Hopelessly Attracted {Hawks X Fem!Reader - Entertainment Industry AU}

Chapter 7: The Photoshoot

The morning of the photoshoot, the sun pierces through the curtains, painting a warm glow across the room. You stretch out under the covers, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves flutter in your stomach. Today is the day, you sit up, taking a deep breath to steady yourself, and start to get ready. In the mirror, your reflection shows the confidence you've been building over the past few weeks.

You arrive at the studio to find it buzzing with activity. The sound of cameras clicking fills the air. You spot Keigo in the corner, deep in conversation with Taneo. His gaze finds you, and for a brief moment, you see a flash of something in his eyes that wasn't there before. He breaks away from the conversation and strides over, all professionalism. "Ready?" he asks with a curt nod. You nod back, trying not to let your nerves show.

The stylist fits you into a series of outfits, each more stunning than the last. Keigo stands by, offering suggestions with a calm authority that makes you feel at ease.

As the makeup artist works their magic, you can't help but steal glances at him. He's dressed in his usual attire, but today, there's a sharpness to his gaze that wasn't there before. He seems more focused than ever, scrutinizing every detail of the setup, from the lighting to the props. It's clear he's thrown himself into the task at hand, a wall of concentration erected around him.

Taneo starts the shoot, his camera a silent sentinel capturing your every move. He steps in where Keigo would usually stand, offering suggestions for poses and expressions. His hands gently shifting your arm placement. His focus on you is intense but not uncomfortable. His touch is professional, yet it sends a shiver down your spine. You wonder if Keigo notices the way Taneo lingers a bit longer than necessary, the way his eyes trace your form.

With each click of the camera, you begin to find your rhythm. You move with an ease that surprises even yourself, and Taneo seems pleased with the results. When it's time to change into the next outfit, Keigo leads you to the dressing room, a sanctuary of fabric and scents, a stark contrast to the cold, bright lights outside. You slip out of the current ensemble and into the next.

The makeup artist and hairstylist bustle around you, transforming your look. As they work, you feel a gentle tap on your shoulder. Taneo's smiling face appears in the mirror, holding up the first batch of photos on a tablet. "These are looking fantastic," he says, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. His hand comes up to lightly touch a stray piece of hair that's fallen across your forehead, tucking it behind your ear with a tenderness that feels almost intimate. "We're really capturing something special here."

You nod, trying to focus on the images and not the heat that rises to your cheeks. As you do, you catch Keigo's reflection in the mirror. His eyes are on you, his jaw tight. You look away, not wanting to read too much into it, but you can't ignore the tension that's thickened the air between you.

The shoot continues, and with each change of outfit, the tension seems to grow. Not for you but between Taneo and Keigo. You try to ignore it, focusing instead on the task at hand, but it's palpable, like a third person in the room. Keigo's instructions become more clipped, his movements more deliberate, as if he's trying to assert some kind of dominance over the situation.

You're in the middle of a pose, Taneo's hand guiding your chin, when Keigo's voice cuts through the air like a knife. "Let's go for something different," he says, his tone firm and commanding. You feel Taneo's hand drop away, and he nods, stepping back to allow Keigo to take over.

"So with this look I'd like to see the shy side." Keigo says, his voice a gentle rumble, "Try looking down but bring your gaze up." You do as he instructs, feeling a little awkward, but when you look up to find his eyes on you, the pose comes naturally.

His eyes widen a fraction, and he's taken back by the way you embody the character he's asking for. For a moment, he seems lost in his thoughts, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. It's the first sign of uncertainty you've seen from him, and it's surprisingly endearing. He clears his throat, and when he looks at you again, his gaze is more intense than ever. "Really good," he murmurs, his voice hoarse.

Without thinking, you smile softly at him, and his cheeks color ever so slightly. He quickly turns away, hiding his reaction. "Let's keep it going guys." He says, his voice a touch too loud as he calls out to Taneo and the crew. The shoot continues, but the air is charged with something new.

During breaks, Keigo is there, offering you water, adjusting the set, anything to be near you. You feel his eyes on you, even when you're not looking directly at him. The way he holds himself, the tightness of his shoulders, it's clear he's fighting an internal battle. You're not sure what to do, so you focus on the job, letting the excitement of the day carry you through the unspoken tension.

The shoot rolls on, and you move from one set to the next, each one more delectable than the last. The camera captures your every move, but it's Keigo's gaze that you feel the most. It's as if he's trying to burn the image of you into his mind.

As the final shot wraps up, the room echoes with the sound of applause. The crew is exhausted but elated, their energy mirroring the excitement you feel. As they begin to pack up Taneo approaches with a smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You were absolutely stunning," he says, holding out the tablet with the last set of photos. "Would you like to join me for dinner? We could celebrate the success of today?"

Before you can even consider the offer, Keigo's voice slices through the air. "Actually, she has plans," he says, his tone final. He steps in front of Taneo, his body a sudden barrier between you and the photographer. His eyes lock onto yours, a silent apology in their depths. "Rumi is waiting for her."

Taneo's smile falters, and you feel a twinge of disappointment. But you nod in agreement, knowing you can't let things get complicated.

"Thank you for the invitation, but I really can't," you reply to Taneo, feeling a strange sense of loyalty to Keigo.

He nods, his smile never wavering. "Another time, perhaps."

Keigo's expression relaxes slightly, but his eyes still hold that intense scrutiny. "Thank you for today. We'll look at these tomorrow." He takes the tablet from Taneo, his thumb brushing against the photographer's hand briefly, and you see a flicker of annoyance cross Taneo's face.

As the final lights are turned off and the doors are locked behind you, Keigo's hand reaches out to grasp yours, leading you to the quiet solace of his car. The cool evening air is a stark contrast to the heated studio, and it does little to soothe the tension that lingers between you. "I'm sorry for interrupting back there," he says, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "But I just couldn't stand the way he was...looking at you."

You pull your hand away gently, turning to face him with a furrowed brow. "Keigo, it's okay to be protective, but I'm not a child," you reply, a hint of irritation in your voice.

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I know," he says, his eyes searching yours. "But it's just...you're new to all of this, and Taneo...he's not exactly known for his respectful boundaries." His concern is genuine, a stark contrast to the cold demeanor he's been wearing all day.

You nod, understanding his perspective, but still feeling a bit stifled. "I appreciate the concern," you say, your voice softer now. "But I need to learn how to handle situations like navigating the murky waters of professional relationships. It's part of the job, right?"

Keigo nods reluctantly, his eyes still locked on yours. "You're right," he murmurs. "But it's hard to watch."

You offer him a small smile. "What 'plans' do I have with Rumi?"