Chapter 2: Building Tension
Dusk had settled in, casting a romantic haze over the pool. As darkness descended, Nozomi around the premises, staring into the distance and the impending sunset. She thought of how the competition went—she barely lost in the final round. That fact was discouraging in a way, but normal. You couldn’t win everything, Nozomi remembers people saying.
Her mental haze was so great that it prevented her from hearing footsteps behind her. She jumped and even let out a yelp, thinking herself to be in danger. Nozomi calmed down when she saw it was an older woman wearing sunglasses and a black, form hugging dress.
“Can I help you?” Nozomi asked.
Her heart raced slightly, unsure why someone dressed so elegantly would approach her.
Mason smiled reassuringly, "Oh, no need to worry! My name is Mason, and I am here because I have always admired the incredible athleticism displayed during today's games."
Nozomi blushed, feeling flattered by the praise. "Thank you!"
Mason took another step closer, captivated by Nozomi's beauty. "If you don't mind my asking, could I get your number?"
Nozomi hesitated briefly, wondering whether accepting might lead to some unwanted attention or commitments. However, she ultimately agreed, deciding that there was nothing wrong with giving her contact information to such a charming lady.
After exchanging numbers, Mason invited Nozomi to join her for dinner later that evening.
Nozomi raised an eyebrow. “Why…?”
Mason smiled, as if she read the secret to her hunch on Nozomi’s skin. “You have a hot body,” said Mason. “I hope it’s fine to say. See you at dinner later tonight.”
Nozomi lifted up her hands. “Hey,” she said. “I got touchy-feely from time to time but look—I am NOT a lesbian. I don’t like girls, I never really experimented.”
“You should try it some time,” said Mason. “But I get it. Some people are always straight—in my line of work, it’s still the norm to an extent. At least on screen.”
“On screen…?” Nozomi paused, the secret finally dawning on her. “Porn…”
“Porn.”
“You’re a porn director.”
“I’m apparently famous in some circles.”
Nozomi’s cheeks went flush with color. “Oh shit…look, are you recruiting me to join a porno?”
“You would be a pro. Great. Legendary.”
“Ah shit…you’re fucking mental.”
“It’s your body that did it. Dinner. At the hotel I’m staying at. Tonight. You’re gonna be a damn great star.” What do you say?
Nozomi thought about it. She wanted something different, a change of pace she couldn’t help but acquire. Maybe this Mason was…?
“OK. Fine.”
Mason sent her the information for the hotel. They’d have dinner in her room—brought up by an efficient form of five star room service.
“See you then,” said Mason. Nozomi saluted her, unable to understand what she agreed to…