Working In A Beauty Salon - Part 8

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The next morning, Hugo woke up feeling restless. His mind was still spinning from last night’s conversation with Bella. He glanced at the elegant gown hanging in his closet, the one Alex had given him.

Do I really want to wear this? he wondered.

Shaking off his thoughts, he got ready for the gym, slipping into his usual tight leggings and a cropped workout top. As he stepped outside, he noticed his phone buzzing. It was a message from Alex:

Alex: Good morning, beautiful. Can’t wait to see you at the gym today. 

Hugo’s stomach flipped. Beautiful? He had never been called that before not by a guy. Not seriously.

At the gym, Hugo spotted Alex immediately. He was lifting weights, his muscles flexing effortlessly. As soon as he saw Hugo, he flashed a charming grin.

“Hey, there you are,” Alex said, walking over. “You look amazing, as always.”

Hugo chuckled nervously. “Uh, thanks.”

They worked out together, Alex always finding small excuses to touch Hugo helping him correct his posture, and guiding his movements. Hugo wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but he didn’t exactly pull away either.

Kate and Bella showed up a little later.

After the gym session, as they cooled down, Alex turned to Hugo with a charming smile.

“So, Luna,” he said, emphasizing the name, “I was thinking… how about we go shopping after work? I want to get you something nice.”

Hugo hesitated, shifting on his feet. “Shopping? Uh… I don’t know, Alex, you’ve already done a lot."

Alex shook his head. “Come on, I’d love to spend more time with you. And I think you’d look amazing in something elegant.”

Hugo felt his face heat up. The way Alex looked at him made him feel, Special.

Before he could answer, Alex leaned in slightly. “Just say yes,” he teased.

Hugo let out a small chuckle and nodded. “Alright, fine. After work.”

Alex’s grin widened. “Perfect. I’ll pick you up from the salon.”

As Hugo walked toward the locker room, Bella and Kate caught up with him, having overheard the conversation.

"So... a shopping date now?” Kate teased. “Someone’s being spoiled.”

Bella smirked. “And I saw that blush, Hugo. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Hugo huffed. “It’s just shopping, guys. Nothing more.”

After the gym, Alex pulled up in front of Hugo’s home and turned to him with a smile. There was a brief moment of silence before Alex leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on Hugo’s lips.

It was quick but firm, sending a rush of nervous energy through Hugo’s body. His heart pounded as Alex pulled back, smirking.

“See you after work, Luna,” Alex said smoothly before driving off, leaving Hugo standing there, wide-eyed and breathless.

He touched his lips, still feeling the warmth of the kiss. Did that really just happen?

Shaking off his nerves, he went inside. His reflection stared back at him in the mirror, long hair slightly messy from the gym, toned arms peeking through his tank top. B

Hugo took a deep breath, walking over to his closet. He reached for the clothes this time, without hesitation. A soft, fitted top, stylish jeans, and, after a moment of deliberation, the bold red matte lipstick that the salon client had gifted him.

He carefully applied it, watching as his lips transformed into a striking shade of red. Luna… The name echoed in his mind.

With one final look in the mirror, he grabbed his bag and headed out the door.

As Hugo worked through the half-day at the salon, he couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in his mind. Just a few weeks ago, he never would have imagined himself like this wearing clothes, applying makeup, and now confidently rocking a bold red lipstick.

Every time he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror, he felt both excitement and confusion. How did I get here? he wondered.

Kate playfully nudged him as she walked by. "You're staring at yourself a lot today, Luna. Enjoying the view?" she teased with a wink.

Hugo blushed. "It's just... weird," he admitted. "I never thought I'd be wearing lipstick like this. And now, it feels... normal?"

Kate smiled knowingly. "That’s because you’re finally letting yourself be who you are. And let’s be honest, you look hot."

Hugo let out a nervous laugh, but deep down, he couldn't deny it. 

Just then, his phone buzzed. A message from Alex.

Alex: Can’t wait to see you tonight. Hope you’re ready for some fun shopping, beautiful.

Hugo stared at the message, biting his lip. Was he really ready for this? Because the more he embraced Luna, the more he felt like there was no going back.

Hugo couldn't focus on work. Normally, Max would have been at the salon by now, helping with clients or chatting with him. But today, there was no sign of him.

He pulled out his phone and called Max, but it went straight to voicemail. Frowning, he tried again. Still nothing.

Kate, who had been watching him, smirked. "Missing someone?"

Hugo sighed. "Max isn't answering. He didn’t come in today either."

Kate raised an eyebrow. "Maybe he's just taking a day off. Or maybe..." she leaned in, lowering her voice, "he’s upset about last night."

Hugo looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Kate rolled her eyes. "Come on, Luna. You went on a fancy date with Alex, got a kiss, and now you're wearing lipstick. And Max? He’s been acting weird ever since you started getting close to Alex."

Hugo felt a small pang in his chest. Could Max really be upset because of that?

Without thinking, he texted Max again.

Hugo: Hey, where are you? You okay?

No response.

For some reason, that made Hugo feel uneasy.

 Every few minutes, he checked his phone, hoping for a reply from Max. But there was nothing.

Kate noticed and sighed. "You're seriously worried, huh?"

Hugo hesitated before nodding. "Yeah... I mean, Max never skips work without telling anyone. And he always answers my calls."

Kate smirked. "Aww, worried about your boyfriend?"

Hugo rolled his eyes. "Stop it, Kate. He's just a friend."

Kate crossed her arms. "Sure, sure. Just a friend. And yet, you're freaking out because he won't pick up."

Hugo didn’t respond. Instead, he grabbed his phone and walked toward the back of the salon, deciding to try calling Max one more time.

To his surprise, this time, the call actually connected.

"Hello?" Max’s voice sounded tired, maybe even a little irritated.

"Max! Where the hell are you? You didn't come to work, and you’re ignoring my calls!" Hugo demanded.

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds before Max sighed. "I just needed a break."

Hugo frowned. "A break from what? From me?"

Another pause. Then, in a quieter voice, Max said, "Maybe."

Hugo's heart skipped a beat. "Max... what's going on?"

Max hesitated but finally spoke. "I don’t know, Hugo. I just," He stopped, then let out a deep breath. "I’ll talk to you later."

Before Hugo could say anything else, the call ended.

Hugo stared at his phone, feeling even more confused than before. What was Max hiding? 

After a restless day at the salon and Max still avoiding him, Hugo tried to shake off his thoughts. Tonight was his shopping date with Alex, and he didn’t want to seem distracted.

Back home, he stood in front of the mirror, staring at himself. The red matte lipstick from yesterday was still sitting on his dresser. His fingers hovered over it before he finally picked it up and applied a thin layer. His lips looked fuller, bolder and more... feminine.

Kate’s words from earlier echoed in his mind. You’re acting like a worried girlfriend.

He shook his head, pushing the thought aside, and focused on getting dressed. He chose a crop top and skinny jeans, the most feminine outfit he owned. The gown Alex had gifted him sat neatly in his closet, but he wasn’t ready for that yet.

For the first time, he attempted some makeup. A touch of foundation, a hint of blush Kate had given him a few tips, and he followed them carefully. With a little mascara, his eyes looked bigger, softer. He wasn’t sure if he saw himself in the mirror anymore.

When he was done, he took a deep breath and grabbed his phone.

Alex: Can’t wait to see you, Luna.

A small smile played on Hugo’s lips. Maybe tonight, he could just enjoy the moment and forget everything else.

A sleek, black Mustang pulled up outside, and Alex stepped out, flashing that confident grin of his. Hugo felt his heart skip a beat.

"You look stunning," Alex said, his eyes roaming over Hugo’s appearance.

Hugo felt a blush rise to his cheeks. "Thanks…"

Alex opened the car door for him. "Ready for our date?"

Hugo nodded, stepping inside.

The luxury boutique was unlike anywhere Hugo had ever been before. The store was filled with elegant mannequins draped in stunning gowns, shimmering under the soft lighting. The air smelled of expensive perfume and designer fabrics.

Alex walked beside him, completely at ease, while Hugo felt like every step he took was a mistake. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He wasn’t supposed to be trying on dresses.

But then Alex turned to him with a smirk. “Come on, Luna. Let’s find you something special.”

Hugo hesitated, glancing at the racks of dresses. “I-I don’t know…”

Alex gently grabbed his hand and led him toward a section of sleek evening gowns. “Just try one. No pressure.”

A saleswoman approached, smiling warmly. “Looking for something in particular?”

“My girlfriend needs something stunning for our next date,” Alex said smoothly, making Hugo’s breath hitch.

The saleswoman’s eyes lit up. “Oh! I have just the thing.”

Before Hugo could protest, he was ushered into a fitting room with three dresses draped over his arm. He stared at them, his heart pounding.

What am I doing?

With shaky hands, he slipped out of his jeans and crop top, standing in front of the mirror in nothing but his undergarments. His body was lean, his waist slightly curved he looked… androgynous.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled on the first dress a silky navy-blue number that hugged his body in ways he never imagined. The fabric felt smooth against his skin, the hem brushing just above his knees.

He turned to the mirror.

Who is this person staring back at me?

A knock on the door startled him. “Luna? You okay?” Alex’s voice was gentle.

“I-I think so,” Hugo answered.

“Come out. Let me see.”

Hugo hesitated but slowly opened the door.

Alex’s eyes widened, his lips slightly parted. “Wow…”

The way Alex looked at him sent a shiver down Hugo’s spine. Was this really happening?

After trying on several dresses, Hugo no, Luna found himself standing at the checkout counter with Alex, watching as the cashier carefully packed the delicate fabrics into glossy shopping bags.

“I can’t believe we actually bought them…” Hugo mumbled, still feeling a little lightheaded from everything.

Alex chuckled, handing over his black credit card. “Believe it, babe. You looked too good in them to leave them behind.”

Hugo’s cheeks flushed. He wasn’t sure if it was from being called babe or from the fact that he had actually picked out multiple dresses… for himself. Just a few days ago, the idea would’ve been unthinkable. Now, he was holding onto a bag filled with feminine clothes like it was completely normal.

As they stepped out of the store, Alex casually draped his arm around Hugo’s shoulder. “Let’s grab some coffee before I drop you off.”

Hugo nodded, adjusting the bag in his hand. “Yeah… I think I need one.”

Max sat alone in his apartment, his phone lighting up with missed calls from Hugo. He didn’t want to answer. Not after everything. Not after seeing Hugo, leave with Alex, looking more feminine than ever. His heart ached.

He had spent the entire day trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his chest, but when Kate finally called him, he couldn’t avoid it anymore.

“Where the hell have you been?” Kate's voice was sharp.

“I needed space,” Max muttered.

“Well, you should’ve been at the salon,” she snapped. “Because guess what? Hugo your Hugo just went on a full shopping spree with Alex. 

Max’s heart dropped. “…What?”

After hearing that Max hung the call.

As they walked hand in hand through the shopping district, Alex suddenly turned to Hugo with a serious yet playful expression.

"Luna, have you ever thought about… making some changes?" Alex asked, his eyes scanning Hugo’s delicate frame.

Hugo blinked, a little caught off guard. "Changes? What do you mean?"

Alex smirked, gently tucking a strand of Hugo’s hair behind his ear. "Well, you've already embraced your feminine side so beautifully. What if you took it a step further? What if you had… curves in all the right places?"

Hugo felt a flutter of nerves in his stomach. "You mean…?"

Alex nodded, his voice smooth and confident. "Breast implants. I’ll cover the costs, of course. Think about it how amazing you'd look, how natural it would feel."

Hugo's heart pounded. This was something he had never even considered before. Dressing up was one thing, but making a permanent change to his body?

"I… I don’t know, Alex," Hugo said hesitantly, looking away. "That’s a big step."

Alex smiled reassuringly. "Of course, no pressure. But I want you to know that no matter what, I support you. And if you ever decide you want to go further… I’ll be right here."

Hugo nodded slowly, his mind spinning.

After a successful shopping spree, Hugo and Alex decided to cap off the evening with a drink at a nearby bar. The ambiance was warm and lively, and they quickly found a cozy corner table. They ordered cocktails, and Hugo, feeling more at ease than he had in a while, took a sip of his drink.

"To a successful shopping trip," Alex said with a grin, raising his glass. Hugo clinked his glass against his, feeling the smooth alcohol begin to loosen his nerves.

The night went on, and Hugo found himself ordering more drinks, laughing freely at Alex’s jokes, and feeling the weight of the world slowly melt away. The more he drank, the more carefree he felt, and the less self-conscious he became about his appearance and the changes he was going through.

However, after a few too many drinks, Hugo began to feel dizzy. His head spun slightly, and he laughed a little too loudly at a joke Alex made. "I think I've had too much," he said, his words slurring just a bit.

Alex chuckled softly. "Maybe just one more drink," he suggested, sensing Hugo’s tipsy state but not wanting to end the night too soon.

By the time they finished their last round, Hugo was thoroughly intoxicated, his thoughts becoming a blur of excitement and confusion. Alex helped him stand and called for a taxi to take them home.

As they arrived at Alex’s place, Hugo could barely keep his balance, leaning on Alex for support. "I think I’ve had enough for tonight," Hugo mumbled, his words trailing off.

Alex smiled, steadying him. "Let’s get you inside, Luna. You need to rest."

The night ended with Hugo stumbling into Alex’s house, feeling the effects of the alcohol.

The morning after was a blur for Hugo. His head throbbed as the fog of alcohol began to lift. Slowly, he became aware of the intimacy of the night before. But there was a sense of confusion, something felt off. He couldn’t quite place his finger on it. It wasn’t just the hangover it was something deeper.

As he lay in Alex’s bed, his thoughts raced. He barely remembered the events after their drinks at the bar, but it was clear what had happened. Hugo felt the weight of guilt, confusion, and shame in the pit of his stomach. He hadn’t planned on anything like this.

Alex, who was still asleep beside him, seemed blissfully unaware of Hugo’s inner turmoil. In fact, Alex seemed happy, even content. Hugo knew it wasn’t right, and his mind spiraled as he wondered if Alex truly understood what had just happened. Did Alex see it the same way Hugo did?

As Hugo slipped out of bed and dressed, his heart pounded. He needed to figure this out figure out what this meant, both for him and for the relationship they were starting to build. What did this mean for his feelings? Did he want this? Or was it just the product of the situation? He couldn’t be sure.