm, shame"
I raised an eyebrow, "Shame?"
"I was hoping to see a little more of you. It's not everyday you meet a genuine angel"
I turned my head away so he wouldn't see me roll my eyes. Are you kidding me? A line? This stranger was feeding me lines?
"You sure are bold" I commented.
He shrugged with a smirk, "No point in beating around the bush"
At least he was honest.
"Haruhi" Kaoru calling my name pulled my attention away from Miho.
Thank you, you beautiful man.
Kaoru joined Miho and I, standing in between us and increasing the gap.
"5 more minutes and then we rap up" he said. I nodded and opened my mouth to agree, but Koaru leaned in to speak again in my ear so Miho couldn't hear, "Probably best we finish before Hikaru commits murder"
I furrowed my brow, then glanced over at Hikaru.
And I wasn't prepared for what I saw. He looked pissed, his teeth were clenched, and his shoulders were braced for attack, like he were preparing to pounce and rip someone to pieces. His eyes were trained on Miho.
"Oh crap. What's wrong with him?" I hissed.
"Hikaru doesn't like to share" Kaoru replied.
Share?
Share what?
Me?
Jeez was he really this jealous? Just because Miho spoke to me, I mean he also took my hand but that was no reason to act like some...some...jealous boyfriend.
The fire in Hikaru's eyes didn't diminish until they finally landed on me, then it just blazed with a different sort of flame. A possessive one that told me if he could run over here and throw me over his shoulder he would.
Like a dog marking it's territory.
I sighed heavily. This evening was going to be...interesting.
Hiiiiiiii I know I know, it's been a while! I'm sorry! I'm working on my scheduling I swear!
I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, I'm very excited to start working on the next one!
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Much love,
Yuli xx