Behind the Curtains: A Tale of Hidden Emotions

Chapter 7

"Smile."

"Look at Faye."

"Hold her waist."

"Lean in a bit."

"Hold her tie and pose like you're trying to seduce her!"

"That's it, Yoko. Nice! Nice!"

Those were just some of the never-ending instructions from our photographer during our latest photoshoot. We were thrilled when several magazines offered us projects like this. Since our series aired, we've received positive feedback from fans all over the world. It was heartwarming to know that people appreciated our hard work and effort.

Since then, we've been doing photoshoots, workshops, and shootings together. It was tiring but rewarding. My schedule became so hectic that Jane and I seldom saw each other, but I always made sure we chatted or FaceTimed. I really loved that girl, even though she could be annoying at times.

I felt shy during photoshoots, worried I might repeat the same pose too often. But thankfully, our photographer and director were always there to guide us. One shot required me to kiss Faye's shoulder to leave a mark, part of the magazine's concept. The theme was a married couple on their honeymoon. Some scenes were really hot and touchy, but I never felt uncomfortable, maybe because Faye was my partner. Overall, it was a fun shoot.

"Thank you, everyone!" Faye and I bowed to show our appreciation to the crew. They were kind and took great care of us.

"You really did great, ladies!" Our photographer, Mr. Pascual, exclaimed. He was a fantastic photographer, always making sure we were comfortable with our poses. He showed us each photo and asked for our preferences. It was a great experience.

"Haaaaaaawaaa!" I yawned loudly, exhausted from the long day.

"Are you sleepy?" Faye asked softly as we stood in the elevator. I nodded and leaned on her shoulder. She gently rubbed my arm and lightly massaged my fingers. It was one of her habits, always followed by a light pinch afterward.

"You're probably hungry too. Do you want to go to my place? I have ramen there." I immediately looked up at her, shocked by her statement.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" My voice rose in surprise.

"Yes, why? What's wrong with that?" She furrowed her brows, puzzled by my reaction.

"You don't know the meaning of that phrase, Faye?" I asked, still in shock. 'Is she seriously asking me out to do—you know what I mean?'

"What's wrong with asking you for ramen?" Oh ghaaad! She was giving me a headache. How could she be so innocent at her age?! I felt like a pervert!

"You're unbelievable!" I exclaimed, just as the elevator reached the ground floor. I immediately walked out, heading in a direction I didn't even know.

"Yooooo!" I heard Faye calling from a distance. I bet she was chasing after me.

"Where are you going?" she shouted.

"Home!" I shouted back, still walking.

"My car is parked in the opposite direction." I immediately stopped in my tracks, realizing I had forgotten she was giving me a ride home. I turned back and walked toward where she was pointing. I was about to walk past her when she grabbed my hand.

"Yo, what did I say wrong this time?" she asked, looking at me with a pleading expression.

I looked into her eyes but quickly turned away. She looked like a lost puppy.

"Hey, look at me." She tried to catch my gaze by holding my cheek. "If there's nothing wrong, why can't you look at me?" she whined, pouting.

How could she be so cute and pretty at the same time? It was so unfair.