Piano Lessons 14/15
Title: Piano Lessons 14/?
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Changmin/Yoochun, Yunho/Jaejoong and minor Junsu/FC
Disclaimer: If I owned them, I'd make Yoochun play the piano naked.
Summary: It's the last year of high school, and Changmin doesn't expect it to be any different than the previous three. And then he finds out that Park Yoochun plays the piano. Tickling the ivories never felt this good.
A/N: This story, unlike the previous ones I've posted, is not finished. So updates will not be as frequent.
This story is in first person, told from Changmin's POV.
Chapter 14: do my little turn on the catwalk
I paced next to Jaejoong’s car. Back and forth, and then again. We were at the Loft, all because they said it would calm me down. I was far from calm.
Yoochun lit another cigarette. Jae and Yunho were further away, leaning against a small tree. Yunho had his hands in Jae’s back pockets, and they were kissing. Junsu’s fingers flew over his phone in text messages.
“I think-fuck, I think-” I took a deep breath. “I think I’m just going to have to fucking do this and get it over with.”
“Finally!” Yoochun said and threw his hands in the air.
“Fuck off,” I snapped.
And immediately Yoochun frowned and looked at me.
I sighed. “Sorry, I’m just really nervous.”
Yoochun threw his cigarette away, and he came to me. I put my arms around him, and then sighed.
“We need to hurry,” Jae said. “It’s almost five.”
I didn’t move to get in the car even as Junsu climbed in the back seat.
Yunho shook his head. “Maybe we should drug him and shove him in the trunk and force him.”
Yoochun grinned up at me. “Sounds kinky.”
I smiled and kissed him. “Okay, let’s go, before I lose my nerve.”
Yunho drove, and with each mile back into the city, my stomach tightened a bit more. I was close to hyperventilating by the time Yunho pulled in front of a tall building. The company name “Purple Line Models” was scrolled across the building in … of course, purple.
I looked up at the building and sighed. I had already told the others that I needed to do this by myself. They were going to go to a restaurant and wait for me.
I opened the door, but Yoochun stopped me. “Just a second.”
He leaned forward quickly and bit my lower lip. I half moaned and half protested, and then his hands were in my hair, ruffling it. He took off my tie and unbuttoned two buttons on my school shirt.
“Give me the jacket,” he demanded.
“Chunnie,” I said.
He shook his head. “You don’t want to look like a fucking high school kid right now. You’re a model right now.”
“He’s right,” Jae said.
“I know,” I replied and smiled. I kissed Yoochun one more time, and then with a deep breath, I climbed out of the car. I put my phone and my wallet in my pants pocket and then handed Yoochun my school jacket.
“You look hot, Min,” Jae said. “Be confident.”
“Keep your head up,” Yoochun added.
“God, leave him alone,” Junsu said. “He’s not five. Good luck, Min.”
“Thanks, Su.”
I gave them one more smile, forced, but still a smile. And then turned around and headed into the building. Someone whistled behind me. And I turned and blew a kiss to Yoochun.
I entered the revolving door. There was a reception desk in front of me, and a bank of elevators to the right. The floor was black, but when the light hit it, there were purple undertones. The walls were covered in model shots, and paintings with purple themes.
“Hello,” the receptionist said, a really pretty girl. “What can I do for you?”
I took the card from my wallet. “Kwon YongWoo gave me his card and said he’d like to talk to me.”
“What is your name?”
“Shim Changmin.”
“Just one moment. I will see if he’s still in his office.”
The receptionist picked up the phone and hit a button. A moment later she said, “Hello, YongWoo-shi. A young man named Shim Changmin is here to see you … yes. Of course. Yes.” She hung up. “You can go on up. He’s on the fourth floor. His secretary will show you to his office.”
“Thank you,” I said and bowed.
I followed her directions. In my head, a voice that sounded like Yoochun’s said, Look up, Min. Back straight. You’re tall and gorgeous. Show it off.
So I did.
Another pretty girl met me out of the elevator and showed me down the hall. She knocked on an open door, bowed and then let me by her.
“Changmin-shi!” Kwon YongWoo rose from his desk.
I bowed low, and he bowed as well, and then shook my hand. “Kwon YongWoo-shi. It is good to see you again.”
“I’m surprised to see you,” he said with a laugh.
I looked down Look up, Min. Head high, my inner Yoochun reminded me. “I was wondering what you could offer me.”
Kwon YongWoo’s face went grave, and then he looked me up and down. “How tall are you?”
“One eighty six.”
“And you’re how old?”
“Seventeen.”
“Still growing?”
Changmin shrugged. “Not as much as last year, but yeah.”
“Good, good. Do you exercise?”
“When I can.”
“You didn’t bring a portfolio or anything with you, did you?”
I smiled. “No. I’ve-I’ve never done this before.”
“Right. Right.” He went to his desk and picked up his phone. “I want a few lights set up and one wardrobe and makeup in studio eight. Five minutes.”
He hung up. “Do you mind if I take a few shots right now? I can’t really confirm anything without seeing what you look like on film.”
I swallowed. “Um, sure. Yeah. That’d be great.”
“Fantastic.”
“I … how long will this take?”
He shrugged, and then grinned. “Depends on how good you are, I guess. An hour, at least.”
“Okay. I have friends waiting for me. Do you mind if I call them?”
“No problem, but walk and talk, Changmin-shi. Follow me.”
I followed quickly, pulling out my phone and called Yoochun.
“Done already?’ he said.
“No. He wants to take a few shots.”
I held the phone away as Yoochun cheered. “That’s awesome.”
“He said it will be at least an hour.”
“Okay. I’ll let the other guys know. We’re fine for now. We’re just about ready to order.”
“Okay.”
“Good lucky, baby. I love you.”
“Love you.”
When I hung up, Kwon YongWoo was looking at me. “A friend?”
A blush colored my cheeks, but I did not look away. “Yes.”
He smiled, and then draped an arm around my shoulders. “I’m going to leave you in Seonhee’s care. She’s going to do your makeup and hair. I have to go get the lighting set up right, and talk to the photographer.” He led me into a large room. There was a bank of mirrors along one side, bright lights lit. On the other were racks and racks of clothes.
We went right to another girl, and she bowed when I was introduced. Kwon YongWoo sat me in a chair.
“I want him in black, head to toe.”
“Yes, YongWoo-shi.”
The girl walked around me once and called after YongWoo’s retreating figure. “Do you want me to cut his hair?”
“Oh, hell no,” he said back. “Leave it long.”
She nodded, and then smiled at me. “So, Changmin-shi, decided to drop by?”
“Excuse me?”
“YongWoo-shi spent most of the morning lamenting that he hadn’t snapped a picture of you the other night.”
I blushed and she laughed. “You’re attractive, Changmin-shi. You’ll make a great model. Now, hold still.”
I had never, ever had makeup on my face. I was afraid it would itch, or feel caked on, but it was light, and when Seonhee moved so I could see the mirror, I actually gasped.
“Wow.”
She nodded. “Yep. Wow.”
She wet my hair with a spray bottle, added lots of product to her hand and ran fingers through my hair. “We’ll leave it long. YongWoo didn’t say what clothes he wanted you in, but we’ll go for stylishly messy right now. Keep it simple.”
“This is simple?” I said and my voice cracked.
My hair looked amazing. Something I’d been trying to do with it for the last few days but never managed.
She smiled at me. “Gorgeous, young man. Come on. Let’s get you dressed.”
I followed her to the racks of clothes.
“Strip.”
My eyes went wide.
She laughed. “I’ve been doing this for fifteen years, young man. You ain’t got nothing I haven’t seen.”
I swallowed, and slowly started unbuttoning my shirt.
Seonhee shook her head. “Quick. Quick. First thing you learn about being a model is speed.”
My hands shook as I tried to go faster. She got impatient with me and undid my pants. I made a noise of protest that she just laughed at as she pushed my pants to my thighs.
“Quick. Naked. Now.”
I seriously could not breathe. And then Yoochun’s voice said, You’re gorgeous, Minnie. Don’t be ashamed about it. I swear the stupid fucker rolled his eyes at me.
I shucked out of the boxers, and immediately a pair of boxer briefs were pushed into my hands. Still shaking, I unwrapped them and then tugged them on, a pair of black jeans was next and god, I barely fit into them, but Seonhee stopped me from doing up all the buttons on them. She held out a black button down and rather than wait for me to do it, she buttoned three buttons in the middle.
And then she stepped back and I took a much needed breath.
“You have to be faster than that, Changmin-shi. An outfit change like that should take you less than thirty seconds.”
I nodded.
“We’ll try again if YongWoo-shi wants to have you in another outfit. Come on.”
I followed after her, head lowered, mind rolling. And then she stopped. She cupped my chin and I met her eyes.
“Don’t worry so much, Changmin-shi. You haven’t even signed a contract yet. Now, go in there, hold your head up and show off, okay? You are incredibly attractive. Do you have a girlfriend?”
I shook my head, but my face must have twisted a bit, because she laughed and asked, “Boyfriend?”
I nodded. “He said he’d withhold sex if I didn’t at least try this out.”
She laughed and it echoed down the hallway. “Amazing what incentives with make you do. He’s lucky to have you, Changmin-shi.”
“Seonhee-shi, are you flirting with the new guy?” someone asked behind us.
“Of course,” she said and grinned. “Changmin-shi, this is Kim Heechul-shi. He’s a photographer at the studio.”
I froze for a moment at the beautiful man before me. He had long red hair, flawless skin. He wore nothing but jeans and a t-shirt, but he looked amazing. A blush rose in my cheeks when Heechul raised his eyebrows. I quickly bowed. Heechul looked me up and down, sniffed in disdain, and said, “You’re pretty in real life, but it’s photo-genetic-ability that I’m worried about. Come on, new kid.”
Seonhee pinched my ass as I walked into the room. I yelped. Heechul rolled his eyes.
The room was open. There was a small vanity on one side, but the middle of the room was set up for photos. White fabric draped down, covering what looked like boxes. Bright lights lit the area.
“Okay, so YongWoo says you’ve never sat for a photo before, seriously, giving me such a novice is going to piss me off, so you sure as hell better be worth the hassle. Just listen to everything I say. Are you good at following orders?”
I thought of my father, but he didn’t give me a chance to answer.
“Go stand in the middle there, and hold still. I may need to adjust the lighting.”
I did as he said. He stared at me, one perfectly manicured nail against his lip, and then he rolled his eyes, and did adjust the light a bit, and then he stared at me more. I shifted under his gaze a bit, and when his lips spread into a smirk, I knew he was testing me.
Relax, babe. He’s trying to intimidate you. You’re gorgeous, remember?
I was going to hit Yoochun when I saw him again.
And then suddenly, Heechul lifted the camera and started snapping pictures. “Hold still, I’m going to walk around you. I don’t want you to move anything other than your eyelids if you have to blink.”
More pictures. And then Heechul had me sit, and then stand, and then bend my arm this way and that way, and then suddenly, he shouted, “Hold right there, don’t fucking move or I will shove this camera up your ass.”
I smirked, I couldn’t help it, but he snapped pictures, and then said, “Okay do not move your head, but look down with only your eyes. Fabulous. I need some full length shots of you, stand up. Perfect. Undo those buttons. YongWon wants to see your body, perverted bastard.”
I laughed, as I unbuttoned the shirt. Heechul was an asshole, but I loved his wit. I hadn’t realized how relaxed I was until that moment, and I had no problems at all opening the shirt and letting Heechul take pictures of me half naked when he told me to take it off.
Heechul grinned. “And he claims he’s straight. What about you, new kid? Gay or straight?”
“Gay.”
“Taken I bet. All the hot ones are taken.”
I grinned. “Yeah. Sorry.”
“Ah, you’re too young for me anyway.” Heechul moved to a phone on the wall and picked it up. “I like this kid. You want him in anything else? … You got it.” He hung up. “We’re going back to wardrobe. I’m to pick out a color that will look good with your skin. Come on.”
I followed him down the hall.
Seonhee smiled. “How’s he doing?”
“Kid’s a natural,” Heechul said, going through the clothes. He tossed a pair of jeans at me, faded, light blue. “Put those on.”
I undressed with no embarrassment. The jeans were ripped in a lot places.
“You got a favorite color, new kid?” Heechul asked.
“Um, red, I guess.”
“No, too bright. Too … here.” Heechul tossed me a tank top with red orange designs on it. And then threw a matching red orange button down at me.
“We’ll work with that,” he said, and started walking away. I had to pull on the button-down and try to follow him.
“I told you, Changmin-shi,” Seonhee said. “Speed.”
We went back to the studio and Heechul directed me through another set of photos. When he said, “Okay. That’s good,” I was so surprised that I almost fell over from the pose he had me in.
“You did great, new kid. You still need a lot of work, but you did fantastic for your first time. Go change. Have Seonhee take you back to YongWoo’s office.”
I nodded, and bowed, “Thank you, Heechul-shi.”
He waved it away. “No problem. I hope you sign a contract. You actually listen to me, unlike some models.”
As I walked down the hall, I thought about that. Why wouldn’t you listen to the person taking the pictures? It made sense. He’s the one that could see how you looked, not you.
“Okay,” Seonhee said, and held out a stop watch. “Change back to your clothes. Keep the panties,” she said with a laugh. “Once you’ve worn them, we don’t give them to someone else.”
“That’s good to know,” I said, and quickly changed.
She tsked at the final time. “Forty-two seconds. You should practice at home.”
I sighed. “Okay. I will.”
“Let’s get you to YongWoo’s office.”
I followed behind her. I pulled out my phone. “Holy shit,” I said.
“What?”
“It’s almost nine.”
“Yeah. And YongWoo will probably keep you here for another hour looking at your shots.”
“I-I have school tomorrow. And-“
She shook her head. “And you’ll go, no matter what, right?”
I nodded. “I have to.”
“Then no problem.” She knocked and then opened a door. I went into his office, Heechul was sitting in a chair, and he smirked at me.
“YongWoo is tossing around words like ‘model prodigy’,” he said. “What do you think, new kid?”
“I still need a lot of work.”
“Yes, you do.”
“Shut up, Heechul. The kid is perfect. Sit down, Changmin.”
I did, and then he spun a computer screen to me. My face was on it, eyes looking down, thoughtful. I couldn’t remember that shot from any of the others, but then it was replaced to one of my smirking, and then smiling and then laughing at something Heechul had said, and then some full length shots. He and Heechul discussed the pros and cons of every photo, and I took notes on the criticisms that Heechul said, but didn’t direct at me.
It was cool how professional they both were.
“Look at his jaw line,” Yongwoo said again, “that bone structure. Fantastic.” And the screen spun back around. “Changmin-shi, I want to do a trial based contract. Three months, after that, no obligation on either one of our parts. You’ll be paid, not as much as a full model, but still enough to make it worth your while. If everything goes well, we’ll sign you on permanently.”
“The next three months?” I said, voice cracking.
“Yes.”
I took a deep breath.
“Problems.”
“I have school.”
“Oh, I know. It won’t be everyday. Just once or twice a week. We definitely do not want to effect your school work.”
“Are you a good student?” Heechul asked.
“He’s valedictorian,” YongWoo said proudly.
Heechul nodded, face impressed. “And you want to model?”
I swallowed. “My parents want me to be a lawyer.”
Heechul laughed. “God, Min-ah, don’t sound too excited about that.”
YongWoo stood. “Shut up, Heechul.” He went to a closet and pulled out a bag. “Changmin, here are some things you’re going to need. There’s shampoo and conditioner I want you to start using. Hair products, skin care, things like that. Just follow the directions.” He slid a piece of paper over at me. “Do you have access to the gym?”
I nodded.
“Good. Here’s a workout schedule. Your body is nice, but god, I want those muscles defined.”
“Ga-ay,” Heechul crowed.
YongWoo ignored him. “And this is the contract. You’re smart, read it, tell me if there’s something you don’t agree with, and then this paper needs to be signed by your parents.”
And just like that, the world crashed around me. “What?”
“You’re under eighteen, Changmin. You need parental consent.”
I met his eyes.
He sighed. “Yes, I know. I met your father. But we can’t do this unless this form is signed.”
“I turn eighteen in February. Can we wait until then?”
He shook his head. “I have an opening now, and I need to fill it. There are four or five other models that have applied for the job. If you don’t do it now, then I doubt I’ll have room for you in February.”
“Do both of them have to sign it, or can my mom just sign it?”
“A guardian,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who.”
“Okay. I think I can get her to do it.”
“Good. Now. Call that friend of yours and have them come and pick you up. It’s late, and I’m sure you have school tomorrow.”
“I do.”
“Work hard, okay, Changmin? Come and see me in two days and we’ll discuss any problems.”
“Okay.”
I walked out of his office in a trance. I tried to call Yoochun, but I couldn’t talk, so I just sent him a text.
~ we’ll be right there ~
I bowed at the receptionist, and left the building. It was dark out, the city lit up in neon around me. Crowds covered the street. A horn honked and my name was shouted. I looked up. Yunho had parked down the road a bit. I waved and then headed there, jogging.
“Holy fucking shit,” Yoochun said. He grabbed me by my shirt and yanked me to him, kissing me hard. “You look hot. What did they do to your hair?”
Jae leaned over and crooned at me. “Oh my god, he’s wearing lip gloss. And foundation. And god, whoever did your makeup is fantastic.”
“You look good,” Yunho said and kissed my cheek.
Junsu rolled his eyes. “I’m still straight, Minnie, but yes, you do look good.”
“Thanks guys.”
Jae clapped his hands. “Details. Now.”
“In the car,” Yunho said. “While we drive home. It’s really late.”
“Sorry,” I said.
“Don’t be,” Yoochun said, nuzzling my neck. “It’s was totally worth it. Right?”
Junsu grinned. “I got four numbers tonight. Definitely worth it.”
They piled into the car and as they drove home, I told them everything. Yoochun had saved me some food, and I ate it carefully.
“Oh my god, some crazy noona saw you naked!”
“God, Heechul sounds hot.”
“You are so lucky. I can’t believe it.”
I sighed. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“What?” Yoochun asked. “Why not?”
“I need parental consent.”
“Oh.” And the mood in the car dropped.
I sighed again. “I’ll see if my mom will sign it, but I don’t know.”
Yoochun tightened his hold on me and I settled against him. “Don’t worry, babe. It will all work out.”
I took the comfort Yoochun offered and thought about YongWoo. The man had been beyond nice, and it made my heart hurt when I thought of my own father. When my father told people I was valedictorian, there was always an underlying threat underneath it. I tried to bury my face into Yoochun, and he held me more tightly.
They dropped me off first. My porch light was on. It was almost eleven. I could see my mom in the living room.
I sighed.
“Will you ask her tonight?” Yoochun asked.
“No. Tomorrow. After school. I don’t have the energy for it right now.”
He nodded. “Good call.” He kissed me quickly and I climbed out of the car with my backpack and the bag YongWoo had given me. My mom met me in the foyer; she was frowning, but she didn’t say anything until she noticed the second bag.
“What is that?”
“Oh, um, gifts from Yunho’s parents, for the concert. They said they hadn’t had time to give them to me until now.”
“That’s nice of them. You better send them a thank you card.”
“I will.” I headed up the stairs.
“Changmin?”
I sighed and turned around. “What?”
“You ... well, make sure you get your homework done.”
I scoffed. “Don’t I always?”
I went to my room only long enough to drop off the bags and grab some sleep clothes. I put the papers from the agency in my drawer under more papers. My shower was short. I used the new products I’d been given and then tried to follow the instructions that came with the face wash and cream and body lotion. I smelled like a freaking girl.
I had so much homework. Normally, I’d be excited about a late night studying, but tonight I just want to go to bed. But homework had to be done. I scanned the chapters I needed to read, did math problems, and at one o’clock decided that was enough.
I checked the workout schedule. Besides the typical exercise and a weight room routine, it said I should run at least three miles a day. I didn’t think I could run one mile. I sighed, again, and then again. I did the fifty sit ups and fifty push ups and leg exercises listed. At two, I finally went to bed. I set my alarm for five, hoping that’d give me enough time to wake up and go running.
Chapter 15: sunshine rainbows ... and cock rings? yes, please
Chapter 13 - i knew this would be more fun
Chapter 12 - performing arts or performing acts? i'll take the latter
Chapter 11 - … oh, right, because I haven’t had a boyfriend in my entire high school career
Chapter 10 - can you please tell me why I haven’t spent my entire high school experience doing this?
Chapter 9 - things come to a head, yes, that kind of head
Chapter 8 - things come to a head, no, not that kind of head
Chapter 7 - Whirlwinds of WTF-ery
Chapter 6 - not so much talking
Chapter 5 - talking is really overrated
Chapter 4 - written notes, math notes, class notes, music notes ... whatever
Chapter 3 - at least i'm better at math than he is
Chapter 2 - oh my god, something else he's good at
Chapter 1 - so he is good at something besides looking good?
.
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Changmin/Yoochun, Yunho/Jaejoong and minor Junsu/FC
Disclaimer: If I owned them, I'd make Yoochun play the piano naked.
Summary: It's the last year of high school, and Changmin doesn't expect it to be any different than the previous three. And then he finds out that Park Yoochun plays the piano. Tickling the ivories never felt this good.
A/N: This story, unlike the previous ones I've posted, is not finished. So updates will not be as frequent.
This story is in first person, told from Changmin's POV.
Chapter 14: do my little turn on the catwalk
I paced next to Jaejoong’s car. Back and forth, and then again. We were at the Loft, all because they said it would calm me down. I was far from calm.
Yoochun lit another cigarette. Jae and Yunho were further away, leaning against a small tree. Yunho had his hands in Jae’s back pockets, and they were kissing. Junsu’s fingers flew over his phone in text messages.
“I think-fuck, I think-” I took a deep breath. “I think I’m just going to have to fucking do this and get it over with.”
“Finally!” Yoochun said and threw his hands in the air.
“Fuck off,” I snapped.
And immediately Yoochun frowned and looked at me.
I sighed. “Sorry, I’m just really nervous.”
Yoochun threw his cigarette away, and he came to me. I put my arms around him, and then sighed.
“We need to hurry,” Jae said. “It’s almost five.”
I didn’t move to get in the car even as Junsu climbed in the back seat.
Yunho shook his head. “Maybe we should drug him and shove him in the trunk and force him.”
Yoochun grinned up at me. “Sounds kinky.”
I smiled and kissed him. “Okay, let’s go, before I lose my nerve.”
Yunho drove, and with each mile back into the city, my stomach tightened a bit more. I was close to hyperventilating by the time Yunho pulled in front of a tall building. The company name “Purple Line Models” was scrolled across the building in … of course, purple.
I looked up at the building and sighed. I had already told the others that I needed to do this by myself. They were going to go to a restaurant and wait for me.
I opened the door, but Yoochun stopped me. “Just a second.”
He leaned forward quickly and bit my lower lip. I half moaned and half protested, and then his hands were in my hair, ruffling it. He took off my tie and unbuttoned two buttons on my school shirt.
“Give me the jacket,” he demanded.
“Chunnie,” I said.
He shook his head. “You don’t want to look like a fucking high school kid right now. You’re a model right now.”
“He’s right,” Jae said.
“I know,” I replied and smiled. I kissed Yoochun one more time, and then with a deep breath, I climbed out of the car. I put my phone and my wallet in my pants pocket and then handed Yoochun my school jacket.
“You look hot, Min,” Jae said. “Be confident.”
“Keep your head up,” Yoochun added.
“God, leave him alone,” Junsu said. “He’s not five. Good luck, Min.”
“Thanks, Su.”
I gave them one more smile, forced, but still a smile. And then turned around and headed into the building. Someone whistled behind me. And I turned and blew a kiss to Yoochun.
I entered the revolving door. There was a reception desk in front of me, and a bank of elevators to the right. The floor was black, but when the light hit it, there were purple undertones. The walls were covered in model shots, and paintings with purple themes.
“Hello,” the receptionist said, a really pretty girl. “What can I do for you?”
I took the card from my wallet. “Kwon YongWoo gave me his card and said he’d like to talk to me.”
“What is your name?”
“Shim Changmin.”
“Just one moment. I will see if he’s still in his office.”
The receptionist picked up the phone and hit a button. A moment later she said, “Hello, YongWoo-shi. A young man named Shim Changmin is here to see you … yes. Of course. Yes.” She hung up. “You can go on up. He’s on the fourth floor. His secretary will show you to his office.”
“Thank you,” I said and bowed.
I followed her directions. In my head, a voice that sounded like Yoochun’s said, Look up, Min. Back straight. You’re tall and gorgeous. Show it off.
So I did.
Another pretty girl met me out of the elevator and showed me down the hall. She knocked on an open door, bowed and then let me by her.
“Changmin-shi!” Kwon YongWoo rose from his desk.
I bowed low, and he bowed as well, and then shook my hand. “Kwon YongWoo-shi. It is good to see you again.”
“I’m surprised to see you,” he said with a laugh.
I looked down Look up, Min. Head high, my inner Yoochun reminded me. “I was wondering what you could offer me.”
Kwon YongWoo’s face went grave, and then he looked me up and down. “How tall are you?”
“One eighty six.”
“And you’re how old?”
“Seventeen.”
“Still growing?”
Changmin shrugged. “Not as much as last year, but yeah.”
“Good, good. Do you exercise?”
“When I can.”
“You didn’t bring a portfolio or anything with you, did you?”
I smiled. “No. I’ve-I’ve never done this before.”
“Right. Right.” He went to his desk and picked up his phone. “I want a few lights set up and one wardrobe and makeup in studio eight. Five minutes.”
He hung up. “Do you mind if I take a few shots right now? I can’t really confirm anything without seeing what you look like on film.”
I swallowed. “Um, sure. Yeah. That’d be great.”
“Fantastic.”
“I … how long will this take?”
He shrugged, and then grinned. “Depends on how good you are, I guess. An hour, at least.”
“Okay. I have friends waiting for me. Do you mind if I call them?”
“No problem, but walk and talk, Changmin-shi. Follow me.”
I followed quickly, pulling out my phone and called Yoochun.
“Done already?’ he said.
“No. He wants to take a few shots.”
I held the phone away as Yoochun cheered. “That’s awesome.”
“He said it will be at least an hour.”
“Okay. I’ll let the other guys know. We’re fine for now. We’re just about ready to order.”
“Okay.”
“Good lucky, baby. I love you.”
“Love you.”
When I hung up, Kwon YongWoo was looking at me. “A friend?”
A blush colored my cheeks, but I did not look away. “Yes.”
He smiled, and then draped an arm around my shoulders. “I’m going to leave you in Seonhee’s care. She’s going to do your makeup and hair. I have to go get the lighting set up right, and talk to the photographer.” He led me into a large room. There was a bank of mirrors along one side, bright lights lit. On the other were racks and racks of clothes.
We went right to another girl, and she bowed when I was introduced. Kwon YongWoo sat me in a chair.
“I want him in black, head to toe.”
“Yes, YongWoo-shi.”
The girl walked around me once and called after YongWoo’s retreating figure. “Do you want me to cut his hair?”
“Oh, hell no,” he said back. “Leave it long.”
She nodded, and then smiled at me. “So, Changmin-shi, decided to drop by?”
“Excuse me?”
“YongWoo-shi spent most of the morning lamenting that he hadn’t snapped a picture of you the other night.”
I blushed and she laughed. “You’re attractive, Changmin-shi. You’ll make a great model. Now, hold still.”
I had never, ever had makeup on my face. I was afraid it would itch, or feel caked on, but it was light, and when Seonhee moved so I could see the mirror, I actually gasped.
“Wow.”
She nodded. “Yep. Wow.”
She wet my hair with a spray bottle, added lots of product to her hand and ran fingers through my hair. “We’ll leave it long. YongWoo didn’t say what clothes he wanted you in, but we’ll go for stylishly messy right now. Keep it simple.”
“This is simple?” I said and my voice cracked.
My hair looked amazing. Something I’d been trying to do with it for the last few days but never managed.
She smiled at me. “Gorgeous, young man. Come on. Let’s get you dressed.”
I followed her to the racks of clothes.
“Strip.”
My eyes went wide.
She laughed. “I’ve been doing this for fifteen years, young man. You ain’t got nothing I haven’t seen.”
I swallowed, and slowly started unbuttoning my shirt.
Seonhee shook her head. “Quick. Quick. First thing you learn about being a model is speed.”
My hands shook as I tried to go faster. She got impatient with me and undid my pants. I made a noise of protest that she just laughed at as she pushed my pants to my thighs.
“Quick. Naked. Now.”
I seriously could not breathe. And then Yoochun’s voice said, You’re gorgeous, Minnie. Don’t be ashamed about it. I swear the stupid fucker rolled his eyes at me.
I shucked out of the boxers, and immediately a pair of boxer briefs were pushed into my hands. Still shaking, I unwrapped them and then tugged them on, a pair of black jeans was next and god, I barely fit into them, but Seonhee stopped me from doing up all the buttons on them. She held out a black button down and rather than wait for me to do it, she buttoned three buttons in the middle.
And then she stepped back and I took a much needed breath.
“You have to be faster than that, Changmin-shi. An outfit change like that should take you less than thirty seconds.”
I nodded.
“We’ll try again if YongWoo-shi wants to have you in another outfit. Come on.”
I followed after her, head lowered, mind rolling. And then she stopped. She cupped my chin and I met her eyes.
“Don’t worry so much, Changmin-shi. You haven’t even signed a contract yet. Now, go in there, hold your head up and show off, okay? You are incredibly attractive. Do you have a girlfriend?”
I shook my head, but my face must have twisted a bit, because she laughed and asked, “Boyfriend?”
I nodded. “He said he’d withhold sex if I didn’t at least try this out.”
She laughed and it echoed down the hallway. “Amazing what incentives with make you do. He’s lucky to have you, Changmin-shi.”
“Seonhee-shi, are you flirting with the new guy?” someone asked behind us.
“Of course,” she said and grinned. “Changmin-shi, this is Kim Heechul-shi. He’s a photographer at the studio.”
I froze for a moment at the beautiful man before me. He had long red hair, flawless skin. He wore nothing but jeans and a t-shirt, but he looked amazing. A blush rose in my cheeks when Heechul raised his eyebrows. I quickly bowed. Heechul looked me up and down, sniffed in disdain, and said, “You’re pretty in real life, but it’s photo-genetic-ability that I’m worried about. Come on, new kid.”
Seonhee pinched my ass as I walked into the room. I yelped. Heechul rolled his eyes.
The room was open. There was a small vanity on one side, but the middle of the room was set up for photos. White fabric draped down, covering what looked like boxes. Bright lights lit the area.
“Okay, so YongWoo says you’ve never sat for a photo before, seriously, giving me such a novice is going to piss me off, so you sure as hell better be worth the hassle. Just listen to everything I say. Are you good at following orders?”
I thought of my father, but he didn’t give me a chance to answer.
“Go stand in the middle there, and hold still. I may need to adjust the lighting.”
I did as he said. He stared at me, one perfectly manicured nail against his lip, and then he rolled his eyes, and did adjust the light a bit, and then he stared at me more. I shifted under his gaze a bit, and when his lips spread into a smirk, I knew he was testing me.
Relax, babe. He’s trying to intimidate you. You’re gorgeous, remember?
I was going to hit Yoochun when I saw him again.
And then suddenly, Heechul lifted the camera and started snapping pictures. “Hold still, I’m going to walk around you. I don’t want you to move anything other than your eyelids if you have to blink.”
More pictures. And then Heechul had me sit, and then stand, and then bend my arm this way and that way, and then suddenly, he shouted, “Hold right there, don’t fucking move or I will shove this camera up your ass.”
I smirked, I couldn’t help it, but he snapped pictures, and then said, “Okay do not move your head, but look down with only your eyes. Fabulous. I need some full length shots of you, stand up. Perfect. Undo those buttons. YongWon wants to see your body, perverted bastard.”
I laughed, as I unbuttoned the shirt. Heechul was an asshole, but I loved his wit. I hadn’t realized how relaxed I was until that moment, and I had no problems at all opening the shirt and letting Heechul take pictures of me half naked when he told me to take it off.
Heechul grinned. “And he claims he’s straight. What about you, new kid? Gay or straight?”
“Gay.”
“Taken I bet. All the hot ones are taken.”
I grinned. “Yeah. Sorry.”
“Ah, you’re too young for me anyway.” Heechul moved to a phone on the wall and picked it up. “I like this kid. You want him in anything else? … You got it.” He hung up. “We’re going back to wardrobe. I’m to pick out a color that will look good with your skin. Come on.”
I followed him down the hall.
Seonhee smiled. “How’s he doing?”
“Kid’s a natural,” Heechul said, going through the clothes. He tossed a pair of jeans at me, faded, light blue. “Put those on.”
I undressed with no embarrassment. The jeans were ripped in a lot places.
“You got a favorite color, new kid?” Heechul asked.
“Um, red, I guess.”
“No, too bright. Too … here.” Heechul tossed me a tank top with red orange designs on it. And then threw a matching red orange button down at me.
“We’ll work with that,” he said, and started walking away. I had to pull on the button-down and try to follow him.
“I told you, Changmin-shi,” Seonhee said. “Speed.”
We went back to the studio and Heechul directed me through another set of photos. When he said, “Okay. That’s good,” I was so surprised that I almost fell over from the pose he had me in.
“You did great, new kid. You still need a lot of work, but you did fantastic for your first time. Go change. Have Seonhee take you back to YongWoo’s office.”
I nodded, and bowed, “Thank you, Heechul-shi.”
He waved it away. “No problem. I hope you sign a contract. You actually listen to me, unlike some models.”
As I walked down the hall, I thought about that. Why wouldn’t you listen to the person taking the pictures? It made sense. He’s the one that could see how you looked, not you.
“Okay,” Seonhee said, and held out a stop watch. “Change back to your clothes. Keep the panties,” she said with a laugh. “Once you’ve worn them, we don’t give them to someone else.”
“That’s good to know,” I said, and quickly changed.
She tsked at the final time. “Forty-two seconds. You should practice at home.”
I sighed. “Okay. I will.”
“Let’s get you to YongWoo’s office.”
I followed behind her. I pulled out my phone. “Holy shit,” I said.
“What?”
“It’s almost nine.”
“Yeah. And YongWoo will probably keep you here for another hour looking at your shots.”
“I-I have school tomorrow. And-“
She shook her head. “And you’ll go, no matter what, right?”
I nodded. “I have to.”
“Then no problem.” She knocked and then opened a door. I went into his office, Heechul was sitting in a chair, and he smirked at me.
“YongWoo is tossing around words like ‘model prodigy’,” he said. “What do you think, new kid?”
“I still need a lot of work.”
“Yes, you do.”
“Shut up, Heechul. The kid is perfect. Sit down, Changmin.”
I did, and then he spun a computer screen to me. My face was on it, eyes looking down, thoughtful. I couldn’t remember that shot from any of the others, but then it was replaced to one of my smirking, and then smiling and then laughing at something Heechul had said, and then some full length shots. He and Heechul discussed the pros and cons of every photo, and I took notes on the criticisms that Heechul said, but didn’t direct at me.
It was cool how professional they both were.
“Look at his jaw line,” Yongwoo said again, “that bone structure. Fantastic.” And the screen spun back around. “Changmin-shi, I want to do a trial based contract. Three months, after that, no obligation on either one of our parts. You’ll be paid, not as much as a full model, but still enough to make it worth your while. If everything goes well, we’ll sign you on permanently.”
“The next three months?” I said, voice cracking.
“Yes.”
I took a deep breath.
“Problems.”
“I have school.”
“Oh, I know. It won’t be everyday. Just once or twice a week. We definitely do not want to effect your school work.”
“Are you a good student?” Heechul asked.
“He’s valedictorian,” YongWoo said proudly.
Heechul nodded, face impressed. “And you want to model?”
I swallowed. “My parents want me to be a lawyer.”
Heechul laughed. “God, Min-ah, don’t sound too excited about that.”
YongWoo stood. “Shut up, Heechul.” He went to a closet and pulled out a bag. “Changmin, here are some things you’re going to need. There’s shampoo and conditioner I want you to start using. Hair products, skin care, things like that. Just follow the directions.” He slid a piece of paper over at me. “Do you have access to the gym?”
I nodded.
“Good. Here’s a workout schedule. Your body is nice, but god, I want those muscles defined.”
“Ga-ay,” Heechul crowed.
YongWoo ignored him. “And this is the contract. You’re smart, read it, tell me if there’s something you don’t agree with, and then this paper needs to be signed by your parents.”
And just like that, the world crashed around me. “What?”
“You’re under eighteen, Changmin. You need parental consent.”
I met his eyes.
He sighed. “Yes, I know. I met your father. But we can’t do this unless this form is signed.”
“I turn eighteen in February. Can we wait until then?”
He shook his head. “I have an opening now, and I need to fill it. There are four or five other models that have applied for the job. If you don’t do it now, then I doubt I’ll have room for you in February.”
“Do both of them have to sign it, or can my mom just sign it?”
“A guardian,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who.”
“Okay. I think I can get her to do it.”
“Good. Now. Call that friend of yours and have them come and pick you up. It’s late, and I’m sure you have school tomorrow.”
“I do.”
“Work hard, okay, Changmin? Come and see me in two days and we’ll discuss any problems.”
“Okay.”
I walked out of his office in a trance. I tried to call Yoochun, but I couldn’t talk, so I just sent him a text.
~ we’ll be right there ~
I bowed at the receptionist, and left the building. It was dark out, the city lit up in neon around me. Crowds covered the street. A horn honked and my name was shouted. I looked up. Yunho had parked down the road a bit. I waved and then headed there, jogging.
“Holy fucking shit,” Yoochun said. He grabbed me by my shirt and yanked me to him, kissing me hard. “You look hot. What did they do to your hair?”
Jae leaned over and crooned at me. “Oh my god, he’s wearing lip gloss. And foundation. And god, whoever did your makeup is fantastic.”
“You look good,” Yunho said and kissed my cheek.
Junsu rolled his eyes. “I’m still straight, Minnie, but yes, you do look good.”
“Thanks guys.”
Jae clapped his hands. “Details. Now.”
“In the car,” Yunho said. “While we drive home. It’s really late.”
“Sorry,” I said.
“Don’t be,” Yoochun said, nuzzling my neck. “It’s was totally worth it. Right?”
Junsu grinned. “I got four numbers tonight. Definitely worth it.”
They piled into the car and as they drove home, I told them everything. Yoochun had saved me some food, and I ate it carefully.
“Oh my god, some crazy noona saw you naked!”
“God, Heechul sounds hot.”
“You are so lucky. I can’t believe it.”
I sighed. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“What?” Yoochun asked. “Why not?”
“I need parental consent.”
“Oh.” And the mood in the car dropped.
I sighed again. “I’ll see if my mom will sign it, but I don’t know.”
Yoochun tightened his hold on me and I settled against him. “Don’t worry, babe. It will all work out.”
I took the comfort Yoochun offered and thought about YongWoo. The man had been beyond nice, and it made my heart hurt when I thought of my own father. When my father told people I was valedictorian, there was always an underlying threat underneath it. I tried to bury my face into Yoochun, and he held me more tightly.
They dropped me off first. My porch light was on. It was almost eleven. I could see my mom in the living room.
I sighed.
“Will you ask her tonight?” Yoochun asked.
“No. Tomorrow. After school. I don’t have the energy for it right now.”
He nodded. “Good call.” He kissed me quickly and I climbed out of the car with my backpack and the bag YongWoo had given me. My mom met me in the foyer; she was frowning, but she didn’t say anything until she noticed the second bag.
“What is that?”
“Oh, um, gifts from Yunho’s parents, for the concert. They said they hadn’t had time to give them to me until now.”
“That’s nice of them. You better send them a thank you card.”
“I will.” I headed up the stairs.
“Changmin?”
I sighed and turned around. “What?”
“You ... well, make sure you get your homework done.”
I scoffed. “Don’t I always?”
I went to my room only long enough to drop off the bags and grab some sleep clothes. I put the papers from the agency in my drawer under more papers. My shower was short. I used the new products I’d been given and then tried to follow the instructions that came with the face wash and cream and body lotion. I smelled like a freaking girl.
I had so much homework. Normally, I’d be excited about a late night studying, but tonight I just want to go to bed. But homework had to be done. I scanned the chapters I needed to read, did math problems, and at one o’clock decided that was enough.
I checked the workout schedule. Besides the typical exercise and a weight room routine, it said I should run at least three miles a day. I didn’t think I could run one mile. I sighed, again, and then again. I did the fifty sit ups and fifty push ups and leg exercises listed. At two, I finally went to bed. I set my alarm for five, hoping that’d give me enough time to wake up and go running.
Chapter 15: sunshine rainbows ... and cock rings? yes, please
Chapter 13 - i knew this would be more fun
Chapter 12 - performing arts or performing acts? i'll take the latter
Chapter 11 - … oh, right, because I haven’t had a boyfriend in my entire high school career
Chapter 10 - can you please tell me why I haven’t spent my entire high school experience doing this?
Chapter 9 - things come to a head, yes, that kind of head
Chapter 8 - things come to a head, no, not that kind of head
Chapter 7 - Whirlwinds of WTF-ery
Chapter 6 - not so much talking
Chapter 5 - talking is really overrated
Chapter 4 - written notes, math notes, class notes, music notes ... whatever
Chapter 3 - at least i'm better at math than he is
Chapter 2 - oh my god, something else he's good at
Chapter 1 - so he is good at something besides looking good?
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