Both Claire and Blaine turned their heads at the same time. The voice belonged to a model who was staring at Claire with an expression of surprise, as if she had just recognized someone unexpected.
Claire frowned slightly. Why was this model looking at her like that? Did she do something wrong?
"Claire, do you know her?" Blaine asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
She shook her head. "No way. She's a model, and she's American. How could I possibly know her?"
Just as she finished speaking, the model suddenly exclaimed, "Aren't you that pretty little girl from yesterday?"
"Huh?" Claire was taken aback, her mind racing to piece things together.
Other models nearby also seemed to recall something.
"Oh, right! She's the one the president brought back yesterday."
"Isn't she the president's girlfriend? Why is she here with Master Blaine?"
"Wow, this girl is something else. How does she know so many outstanding men?"
"Wait a minute... Are you suggesting she's playing both sides? That she's juggling both the president and Master Blaine at the same time?"
The models erupted into a flurry of whispers, completely oblivious to the fact that Blaine's face had turned stormy and dark.
Claire's heart skipped a beat. She cursed inwardly—these gossipy women had way too much imagination! How could they twist a simple meeting into such outrageous gossip?
She cautiously stole a glance at Blaine, who stood beside her in silence, yet the intensity of his growing anger was unmistakable. His normally calm expression was darkened with a fiery intensity, his jaw clenched in irritation. Claire felt a wave of frustration and helplessness wash over her. Please, please don't misunderstand! She wouldn't even know how to explain herself if he did.
Annoyed, she shot a glare at the chattering models, her gaze finally landing on the American woman who had started this mess.
"Excuse me, but when did I ever say I was your president's girlfriend?" Her tone was sharp and firm, catching the model off guard.
The model hesitated before turning to the others for support. "Well... everyone here saw how close you were with the president yesterday. When Lisa asked him if you were his girlfriend, neither of you denied it. So, of course, we assumed you were a couple."
"Seriously? Just because we didn't deny it, you automatically think we're together? That's ridiculous!" Claire fumed. She was on the verge of punching someone.
"I'm sorry. Did we misunderstand?" A voice suddenly cut in.
A tall blonde woman stepped forward from the back of the group. Her striking features and graceful posture made her presence instantly commanding. "If that was a mistake on our part, I sincerely apologize."
Claire was slightly taken aback by the woman's straightforwardness. Since she had taken the initiative to apologize, Claire decided not to pursue the matter further. She turned to Blaine and tugged on his sleeve. "Blaine, you see? It was just a misunderstanding."
Surely, he wouldn't hold this against her now, right?
Blaine looked down at her, his sharp, almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly. Just as he was about to respond, the sound of hurried footsteps broke through the tense air.
"Why is everyone gathered here? Did something happen?" Yuto Miyazawa's voice rang out as he strode into the scene. His dark eyes scanned the crowd before finally landing on Claire. A flicker of warmth and amusement flashed across his gaze. "Claire, what a surprise. I didn't expect to see you here."
"Huh? I..." Claire hesitated, suddenly feeling like things were getting more complicated. But what exactly had gotten complicated? She couldn't quite put her finger on it—all she knew was that Blaine's intense gaze was burning into the side of her face.
"What about you all?" Yuto's voice softened, but there was a quiet authority behind it. His piercing gaze swept over his models, making them instinctively take a step back.
A tense silence fell over the room as the models began to disperse, clearly unwilling to be on the receiving end of their boss's disapproval.
Once the crowd had thinned out, Yuto turned his attention to Blaine, noticing the designer's unusually dark expression. His brows furrowed slightly in confusion.
"Master Blaine, did something happen? Did my models cause any trouble?"
"No." Blaine's voice was flat and curt as he turned away, heading toward his makeup station.
Yuto tilted his head slightly, watching Blaine's retreating figure. He couldn't quite shake the feeling that something was off.
"Claire, is he—"
"It's fine, it's fine. I'll go talk to him." Claire cut him off before he could finish. She hurried over to Blaine, lowering her voice as she spoke, "Are you mad at me? Don't be like this, okay? It makes me really anxious."
Blaine glanced at her, his face unreadable. "What makes you think I'm mad? Maybe you should go keep your dear President Yuto company instead."
Oh, for heaven's sake. That unmistakable hint of jealousy again.
Claire sighed. "Blaine, the one I like is you."
Blaine faltered slightly, though he quickly resumed packing up his makeup case, pretending to be unaffected.
"I love you." Claire blurted out, her voice firm. If saying she "liked" him wasn't enough, maybe this would get a reaction.
But—
"Are you turning this into a catchphrase now? Just tossing it out whenever you feel like it?" Blaine shot back, unimpressed.
Claire pouted. "I just don't want you to misunderstand."
"You think I misunderstand you every single day?" he scoffed. Though, deep down, he had to admit—his feelings for this girl were different. She was the only one who could stir such strong emotions in him. And perhaps, it was time to stop pretending otherwise. If he didn't care about her, he wouldn't have let her stay by his side. He wouldn't have gone out of his way to keep her close. He wouldn't be feeling this ridiculous, irrational jealousy.
"So... you're really not mad at me?" Claire still sounded doubtful.
"Enough talking. Hurry up and help me pack unless you're planning to stay here and become the studio's resident princess?" Blaine teased, casting her an amused glance.
"Oh my god, you're smiling!" Claire pointed at the faint smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips, breaking into laughter herself.
At that moment, Yuto, who had been forgotten in the background, suddenly spoke up.
"I'm starting to think I've been mistaken about something."
Both Claire and Blaine turned to look at him.
Yuto's expression was thoughtful as he asked, "Master Blaine, isn't your relationship with Claire more than just some casual acquaintance?"
Blaine raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that, President Miyazawa?"
"Because," Yuto said with a knowing smile, "you two look just like a couple."