"Really? They're assigning me another new model to work with?" Koizumi complains as she walks down the hall with Sato by her side.
Sato rolls her eyes, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Don't worry, Mahiru; this girl is fresh meat. New contract and everything. She won't be a stuck-up bitch like all of the others you've worked with, so please try to be nice?"
Koizumi's gaze hardens. "It doesn't take long for that to change."
"Whatever. She's in room 103, waiting for you. Behave."
"No promises."
Koizumi turns down the next hall, now going in the opposite direction of Sato. She gives a heavy sigh as she arrives in front of the door, pushing it open.
Already standing, waiting patiently in the photography area for her, must be her newest model. She has long silver hair tumbling down her back in waves and candy-red eyes. She's wearing this beautiful black sequin dress with a deep v-line and a slit in the skirt to about halfway up her thigh. To top it off, she's wearing these stunning, sparkly heels.
She turns and looks at Koizumi expectantly, forcing a small smile. "Hello. . .You must be Koizumi Mahiru. My name is Pekoyama Peko-I'm new. I've heard so many wonderful things about you and your career. I'm so honoured you're doing my very first shoot. I feel I am not worthy."
Koizumi frowns, powering up her camera. "Don't say silly things like that; it's fine. Look this way, please. Smile-no, not that wide. . .there."
The camera begins to flash.
"How professional; you get straight to the point." Pekoyama marvels.
"Money is money-adjust your head a little to the left. . .perfect-and I need to be good enough to continue making the big bucks. You'll understand that once you get some more experience in this hellish industry. Try putting your hand on your hip. Just the one. Now tilt your chin down just a tiny bit-beautiful."
"You're not just saying those compliments, right?"
Koizumi snorts. "Please. Just you wait until you get to know me."
Pekoyama shrugs. "Very well. I will believe you then."
"Lift the one arm and touch the elbow with your other hand-no not like that, just. . .there! Keep being amazing, Pekoyama-chan. Yeah! Woo!"
The silver-haired model chuckles. "And you are positive I am doing alright?"
Koizumi rolls her eyes. "Hells yes. Now seriously stop talking, or I'm going to lose focus."
"My apologies."
Pekoyama shut up.
And the strangest thing happened.
The more Koizumi posed and inspected Pekoyama, the more beautiful she found her. She doesn't even know why! She doesn't even know Pekoyama as a person!
But the more the two work together during the hour, exchanging the occasion non-work-related work, the more intrigued Koizumi becomes by her. She wants to get to know Pekoyama more.
"Okay. . ," Koizumi sighs finally, "I think I've got what I needed. Anything you wanted to try?"
Pekoyama shakes her head. "N-No, thank you. Thank you so much for your hard work."
"Same goes to you, Pekoyama-chan. Thank you for your hard work. You're a real natural. I hope I can work with you again."
The model smiles. "Yes, that would be quite nice. And even if not, maybe we can spend some time together outside of work?"
Koizumi's eyes widen. Look at Peko making the move rather than her! She's amazing.
"I would love that Pekoyama. I'll be in touch soon. About the shoot and the coffee."
"Sounds good."
"Okay, goodbye!"
"Goodbye."
Pekoyama leaves in a hurry.
Koizumi rolls her shoulders back again and smiles.
Yet another successful shoot.
