Chapter 2: Chapter 2 | Meeting Manu
I try to calm myself down, steadying my posture and breathing as I ready my hand to knock. The door is white, and has a glass window, where I can see the beautiful home inside. I take one last breath—and knock.
I'm not trying to brag but maybe my boss is really cool, because he or she or whatever gender they prefer opened it almost immediately, as if they were expecting me. I try not to shiver...
It's unsuccessful, though, when I see HIM.
Shiny, brown, curly locks are placed on his perfectly shaped head, his beautiful face turned towards me, hazel eyes focused on me along with a sculpted nose and gorgeous full pink lips. Not to mention his build body, which looks like he's part of the greek gods. I flush brightly as I stare at probably the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes on.
His hazel eyes glance at me, a slight amused spark in them. "Hey, you the photographer?" he asks, smiling. I try not to stammer as I answer.
"Y-yes. I'm, uh..." I'm... who? Wait, do you not know your name, girl?!
"Do you... not know your name?" He asks, pretending to be surprised. His full lips twerk up in a tiny smirk. I roll my eyes.
"N-no..." I say, daring to look up at his hazel eyes. "The name's Maggie," I mumble angrily. He chuckles.
"Maggie. What a beautiful name! I'm Manu
" I blush. Manu. The name suits him well. "Wow, I really am a bitch, sorry, come on in!"
"Oh, okay."
He lets me in, stepping behind me. I feel nervous, having him follow me around. "Where t-to?" I stumble. He points to the living room, and we head to the sofa.
"We'll be going to the garden to take the pictures, of course, but first I just wanted to talk!" he says, ruffling his curls, making it messier and making him look even cuter. I look down. "So, Mags, how long have you been a photographer?"
I twitch slightly. "Erm, actually... it's my first job..." my voice gets lower and lower as I speak, and at the end it's barely a whisper. He senses my nervousness and smiles sympathetically.
"That's okay, I'm sure you're a great photographer!" he chirps, and I wince. He's just being sympathetic, not honest. Just like my teachers and friends...
"Uh-huh..." I mumble.
I keep looking down, until I gasp in surprise, as he lifts up my chin, forcing me to look into those beautiful hazel eyes of his. "Now, Mags, don't speak so down of yourself!" he says, his eyes sparking in sudden anger. I tremble in his grip, his sudden anger making me uncomfortable.
"D-don't I have t-to take the p-pictures now?" I stammer, trying to get out of his grip, but can't. "Please, s-stop!" I beg, suddenly wanting to just leave. Maybe my parents are right, maybe I'm not fit for this job after all. Or maybe it isn't the job's fault, it's this creep who's holding me.
I push him away, scrambling to stand up. "You creep!" I cry out. He looks hurt, probably hurt his ego with my words. That creep!
"Hey, I was just tryna make you feel better, you newbie photographer!" he yells, angry. I wince slightly but still stand tall.
"Feel better? By grabbing my chin, telling me lies, and not letting me go?!" I shriek.
He laughs darkly. "Those weren't lies, newbie. I think if you got the camera equipment, graduated college, and have good recommendations then you're a good photographer! You're probably too naïve to notice!" he shoots back, and I frown, suddenly thinking his words...
"Maybe I am a good photographer, but my boss isn't!"
"Aw, c'mon! Then get out of my house!" he yells. I stand there, for a few seconds with my mouth open before stalking to the door.
I'm getting ready to open the door when strong arms grip my back. I cry out as I'm pulled back into someone's warm chest.
Manu's. Or, better yet, the creep's.
In let out a strangled gasp as his warm breath hits my ear. "Please..." he says, in a begging tone, as if he's desperate for something. "I need the pictures, I really need them!"
I roll my eyes slightly. "For what? Instagram?"
He winces at my remark, his face suddenly becoming hot...
"Wait... you actually—"
"Yes, okay, yes!" he suddenly blurts out, frustrated and embarrassed. "I post my shit on Insta, so what?!"
"So... nothing. I'm not judgy, okay?" I say, and he sighs in relief. "I'm just surprised that you..."
"That I'm an influencer? Yeah, I hear that a lot."
I inspect his face closer, to naïve to notice that I'm literally pushing my body closer to him to get a better look. He is really cute, so he probably is a big influencer! "How many followers do you have?" I blurt out.
"Um, about 2 million right now!" he says, kind of in a bragging tone. I nod to myself. That's a lot of followers, actually. I'm sure he must earn tons, having a home like this and all.
"I want to launch a clothes brand," he suddenly blurts out, letting me go. I turn to face him. "But, in order to do that, I need a bigger fanbase!" he says, with a sigh. I quickly glance up to his eyes, holding my breath as I see his eyes water slightly. In that moment, I notice just how important this is to him, just how much he wants it, and what he's willing TO DO in order to get it.
"You really want to launch the brand, huh?" I say, a light smile on my face as je turns to look at me. He shrugs, a smirk playing on his full lips.
"I-I guess..." he says, with a shrug. But he sees my unconvinced face and speaks again. "Okay, to be honest it's my dream! To design and model clothes... just imagine, Mags!" his eyes completely shine at the thought, a huge smile on his face, making him radiating. I smile hugely too at his reaction, suddenly a bit... determined. Seeing him being so passionate at his dream, seeing him so excited and determined, it makes me realize just how much I'm also willing to risk, like my family, for example. It also makes me realize just how good I am, or will be, at my job!
"You know what?!" I finally say, taking in a breath.
"Huh?"
"Let's make our dreams come true. I want to be a famous photographer, you a famous influencer slash designer... Let's team together..."
"...You take the pictures, I'll be your model. Together you and I can both earn fame and recognition!" he gasps, suddenly understanding what I mean, what I'm planning. I nod excitedly.
"Yes! Exactly! We'll be a team!"
"Awesome!" he yells, suddenly crushing me in a hug. I grunt out—but surprisingly return his hug.
"...Just please don't harass me."
"...Then believe in yourself, Mags!" he smiles. I blush, but nod, both of us skipping outside happily, ready to begin the plan.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone