"Here's your blueberry donut, mango crepe, Espresso, and cafe latte."
The waitress served their orders. Aside from Narumi and Mikan, only a few customers were inside Le Arôme. The sweet aroma of coffee wafted through the cold air in the coffee shop.
"Any additional, sir, ma'am?"
"Mikan?", Narumi asked.
"No, thank you. This is enough."
"Enjoy!", the waitress said as she bowed and left.
Mikan took a small bite on her donut.
"So Mikan, now we have formally introduced ourselves to each other, I guess it's time we discuss what's this job I'm talking about. I hope this won't make you change your mind.
Narumi handed a brown envelope to Mikan.
"What's this?"
"See for yourself."
Mikan opened the brown envelope and checked what's inside.
"What do you see?", Narumi asked as he laid the coffee on the table and placed his hands on top of his chin.
"A picture...of...a naked woman."
"You got it right! It's a nude painting done by my nephew. That piece won him an award."
"Why are you telling me this? What does this have to do with the job?"
"I'll get straight to the point. I am offering you a job as a nude model for my nephew's new project. It would be a four-series painting that would be called 'Naked.' It will be included in an exhibit event."
"I... A n-nude model?!"
"Yes."
"B-But... I don't think I can do this."
"I know what you're thinking, Mikan. It's normal to worry. But I can promise and guarantee you that that this would be done with utmost professionalism. My nephew has been in the field for two years."
"How much would I get from this?"
"Normally, it ranges from 6000 to 9000 yen. But we are willing to pay on your preferred price as long as this project would be made possible. Think about it."
'My guitar. I have a few savings but it's not enough', Mikan thought deeply.
"12000. That's my preferred price."
"12000, it is. So are you in?"
"I'll do it."
"Really?", Narumi asked in glee.
"This isn't just an issue of financial need. I'm betting my dignity as a person here. Can I trust you in this?", Mikan said with a hint of warning in her voice.
"Your identity will be safe with us. And yes, you can trust us", Narumi replied, his gaze softening.
"When will I start?"
"You see, my nephew hates procrastinating so I think tomorrow we can finally go to his studio,' Narumi said, scratching the back of his head.
"Right away?", Mikan asked worriedly.
"Well, he has a deadline to follow and upcoming projects so..."
"Right. I understand."
"You know what, I think you and my nephew would make a great pair", Narumi randomly said while
Mikan was asking for some sugar to a waitress, unable to clearly hear what he said.
"What?"
"Oh, nevermind. Just finish your food," Narumi said, smiling at Mikan.
•••
"It's fucking 2 am in the morning. What the hell do you want, Narumi?", an irritated, sleepy Natsume said to the person on the phone.
"Oh, Natsume dear! Did I woke you up?", Narumi said in a cheery voice.
"You called just to ask me that? I'm hanging up."
"No, no, no wait! I have a great news for you!"
"Stop wasting my time. Just spill it already."
"I found you a model for your project and mind you, she's a cutie!"
No reply.
"Anyway, I will go there tomorrow and I'll bring her with me. Her price is 12000 yen. Cool with you?"
No reply.
"Cool! Alright, I'll leave you at peace! Sleep tight, my dear nephew!", Narumi bid him farewell.
"Finally", he muttered.
He throw his phone at the space beside him and dropped his body back on the bed, continuing his deep slumber.
•••
A/N: I don't really know how much nude models get. I just based it on money conversion (with my country's).