Chapter 17: Easy Breezy Beautiful

Misaki finally recovered from her little party in time for her Cover Girl shoot. She also had to get fit enough for a campaign shoot. Honoka had created her a diet as well as an exercise schedule. It was rigorous but not harmful. During the two weeks, Misaki ate very few carbs but she replaced it with lean protein and fresh vegetables. She also worked out at the gym for an hour and a half every day and was required to drink eight glasses of water a day to keep her skin clear. The only hard part was absolutely no sweets. Honoka came over every day to search her suite for junk food and take it away. How Honoka knew Misaki hid a box of Oreos under her couch was beyond Misaki.

Honoka and Satsuki accompanied Misaki to the fancy studio that was in this sky scraper on the day of the shoot. They had to go up a long elevator ride to finally reach floor twenty.

"You must be Misaki Ayuzawa," the woman said, cheerfully when they knocked on the studio door.

"That I am," Misaki agreed, shaking her hand.

"My name is Mercy Ross," she introduced herself. "I'm the creative consultant for this shoot. This is Phil," she said, gesturing to the man beside her. "He is going to be shooting you today."

Misaki nodded. "Nice to meet you."

"Pleasure is mine," Phil said. "I'm looking forward to getting some great photos."

"Let's get you into hair and makeup then," Mercy said, showing them into the studio.

Misaki sat in her swivel chair as two people did her hair and makeup. There was a huge set of eyeshadows for her campaign. Misaki was going to be wearing the new CoverGirl Blast Collection Shadows.

"Make sure her eyes pop," Mercy said, observing.

Basically Misaki's makeup focused on the eyeshadow. Her face had a few layers of foundation for a flawless complexion and then pale mauve lipstick. The makeup artist then took bronzer to bring out Misaki's cheekbones. Finally, she did the important part- the Blast Collection Eyeshadow. They looked like double ended pens. One side was the creamy base color and the other was pointed tip with a color to make the eyes pop. Misaki used the silver one and then a pop of icy blue. Three coats of black mascara later, her look was done. Her hair was simple, straightened and then blown out.

Misaki then stepped behind a screen and slipped into her long sapphire blue chiffon dress. When she walked over to the set, the dress billowed behind her because the fabric was so light. Mercy added a few thick gold bangles to the look as well as large gold hoop earrings.

"We're going to do the campaign picture and then the commercial," Mercy said, pointing over to the stool.

Misaki sat down at the stool. The picture was only going to be a head shot. Phil adjusted the lights and turned the fan on.

"Look here," he said, taking a picture. "Part your lips slightly."

Misaki took a small inhale.

"Oh, beautiful," Phil said, clicking away. "Place your hand on your neck for a few pictures. Good. Good. Now, turn slightly to the side."

Misaki tilted her head all sorts of directions. She kept having to fix her hair because the fan always blew it into her face.

"Last few frames," Phil said. "A small smile."

Misaki gave him a sweet smile and that concluded the photo shoot. Mercy, Honoka, Misaki, Phil, Satsuki and Honoka all stood around the screen as Mercy flipped through the photos.

"We definitely got it," Mercy said, lingering on the shot where Misaki inhaled. "This one takes my breath away," she concluded. "Misaki, have you ever modeled?"

"Just commercials," Misaki informed her. "You had me at hello?" she offered.

Mercy stared at in her confusion but then her mouth formed an "oh." "Wow!" she remarked. "That was a long time ago."

Misaki smiled and nodded. "Yeah. That was my first national campaign."

"You've come a long way."

"You have," Satsuki agreed. "I'm so proud of you!"

Misaki smiled. "Thanks."

They moved onto the commercial. Misaki got her makeup and hair touched out and then stepped onto the set.

Basically there was going to be three different takes. The first take was going to be Misaki looking at the camera, reading her lines. The second take was her moving around. The third shot was going to be a close up on her makeup. Once all the footage was collected, the editors will mix her audio with different shots of her speaking, walking and close ups on her eyes.

"Look here," Phil said, holding up a large tablet. It had her lines on it.

Misaki took a deep breath and smiled toward the camera.

"Life's a blast. Are you ready for it?" she read. Her lines weren't memorized but she still had to sound natural- good thing she had all those years of experience to help her.

"Well get an eyeful of this: new CoverGirl Blast Collection Shadows. A blast of big, beautiful look-at-me color to highlight your big, bold, LashBlast lashes. It's a look at me look, a non-stop style. Boring is past, and now life's a blast! New Eye Enhancers Blast collection shadows."

Misaki took a small breath and gave the camera a big smile. "From easy, breezy, beautiful...CoverGirl," she said, turning a bit to the side so she was giving the camera a look over her shoulder.

"Good," Phil said. "Do you think we could have you read it again but this time, we're going to have you walking?"

"Anything," Misaki reassured him.

She recited her lines again as she confidently strutted closer to the camera.

"Easy. Breezy. Beautiful…CoverGirl," Misaki said, giving the camera a big smile.

The next part, Misaki spun around with her flowy dress. The layered fabric fanned out as Misaki twirled. Phil motioned for her to come closer to the camera. The close ups were simply the camera panning across her face and her eyes.

"It was a pleasure working with you," Mercy said, shaking everyone's hand.

"Thank you for the opportunity," Misaki replied. "Do I have anything else?" Misaki asked when they finally got outside.

"No, but you leave first thing tomorrow morning for New Zealand," Honoka reminded her.

"So…I have the rest of the day free?" Misaki casually asked.

Honoka sighed. "Yes," she agreed. "I guess Satsuki and I will get a taxi since you seem to want to go?"

"Just for lunch," Misaki said, opening the car door.

"Don't eat too many carbs!" Honoka reminded her as she closed the door.

Misaki picked an Italian restaurant and ordered a large bowl of pasta with a side of garlic bread. Sure, vegetables and lean protein was good for her…but who could say no to a juicy meatball?

"Mmm…" Misaki sighed to herself as she took a giant bite of her garlic bread. Despite her money now, Misaki still enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. As she was half way through her pasta, a waiter stopped buy.

"This was a gift," the waiter said, setting an expensive bottle on her table.

"I don't drink," Misaki said through a mouthful of pasta.

"It's sparkling juice," the waiter explained. "Alcohol free."

Misaki swallowed. "Who sent it?"

"A gentleman who was just here. He didn't leave a name."

"So, he didn't poison it or something?" Misaki asked, popping the cork on. She sniffed the top.

"He placed an order and paid. The bottle came right from our storage."

"What did he look like?" Misaki asked, taking a swig out of the bottle. It was fizzy…kind of like soda.

"He simply said he was a secret admirer," the waiter explained.

Misaki took another sip. It was horrible…but she handed the man a fifty dollar bill. "What did he look like?" she whispered.

The waiter nodded. "He was tall and blonde. He sat in the corner. I noticed he kept looking over at your table-"

Misaki choked on the juice. "T-tall and blonde?" she asked. "Was he physically attractive? Seemed like secretive? Green eyes?"

"Yes,"

Takumi… That stalker!

"Thank you," she said, setting her napkin on the table.

Her phone buzzed just then. She pulled out her phone. It was a new text message. Misaki opened it and saw a picture of herself making a not so attractive face as she ate.

"I'm going to kill him!" Misaki exclaimed, smacking her hand on the table.

Everyone looked at her.

Misaki gave them a nervous smile and pulled her hat on. "Check!" she called to a waiter.

Luckily, Misaki knew where Takumi lived. She stormed up to his door and banged on it.

"TAKUMI!" she yelled. "I know you're in there, you perverted stalker! Open up! Takumi!"

A few moments passed and the door slowly opened.

"Tak- Yikes!" Misaki exclaimed, backing up. "Sorry, I didn't know you were showering!"

Takumi was standing at the door with nothing but a towel. His hair was dripping wet and his bangs fell into his eyes in a very model like way.

Misaki felt her face go bright red. "I'll come back later!"

Takumi grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. "Since you're here, why not stay?" he asked, closing the door.

Misaki stared at the wall next to her.

"So what did you want to ask me?" Takumi asked, picking up a second towel hanging on the back of a chair to dry his hair.

"I…uh…I…" Why was Misaki here again? Takumi wrapped the towel around his neck and studied her.

Misaki noticed Takumi must work out a lot.

"Oh Misa," Takumi said in a falsetto voice. "If you keep staring at me like that, I'm going to start blushing!"

Misaki felt her own face go red. "NO ONE'S LOOKING AT YOU!" she exclaimed. "Go put some clothes on!"

"But I never finished showering..."

"I don't care!" Misaki exclaimed. "Go put clothes on...NOW!"

"My neighbors hate me..." Takumi muttered as he disappeared into his bedroom.

Misaki waited until he reappeared in a long sleeve shirt and shorts.

"So what did I do to win such a pleasant visit?" he asked, sitting down on his couch. "Tea?"

"Were you stalking me?!"

"Why would you say that...?"

"Because you freaking sent me a picture of myself eating!"

"Like this one?" Takumi asked, holding up his phone. "Only a couple hundred," he said, flipping through the pictures.

"Give me that!" Misaki ordered.

"No, it's my phone,"

"But those are my pictures!" Misaki exclaimed. "Give me the phone!"

"No,"

Misaki lunged for the phone but Takumi slid of the couch and in turn pinned her down on the couch.

"You're really cute," Takumi observed. "I think every guy would like you."

"I don't know what you're saying," Misaki muttered, sitting up.

Takumi let her up and then sat down next to her. "Tea?"

"Sure..." Misaki said, taking the cup from him.

She sighed in defeat. Her eyes caught something on his coffee table. It was mixed in with the stack of magazines.

"You read tabloids?" She asked, shifting through the pile until her hand stopped on one.

RED RIDER STARS MAKE NEW FRIENDS

On the cover was that day Misaki, Sakura and Vivian were walking on the streets in New Zealand after going to the bakery.

"They're amusing," Takumi said with a shrug.

Misaki opened up the magazine to her article.

"Red Rider stars, from left to right, Sakura Hanazono, Misaki Ayuzawa and Vivian Sullivan hit the streets of New Zealand," Misaki read. "We never suspected this trio to become best friends but the singer, the new girl and the action heroine have hit off great. According to inside sources, the three are inseparable..."Misaki dropped the magazine back on the table. "Boring," she yawned. "The Media is so nosy."

"Mhm..." Takumi agreed, sipping his own tea. "Reading kills time though," he explained.

"But you could do so much more!" Misaki exclaimed. "There campaigns you can speak for, charity work, online classes, learn an instrument."

"I'd rather just enjoy my private time," Takumi said.

"Don't you get bored?"

"Yes,"

"What do you even do in your spare time...?"

"Cook, read, listen to music, play violin,"

"You play violin?" Misaki asked, surprised.

"Yes, I had a few private lessons as a kid."

"Are you any good?"

"Very,"

"Oh?" Misaki asked, curious. "Can you back up that talk?"

Takumi just smirked and got up to retrieve a black case. He opened it and inside was the most beautiful violin Misaki had ever seen.

"I have to tune it really quick," Takumi said, turning the little knobs. "What would you like to hear, Princess?" he asked, standing up.

"I don't really understand music. Anything will be fine."

Takumi nodded and slowly dragged the bow across the strings. A very sweet sound rang through the room.

Misaki watched in amazement as Takumi drew the bow back and forth as his fingers danced across the strings. He occasionally would glance up at Misaki.

"You play an instrument?"

Misaki shook her head. "My family couldn't afford things like that."

Takumi went to put his violin back. Misaki saw her chance and snagged his phone off the coffee table and began furiously deleting the pictures of herself.

"Hey!" she exclaimed as Takumi threw her over his shoulder.

"Give me my phone, please," he said.

"After I finish deleting- Excuse me!" Misaki exclaimed. "Did you just slap my butt?! Takumi Usui, I swear!"

Misaki held the phone out of his reach as Takumi playfully grabbed for it.

"You have a brother?" Takumi asked, trying to wrestle the phone out her hand.

"No, why?" Misaki laughed, hiding it behind her back.

"You seem to like getting rough," Takumi said, pinning her on her back.

"Don't say such misleading things!" Misaki exclaimed.

Takumi looked over her. His face was only inches away from hers.

"I mean exactly what I say," Takumi said.

Was he going to kiss her? Misaki looked down at his lips. Her breath hitched slightly as he bent over.

Just then, the door flung open. Misaki and Takumi both froze as they stared at the door, still lying on the floor. Alice stood there with her mouth hanging open. There was a long period of silence until the bag in her arms fell to the ground and apples started rolling around.

"TAKUMI USUI!"

Takumi and Misaki were both kneeling on the ground, looking down as Alice paced around.

"Someone better come clean," Alice said. "Are you or are you not dating?!"

"D-dating?!" Misaki exclaimed. "No, this is all a misunderstanding!" she said, holding up her hands.

"Right," Alice said, placing her hands on her hips. "Please clear up the scene I stumbled up upon."

"I…" Misaki was stumped.

"Why are you even coming here, Alice?" Takumi complained.

"Me?!" Alice demanded. "I good heartedly got all these fresh apples. I thought to myself, maybe I should bring some to my lazy cousin."

"I don't need apples…"

"Did I ask you what you needed?!"

"Sorry," Takumi said, bowing his head again.

Misaki glanced over at Takumi. So Takumi Usui even had authority he always obeyed… Interesting. She tried to fight a smile at the relationship between Alice and Takumi. Alice was so motherly to Takumi. No wonder Takumi thrived so well with the media, he had a strict cousin to ensure he showed up to every press conference and red carpet premiere.

"I'm still waiting for an explanation," Alice reminded them both.

"Alice!" Takumi complained. "I'm twenty two years old, for crying out loud! Can't you just me live the way I want?"

"How so? Sleeping around with girls you have no intention on being serious with?"

"I never said I wasn't serious…" Takumi's voice trailed off as he glanced over at Misaki.

Misaki stiffened. Serious…? Like a relationship?

"This is new," Alice said, crossing her arms. "Go on,"

"Alice…" Takumi said, jerking his head toward Misaki. He gave his best innocent look. "You can't expect me to spill right here. How is my pride going to live up to this?"

"Oh," Alice said, covering her mouth. "Oh! Okay! I'll leave you two alone!" she said, rushing to the door. "I left the apples on your kitchen table."

"Thanks Alice!" Takumi said, giving her a thumbs up.

Alice beamed and left.

"What was that?" Misaki asked.

Takumi chuckled and stood up. "My tactics for getting rid of my cousin," he said, stretching out his arms. "You want some apples?"

"Uh, no thank you," Misaki said, standing up. "I should probably go," she said, pointing to the door. "See you in New Zealand?"

Takumi nodded. "See you in New Zealand," he agreed.