Work Text:
Click.
What was that?
Click.
The sound of the camera shutter kept (Y/n)'s head on a swivel. She was minding her own business in the Tokyo Skytree Tower, when all of a sudden she kept hearing that clicking sound. Call her delusional (personally she prefers to call it instinct) but she was sure someone is taking photos of her among the crowds. There were obviously other people taking pictures in the area. With their smartphones, digital cameras and their professional cameras. Heck there is even a booth to pay for your pictures to be taken. It is a tourist spot after all.
But one just knows when one is being watched. And (Y/n) is going to find the culprit. Normally, she would have probably let it go. Overthink in the train about what her pictures are going to be used for. Go home and cry on her bed imagining the worst possibilities.
But not today.
Oh boy. Definitely not today. Whoever it is, they have caught her in a very bitchy time of her life. They want a picture? She'll give them something to picture about. She composed herself and played the role of a clueless woman. Gallivanting around this Skytree that she definitely had never step foot before in her life.
Click.
Her head snapped towards the direction of the sound. It was clearer. Louder. And definitely nearer. Right in front of her view, was a man holding a camera over his face. Half kneeling on the floor. She marched straight to this stranger, ready to give him a piece of her mind.
"Hey!" she towered over him.
A bit slow, but he finally realised she was talking to him. He lowered the camera slowly, his brown eyes meeting hers. Thin almond eyes that were in sharp focus seconds ago, slowly adjusting to the real life subject matter in front of him. He began to rise, standing up properly. As he does, (Y/n) got a proper look at his beautiful face.
A long sharp nose, his lips tilting into an apologetic smile. Stretched earlobes with black circular studs. Like a buddhist statue. When he stood on his full height, she ended up craning her neck. His head leaned towards her, a fringe loosely hanging over the left side of his face while the rest of of his shoulder length hair tied in a low ponytail. (Y/n) realised not once did they break eye contact in this interaction. And she also realised, she was about to forget what she came here for.
"Were you taking pictures of me?" she crossed her arms. Gotta stand firm on business.
"Ah, yes..."
Such a gentle voice.
"I don't appreciate my picture being taken without my consent."
"I'm sorry ma'am. But it's a public space, I didn't think-" he stopped whatever it is he was going to say before her glare deepens. "You're right, I should've asked first."
"Delete them."
"W-what?"
"If you're sorry, delete them." she demanded once more.
"Wait now, hold up." he wasn't about to let that happen. "look, ma'am-"
"Don't call me ma'am."
"Miss." He inhales. Just what had he gotten himself into. He takes out his card, hands it over to her. "I'm a professional photographer. A freelancer."
Geto Suguru
Freelance Commercial Photographer
0X0-XXXX-XXXX
[email protected]
"It says here commercial photographer. What's that got to do with taking my picture?" she was still not fully convinced. He was dressed too casually with just a white tee, khaki shorts and sandals. "Wait, don't tell me you're one of those creepy ass photographers." He's going to edit the pictures and sell them in the darkweb-
"No, no, no, no...!" He sighed. "Here, look."
Wow...
(Y/n) didn't know she could look like that. She has taken a lot of selfies herself. And had other people take pictures of her posed self. She would orchestrate the shoot, and get angle and lighting right. She is very aware of how unphotogenic she looks. Hence, why she didn't like it when other people take pictures of her without her interference. But the her through Geto's lens... it was just, undescribable. A very candid shot, that just happened to be beautiful. In all of the pictures he took, she felt beautiful yet also very much herself.
"I can give them to you if you want." he sees the glow in her eyes. "For free."
(Y/n) dragged herself into the small apartment. Another job interview done. And until she receives their reply, it'll be another day at the shitty lab tomorrow. If she gets this, it'll be the third time she is changing jobs. Currently she is a phlebotomist for a private lab. At least that was what she signed up for in the first place. Because why is she also the receptionist and the sales promoter and the inventory manager assistant. All this for the measly salary of a single phlebotomist. Her boss is definitely ripping her off. If this isn't a violation of her employee rights then she doesn't know what is.
She checks her fridge. There were some beansprouts left, some eggs. But she was not in the mood to cook rice tonight. Instant ramen garnished with beansprouts it is. She puts the kettle on boil and drops face down onto oher bed.
These days have been really tiring. Where had all the time gone? What had she been doing with her life up until now.
"If you study hard enough, you'll get somewhere in life."
"You need to find a respectable job that pays."
"Just try to cope with it, adulthood is like that."
She is tired.
Why is she even doing all of this. She looked at the pictures of her friends in social media. Living the career woman life. Travelling. Buying nice things. Getting a car. Buying a house. Getting married. Doing the things they love. They all seem to get their life together. They all didn't seem like they're having beansprouts for dinner three nights in a row.
The kettle had stopped boiling. She got up to prepare her instant ramen. Once she was sat on the floor, she adjusted her phone on the low table. Putting on her earphones, choosing her show for tonight. The only company she has had for the whole month. Once she was done eating, she showered and got ready for bed. The same routine every night.
(Y/n) was about to do her daily doomscroll before bed, when the picture on the wall caught her eye.
Oh right.
It was the picture she had gotten from that handsome freelance photographer. To say she liked it would be an understatement. It has become one of her favourite and valuable items in this tiny home. Something so seemingly ordinary, made her life felt exceptional in that singular shot.
She wonders, if Geto lives a life as exciting as the photos he took. How much has he seen through that camera of his. Was his life difficult? Going through the unconventional career path, she could not imagine having a consistent income that way. Does he eat beansprouts three nights in a row like her? Or perhaps he has already made it in life? A successful photographer does sound glamorous and exciting. Much more exciting than hers for sure.
"Hello... Miss (L/n), right?"
No. Way.
Business was slow today and (Y/n) was manning the counter. So slow, that she had time to check the inventory and go through the order list twice. Her other colleague is out for lunch break- for the past one hour. And (Y/n) wanted to go for lunch break too but guess she'll settle for eating her sandwich at the counter. No one is coming anyways... Or so she thought.
(Y/n) turned her back towards Geto. Quickly swallowing the huge lump of half chewed sandwich in her mouth, half choking in the process. Dusting off any crumbs on her. Then turning back to face him with her customer service face.
"Hello sir, how can I help you?"
What is a commercial photographer doing in a private rundown lab? Was this what the boss was doing with their money instead of paying them appropriately? (Y/n) is going to lose it if it is. Should she riot? She isn't usually outspoken. But maybe she should riot. Actually, she will riot.
"Sorry, is this Star Pharmacy?" Geto stood there stiffly, looking well dressed in his white pristine button up and black slacks. Hair styled in bun, with that fringe still hanging at the side. His camera bag slung over his left shoulder.
"Oh, no. That would be the one opposite the street."
"I see. "
"Yup."
"..."
"..."
Well this certainly isn't awkward.
Geto remained standing there. Biting the inside of his cheek. Shifting his feet. Hand gripping the strap of his bag. Stealing glances at her whilst pretending to look around.
"So you work here?"
"Yes."
"Nice place?"
She snorted.
"Guess not." Geto chuckled. He took a moment to gather his thoughts- or rather courage for the next sentence. "Did you like the pictures that I sent you?"
Like? (Y/n) loved them! She will treasure them! But she can't exactly say it out loud. Especially to someone she's only met twice now. That's too embarrasing. So with as much calmness she could muster-
"I do. They're really good."
Geto smiled. And (Y/n) decided out of all the features he had, she likes his smile the best. It was gentle. Genuine. The corner of his eyes crinkled, creating faint laugh lines. She wonders if they're more prominent when he laughs. The small dimples near his mouth, how cute. She wouldn't be surprised if all the deals he made were sealed with that smile. He could easily charm anyone with that, like how it does to her now.
Click.
"Hey!"
"You were starting to space out." Geto laughed. "But don't worry, you look nice here too."
"That's twice now you've my taken my picture without my permission. And this isn't even a public space."
He stopped laughing. "You're right, that's rude of me. Allow me to apologise with dinner. I'll pick you up at-" He glances at the door where the opening hours were displayed. "8 p.m.? Sounds good? Alright, see you around Miss (L/n) (Y/n)."
He was gone as soon as he left. Leaving her gaping like fish.
They had their first dinner at a ramen stall. Not exactly romantic in (Y/n)'s opinion. But who was she kidding. This was clearly stated as an apology dinner, not a date. And what was she thinking to assume this was a date. Was she actually hoping for one? Was she that lonely already that she needed a rebound?
Anyhow, it was a fun dinner. Geto apparently knew the owner of the stall and they got free extra toppings for their ramen. She was surprised to not know such a good place was nearby. By the time they finished their soup, it had been raining lightly and he walked her to the train station. They properly exchanged contacts, marking the start of their acquaintanceship.
They would go out for dinner often. Just as before, introducing her to these underrated hole in the walls where he knew the owners. Apparently he photographed their places for magazines and local newspaper columns before. (Y/n) could have sworn she had seen them before, not giving much thought about the stories behind them. Ones that Geto would gladly tell her about during their dinners.
The old man had been making the same ramen broth for almost a decade now. It was his son's favourite before he moved away, and he never change a single ingredient.
This was initially just a Japanese sweets shop before the daughter took over, the original owner was hospitalised you see. Then she added some western desserts with some local twists.
That cat the entrance you saw was actually a stray that stayed after being fed so often.
The wife ran the izakaya even after her husband died. It was difficult to keep business afloat, especially when she had depression. But things slowly looked up you know.
Somehow the days became more bearable. She could withstand the long hours. And she would go to bed feeling content. She was starting to have something to look forward to. He would share all the pictures he took with her that day. Whether it was taken using his tool of trade or just his smartphone. The food they had. The sunset they saw. The blurry train that sped by. The cat at the side of the street.
And her. Always her. Whether she was looking at the camera or not. The silly poses. The candid shots. She loved all of them. All of those images were memories of their time together. Days turned to weeks and suddenly he was just there in her life.
"That's very kind of you. Thank you." she'd always say at the end of their outing.
Although she does feel guilty at times. He keeps paying for their meals, only on certain occasions she would beat him to the bill. Don't get her wrong, she's grateful to get free food especially with her meager salary. But she didn't want to feel indebted to him.
Not when she didn't know where she stand with him.
She would always be introduced as a 'friend'. But would a friend pay for all of your meals? Would a friend always walk you to the train station by the end of the day when they live in the opposite direction? Would a friend take photos of yourself every single chance they get? Would a friend look at you, like how one would look at the moon? With such gentle eyes and a soft smile...
"Would you like a drink?"
They were eating out as usual. Somewhere a bit far from her work place and the train station. Just as they were about to leave the restaurant, a thunderstorm came out of nowhere. To be fair it was a hot afternoon and dark clouds were parading in the skies come evening. So when Geto suggested they take shelter over at his place, who was she to refuse such kind hearted gesture?
"Just tea would do."
How cliche their situation is.
She stood in the middle of his apartment. Modestly furnished with just his single bed at one end, a low table in the middle, and a flat screen on the TV cabinet. The bath and toilet were separate. As far as 1K apartments go, this was quite comfortable. There was a built in closet as well.
A 5 tier shelf at the corner, filled to brim with books, magazines and files. A lot of them relating to his field. Light: Science & Magic. The Camera, The Negative, The Print, a series by the same author it seems. On Photographing People and Communities. National Geographic volumes. These are just to name a few.
She began dragging her feet across the room. Pellets of rain beating hard against the balcony sliding door accompanied by occasional thunder and lightning. "God is taking a picture of us now", he would sometimes joke on times like these. The weather lady in the TV forgotten, voice fading in the background. (Y/n)'s eyes instead lingered on the photos framed on the wall. Some are things she recognised, some are unknown.
Shibuya, Autumn 2020. The usual crowded busy streets now empty in the wee hours of sunrise.
The Ushiki Daibutsu, Winter 2018. Standing tall within the winter mist. Exuding its mystical solemn wisdom.
A Village's Last Summer, Summer 2014. The rural village appearing charming and poignant, yet deserted. Lifeless.
Ainu Facing the Borders of Sakhalin, Spring 2012. A girl playing at the beach facing the calm Okhotsk Sea.
"That is one of my favourites."
Geto's voice snapped her back to reality. He was already setting down their cups on the table. She did not hear the door opened.
"Hokkaido is quite a nice place during summer. We should go there one day." he stated nonchalantly.
We?
"So photography isn't just your job but your hobby too?" she sat down on the floor, taking the warm cup before leaning against his bed. Trying make herself comfortable.
"Ah, those were from my previous job." he took a seat beside her. Leaving a gap between them.
"Tourism?"
"Photojournalism."
Oh.
Somehow that felt very much like him. She could imagine him, trudging these places with quiet stories. Talking to the people with the same friendliness he gave to her. Making light conversations. With his soft attentive eyes and tender smile.
"What happened? Job didn't pay enough?" (Y/n) blew at the steam over her cup.
Geto laughed. "Well there's that. I mean I loved the job, very much."
"But?"
"But, well... I couldn't cope. It wasn't what I thought it was."
(Y/n) looked at her cup as if it was the most interesting in the world. Yet her ears were straining to hear his next word. There was hint of sorrowness in voice. Like someone who missed the good old days. Her heart beating fast in its cage, begging to be let out and embrace him. They have talked about a lot of things. But 'personal' was not one of them. Neither from any one of them.
"I have always wanted to do photography, I just didn't know what kind. But I aspired be someone like Watanabe Hitomi, Tokiwa Toyoko... Dorothea Lange even. I wanted my pictures to help amplify the voices of the people. Capture the plight of the unfortunate. Bring awareness to the world, for them to open their eyes and see. Noblesse oblige they said. Not that I'm rich, but I'm certainly more fortunate than a lot of other people."
For a moment (Y/n) thought he looked 10 years younger. Like a youthful school boy with dreams and ambition. The kind that teachers loved and other students respected. But in less than a second, he looked older. Worn. Tired.
"Photojournalism is tougher than I thought, especially if you were... naive. It sure did opened my eyes. If I could have a penny for every single injustice in the world, I'd be wealthy. It's a wonder how a lot of people could go on living on the misfortunes of others. And when you point it out, they run amok. Monkeys the whole lot of them. But no act of kindness goes unpunished." his voice began to crack. "I... I thought I could..."
"It's okay." she was afraid if he pushed himself more he'll be gone from the room. "It's okay now."
"Yeah." he chuckled. "I had to stop because I wasn't myself for a whole year. My mum was worried, I wondered if I made her cry during my absence. I started commercial photography because it sounded financially better than what I was doing anyways, but stayed because of the people I met. I wasn't making a huge difference to society, but in a way I guess I was helping them a bit."
"I'm sure you did." At every place they went, the people always had a smile on their face. Greeting them with warmth. Treating him like he was family. "I think you're doing good in life. You have a purpose."
"You say as if it's something grand. I'm sure everyone has a purpose."
"No, not me. I'm just trying to survive here." she took a long sip of her now lukewarm tea. "I don't remember if I ever had any ambition. I think I did. Must've been why I got into university in the first place. Studied my ass off for nothing in the end. Putting myself in unnecessary debt. Jumping from one job to another. A burden to my parents. An embarrasment to my friends."
Honestly she wanted to cry just thinking about her life. But she had no more tears to spare. The years had hollowed her out and at this point she was just going through the motions. She had days where it was good, but the rest of the time she was just existing. Everything was just tiring.
"Heck I'm even thinking of quitting my job already and I don't have a back up. I'm not like you, my life is pretty meaningless. Pathetic aren't I? "
"You're not."
"That's kind of you Geto."
"I'm not saying this to be kind." he said firmly. "You're allowed to just exist. To just live. Make mistakes over and over again. Life is just a series of trial and error. Some of us find our answers faster, and some of us don't. It's hard, but that doesn't make your life any less meaningful than mine. Even I'm still trying, and you can keep trying."
"But I'm tired already." she really doesn't want to do this anymore.
"I'll be here when you're tired."
She looked to her side and her breath got caught in her throat. Her chest tightens. He was leaning towards her, looking at her very seriously. Stern. Trying to get his sincerity across. But (Y/n) couldn't really fathom that right now. He was close. Too close. Their fingers almost touching on the floor. She wonders if he realised that.
"Geto," she couldn't contain it anymore. "just what am I to you?"
His expression soften. "Was it not obvious?"
"No, far from it." she swallowed quietly. "You're confusing me."
"I see, sorry for that." his eyes flickered to her lips before returning her waiting gaze. The tip of his finger lightly touched hers. "If you don't mind, allow me to make it clear to you."
"Okay..."
Her fingers grazed his. Tentatively, almost too afraid to touch before they eventually intertwined. Her eyes fluttered shut. Pulse quickening. And his lips lightly brushed against hers.
"I like you." he whispered under his breath. Giving her another light peck.
"I had only wanted you to be my muse. You had a solemn look when I first saw you. Looking so lost and so far away. And when we met the second time, I thought it was fate. You make me want to take photos in a new way. Try out new things. See what more expressions that pretty face can make." he murmured in between light kisses, tasting the tea they both drank. Drinking in her scent. Feeling her warmth. "So I'm not as kind as you think I am, (L/n)."
He leaned his forehead against hers. "And I regret thinking that way. The more we spend time with each other, the more I want to know about you. Your thoughts. Your feelings. You like to act mean but if anything, you're the kind one here. I'm sorry."
"So how do you plan to make up for it?" she asked, breathless. Trying to keep herself from breaking into a grin.
"Would you go out with me, ma'am?"
(Y/n) pressed a kiss on his mouth. "Don't call me ma'am."
People come and go. Their feet carrying them from one place to another. Some steps were hurried. Some were slow and languid. Enjoying the crisp spring air. Geto stared at the Hachiko statue. A symbol of unwavering loyalty. Although, Geto thinks- in his personal opinion, its more of a symbol of longing wait. Poor dog was sitting there waiting for an owner that would never return. A statue erected on his honor, and at a place where many people sit waiting for their loved ones. Hm... An Akita dog is cute to have.
Click.
The shutter sound followed by a mischievous giggle interrupted his train of thoughts.
"Let me see that." he sauntered towards her.
"Nope." she hid the phone behind her back.
He reaches for the device and she pulls away, turning her back towards him. Geto sneakily grabs her waist and turned her to face him, earning a squeal. (Y/n) looks at her surroundings. Once she was sure that nobody was giving them the stink eye for their public display of affection, she shot him a playful glare and showed him the picture she took.
He looked like he had zero thoughts in his head.
"You look like you're in a good mood. How'd it go?" he asked. He'll let her keep it.
She sighed. "I got the job."
"Why the long face then?"
"I'm probably not gonna like it. I mean it's a huge lab at least, so hopefully I'm paid accordingly. Nevertheless, I'm still grateful to have a means to pay my bills. Especially if we're planning to live together. Whether I like it or not, we'll see how it goes." she smiles wryly.
"Alright, let's just see how it goes." he draped an arm over her shoulder. "Let's go eat, I found this new place."
"One of your clients?"
"An acquaintance of a client." he proceeded to tell her about the background of the restaurant they're heading to.
They walked together to their next destination. Wherever it is they go, they'll go together. Whatever it is they face, they will figure it out together. Taking their time to reach where they needed to be.