Chapter 4 - Lia's Fan boys

Lean greeted me near the gate of the company which makes it easier for me to get in. Although people are already aware that I’m a VIP because I’m her little brother, they don’t really know my purpose as to why I keep coming to the company like this. 

“Ion, hurry! I have a new dress made for you.” Lean said as she pulls me towards my dressing room. “Here, look at this.” She proudly showed me her new creation but I’m not impressed. 

“You’ll make me wear a sleeveless crop top that shows my belly button?” I looked at her straight in the eyes. “Haven’t you forgotten what just happened the other day?” She looked at me with clueless eyes and made me slap my forehead. 

“Someone caught me naked! And even mentioned my flat chest right in front of me!” 

Her eyes widened. “Why are you screaming at me?” She then smiled. “Just try it on okay?” Ugh, it’s useless talking to her. 

“Yes! I love it! Now look to the right— That’s it!” I could hear the continuous sound of the clicking of the camera and the flash still makes me close my eyes. I’m not quite used to it yet, even though I’ve been working as a model since middle school. 

“And that’s it! Thank you for your hard work everyone!” The cameraman and director said while I just bowed my head as I thank them. 

“But what can I say? This new clothing really suits our Lia here.” 

That’s right, I ended up wearing the dress Lean made. She calls it a dress but it’s almost like a top and a mini skirt that is only connected with a little string and still shows my belly button. 

She forced me to put a pad on my chest so that it would make it look like I do have one, not like what that guy said. Though I've been wearing a bra, this one has extra padding. I swear, if ever I saw that guy again I’ll make him pay for what he did. Peeking on Lia’s room is unforgivable! 

While the director keeps complimenting my dress, my manager went to me and wiped my sweats. “Here’s some water,” Kim said with a smile on her face. I thanked her as I accepted the bottle of water while she continued wiping all of my sweat. 

But I swear! If that guy released some rumor about Lia having a flat chest, I would want to torture him. No one shall hurt Lia, ever! 

“There, all done.” Kim flashes a genuine smile. She’s always hardworking and has been taking care of Lia ever since she became a model. 

Kimberly Gonzales is my sister’s best friend and one of the few who knew about our secret. She’s kind and gentle that’s why I feel really comfortable with her. Though she has this average appearance, most likely because of her thick glasses and lame fashion sense, she’s actually pretty if she learned how to doll herself up. 

“Uhm, excuse me.” One of the staff went near me. “If you’re okay with it, we’re having a dinner party. Would you like to come?” 

Kim quickly gets in between. “Oh no, Lia has to go home now since it’ll be late soon. She got school tomorrow.” She said as an excuse which the staff didn’t bother questioning. 

Lia’s a beautiful yet mysterious model that no one could ever figure out. Since I mostly go home after work, I don’t usually attend dinner parties or even eat with the staff. Although I could easily imitate Lia’s happy-go-lucky attitude, when I’m back as Alexis I lose that energetic vibe and was always replaced with a gloomy aura. 

Lia’s been offered acting works before but I couldn’t do it, or should I say I chose not to do it. Since it would make her even more popular than this, and my secret would be in danger. I don’t want to make her become a laughing stock because of me. 

“Another good work for today, Lia.” I bumped into the director along the way to my dressing room. “It’s sad that you’ll be on hiatus for the next months.” His eyes disappeared because of his smile which made me giggle. 

“Don’t worry about it, Director. I’m just focusing on my studies and club activities but I’ll be back soon.” I flashed my sweetest smile that no one could ever resist. “You wouldn’t forget about me would you?” 

The director laughed as he scratches his cheek due to embarrassment, but I know he’s happy with this kind of treatment. “Of course not! You’re my favorite model you know.” Since he’s also a photographer, lots of models that want to hit the jackpot clings onto him. 

But like what he said, he truly favors Lia the most. Since she has the talent to become everything that he wants her to be. 

Lia’s always been good at capturing other people’s hearts. 

I bowed. “Then, if you’ll excuse me.” I continued walking towards my dressing room. All the staffs are busy preparing for the other model’s photoshoots since they’ve been focusing too much on Lia before because this is her last work before her hiatus. They all love her that much. 

I arrived in front of my dressing room, and when I was about to enter the door suddenly opened and a tall guy bumped into me. 

He’s wearing a baseball hat which gives me a hard time looking at his face, and also he’s so tall. “I’m sorry.” He said as he quickly ran away from me. Wait, did he do something inside my dressing room?! 

I rushed inside and saw new fabrics lying on the ground. 

“Was that guy the same as before? The one that witnessed my naked body?” If he is then I can’t let him go that easily! I raced out of the room and tried to find where that guy went. I’m just glad that he hasn’t gone far yet and I could still see him from here. 

I was about to approach the said man, but another person blocked my way. “Hey, Lia.” I was pissed just by hearing his voice, and because he’s in the way. “Want to hang out with me?” His narcissist smile makes me want to roll my eyes at him, but I can’t do that because I don’t think Lia would do that. 

I smiled gently. “Sorry, but I need to go.” I rejected his offer and was about to pass him by but he grabbed my hand. Is it normal that I am annoyed by him? I don’t usually feel this way towards anyone. 

This person with this frivolous attitude and appearance, his blonde hair really stands out though Lia also has the same hair color. He loves himself too much that he would always bring a mirror with him just to watch his reflection every second. 

His name is Jasper Andres, the most famous teen male model nowadays. He also acts some minor roles in movies but he’s slowly gaining people’s attention. 

And what’s more? He has a huge interest in Lia. Which makes me quite hate him. 

“You’re the only person that could reject me like that.” He pouted and made his eyes twinkle. “Aren’t you being cold, Lia? Why don’t we have dinner together? I think we should get to know each other—“ 

“I don’t have the time. Bye!” I ran away from him but I wasn’t able to reach the guy I was chasing on time. Now he’s gone, and my secret is in grave danger. 

I wasn’t really thinking about it much the first time that it happened, but now that I met him again, it makes me anxious. 

The next day came and the day for our match with the upperclassmen will be held after class. Though I haven’t removed the thought of that guy out of my head which made me sleep late. I keep yawning unconsciously. 

“I’m so excited!” Mitch said as we made our way back to the classroom from the cafeteria. It’s already lunch break and there are only a few hours left before the club activities start. 

No matter how hard I try, the unknown guy still keeps occupying my mind. How could I forget about him? He’s holding my deepest secret. He might already be planning on how to use it against me. I should get ready, he might blackmail me soon.

“Damn! Lia’s so pretty!” 

My body stiffened before I could even enter the classroom after I heard a voice mentioning Lia’s name. I know I should get used to this because of her popularity, but I sometimes still feel anxious. That someone might discover my secret.

Mitch stared at me with confusion in his eyes. “Aren’t you coming in?” I tried to act normal as I followed him from behind. Then, I saw that our other classmates are looking at the newly released magazine. They released it just this morning. That’s the magazine I was working with yesterday. They’re fast. 

Mitch who seem interested went to those other guys. “What are you looking at?” I’m amazed by how good he is at socializing. “Whoa! That’s my sister’s favorite magazine. So you buy these things?” 

Taichi smiled proudly. “Of course. I’m in love with Lia. I’ll follow her to the depths of hell.” Why would my sister be in hell when she’s a total angel? 

Taichi received a whack on the head after he said that. “Why would Lia be in hell when she’s an angel?” I unconsciously nodded with what Jackson said which grabbed Mitch’s attention. 

“So Lexi also likes Lia?” 

Their eyes all landed on me as my body stiffened where I was standing.