When I arrived at the dance studio, it was already lunchtime. The trainees from Antony's intermediate class were filing out.
Upon seeing me, Antony's face didn't show a hint of reaction. He didn't scold me for making him wait all morning. He didn't even ask why. He just walked right past me.
I called after him, "I'm sorry I missed class this morning without informing you."
No response. He kept walking.
I tried again, louder this time. "I'm really sorry for being insensitive about how you feel."
His footsteps stalled.
"What's the point of saying that?" he said, still not turning around.
"I'll make it up to you."
"Will making it up to me help you debut? You're still dancing like a broken worm, and you're irresponsible with your own schedule. I don't want to hear your apologies."
I closed my mouth shut. His tone was flat, but I could tell he wasn't just displeased. He was angry.
"And if you're still serious about becoming an artist for KE," he added coldly, "at least learn to cover up your neck properly."
I froze, my hands shooting up to my neck. I'd been in such a rush, I hadn't even checked myself properly in the mirror. Did Charles really leave that many marks on me?
Antony marched off before I could say another word.
I let out a long sigh. It seemed things between us were only getting worse by the day.
I had no choice but to rush back to my room to grab a coat.
When I looked in the mirror, I almost passed out. My skin was a war zone of reddish-brown marks in all shapes and sizes.
I grabbed my foundation and smeared it all over my neck like sunscreen, cursing Charles while I was at it. Even then, the marks were barely covered. I sighed again, threw on a high-collared coat, and headed for the modeling session.
When I entered the studio, Juho only gave me a brief glance, said a curt "hi" with a half-hearted smile, then turned back to his camera, fiddling with the settings. The air between us grew awkward fast after I replied "hi" and went quiet.
After a long while, he gestured toward the white background. "Let's do some basic modeling today," he said.
"Okay," I replied curtly, avoiding his eyes.
"Imagine we're doing an album cover today," he went on. "Nothing complicated—just think of the kind of music that reflects you the most, and deliver it through your facial expressions. Take off your coat too, be comfortable."
My shoulders stiffened at his last words. If Juho saw the marks on my neck, what would he think of me after I'd just rejected him last week?
I swallowed hard, turned around, and slowly took my coat off, trying to pull my sweater a bit higher. Still, it was no use. The moment I turned back around, Juho's face darkened.
"Um… this is, uh…" I muttered.
"It's fine," Juho said quickly, his tone flat. "I understand. Let's start."
I followed quietly and stood in front of the backdrop.
Juho started snapping his camera, his professional focus slipping back into place. He told me what to do — where to place my hands, which direction to look — and I followed without a word. Only when he paused to check the photos did his expression tighten slightly. I could only pray the marks didn't show too much.
In the middle of the shoot, the door suddenly opened. We both turned toward the sound.
It was Charles. He was wearing his usual all-black suit, but the glasses somehow made him look even more handsome.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised.
Seeing Charles again after everything that happened last night felt painfully awkward, especially in front of Juho. If Juho ever figured out those marks on my neck were Charles's handiwork, I couldn't even imagine what he'd think.
"Mr. Kosonen," Juho greeted, startled as well. He stood from his chair and gave Charles a polite bow.
Charles only gave him a small nod before turning to me, his tone displeased. "Why didn't you answer your phone?"
I blinked. "I must've put it on silent before the shoot," I said, checking it. He'd called five times since lunchtime.
"I'm sorry," I told him. "Did you need to tell me something?"
My question only seemed to irritate him more. "Didn't I tell you I'd be back soon?" he asked, his voice cold again.
I gave him a wry smile. "Can we talk after the shoot? Let's not keep Juho waiting." I had to stop him before he said something Juho might pick up on.
Charles wasn't having it. His scowl only deepened. "The photographer can wait. In fact, he can leave now. You can wrap up your session."
I stared at him. "Huh? But, but—"
"It's okay," Juho said, smiling brightly. "We can continue next week."
At that point, I couldn't refuse anymore. "Thank you, Juho," I said, smiling back.
"I'll wait outside," Charles said curtly before leaving the room.
As I gathered my things, Juho did the same. Just as I turned to say goodbye, my breath caught. Juho's face was cold and expressionless, like he was seconds away from murder. The bright smile on his face just minutues had completely vanished.
Then Juho noticed me staring. His face relaxed again, warmth flickering back into his eyes. "See you next week," he said with his usual easy smile.
"See you next week," I echoed, though forcing a smile felt impossible.
I left the room right after.
Outside, Charles stood by the window, a cigarette in his hand, the same brand as the last time we stood in front of the hotel. When he saw me approaching, he stubbed it out, reached for my wrist, and pulled me in. His lips pressed against mine, still tasting faintly of smoke.
I froze. My brain shut off completely.
The door behind me opened.
A chill shot down my spine. I pulled back from the kiss instantly and turned around.
Juho's face was calm as still water, his emerald eyes moving from me to Charles. A faint smile curved his lips. Without a word, he turned and walked off, leaving the two of us in silence.
Once he was gone, I turned to Charles, my voice rising. "Why did you have to do that?!"
"Why did you pull away?" Charles shot back, his tone flat.
"Because other people might see! People like Juho, and who knows who else!"
Charles stepped closer, his expression unreadable, completely unbothered by my frustration. His hand reached out, cupping my face, tilting it toward his as he pressed another deep kiss down on my lips before I could respond.
In a low, steady voice, he asked, "And what if they did?"