Chapter 106: Neon is Back in Fashion!

``Good morning.``

Those two words haunted Eve the next day. 

And she didn't know why.

But, her speculation said that it was because last night's events replayed in her memory when she read them. It wasn't actually those two words that nagged her thoughts. Rather, it was ``You're just cute when you react like that.``

"What are you groaning for?" Nanzie asked. She held an eyeshadow brush in one hand, patting it on Eve's eyelids. Dark brown powder painted the fair skin and deepened the sockets. Cale had given her the instructions about Evangeline's casual makeup.

"Nothing," Eve denied with a sigh. They had two hours before the shoot started. Instead of talking about the incident, she would have chosen to erase it from her mind. Then, she'd have a clear head on her shoulders.

There was only one problem with that solution. 

It was easier said than done.

"Are you sure? Talking could help, you know."

"I do know that," Eve stated. She opened her eyes when the brush left her skin. Her reflection stared back, looking as agitated as she felt. "I'm just overreacting. I just need to hold myself together. I think there will be a lot of smiling for this shoot."

Nanzie tilted her head sideways. She held an eyeliner pen in her hand. "Smiling?"

"Yeah, I received the details about the campaign a few days ago. The theme focuses on being youthful. And, well…, what's more youthful than being energetic and happy?" Eve explained, chuckling at her ideas. "I didn't notice it right away but modelling takes some form of acting too."

She didn't want to go unprepared. That would only highlight her amateur skills. She had asked about the campaign, wondering if she could do something about it. The details weren't complete but it had the client's name.

'World of Adventure,' a leisure establishment like the skating rink. Only this time, it had more activities to offer. They built both indoor and outdoor ones. For today, Evangeline was part of the outdoor campaign and if they liked her performance, she'd model for the indoor activities.

There was also a new attraction to open up.

Eve hoped it was a roller skating rink. It would make things much easier for her.

She closed her eyes and let Nanzie line her eyes. The flick of the wings elongated and sharpened her eye shape. Her lips seemed fuller from a combination of lip liner and clear gloss. The former added some color to their paleness while the latter coated a layer that reflected the light. 

"All done."

A pair of cyan eyes greeted Eve's sight. She had opened them too fast, catching Nanzie as the latter pulled back up. The woman in the mirror seemed foreign to Eve. Had it only been two weeks? The time lapse felt much longer. 

Nonetheless, the same fire simmered beneath her skin. The crimson wig lit up like flames while her amber eyes glistened like a cat's. Something about this appearance fuelled Eve with confidence and strength. 

And it excited her.

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World of Adventure's outdoor attractions consisted of numerous activities. It had rock climbing, zip lines and giant swings. It also had several obstacle courses. They came in different lengths and difficulties. Their colorful exterior appealed to the younger generations. They promised an interactive experience that elevated scavenger hunts.

They also had an area for games dedicated to families.

The grass glistened in vibrant green under the blue sky. Clouds floated by sparingly, leaving the sun out for the world to see. A tent had been set up for the photoshoot. Cameras and lights stood in front of an obstacle course. The concrete pathways waved like the oceans in pastel colors. The players would need to bike over them. 

It gave them the perfect background for attraction.

"Mikael, are you ready?" Jordan asked, stepping under the tent. His eyes searched for a head of brown hair and blonde highlights. The hair stylist kept the side-swept look for the retro cut. Minimal makeup had been done on sun-kissed skin.

At the sound of his name, Mikael stood up from the chair. The shoot had him dressed head to toe in neon colors—particularly green, yellow and pink. A green shirt tucked in his yellow track pants, a pink oversized jacket hung on his shoulders.

Although aimed at young people, the establishment also wanted to attract older ones. So, for this campaign, the styles they used were based on 1980s neon fashion.

"You know…" Jordan said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I wish they went for red, orange and green. Then, you'd look like a proper traffic light."

Mikael adjusted the sleeves. Only his radiant blue eyes moved as he glared at his manager. "Maybe if you wore a purple suit then, you'd look like a proper chocolate dairy milk product."

Jordan snorted. He wore casual clothes compared to his usual smart styles. Since the shoot would be outdoors, he opted for a simple shirt and jeans outfit. "Ah, yes. That comment a kid made during a party."

"Such an imaginative mind."

Chocolate eyes rolled at the comment. "Anyway, are you done? The photographers are waiting."

The two of them thanked the crew and walked out of the tent. A few females paused from their work. They stared at the duo as they headed for the shoot. They observed Mikael's walk. Nothing in his stance exhibited unease. Each stride had purpose in them.

"How can someone look good in that much neon?" A female worker asked softly.

"That's because Mikael Davis looks good in anything." Her companion laughed,lifting up a box. 

The female worker watched as Mikael talked to the photographers. The corners of his lips curled. She sighed. "Why is a guy like him single?"

A guy behind them scoffed. "Isn't it because of girls like you who constantly flock around him? Maybe he's actually traumatized by some crazy women. You all can be scary as hell when it comes to your idols."

"... should I listen to a guy who hasn't had a girlfriend in his life?"

"What makes you think a guy like me can't be traumatized by the same crazy women just by watching them? This can also be the reason why you're single. Tone it down a bit."

"Why you—"

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"So the campaign aims to bridge both the past and the present. Hence, why you're dressed like it's the 80s. We'll have a few shots here then, we'll move around the attractions. You'll also do some of the activities. For now, just do what you feel like doing."

"Alright. Is this part composed of scenic shots?" Mikael asked, staring at the obstacle course. The wave pattern had different high points. They huddle together like a long and wide staircase. Each one had enough space for two bikes to pass—but the course usually only asked for one.

Which path players took depended on what their predecessors chose.

"Yeah, not much going on for now." The head photographer nodded.

"Hm," Mikael grunted. "Is it possible to have a soda can with me? Maybe even a hotdog sandwich? This setup reminds me of the stairs at school front where students eat and hang out sometimes."

"Sure, I'll have someone get it. Anything else?"

"No, that's good enough." The model grinned. A series of images played in his head. He arranged them in a pattern where it would let him move easily. His mind figured out how he could make use of the entire background.

Before the photographer could make further remarks, Mikael walked towards the obstacle course. He stood on the grass and stared ahead. His head tilted up as if the concrete rose higher than his height. He raised his foot until only the toes touched the ground. The camera had a clear view of his bent leg. 

Then, he tucked his hands inside the jacket pockets.

Jordan signalled the photographer to start. 

The camera captured several shots. Mikael changed poses. He removed the jacket off his shoulders, letting it drape behind his back. One foot in front of him, he bent forward as if ready to climb up the wavy stairs. 

"Where are the fans? Give me a breeze!" The head photographer instructed.

Mikael shrugged off the jacket fully and tossed it over his shoulder. He stood with his feet apart and with his other hand on his hip. When the fans turned on, the jacket swayed behind him. His hair also flowed in the same direction. 

He heard the camera shutter.

His feet shifted towards the fans. They brushed his bangs off his face. He relaxed his posture and slouched a little. His eyes dropped to his wristwatch. Then, he squinted at the distance as if waiting for someone to arrive. 

Amber eyes blinked at him.

He shifted his gaze away from them. 

Climbing up the first step, he lied down on the cement. His back curved over the wave. He had one foot on the ground and had used the jacket as a pillow cushion. His hand hovered above his face, blocking out the bright sun.

When Eve entered the venue, she heard a camera shutter. She followed it instinctively and spotted Mikael in the middle of a shoot. She abandoned her sense of time, deeming this a perfect chance to learn from a professional.

Then, their eyes met.

It was a brief but she saw it.

She saw the surprise in his face but he composed his expression right away. If she had stood anywhere else, she probably wouldn't have seen it at all.