Főnix

Phoenix

Part 35: Desire and Anger

The photoshoot ends, the models begin packing up, and the studio grows quiet.
Lina steps up to Albatross to discuss the final details. She gently runs her hand along Albatross’s arm and gets far too close to him.

Phoenix sees the scene from the background. Her eyes narrow, her hand clenches into a fist, her heartbeat speeds up.

Phoenix (muttering):
“Oh… this… this can’t be… she’s too close… yes… way too close…”

Feeling the jealousy rise, Phoenix suddenly heads toward the exit, wanting to be alone, wanting to calm down.

But Albatross doesn’t let it happen. He takes Lina’s hand and gently but firmly moves it away.

Albatross:
“Lina… that’s enough. We don’t need closeness right now.”

Phoenix slowly walks out of the studio.

Albatross glances at Lina for a moment, then rushes after Phoenix. He catches up with her in front of the building and gently grabs her shoulder.

Albatross:
“Hey… wait! Where are you going?”

Phoenix turns back awkwardly, her face red, mumbling.

Phoenix:
“I… just… home… I need… some air…”

Albatross chuckles softly, then speaks in a low, deep voice.

Albatross:
“Aren’t you hungry?”

Phoenix flinches.

Phoenix:
“I… yes… starving… actually… very…”

Albatross (with a half-smile):
“Then come on… let’s eat. I’m not letting you go home starving.”

So they head together toward a nearby restaurant. Phoenix is embarrassed the entire way: her face is red, her hands tremble, and every small movement shows how completely overwhelmed she is by Albatross’s closeness.

Albatross (soft, playful voice):
“Relax… I’m here. No problem. We’re just walking… and eating… together.”

Phoenix mutters softly, then slowly smiles, though her face is still burning.

Phoenix:
“Yes… together… that… that’s good…”

The tension continues to vibrate in the air: playful closeness, unspoken feelings, and the lingering echoes of jealousy are all present.

Albatross and Phoenix enter the cozy, dimly lit restaurant. The waiter greets them kindly, but Phoenix barely notices: her face is red, her eyes are flashing, and every tiny movement shows that she has completely lost control around Albatross.

Phoenix (muttering):
“Oh… this… this is so embarrassing… and I… I don’t even know… where to look…”

Albatross, arms crossed, watches her with a half-smile and takes full advantage of the situation.

Albatross (deep, soft voice, playfully):
“Relax… we’re just walking, sitting down… I’m not going to eat you, so don’t worry.”

Phoenix sits down quickly but accidentally pulls her chair too close to Albatross’s, and immediately blushes.

Phoenix (muttering, hands in her lap):
“Oh… uh… yes… here… this… is… comfortable… I mean… no… I mean… not uncomfortable…”

Albatross smiles and studies the menu, though he keeps glancing at Phoenix, his gaze almost “catching” her every moment.

Albatross (leaning a bit closer, soft, playful voice):
“So what will you eat? Something with lots of energy so you can survive today?”

Phoenix blinks awkwardly, gripping the menu.

Phoenix:
“I… yes… something… very… I’m starving…”

Albatross laughs quietly, then pulls out his phone.

Albatross:
“Then let the waiter choose something fast and tasty for you… and meanwhile I’ll keep an eye on you, so you don’t starve to death.”

Phoenix blushes and quickly looks down at her plate, muttering.

Phoenix:
“I… you don’t have to… don’t… watch me… I just… want to eat…”

Albatross leans closer, without being too intrusive, and speaks in a soft, protective voice.

Albatross:
“Relax… I’m just here next to you… nothing else.”

Phoenix’s face is red, her hands tremble, and she tries to seem normal, but every word, every smile, every bit of closeness only heightens the embarrassment and the tension.

In the air lingers the entire day’s experience: jealousy, unspoken feelings, playfulness, and romance.

Phoenix (softly muttering to herself):
“Oh… this… this won’t be easy… all day… and I… I’m very… confused…”

Albatross just smiles, knowing that Phoenix feels everything intensely—and enjoying that it’s exactly this way.