The Paparazzo with a Secret

Chapter 7

"This place is packed," Kuon said in amazement as he looked around at his surroundings. His disguise had been heavily altered as he was given a whole new wardrobe. His classy casual been switched with ripped denims with an added chain and a popular band shirt, a classy scarf adorned his neck. He was given sunglasses and had his hair gelled to one side to complete his overall look.

Seeing his change, he couldn't believe that he was the same person who held the title of Prince. Adrian took a photo of him, saying something along the lines of it being a commemoration of some sort or other.

"That's 'cause it's downtown," She grinned walking ahead of him. "tonight I'll give ya a life that ya haven't lived, then I'll book a motel for ya,"

"A motel?" Kuon repeated, wide-eyed.

"Yeah, a motel, they're cheap and their breakfasts hit the spot," Adrian smirked. "they're good places for people like me,"

Kuon frowned. "Hey, Adrian,"

"What is it?" Adrian replied while searching for something.

"You said that you don't have a home, is it because you're homeless?" Kuon blurted the question before he could reconsider it. Adrian stopped, Kuon feared that she would be angered at the thoughtless remark and was beginning to regret ever asking it.

She turned around, her expression carefully guarded as she looked him straight in his eyes. "So... yer gonna pity me?"

Kuon was at a loss of what to say. But he didn't expect her to laugh. "It don't matter if I'm homeless or not, the thing that matters is that I have a job that can earn me some bucks which in turn let's me eat!"

She gave him a good smack on the back nearly sending him flying with its force. "Ya can't let it get ya down! How 'bout I show ya how the homeless live? It'll be good experience!"

She didn't wait for an answer and dragged him across numerous streets before finally stopping at an alley. "Here we are!"

Kuon blinked at the shady area, having mixed feelings in entering a place like it. "Um..."

Adrian didn't bother listening to Kuon as she shouted loudly. "Ya guys still alive?"

Immediately a shout came in return. "Is that Adrian, I hear?"

"Ya bet yer damn ears I am!" Adrian shouted happily.

No sooner than that, men and women of various ages came out into the light to greet the happy girl. One of them called out, slinging an arm around her. "I thought you had gone and died in a ditch!"

"That's super mean, Ron," Adrian snorted, crossing her arms. "I just found a job, is all,"

"That's wonderful to hear," A woman congratulated her excitedly as if she herself had gotten the job.

"Thanks, Marie, yer as sweet as ever," Adrian went over to hug her. "ya heard from Viktor yet?"

She nodded, tears in her eyes. "He's managed to get his life straight and landed a fine girl,"

"No way, when's the wedding?" Adrian gasped in astonishment.

"He said it'll be in two months," Another man said.

"He's a quick one for sure," Adrian retorted, earning a laugh from those around her.

"I've been meaning to ask you," Another man spoke up pointing towards Kuon. "who's he?"

"Ah, him?" Adrian went over to Kuon's side, slinging an arm around him. She shot a peace sign, grinning. "He's my pampered homie, snuck outta his home ta explore the world!"

To Kuon's surprise, he was met with appreciative stares and kind words.

"That's real sweet of him, learning all the experiences he can get,"

"There's nothing else that would make a man a real man, keep at it, lad,"

Kuon couldn't help but blurt our a question. "Do you all have jobs?"

All of them looked at one another, some grinning wryly and others looking down. The man called Ron spoke up. "Only some of us do, we manage and help the others that are here with us."

"I'm sorry," Kuon looked down.

"There's nothing for you to be sorry for," Ron laughed. "we're carrying on with our lives just fine!"

They stayed there for a while longer until Adrian had said her goodbyes with everyone. She then dragged Kuon to various places around downtown: a fast food joint, a bar, a nightclub before finally settling in finding a motel. She had managed to snag one with two beds, bartering the price for a single night. All the while Kuon watched her interactions with everyone that they had come across.

They reached the room that they had been given, it wasn't like the five star hotels that he and the other Princes' would spend their nights in. The simple decor and big beds already went beyond his expectations, the TV and cleanliness only added to it. Adrian gently pushed him towards the washroom. "Go wash yerself up first, I'll be here in the room."

"Huh?" Kuon turned to look at her.

"What?" Adrian looked at him.

Kuon shook his head, pushing back the misunderstanding that his brain created. "Nothing,"

He quickly went into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Adrian snorted, failing to keep her laughter in check. "What a funny guy,"

She then busied herself with double checking her work starting the next day.

•—•☆•—•

"And so, I'd like your co-operation in this situation," Kent bowed deeply as he appealed his case towards Hayden.

Hayden looked down at the message on Kent's mobile and let out a small sigh. "That's not really a problem on my part, so I will gladly co-operate with you in this regard."

Kent visibly became relaxed, relieved that he wouldn't have to bear this responsibility on his own. Hayden continued. "But you still haven't received any sort of ransom demand from this kidnapper?"

"None, your Highness," Kent lamented. "it's been eating at me since I've received this message."

"How intriguing," Hayden muttered, his eyes gleaming. He cleared his throat. "In the mean time, Kent, you can remain here until you hear from them again."

"Many thanks, your Highness," Kent replied, his inner turmoil far from being quelled.