They walked to the window and saw his car outside.
Just then, the doorbell rang downstairs.
Jessie turned to Beauty, who instantly tensed up.
"He's already here," Jessie said, her voice soft but firm. "You need to go and talk to him. It's time to sort this out, Beauty."
Beauty bit her lip nervously but nodded.
"Okay."
They both rushed down the stairs.
Kai was on his way to inform them about the visitor at the door when he saw them at the top of the staircase.
"Should I open the door?"
"Don't worry, Kai, she's got this," Jessie told the young man.
As Beauty reached the door, Jessie called after her.
"And hey," Jessie said, "You must go to that reunion tonight. You hear me?"
Beauty paused, her hand on the doorknob, and glanced back at Jessie then nodded.
Jessie gave her a reassuring smile as Beauty opened the door.
There stood Bruno, looking a bit anxious.
His eyes met Beauty's, and the tension between them seemed to hang in the air.
"Beauty," Bruno said, his voice gentle yet laced with worry, "Are you okay?"
Beauty nodded, stepping aside to let him in.
"Yeah... please come in," she managed a smile.
Bruno hugged her tightly; it was unexpected.
Beauty gasped and her eyes widened.
"Sorry, I didn't ask for a permission first".
"It's fine".
Beauty's eyes widened before slowly closing as she melted into the embrace.
"Yesterday, when I hugged you... I felt like doing it again. Your shampoo smells great, by the way," he whispered into her hair.
Her cheeks burned at his comment.
His heartbeat started racing again. A perfect height difference to feel his heartbeat, Beauty thought.
Jessie cleared her throat dramatically to get their attention.
"Well... sorry to interrupt whatever that is. We have business to sort out, you know."
They parted as if they had been caught doing something scandalous.
Bruno rubbed the back of his neck, while Beauty walked into the house, trying to avoid Jessie's teasing gaze.
Jessie turned to Bruno and raised a teasing eyebrow.
Bruno shrugged with a smile and followed her.
As soon as Kai laid eyes on Bruno, he squealed, clapping his hands together like an overjoyed fan girl.
"Oh my God! You're really Bruno! I can't believe it! I've seen you at so many events, and you look even more fabulous in person!" he exclaimed, bouncing on his toes.
Beauty face twisted with discomfort, she walked to Jessie who was grinning at the scene.
"I am sorry, why is he...kinda"
"Isn't it obvious. Kai likes men...Imagine them in a bathroom naked. Kai is so tiny and cute and Bruno is as huge and tall a titan...mmmm,percent combo".
"What the hell are you talking about, you are supposed to be my wingman!"
Beauty snapped in a whisper.
"Right...Sorry. I am going to stop my BL fantasies for you."
Jessie replied and pulled her cheek.
Beauty frowned back at the wild cat.
Bruno forced a polite smile at Kai who had been gushing over him since he walked in, feeling a rush of discomfort as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Thanks, uh... who are you?"
"Kai! I'm Kai,the make up artist!" the makeup artist chirped. "And I'm here to work my magic on you today! I can't wait to see how amazing you'll look!"
"Right, Kai," Bruno replied, trying to maintain a friendly tone despite his unease.
He glanced at Jessie, silently pleading for support.
"Looks like Kai's a fanboy. He is, you know... he likes what he likes," Jessie winked.
Kai laughed and pouted his lips.
"I'm gay... are you single, Mr Bruno?"
Before Bruno could answer that..a voice interrupted.
"No, he is not," Beauty snapped.
All eyes turned to her curiously.
Beauty froze, her eyes staring into space like she was an inanimate character.
Did I just say that?!