CHAPTER NINE: A SUDDEN TURN OF EVENTS

Dressed in new luxurious attire, Tryton and Riona entered the spotlight, and the photographer took pictures while the director guided them in choosing good poses. A large group of crowd watched the event admiring Tryton and Riona as they stood tall, radiating confidence and beauty.

As the photoshoot concluded, the director's eyes shined with pride, for his impromptu decision had proven to be a stroke of genius. Tryton and Riona had captivated the hearts of all who had witnessed the photo shoot.

With gratitude in his eyes, the director looked at them and said, 

"I cannot thank you guys enough for saving me. You two are truly remarkable."

Riona blushed at the director's genuine praise while Tryton remained calm as ever, besides the only thing that made him do it was for the money. Riona was so happy, though still astounded by the sudden turn of events. The director's curiosity got the best of him, and he gently asked,

" Are both of you a couple though?"

Riona's eyes blazed up as she was taken off guard by the question, she quickly replied to the director's question,

" Oh! No, we are not a couple" she smiled sheepishly,

" Is that so? Hmm, that will be sad because honestly, you both look good together" the director insisted,

Lydia was smiling and said,

" I know right?" Lydia added

Immediately after she made the statement, Riona stepped on her foot intentionally,

" Ouch!" Lydia exclaimed 

They both looked at each other signaling death by a stare.

The director laughed and also went ahead to ask another question,

"May I ask again, what brings you two to the mall today?"

Lydia stepped forward smiling, with her cheerfulness, she conveyed their humble intention,

" We are on a quest to get a new phone for Tryton"

The director's eyes twinkled with empathy, but he saw it as a perfect opportunity to show his gratitude.

Without hesitation, the director decided to lend a generous hand. His voice exudes warmth as he offered,

 "Let me take care of that for you. It is the least I can do to express my gratitude."

Overwhelmed by the director's kind gesture, Riona and Lydia stood speechless but Tryton had no emotion of gratitude on his face. Lydia tapped Tryton and whispered in his ear,

" This is when you say Thank you! And show gratitude"

In Tryton's mind, he was like,

" How will I bow and thank a mortal" he thought,

But realizing once again he had to blend in, he bowed his head and showed gratitude for the kind gesture, although he did it with a heavy chest.

Riona and Lydia were still surprised at the kind gesture, never had they imagined receiving such unexpected benevolence from a stranger. But the surprises did not cease there either.

As they moved through the halls in search of a new phone, the director insisted on accompanying them. They got to the section of the mall where the phones and gadgets were sold.

Once the phone was chosen, the director insisted on buying new clothes for both Tryton and Riona. He believed that every artist should feel confident in their own skin. Despite their initial hesitance, they accepted his generous offer with a smile.

They went shopping and they picked whatever they liked, while Tryton was making his choice and changed into an outfit to see if it fits, Riona unexpectedly, marveled at how good-looking he was and her eyes were fixed on him, meanwhile, other ladies around were also admiring Tryton.

Riona changed into her selection also, and when Tryton saw her his chest started beating fast again, still looking at her he asked himself,

" What's this feeling," he thought,

He immediately dispelled such thoughts and turned his gaze somewhere else. After they had made their choices the director paid off the bill.

As they were about to depart the mall, the director handed them an unexpected gift. A paycheck, as payment for their support and help. Although the amount was substantial, they were grateful, and they thanked the director for everything.

Finally, it was time for the director to bid them farewell. With his voice filled with sincerity, he handed Tryton and Riona his business card and said,

"Should you ever decide to pursue modeling seriously, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I see great potential in both of you."

They took the cards from his palm and thanked him. Slowly he left them and said backing them,

"Thank you for today, hope to see you again in the future" he waved at them as he walked away.

********

" That was unexpected," Lydia said as they walked out of the mall.

" Sure it was fun, and fruitful," Riona said waving her paycheck in Lydia's face.

" Haha! It's your lucky day, 3 days meal on you though" Lydia said smiling sheepishly 

Riona laughed as they walked,

" By the way, Tryton, did you enjoy the adventure?" Lydia asked,

" It was great, I had a good time" Tryton responded,

" Humans are not that bad," he thought to himself

" Well, I think you have forgotten to say something to me" Lydia insisted smiling in his face,

" Oh! Thank you" Tryton said,

Lydia was pleased at how Tryton was changing slowly from an arrogant to a nicer guy, she accepted his gratitude and they moved on.

While they walked back, they heard a sudden scream,

"Mikooo!" a lady cried out,

Everyone turned their gaze to the sound of the scream.

Miko was a little kid, he slipped from his mother's hand and ran into the busy street. His mother was filled with panic, and her scream filled the air as she called out desperately for him to stop running.

At that moment of chaos, Tryton moved without hesitation, his instincts took over, and as if caught in a spell, time seemed to stand still. The bustling crowd remained frozen, suspended in this moment of danger. No one noticed the extraordinary occurrence. With Miko still running towards the oncoming truck, he was also affected by the time freeze, Tryton moved immediately to save him. While everything was frozen, he scooped Miko up in his arms, pulling him away from harm's way.