６☆ Date with Sariel - Reflection (倒影) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋

 Late night.

The sky is as dark as the ink, only having scattering starlight that are like crushed diamonds among it.

I dragged my tired body and opened my door, switching on the lights of the bedroom, randomly threw my bag towards the sofa, and I can't wait to throw myself into the bed.

You: ... so tired.

Recently, Sariel and I have been preparing for a photoshoot for fashion magazine "La Mode". From outfit design to production, then also worked on the venue, models, tools... we were badly battered by the workload. 

Thankfully, the official shoot is tomorrow, I could finally take a breather.

As soon as I lay on my bed to space out, the phone in my pocket suddenly vibrated.

Lazily pulling my phone till the front of my eyes, the name on the screen woke me up right away.

You: It's Sariel! Please don't tell me there is an issue with the venue again...

Taking a couple of deep breaths, I gave myself some mental preparation and picked up his call. Very soon, a clear and pleasant voice rushed into my ears from the other end of the speaker.

Sariel: Have you arrived home?

You: Eh? Yeah... I've just arrived.

The sudden question made me unable to react well, but I was also relieved at the same time.

You: I thought you're calling to make me go back to work... You scared me...

Sariel: How would it be possible? The official shoot starts tomorrow morning. Rest early.

You: Yeah! You too!

A pleasant laughter rang by my ear, and even I too, unconsciously smiled over this end of the phone call. But the next second, Sariel's tone became a little indifferent.

Sariel: There's one more thing. I have gotten my hands on the interview script from "La Mode".

Hearing the words "interview script", I can't help but to start feeling guilty.

You: You- You said the interview script! I didn't expect them to finish writing so quickly, haha... I wonder how it was written?

Sariel: Has anybody told you that your acting skills are really clumsy?

In Sariel's voice too, comes with a mocking tone. Looks like he have already knew.

Sariel: If you didn't want me to know, then don't do these stuff from the start.

You: ......

Does he have mind reading abilities? 

I had a long internal sigh.

Despite being an old brand as a fashion magazine, this is actually their first collaboration with Warson. Their editor values this collaboration so much, that he personally visited our company, expressing their interest to use this opportunity to interview Sariel. However, for a person that dislikes interviews like Sariel, he immediately turned down the editor's request.

Usually, magazine companies that have failed to interview him will always use this as an excuse to create various topics, giving Sariel many baseless "crimes". For instance, portraying him as an arrogant, despicable and mean person... and even if he has his mercy, he would only be praising the people on the surface but belittling behind the scenes.

It was a coincidence that I met the editor, so I couldn't help myself but to say a few words in Sariel's defense. I even recommended him to interview other staff members that have worked on this series, so it will portray how much Warson has valued this photoshoot.

You: I'm sorry, I made a decision on my own... But I have heard that the interview from "La Mode" this round is very comprehensive and objective!

Sariel: I didn't care about all these, didn't you know?

You (mumbling): But I care...

I quietly mumbled. The other end of the phone stayed quiet for a little, and only a while later Sariel's voice rang again.

Sariel: Next time, stop meddling into others' businesses.

You: Alright... I will remember that.

The call ended. I held the phone on my chest, and collapsed onto the bed again after letting a couple of long breaths.

You: Hearing from Sariel's tone, he doesn't sound mad?

Just thinking of this makes me smile a little.

On the second day, I rushed to the venue early in the morning. As soon as everything is prepared, the shoot has proceeded accordingly.

I walked through the busy crowd towards Sariel's side.

He wore a black top, simple yet cool, lazily leaning on the venue's sofa. His long, beautiful fingertips are against the corners of his slightly pursed lips, with focused and cold eyes.

Hearing my footsteps, Sariel raised his eyes and looked at me. Then, he glanced at the clothing rack that is full of clothing samples, looking down, as if he was thinking of something.

You: What's wrong? Is there something that you wanted me to do?

Sariel: You...

Just at the moment he wanted to say something, a staff not far away greeted over here, requesting Sariel to head over.

He frowned lightly, but still stood up and walked over there.

Sariel: Forget it. Wait for a little first.

You: Alright...

I nodded, and sat on the sofa, feeling weirded out more and more as I think of what he said.

You: Could it be that there's an outfit that is missing? But that shouldn't be, I've already checked earlier... 

The image of Sariel's actions earlier popped in my mind again, I couldn't help myself but to stand up, and decided to check everything again.

You (surprised): Three tops, three bottoms, dresses... there are four?

I am surprised. Why is there an extra skirt?

You: Could it be someone else hanging the wrong thing here?

I carefully examined the extra dress. The lacy element of the sleeves and the way its high collar's folds are processed, they are indeed similar to the other clothes, looking dignified and elegant. It's just the slightly fluffy hem and the ribbon design on the back of the dress, that makes this dress to show some cute playfulness comparing to the other dresses.

You: Is this an addition sample dress? When was this even made...

But regardless the rize and style, it is very different from the tall models with long legs and strong aura. Just when I was puzzled, Sariel is back. I quickly returned to my senses and pointed to the short dress.

You: Director Qi*, this dress...

*T/N: Sariel's Chinese name is Qi SiLi (齐司礼), Qi is his surname. SiLi is the given name.

I have yet to even finish my sentence, and Sariel has already picked up the dress and shoved it into my arms.

Sariel: Get changed in the changing room, then shoot later.

You (surprised): Okay...? Hm?! Letting me to wear this?!

Sariel: Didn't you hear clearly? What are you still asking?

You (sweating): Bu- But... Shouldn't the models be wearing this? Why am I the one wearing a dress?

Sariel: In any case you are still a fashion designer, then you should have known that this dress does not suit any of them.

Sariel is right, and this was my question when I saw the dress earlier. Then I looked down to the dress in my arms, my heart has turned into a mess.

You: It's alright to test wear on this, but to also join the shoot, is it really alright?

Sariel: Are you not believing in yourself, or are you not believing in me?

Sariel's tone was a cold, but he looked serious. In that pair of golden eyes, I saw a trace of certainty in them. He really believed that I could do this.

You: ...Understood. I will get changed now.

Arriving the changing room, I have yet to get back to my senses from the shock earlier. A dress that I have never seen before, and suddenly I was made to try it out, and even to join a photoshoot...

I sighed as I looked at the dress in my arms while sorting these messy information.

The soft fabric shows that it has been carefully selected, and the new yet chic little details, and the smooth tailoring... there is none of the parts that did not display the designer's attentiveness.

Judging from how we have been together in the past, I could see that this is definitely Sariel's works. I could even imagine him standing in front of the design desk, holding the scissors with his slender fingers, looking down, and cutting the fabrics with a serious expression. 

You: But why adding this dress all of a sudden?

I couldn't understand for quite a while, so I could only accept Sariel's request and changed into this dress. The dress looks better than I thought it would on me, and it is surprisingly fitting me perfectly, not an extra in more, nor an extra inch less. It's as if... it's tailored just for me.

You: !

The thought made me froze a little, and my heart skipped a beat.

You: I- Impossible?! What am I even thinking!

I shook my head and looked into the mirror, trying to tidy my hem.

As soon as I pushed the door of the changing room, I froze again. Sariel is sitting on the sofa right at the corridor. Hearing movements of the door, he raised his head.

As our gazes crossed, I think I saw him looking a little surprised from his eyes too, but he returned to his usual expression in a blink of eye.

Sariel: Finally wanted to come out?

You: The ribbons at the back are too complicated, so I used more time. Are you waiting for me on purpose?

Sariel: I'm only afraid that you'll chicken out at the very last minute.

He stood up as he talks and walked to my side, as if he's 'escorting' me to the shooting location.

You (pouting): As if I would. 

I scorned lightly, but I'm secretly feeling nervous.

It's almost time for the shoot, I...

---------------- Choice: Before makeup and the shoot, is there anything to prepare? ----------

------ Choice: Do Nothing ------

I wanted to say that I'm ready, but because of how nervous I am, I couldn't say a word when I opened my mouth. 

Can I really do this? Am I really capable of this? What if the shoot screws up due to my inexperience? What if I disappoint Sariel... what should I do?

Sariel: ... do you need to be nervous until this extent? Properly adjust your condition yourself, and let me know when you're ready.

You: Alright...

I fooled down, trying hard to take a couple of deep breaths. Suddenly, a warm palm is placed on top my my head, and started to ruffle my hair. Suddenly, the nervousness seemed to have been chased away.

Sariel: Is it alright now?

I raised my head, and smiled as I looked into Sariel's face.

You: Yeah, let's go!

  ------- Choice: Intimate: Double check the clothing details ------

You: Can you help me to confirm if the ribbons ad the back are tied correctly? I can't see it myself.

Sariel glanced behind me, I smiled and turned around.

Sariel (sigh): The tie is so ugly.

You: It's exactly why I asked for your help... Don't call me out like this...

Sariel lightly scoffed, stayed quiet, and untied the ribbon behind my dress.

Sariel: Lift your arms for a bit.

You: Ah... OK!

The dress is designed with two very long ribbons, required to be tied from the back to the front, then to the back again. As soon as I lifted my arms, I could feel the warmth closing up behind me. Sariel's warm breath falls onto my nape. 

You: !

I blushed, and lowered my head. Within my view, it's Sariel's fingers, the joints of his fingers could be distinctly seen, and lightly winding the bunch of black ribbon. His cuff sled to his wrist, looking like they are getting in the way of what he's doing.

You: Your sleeves...

I subconsciously turned my head to tell him, but met his golden eyes right away. The distance was too close, that I could see my reflection within his eyes very clearly. I could only move my gaze away.

After a short silence, Sariel's deep voice came into my ears.

Sariel: ... Roll my sleeves for me.

You: ... Alright.

[Here you can tap on his sleeves on the screen]

[When you tapped on his sleeves] Sariel: It's finally rolled up.

I tried my best to ignore the breaths so close behind me, and rolled his sleeves up.

You: Done... How is it?

Sariel: It's just rolling up the sleeves, are you actually still hoping for me to praise you on this?

You (pouting): Well you could at least say "thank you".. If I knew this earlier I wouldn't roll it up for you. 

I puffed up my cheeks and turned away, but the breath behind me seemed to close up a little more. When he pulled the ribbon on my waist, I am pulled towards him again. 

Sariel: It's not done yet, don't run away.

You: Okay....

I lowered my head and kept quiet. After a while, a light sigh is heard.

Sariel: If someone is really desiring for me to thank her, then fine.

You: Eh?

Sariel: Thank you.

The hands on my waist finally left, yet the faint scent of sandalwood lingered before the tip of my nose. Looking at the beautiful face of Sariel, I no longer feel that I have anything to complain about. The only thing left was my reckless heartbeat. 

[If you touch elsewhere]

Tap on hair: Aren't your arms raised a little too high?

Tap on shoulder: It's obvious that this isn't the place.

Tap on belly: I dare you to poke again 💢

Tap anywhere under his hands: Don't simply touch around. 😳 

Perhaps it was due to how nervous I was, I couldn't roll Sariel's sleeves properly despite trying multiple times. A helpless sigh came from my back, Sariel swiftly tied my ribbons, frowned and rolled up the sleeves himself.

Sariel: Your hands' clumsiness are just exceptional, to such an extent where it'd be sunset by the time you finish.

You (blushing): Well wasn't that because you were too close to me...

I quietly complained, Sariel glanced at me.

Sariel: Stop making excuses, quickly go for the shoot.

You: Alright...

Pouting, I walked towards the photo studio with him.

------- Choice: Listening: Add a couple more accessories ------

You: I think it might be lacking some accessories, what do you think?

Sariel supported his arm and measured me up seriously, and a flash of clarity ensues.

He brought me to the powder room, opened a box to take out something, then returned to me and opened his palm.

A pair of delicate pearl ear clip lies within his palm, glowing in white light.

You: So pretty...

I took the ear clip from his palm and carefully clipped them onto my ears. 

You: How is it? 

Sariel: Not so good. The left side is high, and the right side is low.

You (pouting): This is... the beauty of imbalance!

Sariel didn't listen to my excuses, and took the ear clips down.

Sariel: Give them to me, I'll help you to wear them.

This surprising development made my heart to beat faster, and I am frozen there, seeing him getting closer to me as he lowers his head.

[Here plays a voice clip, wear earphones for the best experience, or click here to listen]

How will I put them on for you if you kept lowering your head? Raise your head.

[earring sounds]

*scoffs* Now that's about right.

Why is your body so tense... Standing this straight, are you imitating a ruler?

I didn't say I wanted you to turn into an ostrich from a ruler.

*sigh* ... forget it. Don't move.

What's wrong? Does it hurt? Is it too tight? Then I'll adjust it. 

How is it? Does it still hurt? Then good.

It's done.

[earring sounds]

Hm? You're asking if I... think you look good?

Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?

You wanted to hear the truth? Well that's rare that you have such courage. Then I'll tell you. 

You look very good.

*coughs*  If you didn't hear properly then forget it, I will not say this twice. Alright, go to the shoot quickly.

------- Choice: Heartbeat (1): Start right away ------

Since it has come to this point, there is no meaning for me to worry or escape anymore. Might as well as go for the shooting now.

Feeling uneasy, I walked with Sariel to the photo studio, but surprisingly, there are no longer anyone in the studio.

You: What's the current situation now? Where are the staff?

Sariel: They went back.

You: They have finished shooting?

Sariel: Do you think that everyone are dilly dallying like you do? They are professionals.

You: Even so, the shoot ends so quickly, also... what happens to the dress that I am wearing?

I am so confused, that I could only grip onto the hem, looking at Sariel with full of doubt.

Sariel: I'll be the one to take the photos.

You: You'll be the one doing it?!

I let out an unbelievable gasp, Sariel squinted his eyes and looked to me. 

Sariel: Do you have an opinion on it?

You: N- Not at all! Of course not... Haha...

Sariel ignored my perfunctory laughter and crossed his arms.

Sariel: I'm asking you this: are you a professional model?

You: No...

Sariel: Do you have any experience in photoshoots?

You: No...

Sariel: If you don't mind to be a laughing stock in front of the professionals, I don't mind calling them back.

You: ... Haha, then forget it. So you sent them back because you were worried that I would be having a stage fright?

Just thinking of this makes my heart warm.

You: Thank you so much, Director Qi.

Sariel said nothing, only walked to the side, took his jacket off to pick up the camera. He simply tied his hair from the side of his temples, neatly tied them with a hairband, and lowered his head to make adjustments.

The top lights gently shine on Sariel's body. At this moment, I could see the familiar feeling of his capability from his usual lazy composure. Each time he ties his hair up, it means that he will be focusing something that is important to him. Sometimes it could be drafting for designs, sometimes it could be making samples, and sometimes to tend to his plants. But right now, he is doing so to take photos for me.

Sariel: What are you thinking? Dazing off like this.

I pulled my senses back together, and Sariel is frowning at me.

You: Nothing...! 

Sariel: Come over here, let's begin.

I nodded and ran to the center of the shooting area in small steps. The moment I stepped into the borders between darkness and light, the strong lighting has casted onto me, so bright that I couldn't open my eyes. Within the dazzling white light, I could only clearly see the black lens facing my way. My chest kept moving due to how nervous I became, my palms have started to sweat, and my body has gotten so stiff that it didn't feel like it's mine.

Swallowing my own saliva, I tried my best to recall some classic poses that I've seen. Holding the hem with my left hand, tilted my other leg up, and pulled out a smile towards the camera.

Sariel: Are you a kid preparing for a literary presentation in a kindergarten?

You: Of course not!

Sariel: Then act natural. What's there to be nervous about?

You: I'll try...

Although it is rare that Sariel have gave me comfort, but the moment I remembered that the set of picture might be published in "La Mode", my nervousness returned. The fill-in lighting are warm, when they are shining towards my face, I felt like there are many tiny sweat droplets appearing from my forehead. I wonder if my makeup has turned into a mess? Would the outcome of the shoot be good? Sariel has not been saying anything, and was pressing the shutter very slowly. Was it because my pose was bad? The more I think, the more nervous I get. I couldn't stand any longer, and shyly raised my hand.

You: Is it okay for me to take a rest?

Sariel placed down the camera that he has been holding, and let out a breath.

Sariel: Come out then, adjust your condition first.

Obviously, he also noticed how nervous I am. Noticing this, I lowered down my head, and couldn't help but to feel a little down.

You: I really have a big difference compared to professional models.

I sighed, and as soon as I wanted to walk out of the shooting spot, suddenly, the fill-in lighting flashes violently, then went off after making a loud sound! I was shocked, and walked a little backwards, but accidentally bumped into the equipment box.

You: Mm!

I let out a sound in pain, crouched and held my knees. 

Sariel: Clumsy, where did you hit yourself?

Sariel rushed towards my side, his voice sounded a little anxious.

You: Knee...

I sat down on a chair beside me, and pulled my hem up a little to examine the area.

You: Only grazed a little, no bleeding... Oh right, is the fill-in light broken?

Sariel: If it's broken we can change it to a new one. If you have the time to think of those, how about you give more care for yourself?

Sariel's sight fell on me, slightly frowning.

Sariel: Wait here, I'll look for a medical box.

I nodded, watching my reddened knees, my emotions complicate. Although I didn't want to admit, but when the fill-in light was broken, and when I knocked my knee, I was actually feeling thankful. If these accidents could stop the shoot, then does it mean I could escape from facing things that I am not good at, and not disappoint Sariel?

You: How could I have such weak thoughts...

I lowered my head even more as these thoughts appeared in my mind. The nervousness kept piling up like heavy weights, making me unable to breathe.

Sariel: Are you imitating an ostritch?

I didn't know how long it took, but Sariel's voice suddenly rang, and my a pair of silvery grey leather shoes appeared in my view. I raised my head to look at Sariel, forcing a smile to him.

You: I wasn't. Have you found the medical box?

Sariel nodded, and knelt in front of me. I thought he's going to apply the medication for me, and I was about to tell him that I could do it myself. But he stopped his actions, and only held his chin, his gaze patrols around my face.

You: What's wrong?

I widened my eyes, looking at him with confusion. This is the first time I have measured him up from this angle, he raised his head lightly, with his soft fringe falling before his eyes, making him to look a lot more gentle than usual. Sariel was quiet, and only maintained his position just now, and kept staring at me. 

You: W-what's wrong... why are you looking at me like this?

His eyes seemed to be looking more serious than usual, that his focused gaze made me slow down my breathing unconsciously. Sariel still stayed quiet, and I could only hear the light sounds of our breaths, and smelled a light scent of sandalwood.

Unsure if it's because of the fain fragrance, or is it because of his peaceful gaze, my tensed nerves seemed to have slowly relaxing themselves. Even if he wasn't uttering a single word, but I could feel a quiet comfort. It's... amazing. 

I quietly looked at him again, shutting my mouth and not saying a word. At this time, the corner of Sariel's lips curved up, a faint smile appeared. The lights were bright, making the pair of golden eyes shining brightly, like the Liuli* glass.

*T/N: Liuli (琉璃) is a form of traditional Chinese glasswork, clear and usually colorful. Quality Liuli are usually a prized item among the rich. 

The pair of golden eyes are so bright and clear, as if they are the lenses of a camera, locking my surprised expression right into them.

Sariel: There, much more natural now.

So he was really comforting me, to make me feeling less nervous? I'm not sure if I should cry or to laugh, but there are so much of confusion that have now disappeared.

You: I've never seen people comforting others this way...

Sariel: Who was comforting you? I thought you were crying, and was about to enjoy the view.

You (pouting): How could it be? Why would I cry?

Sariel did not answer, and only lowered his head to open the medical box. He teared open the plaster, gently pushing my dress' hem upwards. His warm fingertips touched my skin, the close distance between us allowed me to be able to smell the sandalwood's fragrance from him. Just when I thought he was joking with me, he suddenly spoke.

Sariel: Because you faced something you are not good at, wanting to escape but feeling sorry to do so, but at the same time thinking you couldn't go on anymore.

I've been seen through completely...

I lowered my gaze, unable to refute what he just said.

You: You've already knew.. yet you still make me to shoot...

Sariel: So you wanted to give up?

I subconsciously clenched my fist, stayed silent for quite a while, and finally shook my head.

You: I don't want to give up. I really like this dress, and I don't want to see your efforts go in vain. Please give me some time, I'll try to adjust my condition a bit...

Sariel: No need to adjust anymore, the way you are right now is already great. Photography itself is just a record. There is no need to keep thinking about displaying the product, just maintain your usual look.

You: Normal look...

I mumbled this sentence, and looked at Sariel that is very close to me. He looked calm, with merely a faint expression, even in his eyes. The usual Sariel always put on this expression, as if there are nothing that could cause a ripple in his heart. I suddenly got curious, does he have moments of nervousness that he feels lost too?

You: Sariel, have you ever encountered things that make you very nervous? For example, when you first make a shirt? Or your first show?

Sariel stunned a little, and frowned.

Sariel: Do you think that everyone are like you? No.

You: How could it be... Think again. Even things outside work wouldn't make you nervous? First time to school, first time leaving your home, first time... to fall in love with someone?

As soon as I said the last few words, I stunned for a second, as if my heart tightened for a bit.

Sariel: .... No.

You: ... Is that so.

Unsure of what kind of emotion I have right now, part of me is thankful, yet part of me is also disappointed. Sariel stopped talking and look away, stood up to take the camera on the side.

You: Are we continuing to shoot? I will--

I wanted to stand up, but before I could finish my sentence, my knee suddenly hurt. I almost wanted to grab something subconsciously, but suddenly my heart felt like it's holding onto some warmth. It's Sariel, he managed to hold me on time.

You: Thank you...

I let out a relieved sigh, but was stunned when I looked up. The exquisite facial feature, the soft hair, and the faint and pleasant scent of sandalwood... everything are the same as the normal Sariel. But the worrying gaze, the nervous breath, and the slightly pursed lips... these are the appearances that I have never seen before. Is he... nervous? 

Perhaps I was looking at him too directly, and Sariel seemed to noticed something and let go of my hand. He looked sideways and coughed, gazing somewhere else. Under the lights, the sides of his face and even his neck has a faint tint of redness.

Besides nervousness, could he be... shy? My heart skipped a beat, and the hand that was held by him too, started to feel a little warmer.

Sariel: Let's go, to shoot.

You: Ah... right.

I followed right away, with no questions, only to measure him up. The view of his back is indifferent from the usual, just the tiny faint of redness on his ear, that looks like a soft secret that has grown its roots in my heart.

------- Choice: Heartbeat (2): Touch up makeup ------

I thought it's only purely working, so I only put on a simple and light makeup, who would've thought that I'd be required to go for a photoshoot too?

You: I wanted to touch up my makeup, is it alright?

Sariel: Go ahead.

Because I only brought a lipstick with me, I've decided to look for some cosmetics from the powder room next door.

The models are all done with their makeup, and the makeup artists have returned for their rest. Luckily, there are a lot of makeup products on the dressing table.

You: If I'm on the cameras, should I have a more dramatic makeup?

Feeling complexed, yet worried that I couldn't carry the look, I ended up decided to use a safer earthy color.

You: I'll be a laughing stock if I can't do my makeup properly...

Sariel: Since you knew about that, then do your makeup seriously and stop whispering to yourself.

I don't know when Sariel has entered this room, he is now leaning to the walls and looking at me with his arms crossed. His figure reflected to the mirror in front of me, his slender knuckles placed closed to his lips and now squinting his eyes slightly.

No matter his speech, or the way he is measuring me with his eyes, either made me even more nervous than before.

I held my eyeshadow brush and paused mid-air, unsure if I should go up or down with my stroke.

You: Can you not look first? It's making me nervous... I'll call you when it's over.

Sariel: ... Where did all the weird requests come from?

Sariel frowned, though unwilling, but he found a seat far away and sat down, even took up a magazine and started reading.

Relived, I looked back to my reflection in the mirror all over again. The flipping sounds of the magazine traversed throughout the room, and my messed emotions too, has recovered over time. Time goes by, and I've finally finished touching up with lipstick. Sariel is still sitting at the original place, so I took a deep breath, stood up, and walked towards him.

You: I'm done.

Hearing my voice, Sariel raised his head, and in his golden eyes reflects my figure. His gazed around me, and closed his magazine.

Sariel: Considering someone's skill proficiency, I can't ask for more.

It was obvious that I kind of received his recognition, yet I couldn't feel happy at all. I uncontrollably pursed my lips, justifying myself in a low voice.

You: Well that's because you didn't tell me in advance, so I didn't manage to get to a makeup artist--

I have yet to finish my sentence, but Sariel suddenly stood up, reaching am arm out to squeeze my chin as he brings himself closer to me.

You: ?!

The distance between us shorten so suddenly that it shocked me, I was about to step back, but he held onto my arm gently.

You: W- what are you doing...

Sariel (in a gentle tone): Don't talk first.

My brain seemed to have shut down its thinking capabilities, so I could only obediently shut myself up, and looking at the delicate face right in front of my eyes. He looked downwards, and his gaze stopped near my lips.

Sariel: I knew it. Your lipstick application is crooked.

You: Eh?

I stunned, and it took a while until I was brought back to my senses and walked to the mirror. Maybe it was because I pursed my lips, so the lipstick on the bottom right of my lips are wider by quite a bit compared to the left side, looking a little hilarious. 

Blushing, I quickly lowered my head and searched for some makeup cotton. But there are just too many things on the makeup stand, I have flipped around for so long that I could not find a thing.

In the mirror, Sariel is standing right behind me with his arms crossed, and letting out a sigh.

Sariel: I shouldn't have counted on you. Turn over, let me do it.

I subconsciously turned over, and what is right in front of my eyes are Sariel's beautifully-lined jaw. He picked up the lipstick on the desk, examined my lips, and bent down slightly.

You: What are you--

The slender fingers shoved my words right back to my mouth. As Sariel's looks dropped down, his clear, golden eyes are reflecting my surprised look completely.

The warmth, the softness in his touch, just with a light wipe, he has took away the extra colors beside my lips. 

Is it gone...?

Looking at Sariel's face that is so close to me, I couldn't even ask a single question, and could only move my lips a little.

You: Sariel...

My moving lips have lightly touched his fingertip, as if it's a very light kiss.

I froze, and Sariel seems to have noticed something, that his golden eyes have widen a little.

Sariel: Don't move abruptly.

You: Yes...

A light tint of blush appears behind his ears, I feel like my cheeks too, have started to turn red. My heart is now beating faster uncontrollably, so I quickly moved my gaze. It's just that my nose could still smell the very faint scent, the scent of sandalwood that belongs to Sariel only. This familiar scent is like an unsounded temptation, that made me to move my gaze back to him again. 

Sariel's gaze falls, his golden eyes are half covered by his eyelashes, looking very focuses. The warmth that has been passed to my lips from time to time, bit by bit, as if his touches have reached the softest spot of my heart. Because of this, my lips felt a little itchy, so I couldn't help but to purse my lips again.

Sariel: Your mouth... open it a little.

You: A- Alright!

Sariel holds the lipstick and closes up a little, and again putting the colors on my lips, bit by bit.

Sariel: Almost there.

I didn't know how long it has happed, but I've finally heard the voices of satisfaction from Sariel. He placed the lipstick down, but the hand on the side of my cheek still remains. The pair of usually cold eyes suddenly turned warm, as if it's containing a mixture of helplessness, yet also with a confusing smile. His breathing too, feels like the warm currents of the spring, slowly flowing in the air.

Sariel: You look beautiful. 

Ba-dum, Ba-dum. I heard the uncontrollable sounds of my heart losing its pace even more.

You: Thank you...

The makeup is done, and we were supposed to rush to the venue for a shoot, but not knowing why, none of us moved. Nobody talked, the room was quiet. The weird thing is, I did not feel any embarrassment at all. Then right at this time, someone knocked the door.

Staff: Is Ms. Y/N in there? The models have finished with their shooting, you are the only one left. 

Startled, I quickly pulled myself back to the senses.

You: ... Coming!

You: Sariel, there are no problems with my makeup right? If it's alright, then let's go.

Sariel's gaze fell on my face for quite a while, only nodding when his gazes are making me feeling embarrassed.

Sariel: Let's go.

The photo studio is now far less crowded, the models that have finished shooting has left.

Photographer: Miss Y/N, is this your first time shooting?

You: Yes...

Photographer: It's alright, don't worry. I'll explain how we shoot for this set.

I nodded, as I was preparing to discuss with the photographer seriously, I suddenly caught sight of Sariel not far away from us. He is lowering his head, gazing on his right hand.

What is he looking at? Wasn't he not holding anything?

As I was puzzled, he suddenly smiled, and gently rubbing his fingertips... as if... he's feeling the leftover sensations on his fingers. I could feel my face flushed red.

Photographer: Well, roughly we wanted a shy, yet feelings of excitement... Eh, your understanding abilities are so strong! Just like that!

The photographer's voice attracted Sariel's attention, and he raised his head to look over here. As our eyes meet, I turned my head away in embarrassment, but my heart beats like a beating drum, unable to calm down.

The shoot is finally over, and I could finally take a breather.

Until I changed my dress and returning to the studio again, Sariel relaxingly leans on the sofa and flipped around the photos on his hands.

You: The photos are ready this quick?

Hearing my voice in a sudden, the surprised Sariel let out a light cough and gave me the photos. I looked at the me in these photos, pouting angrily, or dropping my gaze looking sad, and also smiling in a great mood... Although the photos are very much real, but to place them together with the models' photographs... I sighed, unwilling to imagine it in detail.

You: Sariel, do you think that the photos...

Sariel: I think they aren't bad.

Not expecting him to match up what I say, I was startled, and started blushing.

You: Its great to know that you think they aren't bad... Oh right! I'll get that dress for you, the clothes of other models seems to have been taken away.

Not wanting to let him to see my flushed cheeks, I quickly get up to grab the dress from the rack.

You: Here.

Sariel raised his head and glanced on the dress, then gazed at my face again.

Sariel: Do you like this dress?

You: Eh? Of course I like it.

Unsure if I was seeing things, Sariel's lips seemed to have curved up a little. He brushed his hair, then pushed the dress into my arms.

Sariel: Since you like it, then keep it.

You: Me keeping it...? Do you mean you are giving this dress to me?!

Sariel: Were there words from my pervious sentence that you did not understand?

You: But isn't this a sample dress?

Sariel: I did not even say that it's a sample dress.

I widened my eyes in surprise, not knowing what to say.

You: Not a sample? T- Then why are you still making this dress?

Sariel: A sudden photoshoot request, a dress of perfect fit... My heart slowly came to a guess, that made my heart to beat quickly again. Could it be...

You: Could it be... that you were not actually asking me to assist in photography, but to look for a chance to gift this dress to me?

Sariel did not utter a word, only gracefully leaned back to the sofa and turned his head away slightly. Within his hair, is an ear that is slightly flushed.

Sariel: Think however you like. 

Does this mean he has admitted to it? Sariel actually made me a dress... I'm happy and excited, but I also couldn't hold back my doubts.

Sariel: Are you performing some face-changing opera? Why, unhappy?

You: No no no, definitely not unhappy at all!! I am happy, super happy! Just that I don't understand why you are gifting a dress to me...

Sariel: I don't like owing favors to people, even if it is a favor purposely shoved to me.

You: A favor? You mean...

Looking at how the girl frowned as she contemplate, Sariel thought of what happened on the other day.

The girl straightened her slender figure, looking apologetically, and sincerely explaining to the editor of "La Mode". "Director Qi is not somebody like that", "We can discuss other methods of interview", "I will let everyone to cooperate"... words like these have fallen into his ears.

At that time, Sariel found it funny, someone like him wouldn't have needed a little girl to do things like this for him. Then again, nobody has ever done this for him. Acknowledging this matter felt like it's a scratch from a kitten's claws, lightly scratching the softest part of his heart, giving him a little itch. Although to him it is a favor that was forcefully given to him, he felt the need to return the favor. Hence, he took out some time, remembering how the girl looks, and tailored a custom dress for her as a gift. Hence, causing whatever happened today.

You: Do you mean the issue for "La Mode"? 

She seems to have finally understood, and lowered her head to look at the dress, her eyes gleamed as brightly as the stars. 

You: Sariel, thank you very much... But for this gift, it feels too expensive. I was only doing what I should do.

Sariel: Is that so? If you don't want it, I'll give it to someone else.

You: ... Who are you giving it to?

Sariel: I don't know, let's hang it here, whoever likes it can take it away.

You: I like it too! Also this is tailored according to my size, so others couldn't have been able to wear it!

Sariel: Since you know it well, then just take it.

The girl stunned a little, gazing below, and a smile appears on the corner of the lips.

You: Well how about this, consider that now I am owing you a favor. If there are anything you needed my help with in the future, you can redeem it from me.

Sariel: Not in the future, let's make it now.

Sariel lifted his arm, his slender fingers took a photo from the girl. The photo of the girl in the dress is looking directly towards the mirror, smiling brightly and brilliantly. 

Sariel: Then I'll take this photo as a favor, to me, that'll be enough.