BROKEN (Herophine Fanfic)

15

【ＪＯＳＥＰＨＩＮＥ】

My thoughts straighten as I step into the mall. The air-conditioning seeps through my thin dress. Sends goose bumps over my skin.

Or maybe that's all the thoughts stirring in my gut.

I'm going to photograph Hero with another woman.

Touching her.

Kissing her.

Symbolizing sexuality with her.

Ugh.

I'm sure he's moved on, but I'd rather not think about it.

I don't have time to think about it.

I have thirty minutes and about as many dollars to pick out wardrobe.

His palm skims my lower back. "Which way?"

Which way. To buy lingerie for some model to wear as she touches him.

Great question.

No. Really. It is.

I need to pick a store.

I need to focus.

I force myself to take in my surroundings.

Familiar blue tiles. Beige walls. Rows of storefronts.

I need lingerie.

And I need it cheap.

Hero's fingers brush my forearm.

My wrist.

The back of my hand.

Then his palm is on mine.

And that calm is back.

It's coursing through me, this sense that everything is going to be okay as long as he's here.

His fingers intertwine with mine as he leads me to the directory.

Victoria's Secret is way out of my price range. As are all three of the department stores.

But H&M—I can do that.

This time, I lead him through the mall. It's busy for a random weekday night.

Friends and families shop. Teenagers giggle over blended coffee drinks and oversized cookies. Couples cuddle on benches, sharing headphones and memories.

Images of first love are everywhere today.

Or maybe it's the walls around my heart coming down.

I step into the enormous shop. Find the lingerie in the back, nestled between sleepwear and sweats.

Bra and panty sets are bright against soft white tables and shiny silver racks.

A black bodysuit draws my eyes. It's all lace and mesh. Low neckline.

Thick halter straps.

A New York elegance image of sexuality.

Perfect for the artsy black and white shots this company prefers.

But not me.

Which am I supposed to capture—their vision or mine?

Professor Landry recommended me for a reason. But maybe the reason is that she didn't have anyone better.

They didn't give me much to go on besides "make it hot."

I pick up the bodysuit. Stare at the satin fabric.