Beauty's eyes drifted to Bruno's lips. They were tinted with a soft shade of pink, plump and inviting. She hoped to taste them tonight, at least.
Kai grinned, clearly pleased with their reaction.
"Blown away? You're welcome!"
Beauty's brow furrowed as she shot Kai a disapproving glance.
"Kai, he specifically asked for a transformation so he could look like someone else, not a female version of himself!" she snapped.
"Oh, that's why they had that reaction," Bruno muttered under his breath.
Kai rolled his eyes playfully, brushing a strand of blue hair away from his face.
"But it's not easy to make someone who's naturally good-looking look less attractive!" He winked at Bruno. "Mr. Bruno is just so pretty, it's hard not to make him look fabulous."
"Kai!" Jessie exclaimed, throwing her hands up in frustration. "We're trying to make him unrecognizable, not turn him into a beauty pageant contestant!"
Bruno laughed nervously.
"I asked for a different masculine look, not a feminine one. Can we try again, Kai?"
Kai sighed dramatically but laughed.
"Of course, my apologies!" He got back to work.
---
Later that evening...
Bruno stood beside his car in Beauty's family garage, the evening air cool against his skin. He checked his watch and sighed. Women really do take forever to get ready.
He walked to his car and adjusted his tie, looking at his reflection in the car's window. He looked sharp—not too different, but just enough to pass unnoticed. His cheeks were perfectly contoured, enhancing his cheekbones and giving him a new look. However, it was the fake big nose, seamlessly applied, that altered his features most dramatically.
Moments later, Jessie appeared, wearing a broad grin.
"We're finally done!" she announced.
Bruno groaned inwardly.
"Finally."
Jessie opened the door with a dramatic flourish, revealing Beauty.
The moment Bruno's eyes fell on her, his breath hitched in his throat, and for a moment, he was speechless.
Beauty stepped out with a blush on her cheeks. Bruno's eyes traveled over her, from her painted toenails up to the high-slit, deep emerald gown that hugged her curves perfectly. The fabric shimmered under the soft lights. Her chubby, round face and her hair, styled in soft waves, framed her beautifully. The new haircut was perfect for her. His eyes dropped to the plunging neckline that offered a tantalizing view. His cheeks heated up, and his heart raced.
"She looks even better than my design," he muttered to himself, forcing his eyes away.
"So... what do you think?" Jessie asked, smirking, but Bruno didn't reply. His eyes were intensely focused on the beauty in front of him.
Beauty felt herself melting away, hoping he would at least blink!
When she got no answer, she playfully nudged him.
"Snap out of it already!"
Bruno blinked, finally pulling himself together.
"Gosh, she's so beautiful," he muttered under his breath, so low only Jessie could hear.
Jessie shook her head and giggled.
Beauty blushed as she walked closer to him.
"Sorry for making you wait so long. Jessie insisted I had to look like a... should I say a bride for a freaking reunion." She turned and glared at her friend.
Bruno shook his head, his voice soft and sincere.
"It was worth the wait. You look... absolutely stunning."
Her cheeks flushed as she twirled slightly, giving him a better view.
"Really? You think so?" she asked, biting her lip nervously.
"I know so... from the first day. I can't believe how perfect that dress is on you," Bruno said, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Yeah, the outfit is something else," Beauty smiled softly, admiring the gown.
Jessie burst out laughing.
"That's because he designed it himself!" she exclaimed, grinning wickedly.
Beauty's eyes went wide.
"You... you designed this?"
Bruno nodded, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "I did... for you. My very first design. It wasn't hard when I had someone like you in mind. You made it look perfect."
Beauty froze, her heart hammering in her chest.
"Come on, you two, get going already!" Jessie urged, pushing her toward Bruno. "You're gonna be late!"
Bruno offered his hand, and Beauty hesitated for just a moment before placing hers in his.
As their fingers intertwined, a thrill surged through Beauty.
This is it. It's happening!
Bruno opened the passenger door for her, and as she slid into the seat, the intoxicating scent of her perfume filled the air, making his heart race.
Jessie walked to the passenger window.
"Remember, Beauty! Don't mess this up! Stand up for yourself, or else things will never change. Please... you will do great."
Beauty nodded, and Bruno smiled reassuringly.
"Mr. Bruno," Jessie added with a playful grin, "take care of her. She can be childish sometimes."
"Hey!" Beauty snapped, glaring at her friend.
Bruno laughed softly, shaking his head.
"I will. Don't worry."
"Alright, bye! Tell me all about your hot erotic night together when you get back," Jessie shouted and waved.
"Jessie!" Beauty snapped.
Bruno drove out of the driveway.