Page 206 of Invisible Bars

I stayed still, unbothered.

Surprisingly, my tics were on theirsomewhatbest behavior that day. Then again, they always acted up more when I was angry or scared—nervous more than excited. But that day I wasn’t anxious; I was standing in something new. Unfamiliar, yes—but not terrifying. And maybe, just maybe, my body knew the difference.

Once my hair was styled, Dessign came up next to me with her arms crossed, grinning like a proud big sister.

“I told you that shape would eat!” she complimented.

My hair… it was gone; not just trimmed—cut.What was once thick, curly, and falling past my shoulders had now been chopped into something bold, and sharp. It was tapered low onthe sides and back, with the top shaped just enough to give my curls volume and definition. It wasn’t part of the original plan, but Dessign and Saroya—more so Dessign—had convinced me to do so.

“You… you really like it?”

“Heck yes, boo! New chapter, new crown! Naji, you’re too fine to be out here hiding behind old hair and old energy! Now I couldn’t do it. But you? You got the cheekbones for it. The confidence? We’re working on that. But this? This is a reset. It gives classy with aclapback,baby! You look like somebody who’s survived something and dares anybody to question it. And today, when you walk on that set, I want you to own that photoshoot.”

I nodded, though I still had makeup and wardrobe ahead before my look was complete. The finishing touches would pull it all together, but the weight of her words already had me standing taller.

When I stepped out into the main hall fully dressed, Dessign was the first to catch her breath.

“Whew!” she whistled, eyes sweeping over me. “Yeah… y’all about to hurt some feelings today.”

The gown they chose was a champagne silk, off-the-shoulder, with a subtle shimmer that glowed with every turn of my body. It fit like it had been made for me. My makeup was soft and natural… barely there, with a glow that saidI woke up like this—even though I very much hadn’t. And the diamond band on my finger? That was the loudest accessory of all.

From another direction, Imanio entered the space—sharp and clean in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves pushed up, charcoal slacks hugging him in all the right ways, and that infamous watch on his wrist. The one that said he had power, time, and enemies… but wasn’t pressed.

Imanio admired me like I was the only person breathing in the room.

How is it possible for someone to look at me like I’m the only thing keeping the earth spinning?

Some days I didn’t feel beautiful, but when he looked at me like that, I knew without a doubt that I was.

Imanio leaned in, his mouth barely a breath from my ear.

“This dress? It’s just a delay. I already made up my mind that after this shoot, I’ma have you up against a wall, still wearing that diamond, but nothing else. They gon’ post these pictures, but I’m the only one who gets the unedited version. You can smile for the camera now, but make sure you moan for me later.”

He pulled back and winked.

That wink should be illegal. If he licks his lips next, I’m gonna risk it all—even with the crew still here. The whole photo shoot is getting canceled due to “emergency bed rest.”

We were led outside, to a part of the property set up for the shoot.

Clean backdrop. Natural light. Expensive equipment.

The team scrambled into position.

“Alright, we’re rolling!” Saroya called, clipboard in hand and fire in her stride. “Let’s get him standing behind her, hand on shoulder—not too tight, but firm. Naji, legs crossed at the ankle, chin slightly down—yes, like that!”

Dessign sat just off to the side, biting her lip in concentration.

Saroya continued. “Now tilt your head, Naji. A little less. Good! Imanio, turn your body slightly. Keep your pocket pose but angle your face toward the camera. No—not like that!”

“Less assassin, bro, and more 'I love her, but Iwillshoot for her!’” Dessign playfully suggested.

Everyone around us laughed.

“Yes! There we go!” Saroya approved.

The camera clicked. The flash popped. Another pose.

“Hand on her waist! Let her lean into you just a little! Naji, don’t smile with your mouth—smile with your eyes. There you go,” the photographer murmured, his voice full of creative adrenaline as he adjusted his lens.