I stood in my studio, immersed in the hustle and bustle as assistants moved around efficiently, prepping Xiao and his friend for another shoot. The atmosphere buzzed with focused energy, the steady hum of conversation mingling with the clinking of equipment being set up. I adjusted the lights and checked my camera settings, ensuring everything was perfect for the session. Despite my concentration on the technical aspects, my mind couldn't help but drift back to the dinner last week.
Xiao's reaction to San joining us for dinner had been hard to forget. His cold, scrutinizing gaze directed at San had created a palpable tension that lingered in my thoughts. San, however, had handled the situation with a composed firmness that only made him more attractive to me. There was something about his calm confidence that stirred emotions within me, emotions I was still trying to understand.
I couldn't shake the suspicion that Xiao's behavior was fueled by deeper feelings for me, feelings that contradicted the boundaries of our friends with benefits arrangement. It was a delicate situation, one that required careful navigation.
As I sat down on my chair, scrolling through my phone to pass the time while the assistants finished their preparations, the door to the studio opened. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat as San walked in, carrying a cup of coffee and a bouquet of flowers. For a moment, I was stunned, caught off guard by his unexpected but welcome presence.
Recovering quickly, I offered him a warm smile. "San, what a surprise! You didn't have to bring anything," I said, standing up to greet him.
San approached with a grin, his eyes lighting up as he handed me the coffee and flowers. "I thought you could a little pick-me-up," he said, his voice soft and inviting. "And I wanted to see you."
I took the flowers, their vibrant colors and sweet scent bringing an immediate brightness to the studio. "Thank you, San. This is really thoughtful," I replied, touched by the gesture. The flowers added a splash of color to the otherwise neutral tones of the studio, their presence a cheerful contrast to the bustling activity around us.
Our brief moment was interrupted by Xiao, who had been watching from the corner. He approached, his expression neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of the tension from last week. "San, good to see you again," Xiao said, his tone cordial but cool.
"Xiao," San acknowledged with a polite nod. "Looks like a busy day."
"It is," Xiao replied, turning his attention to me. "Ready for the shoot, Wooyoung?"
