Everyone could sense that Blaine Jackson had changed.
Since returning from the Senrei Group project, he seemed like a completely different person. His once-cool, distant demeanor had softened, and instead of his usual unreadable expressions, he now carried a charming smile that could disarm anyone. Even the way he moved—each gesture, each glance—exuded an effortless magnetism that left a trail of mesmerized female customers in its wake.
Chloe Grace leaned against the floor-to-ceiling glass panel of the makeup department, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she watched Blaine work. His hands moved swiftly and precisely over the face of a client, blending and perfecting each stroke with an artistry that was both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring.
She still couldn't quite believe he had actually said he liked her.
As if sensing the weight of her gaze on him, Blaine suddenly looked up. His eyes found hers through the thin layer of glass, and for a few fleeting seconds, they simply stared at each other. She saw his lips curve ever so slightly, his brow arching just the faintest bit in acknowledgment. Then, just as quickly, he returned his attention to his work, leaving her standing there, her heart pounding.
Chloe smiled to herself, oblivious to the approaching footsteps behind her. Annie had been watching the exchange, her curious eyes darting between Chloe and Blaine as she sauntered over.
"Chloe, ever since the director came down to the floor, you've been glued to this spot," Annie teased, her voice full of playful mischief. "Are you thinking of switching careers to become a makeup artist?"
Chloe rolled her eyes but laughed. "Annie, you know exactly what I'm looking at, so don't tease me."
Annie grinned knowingly. "With love in the air, the director's become even more irresistible. You standing here, staring at him—are you making sure no charming customer swoops in and steals him away?"
"Annie…" Chloe whined, playfully tugging at her friend's arm before leaning her head against her shoulder. In moments like this, Annie felt like an older sister—except one with a sharp sense of humor and a foreign background.
"Chloe, you still haven't told me what exactly happened that day at Senrei. What on earth could've changed Blaine so much?" Annie asked, tilting her head in curiosity. "It's like he did a full 180! Just that morning, he was practically breathing fire at you, and by evening, he was all smiles."
Chloe sighed, still a little dazed herself. "Honestly? I have no idea. I was just standing here wondering if I'm dreaming."
Before she had officially met him, all she had wanted was the chance to see him in person. Then, after meeting him, she wished she could get closer to him. And when that feeling grew unbearable, she had confessed, even though she had prepared herself for rejection. She thought it would be enough just to like him from afar. But in the depths of her heart, she had longed for him to return her feelings. And now, incredibly, impossibly—it had all come true.
"You're just overwhelmed with happiness," Annie said with a chuckle. Then, with a conspiratorial smirk, she added, "So you didn't use President Miyazawa to test Blaine's feelings after all?"
"No, not at all!" Chloe shook her head. "Yuto wasn't even there when we arrived. He only got back after we had finished our work."
It was lucky he had returned when he did—otherwise, she might never have known that Blaine actually had feelings for her.
"Huh, interesting..." Annie mused, her brow furrowing as if deep in thought. Then, after a pause, she asked, "You know, Yuto Miyazawa seemed unusually warm toward you. Not quite—"
"Annie, what exactly are you trying to say?" Chloe straightened up and looked at her friend suspiciously. "You keep bringing up Yuto. Are you interested in him?" She raised an eyebrow teasingly.
"Ugh, no way!" Annie immediately waved her hands in denial. "It's just… the way he looks at you—it's not normal. It's like he's looking at someone he wants to pursue. You get what I mean?"
Chloe blinked in surprise. "Wait… Everyone else noticed this? And I was the only one completely oblivious?"
Annie smirked. "What do you mean? What exactly did we notice?"
"Yuto's feelings for me! I had no idea he liked me. He even told me I was the first girl he's ever had feelings for. Can you believe that? It just seems so… unrealistic. I mean, Yuto Miyazawa—the rich, powerful, ridiculously good-looking president of Senrei—actually likes me?"
Annie's eyes widened. "Wait, what? You're telling me Yuto actually confessed to you? He said that to your face?"
It was well-known that Yuto, despite being constantly surrounded by women, had never been involved in any major scandals. There were no reports of him showing interest in anyone. Yet, here he was, openly admitting his feelings for Chloe.
"Annie, what's with that expression? Are you worried about something?" Chloe asked.
"No, it's just… surprising, that's all." Annie shook her head, still looking thoughtful.
Chloe was about to say something else when she suddenly noticed a familiar figure approaching. A tall shadow loomed over her, and before she could react, a warm hand landed gently on her head, tousling her hair.
"Blaine! Stop that—you're messing up my hair!" Chloe protested, swatting at his hand, her voice carrying a playful lilt.
"You can just fix it again," Blaine replied smoothly, completely ignoring her pout as he slipped an arm around her waist. He didn't seem the least bit concerned about Annie's amused stare, but Chloe, who had always been the one sneaking up on him, suddenly felt self-conscious under the attention.
"Aren't you still working? Why did you come over all of a sudden?" she asked, hoping to divert his focus.
"Chloe, take a look at the time. You're still working?" Blaine raised an eyebrow before reaching out and lightly pinching her cheek.
"Ow! That hurts!" Chloe pouted, pretending to glare at him. But in Blaine's eyes, her expression was nothing short of adorable.
"You, my dear, are coming upstairs to cook. I'm starving."
"Huh? You're hungry already? Wait… is it that late?" She glanced at Annie, who helpfully held out her watch. Chloe's eyes widened in shock. "What?! I've been standing here for three hours? That's crazy!"
Blaine chuckled. "You were so still, I was afraid you'd turn into a statue. Thought I should come rescue you." He reached out and gently brushed her cheek. "Standing this long—aren't your legs sore?"
"No, I—" She took a step forward, but her knees buckled beneath her.
"Chloe!" Blaine swiftly caught her, scooping her up into his arms before she could fall.
Turning to Annie, he said, "The makeup session is almost done. Can you handle the rest?"
Annie smiled knowingly. "Of course, Director."
As Blaine carried Chloe toward the stairs, Annie watched them go, her smile widening. Love certainly had a way of transforming people, and Blaine Jackson was living proof of it.