Photoshoot

Minato had not been wrong to say that Shinya’s current wellbeing rested entirely on seeing him in that maid outfit, which had pushed the novel into popularity. In the story, the female main character was at a local cosplay meetup in a park, when she spotted a beautiful, tall maid cosplayer. She usually didn’t take pictures, but the person fascinated her endlessly, so she approached them. When they talked to each other, she not only realised they were actually a man, but a man she knew—her own class rep! The rest was a slice of life comedy about love and acceptance, which had really struck a cord with the readers.

Anyway. Maid costume. It could’ve been any costume, really, but the male main character had always been Arai Minato in Shinya’s head, and the temptation of writing him into a maid’s uniform had been too strong. Now the temptation was real, and just a door away.

Shinya wasn’t ready, but he knew he’d never be, so he took the opportunity of someone else walking in to tag along, since he didn’t trust himself to be able to open the door.

On the other side of the room, in front of a white backdrop, stood a school desk and two chairs. Sitting on the desk, looking down, was Saya, in her school uniform. Below her, on one of the chairs, was Minato. Clad in the maid uniform. Saya held his chin up with one finger, and Minato…

Shinya faltered. Even across the distance, it was already too much. A closer view only enhanced the view of Minato’s large puppy eyes, looking up at Saya as if she held the answers to all of the universe’s questions. Shinya’s heart sang. This was the exact dynamic he had wanted them to portray.

This was also the exact look he wanted directed at himself. He sighed. What was he doing? This was a bad idea.

——

Minato looked around the room while the director checked the latest set of photos. The general vibe was relaxed. Most of the people knew each other from previous projects and used the time to catch up. There would be more of that at the drinking party later.

His gaze fell on Shinya, who sat at the back of the room on a table, looking small and lost. Still, when their eyes met, Shinya jumped slightly in surprise, crossing his arms. Cute. The whole man was cute. There was a softness about him that wasn’t obvious when you just looked at his pictures. Shinya held himself small, unassuming. It was the opposite of what Minato had learned to do as an actor.

Minato took a chance, and when he was sure he had caught Shinya’s eye, he winked, only once. Shinya almost fell off the table. Minato barked a laugh.

“You okay?” Saya asked.

“Yeah, yeah. What’s the next one?”

“We need some close-ups of Minato,” the photographer said. “For the make-up collab.”

“Got it.”

As Minato took a seat behind the table, so that he could lean on it for the close-ups, he watched Shinya come closer, until he was almost behind the photographer. Perfect.

“Give me your best boyfriend smile,” the photographer said and Minato delivered.

Only most of the time he looked directly at Shinya, not at the camera. So what if he got a few more directions for it—it was all worth it to see Shinya speechless.

So their intel was right. Ueno Shinya was Arai Minato’s fan. No, a stan even. He looked lovestruck. Minato had seen many people look at him like that, but it was usually women. This was… novel. Even though Minato had never entertained the idea of a relationship with a man it was not… unwelcome.

Huh.

Finally he lost himself in the motions of the shoot, posing with the rose-coloured lipstick his character wore in costume. The irony of having been chosen as the make-up model over Saya wasn’t lost on him. Maybe he needed to branch out.

“Alright, we’re done!”

Applause all around as Saya and Minato bowed. Minato could see Shinya’s hand reach out to grab air, and then pull himself back. Adorable. He walked over to him and gave him his best smile.

“And?”

“And?” Shinya echoed.

“Do I look like you imagined for Kazu?”

Shinya swallowed. He reached out again, letting his fingers glide over the costume’s material.

“Even better than I could’ve ever imagined,” he replied.

“I’m glad.”

Minato took Shinya’s hand and put it on his cheek. He leaned his head into it and closed his eyes, with a gentle smile on his lips.

“I’ll be at your disposal, master,” he whispered.

Shinya’s hand flew away like he was burned. The man staggered backwards and ran from the room.

“Minato…”

Minato turned to see his manager Fukuhara Satoshi stand behind him with crossed arms.

“What?”

“Could you not antagonise the man on the first day?”

“Oh, I think I did the opposite, actually.”

Fukuhara looked at Saya, who shrugged, and sighed. “I apologise for my client.”

“All good, all good. See you at the bar?”

“Yes. Good work today.”

Saya smiled and walked away to change clothes. Fukuhara pulled on Minato’s sleeve.

“I have it under control,” Minato said under his breath.

“Fine, fine. Go change too.”

Minato turned away before he rolled his eyes.

——

Shinya ran all the way to the bathroom and locked himself in one of the stalls before breaking out into sweats and starting to hyperventilate.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

He had gotten… indisposed in the middle of the room by only a few of Minato’s words. By a few words and a smile.

Fuck.

Since the bathroom was otherwise empty, he stepped outside again to splash some cold water on his face.

“Ueno Shinya, what are you doing?” he asked his own reflection. “It’s your own fault, really. Years and years of daydreaming will do that to you.”

Years and years of… not safe for work daydreaming, that was. Shinya sighed and turned off the water. His problem had calmed down too. He smoothed out his clothes.

Right. He’d have to sit far away from Minato that evening.

——

When Minato sat down in the backseat of their car, his manager Fukuhara was already there. Grinning. Slapping Minato on the back.

“Well done! You’re a natural at this!”

“I hope you’re talking about my photos.”

“Sure. But not only.”

“I still find it in bad taste.”

Fukuhara shook his head. “Don’t be like that. This is the first drama you’ve been cast in for over a year—and based on a popular light novel at that! They put Kazuya in the second male lead role. That Kazuya! He’s been getting offers left and right, but for this drama, you’re the lead! Not him!”

“I know…”

“I don’t think you do. You know what got you this position, right? So play your cards right from here on out.”

Minato sighed and leaned back in his seat. The car pulled away, bringing them to the bar, which the director had reserved for them for the evening. He didn’t exactly like these events, but networking was more important than anything else. Networks were what got you casted more often than not, as much as he hated it. And also… Shinya would be there.

“Just take it easy. You’re good looking. It’s already working.”

“If you say so.”