PAINTER'S MODEL

09: SALTY

CHAPTER 9: SALTY

You played with your fingers on your lap as your boyfriend drove towards the destination. It was quite of a struggle to do so since the place where you're going is not that familiar to you both. It's probably a new place. 

It almost took an hour for your boyfriend to reach the building. There seem to be a lot of cars parked in the parking lot, making it another struggle for your boyfriend to drive. 

Today is a Saturday. The day that Calvin requested you to attend his art exhibit. For the past few days, you've been hanging out with Lois and also working on various photoshoots together with practicing on a runway for a fashion show for Khanel.

It's been days since Calvin last seen you and he is very excited to see your face again.

After minutes of Lois looking for an available place to park, he finally found one and did not hesitate to drive towards it immediately, claiming the spot as our own. You checked the watch on your wrist that reads '12:14 pm. '

You arrived just in time.

Lois inhaled and exhaled deeply then turned towards you, "Let's go," He grinned, stepping out of the car and you doing the same. You finally took in the whole appearance of the building. It's big and it has a lot of windows, even those that are see-through. From the transparent windows, you could see how luxurious it looks on the inside. 

Your boyfriend intertwined his fingers with yours and the both of you walked towards the entrance. You could see guards roaming around everywhere. There are also people wearing different tops with prints of art pieces by various artists, but for the majority, it's all art pieces and some are even faces of Calvin Doris.

Calvin Doris is basically like a whole protagonist of this world. He got the looks, the talent, the popularity–everything. He's a lucky guy and his lover, if he has one, must be very lucky too.

"(Y/N)!" That voice sounds familiar. You turned around and recognized his platinum-blonde locks and the dark, empty eyes of Calvin. When you faced him, you could almost see the sparkles in his eyes before they diminished when he saw a man beside you, holding your hand. His face is replaced with a glare.

He put on a forced smile, "Is this your guest?" He asked. He obviously knew the answer, he just wants to make a good impression. "Yup, this is Lois, my boyfriend. Lois, this is Mr. Calvin Doris, the–uh, the person I worked with." You replied.

"A pleasure to meet you," Calvin extended his hand towards Lois, and Lois hesitantly returned the gesture, the both of them now shaking hands. Your boyfriend lets go immediately when he felt Calvin's grip turn tighter. 

'Odd.' Lois thought. 'Strange as those interviews he's in, and maybe deadly too.'

Lois wrapped his arm around your shoulders, which didn't go unnoticed by the famous artist. Calvin gritted his teeth. "My works are this way. Follow me." He began to walk away from the both of you with his arms behind his back. You and Lois followed after him.

By the time you entered a room, you're greeted with nothing but darkness. That was until the walls began to light up, flashing art pieces of Calvin that somehow appeared to move, as if his paintings become a movie. You gazed at the walls in astonishment. 

Intense classical music slowly started to play in the background, then the holographic paintings on the walls turned from those that looks peaceful to those paintings of Calvin that shows anguish and despair. 

As you walked through the room, there was a giant holographic person in the center of the room. These are the surreal subjects of various paintings of Calvin. Then suddenly, your figure with snakes around you appeared on top of this circular machine that emits holographic images.

Once your figure popped up, the music in the room turned from intense classical music to those that sound heavenly. You, Lois, and Calvin were granted the view of different ethereal holographic paintings on the walls of Calvin Doris, but the one that seems to stand out the most was you with two huge black snakes around your form. Lois nudged your shoulder, "sheesh," followed by a whistle.

You let your mouth jaw drop, awing at the whole painting of yourself. You honestly look gorgeous in it, and I believe Lois and Calvin would say the same. 

When the painting of yours faded away and was replaced with another work of Calvin, Lois took the time to pat your head. "I knew you'd do well!" Your boyfriend was then cut off by Calvin clearing his throat loudly. Calvin glared at Lois.

"And you did well too! You portrayed my girlfriend amazingly! You're a great artist, Mr. Doris!" Your boyfriend sweatdropped as he said those words towards the one who painted your painting of yours. Calvin however still kept his glare towards Lois and nodded lightly before turning towards you and patting the top of your head, "You look stunning." He made sure that his compliment was heard by Lois.

Your boyfriend stood still with his eyes wide. Is this guy really flirting with his girlfriend in front of him?  He rubbed his eyes with a dumbfounded look on his face. 

Your reaction was the same as Lois'. What is this Calvin Doris guy even doing?  You're not sure if that's a flirt or if that's just a platonic compliment. Though the lovesick eyes of Calvin say otherwise.

"Hey, uh," Lois finally voiced out, breaking the awkward staring contest between you and Calvin. "Can I ask where the other painting of (Y/N) is? You know– the one where there are candles and she's wearing a navy blue dress and stuff." You're glad Lois did something to change the subject.

Calvin stared at him blankly. There was a moment of awkward silence between the three of you. He turned around and walked forward, "Let's continue." Calvin avoided his question.