PAPARAZZI

Fifteen

You were in grade school, where you and your classmates were required to participate. Your teacher asked if there were any perfect men or women.

You are initially uninterested in the topic since you are aware that you have no concept of a perfect person, as even your parents are not ideal in your perspective. Because, to you, they just exist to be your parents. Because they failed to fulfill their parental responsibilities.

You stop placing stickers in your pencil case when your seatmate bumps your arms, which were leaning on her chair.

You initially assumed she was doing this because she disliked your elbow leaning on her chair, but when you looked at her, she stated that the teacher was calling your name.

"You have your own world again," the teacher said, making your classmates laughed.

You're eager to roll your eyes and yell at your classmates, but you didn't do since you know you'll be sent to the guidance office if you did that, which you don't want to happen because you know that the principal will contact your parents, then once you get home your parents will scold you.

You get up from your seat while quietly cursing your teacher in your head since you're embarrassed by what she did.

"Why are you preoccupied in the back? You aren't even listening to me," the teacher said.

"I was listening, teacher, I'm just uninterested." you say honestly.

The teacher furrowed her forehead, and you could see she didn't like the way you spoke, but why? You're simply stating the truth.

"Really, huh?" the teacher sarcastically said.

The teacher set her book down on the table, crossed her arms, and raised her eyebrows at you.

"If you're actually listening, tell me what I said."

You look at your classmates who are now waiting for your response, before returning your attention to your teacher.

"You are asking if there is a perfect person, and my answer is no one," you firmly stated.

𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕...

"Explain your answer," the teacher said.

You are aware that you are too young, but you also recognize that you are more mature in your thinking than your classmates, maybe due to your insistence on learning independently.

"Because everyone has flaws, for example, there are two people, one is good at painting and the other isn't, but she can sing, while the other person who can paint cannot sing do you think they're perfect? yes they both talented but they can't do each other's talent."

Because perfection characterizes with no indications of wrong.

"So, how can you defend someone who thinks a person is perfect?"

Your forehead wrinkled in response to your teacher's questions. Some what, It also questions you.

No one is perfect, but if someone sees someone as perfect in their eyes, it's possible that they see something that others don't.

"I believe they are not perfect, but they are just true to themselves, which is why others regard them as perfect."

Your teacher smiled, delighted with your response.

"You may sit now."

"If I catch you again doing something unrelated to my class, I'll confiscate your stickers."

That is what your teacher said before continuing with her discussions.

You and are Jay heading in the parking lot because Jay had a brand photoshoot today. You had no idea about his schedule since you assumed that after he left his job in the Philippines for a few weeks, he would take a vacation in the US, but you had no knowledge that he had also scheduled a plans abroad.

"This will last three hours, after that, let's eat." Jay said as you both waited for the elevator to open.

You glance at him and nod.

"Okay."

You didn't tell Jay you were worried since this is the first time he'll take you to work after announcing his relationship with you.

Although his coworkers, including his manager, are not opposed to it, you feel embarrassed being there for fear that they may know you, as you had previously attended his fanmeetings as an active Jay fan it's impossible they not notice you.

"Are you okay?" He asked when he saw your quietness.

You cast a glance at him.

"Jay, what if I wait for you somewhere? I promise I'll be fine."

His serious expression remained on you, he did not respond, but his eyes did not leave you.

There was a period of silence before Jay eventually spoke.

"Give me reason, and if it is acceptable, I will allow you."

"I think my presence is not important to them, it will be awkward-"

"Who says you're there for them?" Jay said.

"It's not like that, I was just saying that it would be weird because-"

Jay cut you off.

"I bring you with me because you are my girlfriend, so why does it seem like you do not want to come with me?"

"This is the firs time we haven't had any scheduling conflicts, aren't you glad you're there to support me?" he says.

You paused.

No words remained in your mouth. Your heart skips. What does he mean by that? So, if your schedule does not interfere with his, he will allow you to accompany him to work?

You don't want to make assumptions since everything transpires between you and him is only for show. However, it's perplexing to the point where his words serve as assurance.

When you both came, everyone's attention was drawn to you. They didn't say anything, but you could tell they were thinking about something.

Just sit here, I'll be back," he remarked as he went to see his makeup artist.

It's good that Jay didn't leave you behind, but now that you're the only one at the table, you feel left out.

Jay manager looked at you, and you smiled, but he ignored it and shook his head. When Jay is around, people treat you differently than when he is not. So, instead of coming near to the staff, you sat and waited for Jay to finish.

You're currently observing Jay as several make-up artists work on him in preparation for the commercial shoot.

His makeup artist styles his hair and says something but Jay ignored her as he caught your eyes. He made a thumbs up sign, asking if you were okay, and you just replied with an okay sign.

Looking at him brings back memories from childhood. You do not believe in perfection. When someone says something nice about you, you constantly look for flaws. It's simply that at an early age, you have a lot of trust issues, which might be because your parents didn't do their job of guiding you the way parents should.

But when you look at Jay, he appears majestic. He's truly perfect.

The way he poses in front of the camera, the way he walks—and speak, everything is so perfect that you can't find missing imperfections.

You now understand that his attractive looks is not the reason you fell in love with him, but because of the influence he has on you.

He changes you, your views, and the way you think. He shows that despite everything, there is still one individual who can be ideal. And that is 𝒉𝒊𝒎.

Sometimes you wonder how long you'll do this or adore him. Because if you continue to focus on him... You will never meet anyone.

But, why did you find someone? When you know that there is no other Jay in this earth.