Chapter 5 – The Unseen Game (Bold Veyra)
Noverin escorted Veyra to the dressing room, showing her the outfit she would wear for the next shoot. Veyra changed quickly, confident and fluid in her movements. When the shoot began, Noverin was fully focused on her work, indifferent and cold. Yet, Veyra had already started her game.
In every pose, she kept her eyes locked on Noverin, subtly angling her body toward her, holding her poses slightly longer than necessary. Tiny head tilts, slight smiles, and deliberate gestures — everything was intentional. She was testing Noverin's attention, inviting her into a silent, playful challenge.
Veyra didn't rely solely on her gaze. Her words were part of the game, soft and teasing. "What do you think of this dress?" she asked, her tone playful yet precise. Every question, every glance, was a challenge. Noverin answered briefly and concisely, but Veyra used that very indifference to her advantage; the lack of response became part of the game.
For the next outfit, Veyra entered the dressing room, with Noverin following. She asked for help with the zipper. Noverin stepped behind her calmly, fastening it carefully. Her face remained impassive, but she noticed the faint spark in Veyra's eyes. Veyra leaned slightly toward her, letting her proximity and subtle movements test the boundary without overstepping.
Once the zipper was done, Veyra grabbed Noverin's arm. "I had to know… your scent. When you zipped it, it reached me. Which perfume do you wear? It's… intoxicating." She leaned slightly closer, keeping her eyes locked on Noverin's. Every word, every glance, was a challenge, a silent invitation.
Noverin responded with a controlled, minimal smile. "A secret. I never share it." She maintained her distance, but Veyra's bold, deliberate move had already pushed her carefully maintained boundaries. Noverin noticed, but all she thought about was finishing her work.
The shoot continued, and Veyra didn't relent. Each pose was aimed at Noverin's attention; she tilted her head, leaned slightly, or held a glance longer than necessary. A small smile, a subtle gesture, a delicate movement — each one tested Noverin's limits. Noverin gave no response; her detachment only made the game more compelling.
After the shoot, the crew sat down to have coffee. Veyra stayed near Noverin, constantly asking questions, guiding the conversation like a game. Noverin gave short, precise answers, often ignoring questions entirely or replying with single words. This indifference fueled Veyra's curiosity and drive, making her want to continue the game even more.
As they left, Veyra approached Noverin. "Which way are you going?"
Noverin indicated her path. "That way."
"I'm going that way too. Let's walk together," Veyra said, smiling slightly, staying close to her.
Noverin nodded politely, out of courtesy rather than willingness. As they walked, Veyra continued her subtle tests — questions, glances, small gestures, adjusting her hair or tilting her head — every motion a part of the game. Noverin remained silent, answering minimally and precisely. For Veyra, accustomed to constant attention and admiration, Noverin's indifference made the game exhilarating. Noverin treated her as she did everyone — maintaining distance and control.
At the end of the path, Noverin gave a short, precise, "Take care. Goodbye."
They parted ways, but Noverin stopped and turned for a moment. She looked at Veyra, her expression unreadable, curious, and slightly puzzled. She had not been able to make sense of Veyra's playful movements all day. In her world, everything needed to be logical and clear, but Veyra's behavior defied that order. She watched Veyra walk away for a few seconds, then continued on her path.