Crimson Sky

The sun shone brightly as the wind blew fiercely. I raised my hand to shield my face. 
I could hear people whispering about me. 

I am Riyu Hajimiya, heir to the Hajimiya conglomerate which occupies about half of the Japanese economy. My mother was a renowned model, so I was born with both looks and wealth. I am currently modeling to fulfill my mother's wishes and studying diligently to uphold the Hajimiya name. But it appears dull and repetitive. I live a monotonous life.

My father is rarely home, and my mother only calls me for work. My older sister, Yuuna, is the only one who genuinely seems to care. I acknowledge that my life does not lacks luxury, yet it feels equally suffocating. Even at school, people including the teachers stick to me because of my status and money.

---x---

One day, at school a girl approached me asking me to model for her. She was quite the weird girl. She had this quite, unwavering presence. She talked to me differently than other. It was quite pleasing. I accepted the offer. 

She took me to the Fashion Club room.

It was quite the sight.

"Wow..."
She smirks.
"How come i never knew this place existed?"
She replies,"How am I supposed to know."
That was an answer i didn't expect. In an effort to continue talking
"amm... So what am i supposed to do. Which dress?" 
She pointed at a dress hung on a manequne at the corner of the room. "Wear that"

I was speechless at first, but once I put it on and the shoot began,I was in professional mode. I delivered what she had wanted. A few hours had passed but the only sound in the room was the *click* of the camera.

After the shoot, I asked for her name. 
She replied to me with i slight grin "Naomi."

That left me baffled.

For some reason, I had an uneasy feeling and finally asked.
"Why did you chose me for the shoot?" 
She looked into my eyes and said "Why did you accept my offer?" Then she left.
I was left speechless.

On my way home I contemplated what had gone down. During those few hours, I was genuinely interested. The shoot was similar to others I had done, but wearing the piece she had poured her heart into made it special. She was the sole creator, and her unique designs were set to come to life soon. It was as if a sparkle of color in my life.

The next day, I entered the fashion club after school ended.
"Anyone here?"
Naomi notices me. "How may I help you?" 

She was working on another piece.
"Can I observe you?"
"Please yourself. just don't disturb me." she replies.
I looked around the room. What really caught my eyes were the illustrations stuck on the wall and stacks of designs on the table. I spent hours looking through all of them.

I asked Naomi, "You made all of these?"
She replies, "No, a few of them are mine but most of them are from the seniors who used to be in the club. I prefer making cloths."
"They're nice. Are you the only one in the club?"

"Yes" she replies.
we had a pleasant conversation for a while.

My phone rings suddenly. "Sorry. I have to leave."
I left soon after. The call was from my big sister, Yuuna asking me to come home immediately.

"What happened?" I asked Yuuna as soon as i arrived home.

"Mom's in the living room with some guests. She was calling for you. Hurry. It seems important."

I changed my attire to look presentable and entered the living room. I noticed that she was busy with two guests.
Mother: -"Come here. They are here for the agreement for photoshoot. Clear your schedule for the next whole week and sign the contract."
"Mother, but my exams are coming up."
She was furious when I replied  back to her. "Those exams can be attempted later."
I then had to reluctantly sign the agreement.

My mother's fury grew as the guest left. 
"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK AGAINST  ME! SPECIALLY IN FRONT OF GUESTS!"
Yuuna comes to my defense. "That's enough mother. Do you really think that she'll have enough time to study?"

My angry mother replies, "Why should that be a matter."
Yuuna scoofs and replies, "Do you really believe that it's that easy for student to get marks? You are infuriated when she scores less than a 100, even when she isn't ranking first in the school."
My mother immediately argues, "It's not like I'm asking for much. I'm not asking her to attempt competitive exams. To uphold the Hajimiya name you should at least be able to do that much."

Yuuna replies irritatingly; "We are no machines with all the answers. We are humans."

They continued arguing. I returned to my room and lay down.
"Exhausting. I want a break." I then dozed off.

TO BE CONTINUED...