NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
A fashionable fiasco
"GOOD MORNING!" I greeted everyone with a loud yell as soon as I entered, startling some of them. Some looked at me with hostility, while others smiled.
"Good morning, young master. This way, please," a cute, small girl smiled at me.
I like her immediately. Her smile is real, not one of those force ones. I made a mental note to have Anton find out where she lives and send her some goodies later. If that's kind of personal for her, which is truly personal question, then we'll just give her the goods here because She definitely deserved a little appreciation for her warmth.
As I looked around at the plain interior walls, I realised this must be the setting for my photoshoot. The room is chilly and a bit disorganised. Some props weren't arranged properly. Some were sitting on the floor, waiting for things to be cleaned up. Bored, I wandered around the room, observing the camera equipment they'd be using later.
"Anton, come here. Take a photo of me in this outfit," I instructed, handing him the latest camera. He gladly accepted it, finally putting his phone aside.
"Where do you want the picture taken?" he asked.
"In this corner."
I struck a pose I am particularly proud of, holding it until I am satisfied. Anton snapped away, and I immediately switched to a new pose. I went through a repertoire of Balenciaga-inspired moves—everything from the stiff-legged strut to the dramatic, over-the-top expressions. It's like a mini runway show, and I am here to serve looks.
*CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*
"Very good! Using the cameras without my permission," a sarcastic voice chimed in. I looked up to see a short man, probably about 5 feet tall, with a belly that made him look like he was nine months pregnant. He sported a beard, a retro brown cap, and gray glasses.
I struck three more poses before telling Anton that I would take his picture later so he'll have something to update his lover with, alas, he refused.
"Wow, really? Striking poses even though you know the photographer's here?" The short man strolled over and snatched the camera from Anton's hands.
I wasn't up for a fight today; it's just too exhausting. Plus, this guy's short, so I'll bet his patience is just as limited. I'll be the bigger person—literally and figuratively—because I'm a man, not a boy. Wow, Maximus, great wordplay!
As the staff under Mr. Little Fatty swarmed in, transforming the room into an adventure-themed set. My interest was finally piqued—if only just a bit. The atmosphere buzzed with frenetic energy as vibrant splashes of paint adorned a half-finished mural of a lively cityscape. Paint cans and brushes lay strewn about like the aftermath of a creative explosion, while a faux brick wall leaned haphazardly in one corner. Industrial-style furniture—metal chairs and a reclaimed wood table—awaited their final positioning, and scattered props like vintage suitcases and crumpled maps hinted at the adventure that was to come.
Seated on my stool, I drummed my fingers on my knee, frustration etched across my face. I surveyed the chaos, trying to muster some enthusiasm, but boredom gnawed at me. "Is this really the surprise?" I grumbled, casting a skeptical glance at the clutter. The crew moved with purpose, but to me, it felt like a slow-motion race against time, dragging out the moment I had been anticipating.
I had envisioned a grand reveal, something that would knock my socks off. Instead, I was stuck in this creative limbo, wondering if the real surprise was simply witnessing the finished masterpiece with my own eyes. I sighed, half-wishing I could fast-forward to when this chaotic mess would transform into a vibrant backdrop. Until then, I was left to simmer in impatience, counting the seconds until the adventure truly began.
I messaged Mom since she was taking too long to arrive. We had been here for thirty minutes, but nothing had started to me because they had only just begun setting up the background minutes ago.
DORKY EVANDER
Mom, where are you? We've been waiting for you for hours and hours and hours. I thought the photoshoot was a surprise. I didn't know I'd have to watch them work until I saw it (ToT).
AMAYZE
Mommy's on the way, dork. Stay still, and don't mess with their equipment while the photographer isn't there. Don't make Mr. Dom angry. He's got a short fuse, but his photography is top-class.
DORKY EVANDER
Don't worry, Mom! I'm a good boy. I never touch things that aren't mine. Moreover, I won't make Mr. Dom angry (^o^;)
DORKY EVANDER
Anyways, goodbye, Mom. Please be safe
\(^~^)
AMAYZE
I smell a lie from miles away. Don't tell me you made Mr. Dom angry before I even said anything.
AMAYZE
EVANDER!
Seen just now 10:34 a.m
"La lal la la la. I didn't read those"
(* 3 *)
"Young master, the set-up is ready. The photographer asked you to go to the stylist room, get your hair done, and change your outfit," Anton informed me.
"Ughhh, so soon? I don't wanna change~ My outfit is so fabulous," I whined. True, I was complaining about how long we'd been waiting without starting, but that doesn't mean I was eager to change out of my super-mega-fabulous outfit. It's a big N.O. NO.
"Young master, please let us remove your jacket so we can easily check what clothes are best for you to wear."
"No," I stubbornly replied. This jacket cost $2000, and I can't just change it for some cheap $100 outfit. "
I kept refusing, clutching my jacket tightly as if it were my last line of defense. They were really putting in some serious effort to remove it, making me feel like they were harassing-undressing me against my will.
"Son? Thank God I'm on time. Mr. Dom's staff complained that you're being stubborn and refusing to take off your jacket," Mom said as she entered, sitting on a chair nearby and setting aside her white leather jacket.
"Hmph. The clothes are old and not new. I bet someone else has already worn them. I want new ones~" I whined again.
"Please tell Mr. Dom to buy a new outfit related to the theme. I'll pay you triple for the inconvenience," Mom quickly ordered the stylist behind me, making me smile widely. She's the best mom ever. To finish my whining, I need to clarify what I want so I won't throw any tantrum with the cheap things they'll gonna buy.
"I want the limited edition outf—"
"Shut up. You're already causing a fuss, and yet you still have the nerve to specify what you want? Be sensitive, Evander," Mom scolded me. Though I really want to wear expensive outfits for photoshoots, I squeezed my mouth shut, really trying not to talk anymore and even setting aside my tantrum, or mom would turn into a beast. Literally.
---
"That's it. Very good! You're doing great," Mr. Dom praised as he took my photos professionally.
Heh, indeed. Even though the costume was so tight that it revealed the outline of my underwear featuring Lee Know from Stray Kids, I didn't let that bother me and kept striking poses.
It's always been one of my childhood dreams to dress up as a hero. While my top favorite is Felicia Hardy, known as Black Cat, I really enjoy portraying Spider-Man as well. Wearing this costume has always been a dream of mine, but I can't deny that Black Cat is my favorite character in the Spider-Man universe.
My mom has these annual photoshoot ideas to document my growth, and this year's Spider-Man theme is a win, despite the tight costume being a bit uncomfortable. It's definitely better than last year's woodland theme, where I was dressed as an adorable deer with natural props like leaves, mushrooms, and rustic pinecones as my background.