Főnix

Phoenix

Part 34: Forbidden Attraction

After the photoshoot ends, the studio quiets down a little. Phoenix tries to return to her work, organizing her makeup tools, putting creams and brushes back in their places.

Phoenix (muttering):
“Okay… now… I need to focus… no one’s here… no problem… just work…”

But Albatross doesn’t move away. Every time Phoenix turns toward a shelf, he “accidentally” stands too close, or slips in behind her to adjust something next to the chair.

Albatross (deep, soft voice):
“Can I help with something? Or would you rather just stay close to me?”

Phoenix (flinching, her hand trembling, muttering):
“N-no… no need… I… I’m almost done… just… just checking… the… the… everything… yes… everything…”

Albatross watches every movement with a half-smile, fully aware of his effect.

Albatross:
“You’re very focused… or are you just trying not to look at me standing here?”

Phoenix suddenly turns away so she “won’t see him,” but she feels Albatross’s presence sharply in every movement. Her face turns red with embarrassment, her heartbeat quickens.

Phoenix (almost whispering, nervously playing with a brush):
“I’m not… not looking at you… just… the… the work… yes… the work…”

Albatross slowly stops behind her, just a few centimeters away, and gently touches her shoulder to “help” stabilize the makeup table.

Albatross:
“Hm… I see you’re embarrassed even like this… I like it.”

Phoenix quickly turns away, trying to pull herself together, but her hand trembles on the brush. Albatross watches every small movement and enjoys the playful effect.

Phoenix (muttering, her face burning red):
“Oh… this… this won’t be an easy day… for sure… really…”

Albatross leans a step closer and says in a soft, playful voice:

Albatross:
“Relax… it’s just me here. And I’ll stay close to you… so you can see how much I enjoy watching.”

At that moment, Aylin, another makeup artist who had been working in the background, accidentally walks into the studio and sees the pair standing so close.

Aylin (surprised, laughing):
“Oh wow, Phoenix… Albatross… so… something very… interesting is happening here?”

Phoenix immediately steps back, red patches appearing on her face, her hand nervously reaching for a brush.

Phoenix:
“Ah… Aylin! I… no… I mean… just… work… yes… everything’s fine…”

Albatross looks at Phoenix with a playful half-smile.

Albatross:
“See? Even Aylin knows now… and I think that made your mood a little more exciting.”

Phoenix turns completely red and mutters in a whisper:

Phoenix:
“No… it didn’t… this… this is embarrassing… very embarrassing…”

Aylin just laughs and quickly turns back to her own work, while the playful, romantic tension between Phoenix and Albatross remains in the air.