A thin veil of uncertainty hung in the air as Kyoko's manager, Ms. Lond, leaned forward, an air of curiosity swirling around her like a gentle storm with an intensity that suggested layers of undisclosed intrigue. She sought to unravel the layers of knowledge Kyoko possessed about the new project, and the opaque role that seemed to beckon her from the horizon. She was on a mission to peel back the facade surrounding Kyoko's recent engagement with a mysterious new project.
"Kyoko," she began, her tone measured yet probing, "when did the script land in your hands?" Her voice was professional, yet there was an undercurrent of concern woven through her words.
With a calm that belied the charged atmosphere, Kyoko replied, "I received a confidential package on Friday evening. The script was nestled inside, but I refrained from opening it until this afternoon."
Ms. Lond's eyes narrowed, assessing. "I see." Her reply was curt, an unspoken curiosity still lingering in the silence that followed.
The air around them echoed with a brief silence, thick with unspoken thoughts. "Why? Is something wrong?" Kyoko's brow knit with concern as she studied her manager's expression.
"No, no…" Ms. Lond backpedaled, her assured tone faltering. "I was informed that they would send it to you on Friday." Yet, her eyes betrayed her; a flicker of perplexity danced across her features, hinting at something uncertain lurking beneath the surface.
Kyoko's instinct for the unspoken began to prick at her awareness. "If everything's alright, then why the puzzled look, Ms. Lond?" Her curiosity was piqued, the weight of the moment pressing against them.
The manager blinked, caught off guard, realization washed over her like a tide, prompting her to smooth over the potential rift of concern she had inadvertently created. She had unwittingly revealed more than she'd intended. "Ah, well... It seems I might have worried you for no reason," she chuckled nervously. "To my knowledge, everything appears to be in order. Yet, I can't shake this feeling—just a flutter of doubt. So, let's not dwell on it until I have more concrete information, shall we?" She offered a tentative smile, attempting to diffuse the tension.
"Ms. Lond, you've been in this business for quite some time…" Kyoko began, her voice trailing off.
"About seven years now, ever since I turned twenty," Ms. Lond interjected, taking a sip from her drink as she relished the memory of her journey so far.
"Exactly," Kyoko replied thoughtfully. "That's why I trust your instincts. So far, they've always steered me right."
"Kyoko dear…" Ms. Lond chuckled again, though the laughter came tinged with an edge of anxiety. "I promise to dive deeply into this matter and to ensure everything checks out. Until then, I don't want you to worry about it."
Kyoko considered her words, her sigh a gentle concession. "Mhm. Alright. I trust you."
The air around them settled into a more comfortable rhythm, a tentative alliance forged in the face of uncertainty. Though the shadows of doubt lingered, they both understood that knowledge was power, and together they would seek the truth behind the veil.
At the bar, Kuon Hizuri and his companion Catrice Sorkamble perched elegantly on high lounge bar stools, engaging in conversation.
Catrice, a fellow 26-year-old American actress of Caucasian descent, possessed hazel brown eyes that sparkled with a subtle flirtation, hinting of her attraction to Kuon. Her dark caramel toffee-hued hair was styled in an elegant updo, with soft side-swept bangs artfully blending into the arrangement for a polished finish.
She donned a striking burnt orange satin midi dress, characterized by a delicate cowl neckline that draped gently around her bust, imparting a relaxed yet refined elegance. The dress featured Thin spaghetti straps that created a delicate, minimalistic look, complementing the draped neckline while the tailored fit highlighted her figure beautifully.
The skirt cascaded gracefully, forming a gentle drape around her legs that added fluidity to her movements. Minimal jewelry adorned her look—a simple necklace and understated earrings—allowing the dress to take center stage.
Completing her ensemble, she wore gold strappy high-heeled sandals and carried a golden pleated satin clutch handbag, embodying an overall aesthetic of effortless elegance.
Beside her, Kuon Hizuri exuded charm and confidence with his sophisticated striking appearance. His blonde hair glistening almost magically as if dusted with diamonds. With his hair smoothly combed back, while the sides featured a refined low taper fade.
His captivating emerald eyes, which intriguingly shifted to a burnt sienna under certain lighting, were framed by a well-tailored three-piece suit crafted from high-quality wool with a subtle sheen in a rich blue color.
The blazer featured structured shoulders and a tailored slim fit, adorned with notch lapels, two front flap pockets, and a single button closure that accentuated his athletic handsome physique. Beneath the blazer, he wore a matching slim-fitting vest adorned with buttons down the front, contributing an additional layer of formality and depth to his appearance, while the trousers were tailored to perfection, falling straight with a refined break over polished black leather shoes.
A classic white dress shirt, its crisp collar framing his face, provided a striking contrast to the blue ensemble, with a few buttons left open for a touch of casual elegance.
Together, they epitomized the stylish visions for the fashion brands they were selected to represent.
In front of Catrice sat a cosmopolitan cocktail, its vibrant hues encapsulating the spirit of the evening, while Kuon savored a whiskey on the rocks, the ice clinking softly against the glass.
Engaged in conversation, they sipped their drinks, the atmosphere around them charged with the buzz of potential and glamour.
The soft amber glow of the bar cast a warm light on Catrice's features, as she leaned forward, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. "So, tell me," she began, her voice laced with a flirtatious undertone, "how was the photoshoot in New York? Did you enjoy yourself?" Her expression, half coy and half curious, seemed to invite him into an intimate conversation veiled in light banter.
Kuon, amused by her directness, let out a low chuckle, his gaze lingering on her with an intensity that suggested he appreciated the tease. "Just another day at work, really... But I suspect you want to know something else," he replied, holding her gaze in a way that spoke volumes beyond mere words. The unspoken challenge hung in the air, thick with the promise of intrigue.
Feigning surprise, Catrice tilted her head playfully. "Oops... Am I being too forward?" she asked, her tone honeyed and playful, masking the thrill that coursed through her at the prospect of pushing the boundaries of their flirtation.
"Well..." he mused, a slow smile creeping across his lips as he played along with her ruse, fully aware of her intentions but having fun pretending he's not aware by the chase.
In an alluring attempt to regain momentum, she took a breath and ventured again, "So, did you happen to meet someone special in the city? Someone pretty or perhaps, just... interesting?" Her words dripped with a mix of curiosity and ambition, as though she were fishing for more than just a casual inquiry.
His reply was laced with mischief, his eyes sparkling as he mirrored her playfulness. "Hmm, pretty or interesting," he mused thoughtfully, pretending to search his memory. "You mean, someone who compares to you?" The air crackled with tension, the moment hanging between them like an unspoken secret.
Catrice, undeterred, pressed on with mock innocence. "Well then, did you?" she prodded, her voice lilting, inviting him deeper into their dance of flirtation.
With a deliberate, inviting gesture, Kuon beckoned her closer, his finger curling enticingly. "Come here," he murmured in a low and inviting voice. His breath warm against her ear as he leaned in, whispering, "Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to indulge in anything whimsical after work…" He withdrew, savoring a sip from his whiskey glass while maintaining the magnetic draw of his gaze. The warm blush that crept across her cheeks did not escape his notice, and he let out a soft chuckle, delighting in the effect he had on her.
"That's... unfortunate," she replied, her tone imbued with a secret joy, reveling in the spark between them. The words wrapped in the promise of unspoken possibilities.
Catrice shifted her weight ever so slightly on the bar stool, a playful smile showing up her lips as she peered over the rim of her cosmopolitan. Her mind racing to suppress the flutter of excitement that surged at the mere sound of his voice—a voice that dripped with charm, yet carried an unmistakable note of aloofness. Her eyes flickered with intrigue, though she was careful to mask the heat pooling in her cheeks. It was a fine line she walked—attraction simmering beneath the surface, yet a suave facade painted over her thoughts, fortifying her resolve to remain inscrutable in the presence of Kuon. She quickly composed herself, determined that he wouldn't glimpse the feelings she harbored.
"So... when are you going to tell me the reason you wanted to see me today?" she asked, lowering her voice to a delicate murmur, wrapping her words in an air of nonchalance as she took a sip of the vibrant drink, seemingly unaffected but craving more than just a taste of the moment. She hoped he wouldn't notice the slight tremor in her hand.
His chuckle was smooth and effortless, yet it seemed to contain more than mere amusement; it was the confidence of a man who had mastered the art of emotional distance while inviting intrigue. "Impatient, aren't you?" he answered, his gaze playful yet distant, like watching a storm from afar—captivating, yet aware of the thunderous chaos it could bring.
As he leaned back slightly, hands cradling his whiskey glass. The atmosphere thickened with unspoken words, and Catrice felt the gravity of their proximity; something about his awareness left her tingling, though she resolutely masked the effect it had on her.
"Well, I didn't expect you to ask me for a drink as soon as you've returned from your business trip," she countered playfully, feigning indifference, though a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, betraying her amusement.
She let the words linger for a fraction longer, savoring the playful tension in the air, testing her own boundaries, even as his impenetrable facade reminded her to keep her feelings at bay.
Kuon quirked an eyebrow, his demeanor unfurling like smoke, a slow dance of charm and poise. "As soon as—would be a lie though. It's been hours since I've come back." His response was precise and calculated, each word tempered with a disarming ease that drew Catrice closer yet reminded her to hold her distance.
With a playful tap of her nails against the bar, she allowed a smirk to break through her otherwise composed demeanor. "Oh... so I wasn't the first person you saw." Her tone dripped with sultry intrigue, her smile lingering—a flirtation wrapped in playful disappointment.
But in truth, there was an absurd thrill at the thought of being anything but secondary in his busy life.
"My priority is my work; pleasure comes after." His words were steel beneath a velvet tone—assertive, disciplined, and undeniably attractive. But she couldn't help but feel a small pang of disappointment; she would have preferred to be the highlight, even if only for a moment.
She felt their conversation shifting like the tides, and despite her best efforts, the currents of ambition and unspoken attraction pulled her further into the depths of longing.
"Ah, yes, that's the kind of man you are," Catrice conceded, raising her glass in a mock salute, her tone both sarcastic and sincerely appreciative. "But then again, you are what you are today because of that attitude towards acting. Admirable indeed." Her gaze didn't waver, even as the underlying pulse of attraction threatened to breach her carefully constructed façade.
"Poor Mr. Yashiro doesn't get to rest even on Sunday," she teased, feigning a pout for his beleaguered manager. Managing to mask her genuine intrigue with casual banter, all the while wishing she could dive deeper into the depths of his enigmatic demeanor.
"To be fair, we only discussed plans over the phone. He did mention something intriguing, though. I hear you'll be joining my new project as well?" Kuon inquired, his voice laced with genuine interest.
Catrice's heart sank slightly, realizing that their meeting was rooted more in business than in the personal connection she yearned for. "Ah, so this is why you wanted to meet," she finally mused aloud, masking her initial disappointment with a bright smile, only to feel a familiar twinge of dissatisfaction as she resigned herself to the reality of their conversation being rooted in work rather than a personal reconnection.
Just then, the shift of fate beckoned as Kuon's curiosity sparked an unexpected intrigue, smoothly redirecting their dialogue toward the project that had begrudgingly brought them together.
"Did you audition, or were you chosen privately?" his tone perpetually calm yet inquisitive, like a steady tide that never faltered.
"I received a call through my agent, auditioned a few scenes, and then got the good news. I've been cast," she explained.
"Which role is it?" he probed, his calm interest disarming.
"That's the catch... I'm on standby, being considered for two roles. They still need to decide," she explained, "I believe they have another actress lined up for one of the roles." attempting to maintain a light tone, even as a flicker of insecurity niggled at her.
"Hmm..." he mused, sipping his whiskey in contemplation.
"The news is it's quite the opposite for you," she ventured,"I've heard whispers that the director practically pursued you, imploring you to take that pivotal role. It's not just any part; it's a crucial one that could anchor the success of the film. With you in that character, he knows it will shine, and I wholeheartedly agree."
"Rumors can be misleading," he countered, his expression measured. "He expressed a preference, but 'begging' would be an exaggeration. He simply wanted me to decide quickly before exploring other options."
"Ah, so that was the reality behind the scenes," she acknowledged, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her glass. "What persuaded you to accept your role?"
"It's the character," he replied, amusement lining his voice. "He seems intriguing, and I have a hunch I'll enjoy the role." he replied, a chuckle escaping his lips—he was always so effortlessly charming.
Catrice felt a stirring sensation, as if there was more to his choice than met the eye, an unspoken connection lurking beneath the surface. Her desire to uncover his true thoughts grew stronger.
At that moment, Kuon's gaze shifted as Kyoko and her manager made their way toward the exit—strikingly in Kuon's line of sight unwittingly drawing his attention.
The air shimmered with unspoken tension, drawing his attention like a moth to a flame. Catrice, sitting beside him, felt an inexplicable shift engulf the atmosphere, her heart twisting with a mix of jealousy and confusion that only deepened as the seconds stretched between them.
In a smooth, deliberate motion, Kuon straightened, a flicker of recognition into his emerald eyes. "Ms. Mogami?" he called out, his voice deep and magnetic, resonating with an intensity that momentarily eclipsed everything else.
Catrice's heart raced not just from the weight of his gaze, but from the subtle blend of stoicism, surprise, and curiosity that defined his expression. For a fleeting moment, the sharp edges of her own feelings dulled, replaced by the electrifying silence that fell over them. She turned to look, caught off guard by the sudden change, barely suppressing the instinctual pang of discontent at being momentarily sidelined in his attention.
Kyoko halted mid-step, an expression of bewilderment etched across her delicate features. A myriad of questions danced in her mind, but one reigned supreme: Did he just call me? Why? The confusion evident in her eyes, suggesting that this sudden attention was as alien to her as it was unexpected, pulling her deeper into a mystery that seemed to envelop Kuon.
A/N: I really took my time with this chapter because I was unsure about how close Kuon and Catrice should get. I had some background on her, but I needed more time to figure out just how into her he really is. I'm not planning things out long-term like I used to. For this story, I have some themes and ideas I want to weave in, but I also decided to let the chapter unfold naturally, even if it means it might take me longer than I'd like.