Work Text:
Nike's decision to extend their sponsorship program into the eSports sphere was both expected and unexpected, and in China - indeed, worldwide - what eSports could measure up to Glory?
Tian Sen was somewhat surprised when he gets called into the club manager's office and told that Nike was sponsoring the recently selected All Stars, Tian Sen included. He was even more surprised to learn that they had scheduled a joint photoshoot session for all the B City-based All Stars.
Always eager to help the club where possible - and not about to pass up a chance to see Wang Jiexi - Tian Sen quickly agrees to take part.
There's barely enough time for Wang Jiexi and Tian Sen to exchange even the quickest of pleasantries before they are ushered into the dressing rooms and sat down in opposite corners to be left at the mercy of the make-up artists. From there, they are first pulled one way then another as they are fitted with their photoshoot clothes, more brush ups to their make-up, greeting the art director and photographer, and all the back-and-forth that comes with photoshoots.
Then finally comes the actual photoshoot. There is only one set that they will all be using, which means they will be able to take a break while the others are on set. They both listen attentively as the art director explains the concept and what is expected of them.
Wang Jiexi is up first, and Tian Sen gets to sit back and admire how the clothes suits Wang Jiexi - the way he fills out the dark green shirt and makes it look natural. Wang Jiexi is lean but healthy like a plant in bloom. The make-up artists have gelled his hair to look more windswept and in line with current idol fashion and the art director insists on a serious expression, which gives Wang Jiexi an edge of mystery - nothing like the Wang Jiexi which Tian Sen is more familiar with. He misses the Wang Jiexi he knows, the one with casually messy hair and a familiar warm smile.
All too soon, it's Tian Sen's turn to be in front of the camera and Wang Jiexi's turn to sit back and enjoy the view. Tian Sen's shirt is pulled tight over his muscles, which is a sight Wang Jiexi can always appreciate even if it can't compare to the sight of Tian Sen in a tank top. The sharp gold and black contrast of the clothes has been paired with even sharper eye liner and hair gelled to emphasise the undercut - the whole ensemble is aimed at making Tian Sen look oppressive, almost severe. It's almost jarring to Wang Jiexi, the opposite of the quiet and steadfast - and above all, kind - man that he loves.
The photoshoot finishes smoothly, and Tian Sen and Wang Jiexi manage to say a quick goodbye before each heading their own way back to their clubs.
Wang Jiexi and Tian Sen both pay little attention when their Nike advertisements come out - after all, they are both too busy in their pursuit of victory in the battlefield of Glory.