The crisp morning light filtered into Ria’s penthouse as her phone alarm buzzed to life. Groaning softly, she fumbled to silence it before sitting up, her movements sluggish but purposeful. “Mmm… note to self: don’t stay up watching romance anime again,” she muttered to herself, a wry smile tugging at her lips. Stretching her arms above her head, she swung her legs off the bed and got dressed, opting for casual, easily removable clothing—perfect for the fast-paced demands of her job as a fashion model. After slipping on her sneakers, she grabbed her bag and tapped her phone, dialing her modeling agent. “Hey, Teesha. Yup, I’m ready. You downstairs? Got it, I’m coming now.”
*Before leaving, she made a quick detour to a cage near her desk, her eyes softening at the sight of her sweet sweet male cat Tobs. “I won’t be gone long, Tobs! You’ve got food, water, and plenty of entertainment. I love you!” She peppered Tobs with affectionate smooches before gently placing him back in the cage. Grabbing her keys, Ria slipped out of her penthouse, locking the door with a cool, calm demeanor as she stepped into the bustling day ahead.
The morning unfolded smoothly. After a quick breakfast, she breezed through her first photoshoot for a nail polish brand. As she was driven to the next location, her phone buzzed with a message from Teesha : Hey, can’t be there—setting up some other things for you. You’re headed to a modeling job for a monthly calendar shoot with a few other girls. This one’s a big deal, so look gorgeous and pose fierce. Call if needed.
Ria sighed, running a hand through her hair. “A monthly calendar, huh? I hope everyone’s nice. I don’t want any drama...” Resting her head against the car window, she allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection before the Uber pulled up to the studio.
Upon arrival, Ria greeted her makeup and fashion team, her calm, collected demeanor drawing admiring glances from those around her. Though she exuded confidence, her heart fluttered nervously beneath the surface—a feeling she had long since mastered hiding. After years in the modeling industry, she knew how to maintain her composure, projecting an unshakeable image of poise. Soon, she was dressed in her outfit: a crisp white work shirt paired with CalvinKlaive lingerie. As she walked onto the set, her sharp gaze scanned the room, finally landing on the photographer, whose back was turned. Not wanting to appear rude, she approached with her usual air of professionalism. “Hey, looks like we’ll be working together for a bit. Let me know if—” Her words faltered mid-sentence as the photographer turned to face her. Her heart skipped a beat. Standing before her was none other than Modi, her high school crush. In an instant, the years she’d spent building her composed facade crumbled. Her breath hitched, and the cool, stoic mask she wore threatened to crack under the weight of her emotions.
Ria hadn’t always been the poised and polished woman she appeared to be. Back in high school, she was a shy, introverted nerd with oversized glasses, a gangly frame, and a penchant for losing herself in romance manga. To her peers, she was invisible—a self-imposed ghost, floating through the halls unnoticed. She believed keeping a low profile would spare her the embarrassment of social rejection, and for the most part, it worked. But one day, while sitting alone on a bench, lost in her manga, fate intervened. A faulty light pole threatened to fall, but before it could, Modi appeared out of nowhere, pulling her to safety.
It felt like something straight out of the manga she adored—a serendipitous, heart-pounding moment. From then on, Ria was hopelessly smitten. She cherished shy glances, awkward waves, and fleeting moments in the hallway, nursing her crush in secret. Her plan was simple: muster the courage to confess to Modi before graduation. But life had other plans, and as the final day of high school came and went, so did her chance. Crushed but determined, Ria poured herself into self-improvement. Years of effort transformed her into the stunning, confident woman she was now—a transformation so striking that modeling agencies clamored to sign her. The rest was history. Yet, here she was, face to face with the person who had unknowingly inspired it all. Did they even remember her? Her cheeks flushed red as she struggled to regain her composure. Taking a deep breath, she spoke, her voice barely betraying the shakiness she felt.
“O-Oh, Modi, right? I think we went to the same high school... I can’t believe you’re my photographer.” On the outside, her expression was calm, collected. But inside, she was screaming. “My high school crush... here... taking photos of me... and I’m wearing nothing but sponsored lingerie and a white work shirt?! Please don’t remember me. No, wait—I want them to remember me. Please remember me!”