Shy boy, Hot game

Chapter 4 - The unexpected change

"First off, it doesn't even look like you're trying!" Elise's voice cut through the air like a whip. "You know, even guys have to keep up with their looks these days!"

The words hit like a punch to the gut, but I couldn't deny the truth in them.

"Your clothes? They're ancient and, honestly, they suck," she went on, not sparing any punches. "And your skin, seriously, it's like sandpaper because you never bother to moisturize. Your hair's a mess, and those glasses? Total nerd alert."

Every word was like a jab, but deep down, I knew she wasn't wrong. As much as I hated to admit it, she was right.

"If you really want to meet new people, you've got to put in some work. Just having good intentions isn't enough," she continued, her tone softening just a bit. "It's a different world now. Guys have to step up their game too."

I could feel the weight of her words settling in. "Hmm."

"Trust me," Elise said, her eyes locking with mine, her voice almost gentle now. "If you make an effort, things will turn around for you faster than you think."

Elise stood up with a playful glint in her eyes, leaving her drink behind as she headed toward her room. "Come here," she called, her voice filled with an air of mystery.

Curiosity piqued, I followed her, trying to keep my emotions in check. She took my hand and led me to her vanity, making me sit in front of the mirror where she usually got ready. With a quick flick of her wrist, she opened a drawer and pulled out a sleek box.

"Wait, is that... makeup?" I asked, half-amused, half-bewildered.

"Yup," she replied, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "I'm giving you a makeover."

Her reflection in the mirror was captivating—her golden blonde hair framing her face perfectly, her hazel eyes sparkling with excitement. And then there was me, sitting there like a deer in headlights.

"Take off your glasses," she instructed, gently removing them and setting them aside. "Now, close your eyes."

I complied, feeling her soft, expert hands apply a cool, creamy substance to my skin. Her touch was gentle, almost soothing.

"Guys these days need more than just some lotion," she teased, her voice lighthearted but focused. "Once we're done with your skin, we'll tackle those eyebrows."

I could feel her meticulously shaping my brows, and even though my eyes were shut, I could sense her intense concentration.

"Now, let's make those eyes pop," she said, her tone playful but serious. "Eyes are everything, you know?"

She moved on to my hair, her fingers skillfully working through the strands. I couldn't help but marvel at how effortless she made it all seem.

"You've got to style your hair properly too," she advised, her voice filled with an almost motherly concern.

After a few more minutes, she finished with a spritz of something cool and refreshing, like a final flourish.

"Okay, open your eyes," she whispered, anticipation thick in the air.

I slowly opened my eyes, and what I saw in the mirror nearly knocked the breath out of me.

"No way...," I muttered, staring at my reflection in disbelief. "Is that really me?"

Elise stood behind me, her smile broad and triumphant. She had transformed me into someone I barely recognized—someone confident, someone... handsome.

"Holy... I never knew I could look this good," I murmured, my voice trembling with emotion. I was on the brink of tears, overwhelmed by the change.

"Of course you can, silly," she giggled, wrapping her arms around my shoulders in a warm, comforting hug. "Told you things would change."

"Let's go shopping tomorrow and get you some new clothes," Elise suggested, her grin wide with excitement. "Your current style is way too nerdy."

"Okay!" I responded, my mood instantly lifting.

"But for now, let's see how you look in something different." She headed to her closet, rummaging through until she found what she was looking for. With a playful toss, she handed me a long-sleeved tee and a pair of pocket jeans. "Try these on!"

I looked at the clothes, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. They were definitely more stylish than anything I owned.

"Uh, could you turn around?" I asked, feeling a bit shy.

She giggled softly, "Sure," and turned away, though I could tell she was still curious.

I quickly changed, surprised at how well the clothes fit. They were comfortable and made me feel... different, more confident.

"Eli?" I called out as I turned to face her.

She spun around, and her reaction was immediate—her eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped open in pure shock.

"What do you think?" I asked, trying to sound casual, though my heart was pounding.

For a moment, she didn't say anything, just stood there staring at me like she was seeing me for the first time. Then, unexpectedly, she crossed her arms over her breasts, a flush creeping up her neck as she looked away, clearly flustered.

"Eli? What's going on?" I asked, confused by her reaction.

She finally looked back at me, a nervous smile tugging at her lips. "You just... look really good," she admitted, her voice soft. "Like, really good. I wasn't expecting that."

Her words sent a jolt of warmth through me, and I couldn't help but smile. Maybe this makeover was more transformative than I'd ever imagined.

She quickly picked up a jacket from her closet and put it on and zipped it instantly.