Főnix

Phoenix

Part 52: Hidden Truths

There’s a break in the studio.
Everyone scatters—coffee, chatter, clicking heels.

Albatross discreetly looks around, then heads toward the hidden fitting rooms at the end of the hallway.
This is one of the most secluded parts of the building—makeup scents, clothes, and perfume lingering in the air.

He steps inside, then sends a message.

Message to Phoenix:
“Back fitting room. Now.”

Phoenix is sitting at the makeup table when the notification arrives.
Her face flushes—shy smile, racing heart, quick movements.

She glances around, then quietly slips away.

She enters the fitting room. Albatross is already there, standing half-turned away.

The door closes softly behind her.

ALBATROSS (whispering):
“I was almost afraid you wouldn’t dare to come.”

PHOENIX (nervous but sweet, flustered):
“If I’d run, everyone would’ve gotten suspicious…”

Albatross steps closer.

With one hand, he gently touches Phoenix’s face.
Phoenix swallows hard, her gaze darting up and down as if she doesn’t know where to look.

That familiar “I’m talking, I’m stumbling, and I’m blushing” smile appears.

ALBATROSS:
“You know… when you look at me like that…”

He leans closer.

Phoenix steps back slightly, bumps into a garment bag, then moves forward again—awkward, adorably flustered.

ALBATROSS (in a deep voice, smiling):
“…it’s very hard not to kiss you.”

Phoenix’s eyes widen, then close for a moment. She doesn’t say anything—she just steps closer, her breath tangling with his.

One of Albatross’s hands slides to her waist; with the other, he strokes her cheek.

The kiss happens—stolen, hurried, yet full of anticipation.

It could deepen…

Zeynep’s voice echoes through the building:
“Phooeeenix?! Where are you?”

Phoenix startles, almost kicking a shoebox.

PHOENIX (whispering, panicked):
“Oh no! Zeynep!”

Albatross smiles, brushing a strand of hair away from Phoenix’s face.

ALBATROSS:
“Go.”

Phoenix takes a deep breath, her face burning.

She slips out of the fitting room in a rush.

PHOENIX (calling toward Zeynep):
“I’m here! I was just… checking something!”

Zeynep runs up to her, completely unsuspecting.

Phoenix sneaks one last glance back at the half-shadowed door.