Cecilia Scarlette’s Point of View
Kinsey and I sat over to the side, and it seemed like Sasha had finished gushing over the photos on the camera. I was a little bit relieved that they’ve liked what we did, and it’s very evident.
“Nice job everyone. Here are some water bottles. Are you guys getting hungry?” She asked when she reached us. Kinsey was the one to take both bottles before opening one for me. “Here, Cecilia.”
“Oh… Uhm. Thank you.” I smile weakly before taking a sip. I didn’t even realize I was parch until the water hit my throat.
“You’re such a power couple. Your chemistry is undeniable.” She continued to praise us, but then it was the chance for me to actually clear up the misunderstanding. I could only imagine the sour feeling in the pit of Kinsey’s stomach whenever they would say we are a thing when we actually aren’t.
“Uhm… Sasha, to tell you the truth, me and Kinsey are not really in a romantic relationship.” Ahhh. There. I’ve let it out in the open. I could now breathe in a sigh of relief as soon as I came clean.
“Then?” Sasha asked as she looked at us back and forth.
“I-“
“She was a little bit skeptical is all.” Kinsey interjected before smiling. “I hope that didn’t come as a big deal.”
“Not at all. We were a little bit pushy too, I guess.” Sasha replied as her eyes continued to travel between the both of us. “You two look perfect. I bet other large agencies will be dying to get you on board.” She added.
I smile weakly. “ I am sorry for lying too. For all that’s worth, I am glad we were scouted by the two of you.” I said.
“Ah. Now you’re trying to flatter me?” Sasha giggled a little before waving off her hand in front of her face. “I’ll leave the two of you for the meantime. I have to go ready your next outfits. Ta taahh.” She smiles before moving away from us.
“You’re done with water? You want to grab a bite of their sandwich?” Kinsey asked as if he was just waiting for Sarah to leave us alone.
“No. I am alright. Still not hungry.” I replied. “I’m looking forward to eating your packed lunch more.” I started quickly. He once again saved my reputation from earlier. It was a small thing, but not everyone would do so in this world of ours. “I never have eaten in those little containers you’ve placed it in earlier.” I admitted.
Kinsey could not hide the evidence of the smile on his face. “They’re just our leftovers from our breakfast earlier. I’m sorry. If I knew you’d be excited about it, I would’ve cooked another meal or two.”
“Don’t sweat it. You do not have to do that at all. Breakfast is more than amazing already. I don’t mind eating it again for lunch.” I smile. To be honest, I would rather have it on repeat if it meant Kinsey is thinking of me every time he prepares it.
“Alright then.” He grins before taking a bite of his sandwich. “Let’s eat it together outside? I spot a good shed in front of the building.” He suggested excitedly. I was honestly not sure in regards to that since we have to be in our most behave and professional behavior as we possibly can. But Kinsey looks more than excited for me to reject the idea.
I form a quick nod. “Sure. Sure. Whatever you like.” I muttered.
“Haha. Yay.”
I shrugged my head, knowing well enough he was teasing me when he cheered like a toddler with a half-eaten sandwich at hand.
“Your next outfits are ready. Are you through with your break?” I heard Sasha as she carried what seemed to be a lot of jewelry boxes in her hands. What’s the next concept that they’re going to let us do?
“Boss called.” Kinsey exclaimed. Before I knew it, he had devoured his sandwich whole. He smiles up at me. “Ready?”
I stood up from my seat as my eyes fixated on him. This is one of the rare moments where I tower over him. I smile weakly. “Stay still.”
“Hmmm?”
I walked in a little closer to be able to cup his cheeks.
“Oh? Oh… We are doing this here?” He asked with a soft chuckle.
“Doing what here?” I asked before I swiped the crumbs off of his lips. “It’s embarrassing to have Sasha point out the bread crumbs all over your face.” I responded before taking a step back. “Here you go.”
Kinsey gave me a goofy smile. “I see what you’re doing now.” He stood up, and just like that he was the one to tower over me. I had to tilt my head up just so I’ll be able to see him. “You’re so adorable. Let’s get ice cream after this.” He messes my hair like he always does before walking over in front of the dresser once again.
My gaze followed through him, and once his back was facing me, that’s when I’ve managed to release the breath I didn’t know I was even holding.
…
The shoot went pretty well after that. We had taken more photos together than solo, which I am thankful for. I managed to get my groove, but I still could not freely express myself in front of a camera. I wish I could’ve practiced more beforehand, so I wouldn’t have held back the team. I feel like I could give so much more to this project. Nevertheless, it’s all through now, and I was waiting for Kinsey to return to his normal clothes.
“What’s taking him so long?” I questioned as I continued to walk back and forth, hoping no one else will talk to me. I feel like I’ve drained my social battery too much these past few days. I was so used to having to talk to my secretary and a couple of maids but now look at me. I’ve interacted with so many people, I could not even count them off my fingers.
“I’m done. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” Kinsey smiles. I raised a brow at him after I stopped pacing around just to let him know that I was indeed waiting for too long for him. My stomach thought so as well enough to make low rumbling noise.
I immediately tried to not make out of anything about it as I quickly changed my standing stance and cleared my throat. “What were you doing in there?”
“Uhh… Well? Changing clothes?” He stifled a laugh, knowing well enough I was trying to cover up that embarrassing instance, and I futilely failed into doing so and covering it up. He shook his head. “Anyway, shall we head over?”
Finally.
I smile and nod. “Yes, please.” I was quick to collect our things that were already settled and seated against the nearest chair anyway.
“Someone is excited. You’re starting to like to eat outdoors? The last time we did, you were reluctant at first.” Kinsey commented as we left the building.
I had the need to point out that I am only comfortable doing so because he chooses the perfect spot with a nice ambiance; plus his cooked food that tastes great, it could be served to gods. But I was taken aback when I saw the scenery before me.
I turn to look over at Kinsey with wide eyes. He gave me his never-fading grin as if he was already expecting this reaction from me. And no, this is not that part of the story wherein the male protagonist adorned a picnic with flowers just so he could surprise the female protagonist he loves so much. This is more of an unpleasant surprise.
I grabbed Kinsey’s arm and subtly pulled him close, so what was I about to utter will not be heard by anyone else but us. I had to make sure it’ll be out of earshot. He gave me a confused stance, but he let me pull him down.
“What are they doing there? What are we doing here?” I asked as softly and yet as urgently as I can.
Kinsey blinked back at me as if he doesn’t know what I was talking about, but before me were Sasha, Carla, and the editor in chief seated on a picnic blanket. Is this some kind of casual picnic before workers now? Does that also mean I had to share Kinsey’s cooking with them? I mean, I had to be grateful for them for giving us this opportunity, but it was only leftover breakfast. I do not think it will fit five people. And it’s not like it’s good to offer leftover food either.
“Were you expecting it to be just the two of us?” Before I knew it, Kinsey is already wriggling his brows with his lips forming into a slight smirk.
I was quick to let go of him and took a step back. “No… I am just worried that our food may not be enough for the five of us.” I said smoothly enough for him not to question me further.
“Is that so? You don’t have to worry. I made some cookies. It’s the one I’ll be sharing with them. “ He winked.
“You can bake?”
“I can. Now, don’t worry. I promise I won’t embarrass you.” He laughs before taking me by the arm and leading me to the group. “Sorry for keeping you all waiting.”
“I saw that you were standing there for a while. What happened?” Sasha asked as I’ve realized all their heads were now turned to us.
I smile weakly and beat Kinsey into speaking. “It was just that Kinsey took too long changing like he always does. I’ve gotten cramps while waiting for him.” I tried to explain. “Anyway, let’s eat. We are sorry for holding you off on your meals.”
And so, lunch begins wherein everyone opened their packed food or take-outs. I’ve had lunch with colleagues before but not for the sake of eating. It was solely for the sake of securing a business deal, so I am not exactly sure if they’d rather I small talk with them or focus on our meals.
“Here, Cecilia.” Kinsey brought my own packed lunch to my attention. “Do you want me to pour you a cup of green tea?” He asked.
I looked over inside my container, and how adorable does it look. It was presented like those Japanese Bentos. “This looks adorable.” I muttered to myself.
“Hmmm? I am glad you like them. I mean, I knew you would, so I took on extra effort earlier.” He smiles. “Here’s your tea. Careful. It’s hot.”
“Are the two of you seriously not dating?” I shifted to look over at Sasha as she looks at us with a deadpanned expression. While Carla and the chief editor are looking at us as well.
“We are not… I’m sorry for lying last night.” I said, a little bit unsure if that’s what she wanted to hear from me. I’m at fault, so I understand that she wanted clarification in front of everyone. Maybe she would even go for Kinsey after this confrontation.
“Kinsey baked cookies for all of us, by the way. Please enjoy.” I followed back to avoid the constant gaze they were giving, and hopefully, change the atmosphere as soon as it appeared. Not that I mind the awkward ambiance, but Kinsey is hopeful we will have fun in this organization, so I want to keep it that way.
“Pierre can bake?” Sasha exclaimed in surprise, the same way that I did earlier.
I found Kinsey chuckling shy as he scratched the back of his head like some kind of aloof loverboy praised by the girl he likes. It must be Sasha then. He is definitely trying to impress Sasha.
“I tried. Cecilia likes sweets. I thought whatever the outcomes of the shoot today, I should be ready to either cheer her up or celebrate it with her. Oh… and of course, the same goes for the team as well.”
