Living in Love

Chapter 4: The Hair

Rosella put another foot on the next stair. There, at the top of this hill, would be the man she was to live with and "love" for the next seven months. She was dressed very simply, getting the choice (Yes, a choice in what to wear and how to look! It didn't happen often, and she took full advantage of the opportunity.) between glam and relaxed looks. True to her inner-self, she chose red converse, tight skinny jeans, and a graphic baseball tee. The look emphasized her small frame and her natural makeup gave her a beautiful glow. The summer day was warm and breezy, and a gentle zephyr moved her long, blonde hair behind her. She liked this new hair color that the Oval stylist chose for her, though she did miss the black locks that made her look more like her Italian roots. She was grateful for her olive skin, light hazel eyes, and delicate facial structure, as they reminded her of her two favorite people – Oppa (Dad) and Mamma.

Even during all of the preparation she went through under Oval order, her partner was kept a secret for "the element of genuine surprise". Of course Gun Ho knew who it was, but even under maximum interrogation he refused to tell her any useful information. "He's a nice man. Here at the Oval, obviously. And very popular. He's a good match. I've met him personally many times. Respectable," he would say. And in some ways, that was good enough for her. She knew Gun Ho would know best. This thought was paired with a pity for other trainees and celebrities who were used as pawns for others' success. She knew some women with agents that did this to them, and she was grateful for her Oppa's choice in Gun Ho.

She had theories on who this man was at the top of the hill. She had met a few guys at Oval and non-Oval events, and even collaborated with one male group already. Every man she had met was polite, but rumors did spread among trainees of unsavory nature. Some of men begging to be chosen for Living in Love in order to sleep next to and feel up desirable women. Some that even pressured girls in the company to have sex, then use video and pictures to pin them under their thumbs. But Rosella had to trust Gun Ho and protect her own body and heart.

She was half way up the stairs now, still deep in thought. The camera's followed closely, capturing her every breath and movement. She still had not spoken on camera yet, so her voice and character was still a mystery to the masses, but that would all change soon. She was only a little nervous to speak to the whole of Asia for the first time, holding on to a bit of advice from her Mamma, spoken in familiar Italian. "Solo dire cose belle, bambino. Se non hai niente di buono da dire, non dire niente affatto." (Only say good things, baby. If you have nothing good to say, do not say anything at all.)

If you have nothing good to say, do not say anything at all. Non dire niente affatto. Good advice, Mamma.

More stairs.

Sheesh, this staircase goes on forever. Five more. Four. Three. Two. One.

Her vision broke over the top of the stairs. There she saw the back of a man and a camera. It was obviously capturing both his anticipation and her nervousness. They would probably layer over some soppy love music during this moment. Something caught her eye, though. Him. Well, his hair, actually. It was pink. Light pink. Short on the sides, long on top.

Pink? What? Wait...

I know that hair.

Yes.