Working In A Beauty Salon - Part 5

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As Max and Hugo walked down the quiet street, The air was cool, and Hugo tucked his hands into his pockets, glancing at Max every now and then.

"You know," Hugo said, breaking the silence, "I never thought I’d enjoy working at a salon. But, it’s kinda nice.  Max smirked, kicking a small pebble along the sidewalk. "Told you. It grows on you.

Hugo chuckled. "I don’t know about that. Everyone keeps saying I should try new things change my look, and dress differently. Even you were shocked when I wore a sleeveless shirt today."

Max’s face flushed slightly at the memory. He had tried not to stare, but seeing Hugo like that had done something to him.

"I wasn’t shocked," Max muttered, shoving his hands into his jacket. "Just, surprised. You look good, that’s all."

Hugo raised an eyebrow.

 "Oh? So you’re saying I didn’t look good before?"

Max rolled his eyes but smiled. 

"You know that’s not what I meant."

There was a teasing edge in Hugo’s voice, but Max could tell he was enjoying the compliment. It made Max's heart race a little was Hugo starting to get comfortable with all this attention?

As they turned the corner, their footsteps slowed. They had reached the point where they would have to go their separate ways.

"So," Max said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Same time tomorrow?"

Hugo nodded. 

Max looked up.

"Thanks for staying late with me."

Max smiled softly.  Anytime. They paused for a moment before finally parting ways. As Max walked home, he couldn’t stop thinking about Hugo his voice, his smile, the way he looked at him.

After finishing his dinner, Hugo was relaxing on the couch when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen Bella. 

Smiling, he picked up the call. "Hey, sis. What’s up?"

"Hey, just checking in. How was work today?" Bella’s voice was light but filled with curiosity.

Hugo stretched his legs out. "It was good. Busy, but I’m getting the hang of things. Helped Max out a lot today."

"Oh, Max, huh?" Bella teased. "You two are getting close, aren’t you?"

Hugo rolled his eyes. "It’s not like that. We just work together a lot."

Bella laughed but didn’t push further. "Anyway, Kate and I were talking, and we thought it’d be fun if you joined us at the gym in the morning. You’ve been focusing on your style lately why not work on your fitness too?"

Hugo hesitated. "The gym? I don’t know, Bella, I haven’t worked out in forever. Plus, I already wake up early for work."

"Oh, come on! It’ll be fun. And besides, it’s not like we’re training for a marathon. Just some light workouts, maybe some yoga, and Kate really wants to do a stretching session."

"Stretching?" Hugo frowned. "That doesn’t sound like gym stuff."

"It’s about flexibility and posture! You’d be surprised how much it helps, especially when you’re on your feet all day."

Hugo sighed. "Fine, fine. I’ll come. But if I regret this, I’m blaming you."

Bella laughed. "Deal! Be ready by 7 AM. Just as Hugo was about to set his phone down, it buzzed again. He glanced at the screen, Kate.

"Seriously? You two planned this?" he muttered to himself before answering. "Hey, Kate. Let me guess this is about the gym too?"

Kate chuckled on the other end. "Wow, you catch on fast! Bella told me you agreed. I just wanted to make sure you don’t back out last minute."

Hugo sighed. "You and Bella really don’t trust me, huh?"

"Oh, we trust you," Kate said playfully. "We just know how lazy you can be about stuff like this."

Hugo rolled his eyes. "I’m not lazy. I just don’t see the point of."

"Looking even better?" Kate cut in. "Come on, Hugo, you’ve been stepping up your style lately. Why not take it to the next level? A little toning, a little flexibilityit’ll all help with your posture and confidence."

Hugo frowned. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"

Kate laughed. 

"Because it’s true. Besides, don’t you want to impress a certain someone?"

Hugo’s stomach flipped. "W-What? Who?"

Kate smirked. "Oh, I don’t know, Maybe a certain hairstylist who couldn’t take his eyes off you today?"

Hugo’s face went red. "Max? No, it’s not like that!"

"Sure," Kate teased. "Either way, you’re coming with us tomorrow. And trust me, you’ll thank me later. Just wear something stretchy and comfy, alright?"

Hugo groaned. "You and Bella are really ganging up on me, huh?"

"Always." Kate giggled. "See you bright and early, Hugo! No excuses!"

As the call ended, Hugo flopped back onto his bed, rubbing his face.

"What have I gotten myself into?" he muttered.

Just as Hugo was about to put his phone away for the night, it buzzed once more. A message from Max.

Max: Hey, still awake? Hugo hesitated for a moment before replying.

Hugo: Yeah, what’s up? Max's response came quickly.

Max: Nothing much. Just been thinking about today. Hugo raised an eyebrow.

Hugo: Work stuff,? 

Max: Kinda, but also about you.

Hugo: What about me,? There was a slight pause before Max responded.

Max: I don’t know how to say this, but, you’ve been changing a lot lately.

Hugo: Changing?

Max: Yeah. The way you dress, the way you act, Even the way you talk sometimes. It’s like, you’re getting a little, I don’t know. Feminine?

Hugo blinked at the screen. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, unsure how to respond. Was Max teasing him? Or was he just being honest?

Hugo: Feminine, What do you mean?

Max: I mean, the sleeveless tops, the way you let your hair down more, even how you take care of your skin now, it’s not a bad thing. Just, a little feminine

Hugo: Kate and Bella have been making me try new things. I didn’t really notice any big changes.

Max: Maybe you don’t see it, but I do. 

Hugo felt his heart race. Was Max judging him? Or did he, like it?

Hugo: Does it bother you?

Max: No, I don’t think so. Just wanted to say it.

There was a long pause before Max sent one last message.

Max: Anyway, get some sleep. See you tomorrow. Don’t be late.

Hugo: Yeah, Good Night, Max. As Hugo set his phone down, his mind swirled with thoughts. 

The morning sun filtered through the blinds as Hugo groggily got out of bed. He stretched his arms, still feeling a little sore from the previous day. Today was his first time going to the gym with Bella and Kate, and despite his initial reluctance, he had agreed.

He walked over to his closet and pulled the doors open, scanning his clothes. Jeans? Too tight. Sleeveless tops? Maybe, but not exactly workout gear. His usual work clothes were definitely out of the question.

Hugo sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “Great, I don’t even have gym clothes.”

He checked his drawers for nothing but casual T-shirts, old shorts, and a few button-downs he rarely wore. He had never really needed workout gear before, and it wasn’t like he had money to spend on new clothes right now.

Just as he was about to text Bella for advice, his phone buzzed. It was Kate.

Kate: Morning, sleepyhead! You better be getting ready.

Hugo: I am, kinda.

Kate: Kinda?

Hugo: I don’t really have anything to wear for the gym.

There was a pause before Kate’s response came in.

Kate: OMG, of course, you don’t. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Hugo: Wait, what?

Kate: Just come over to Bella’s place before we head out. Trust me, you’ll look great. Hugo hesitated. He wasn’t sure what Kate meant by, “covered” but at this point, he didn’t have much of a choice.

Hugo arrived at Bella’s apartment, still half-asleep and dreading whatever Kate had planned for him. He knocked on the door, and within seconds, Bella swung it open with a grin.

“Well, well, look who’s early for once,” she teased, stepping aside to let him in.

“Yeah, yeah,” Hugo muttered, rubbing his neck. “I didn’t really have a choice. Kate said she had ‘something’ for me to wear.”

As if on cue, Kate appeared from Bella’s bedroom, holding up a neatly folded outfit with a mischievous smile. “And here it is!”

Hugo eyed the clothes suspiciously. “What, exactly am I looking at?”

Kate unfolded the outfit a fitted black tank top with a stylish racerback cut and a pair of tight, high-waisted leggings.

Hugo’s eyes widened. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Oh, come on, Hugo!” Kate huffed. “It’s just gym clothes. Tons of guys wear leggings nowadays. It’s totally normal.”

Bella chuckled from the kitchen. “Yeah, just think of it like compression wear. Besides, it’ll show off that progress you’ve been making.”

Hugo crossed his arms. “What progress? I haven’t even started working out yet.”

Kate rolled her eyes. “Exactly. That’s why we’re going to the gym. Now go change.”

Hugo groaned but took the clothes anyway. As he stepped into the bathroom and changed, he couldn’t help but notice how, snug the leggings were. They clung to his legs, accentuating their shape in a way he wasn’t used to. The tank top was fitted as well, exposing more of his shoulders than he was comfortable with.

He sighed, looking at himself in the mirror. “I look ridiculous.”

“Hurry up, Hugo!” Kate called from outside.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the bathroom.

Bella and Kate both stared. Then, in unison, they burst out laughing.

“Oh my god, Hugo, you actually look kinda cute!” Kate grinned.

“I told you it’d suit you,” Bella added, trying to stifle her chuckles.

Hugo’s face burned. “I am not cute.”

“Sure, sure,” Kate smirked. “Now let’s go before you change your mind.”

Hugo sighed in defeat. Hugo followed Bella and Kate into the gym, feeling strangely out of place. The bright lights, the rows of machines, and the sound of weights clanking together made him nervous. He adjusted his tight leggings for what felt like the hundredth time, still not used to how they hugged his legs.

“Relax, Hugo,” Bella said, noticing his discomfort. “Everyone’s here to work out, not to judge you.”

“Speak for yourself,” Kate teased. “He’s turning a few heads already.”

Hugo rolled his eyes but couldn’t help checking his reflection in the mirrors along the walls. His lean figure looked even more defined in the fitted tank top, and with his smooth arms, he almost looked, different. He shook the thought away.

At the reception desk, a fit young woman in a sports bra and leggings greeted them with a smile.

“Bella! Kate! Bringing in a new member?” she asked, looking Hugo up and down.

“Yep,” Kate answered. “This is Hugo his first time at a real gym.”

The receptionist nodded approvingly. “Nice to meet you, Hugo. Love the look. You’ll fit right in.”

Hugo felt his face warm but forced a smile. “Uh, thanks.”

The trio moved toward the cardio section, where Bella pointed at the treadmills.

“We’ll start with a warm-up of ten minutes of light jogging.”

Hugo sighed and climbed onto the machine, setting it to a comfortable pace. At first, it wasn’t too bad. But as the minutes passed, he realized something: his outfit felt too warm. The tight material of the leggings trapped heat, and the tank top clung to his skin uncomfortably.

“You okay over there?” Kate asked, jogging effortlessly beside him.

“Yeah,  just not used to this,” Hugo admitted, already starting to sweat.

Bella chuckled. “Don’t worry. You’ll adjust.”

Strength Training

After finishing on the treadmill, they moved to the weights section. Bella handed Hugo a pair of light dumbbells.

“Try some bicep curls.”

Hugo took the weights and followed her instructions, curling them up slowly.

“Not bad,” Bella nodded. “But your form could use some work.” She stepped behind him, adjusting his arms.

Kate grinned. “Wow, Hugo. With those arms and that outfit, you’re almost looking like one of the yoga girls.”

Hugo shot her a glare. “Very funny.”

They continued through different exercises squats, lunges, and some light bench pressing. Hugo was sweating more than he expected, but as the workout progressed, he started to enjoy the burn.

By the time they finished, Hugo felt exhausted but accomplished.

“Not bad for your first day,” Bella said, patting his back.

Kate nudged him. “Told you you’d look cute working out.”

As Hugo finished his last set of lunges, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, his loose ponytail slightly damp. He was about to grab his water bottle when a tall, muscular guy from across the gym approached him.

“Hey, uh, excuse me,” the guy said, looking a little hesitant.

Hugo turned to face him. “Yeah?”

The guy smiled. “I just wanted to say, you’re really fit. I’ve seen you working out, and your form is impressive.”

Kate, standing nearby, stifled a laugh. Bella raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet.

Hugo blinked, a little surprised by the compliment. “Oh, thanks?”

The guy rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit nervous. “Uh, also, I was wondering if you’d like to grab a smoothie or something after your workout?”

Hugo froze. It took him a second to realize what was happening. The guy thought he was, a girl.

Kate completely lost it, covering her mouth as she tried not to burst into laughter. Bella gave Hugo a knowing look, waiting for his reaction.

Hugo felt his face heat up as he quickly shook his head. “Oh um, no. I think there’s a misunderstanding. I’m actually.”

Before he could finish, the guy’s face turned red. “Oh my God. Wait. You’re,?”

Hugo nodded, awkwardly rubbing his arm. “Yeah.”

The guy looked mortified. “Wow, I’m so sorry. I just assumed because, well, your hair and you,” He trailed off, obviously struggling for words.

Kate finally let out a snort. “His smooth arms, his cute outfit, his soft voice?”

Hugo shot her a glare.

The guy held up his hands. “No offense, man. You just have, a really androgynous look.”

Bella smirked. “That’s one way to put it.”

Hugo sighed, still flustered. “It’s fine. Honest mistake.”

The guy quickly excused himself, practically speed-walking away. Kate giggled uncontrollably as Bella patted Hugo’s back.

“Well,” Bella teased, “at least you know you’re pulling off the look.”

Hugo groaned. “Let’s just finish this workout.”

After an intense gym session, Hugo returned home feeling sore but accomplished. He took a quick shower, letting the warm water soothe his aching muscles, then dried off and rummaged through his closet for something to wear.

The day at the salon went by in a blur. Hugo kept himself busy, handling small maintenance tasks while also lending a hand to the stylists whenever needed.

He had become a familiar presence in the salon not just as the maintenance guy, but as someone comfortable in the environment, moving effortlessly between his duties and assisting with small styling tasks.

Lila had even asked him to help with blow-drying a client’s hair, something that once would have made him nervous.

Kate passed by and gave him a knowing smirk. “You’re getting good at this, Hugo. You sure you’re not planning to switch careers?”

Hugo laughed, shaking his head. “Nah, I don’t think so. Just helping out.”

But Max, who was standing nearby, wasn’t so sure. He watched as Hugo worked, noticed the small details of the way he handled the blow dryer, how he gently fluffed the client’s hair, and the way he had started to blend in effortlessly with the salon’s atmosphere.

Max clenched his jaw, his emotions swirling.

As the evening approached, Lila clapped her hands. “Great work today, everyone! Let’s clean up and head out.”

Hugo stretched, feeling tired but satisfied. He enjoyed working here. But as he caught Max looking at him his expression unreadable Hugo wondered. As everyone finished cleaning up, Max found himself stealing glances at Hugo. He had been doing this more often lately. As Hugo was about to leave, Kate stopped him. “Hey, Hugo, a few of us are heading out for drinks. You should come.”

Hugo hesitated. “I don’t know, I’m pretty tired.”

Kate pouted. “Oh, come on! You work hard all day, you deserve to have some fun.”

Max, still deep in thought, suddenly spoke up. “You should come, Hugo.”

Hugo looked at Max in surprise. It was rare for Max to outright encourage him like that. After a moment, Hugo sighed and smiled. "Alright, fine. But just for a little while." Kate cheered, and Max simply nodded.

As the salon closed for the night, Hugo looked down at himself, realizing his shirt was a little sweaty and not exactly fresh after a long day of work. He tugged at the fabric, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Kate, noticing his hesitation, smirked and walked over to a small locker in the back. “You can’t go out like that, Hugo. Lucky for you, I always keep an extra set of clothes here for emergencies.”

She pulled out a black sleeveless top and held it up. The fabric was smooth, slightly fitted, and had a subtle scoop neckline not overly feminine, but definitely not something Hugo would usually wear.

Hugo raised an eyebrow. “Kate, that’s a girl’s top.”

Kate scoffed. “It’s just a top. It’s not frilly, and there’s no lace it’s just sleeveless and fitted a little better. No one will even notice.”

Hugo hesitated, but then Max, who had been silently watching the exchange, stepped in.

“Just wear it, Hugo.”

Hugo turned to look at him, surprised. Max usually didn’t push him on things like this.

Max crossed his arms, keeping his expression neutral. “You’re not going out in a sweaty shirt. And besides, it’ll look good on you.”

Kate grinned. “See? Even Max agrees. Come on, just try it.”

Hugo sighed, running a hand through his hair. He didn’t have many options. And maybe they were right. Reluctantly, he grabbed the top. “Fine. But if I look ridiculous, this is on both of you.”

Kate winked.

Hugo finally pulled on the sleeveless top, adjusting it slightly in the mirror. The fit was snug, more form-fitting than he was used to, but not outright feminine at least, that’s what he told himself.

Kate smirked, giving him a playful once-over. “See? Looks great! You should wear stuff like this more often.”

Hugo rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Can we go now?”

Just then, Max, who had been watching far too intently, let out a chuckle.

“Honestly, Hugo, if you had a push-up bra, you’d be 100% passable as a girl.”

Hugo’s eyes widened, his face flushing red. “Excuse me?!”

Kate burst out laughing. “Oh my God, Max! You’re terrible.”

Max shrugged, trying to keep his cool. “I’m just saying. Look at you, long hair,  smooth arms. If someone didn’t know you, they’d totally mistake you for a girl.”

Hugo huffed, crossing his arms. “Well, I am a guy, so the joke’s on you.”

Kate nudged Max. “Admit it, you’re just jealous because Hugo looks cuter than you.”

Max laughed it off, but inside, his thoughts were far from casual. He had always liked Hugo, but this? Something about this felt like more than he wanted to admit.

Kate was still laughing at Max’s comment, but Max had gone quiet, watching Hugo with an unreadable expression. Then, Hugo did something unexpected.

He turned to Kate, clearing his throat. “Okay, so what if I actually tried it?”

Kate blinked, confused. “Tried what?”

Hugo hesitated, glancing at Max before continuing. “A, push-up bra. Just to see.”

Max’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t actually expected Hugo to take his teasing seriously. Kate, on the other hand, gasped in excitement. 

“Wait, really? Oh my God, yes! I have one in the back that might fit you. You have the frame for it.”

Hugo exhaled, trying to ignore the nervous energy bubbling inside him. Why was he doing this? Was it just curiosity? A joke?

Max, watched Hugo’s expression shift from uncertainty to determination, Maybe it had started as teasing, but now, he wasn’t sure anymore.  Hugo stared at his reflection, adjusting the straps of the push-up bra that Kate had eagerly handed him. The fit was surprisingly snug, lifting his chest just enough to create an illusion that startled even him.

Kate clapped her hands together. “Okay, now tuck the top in a little. Yes! Oh my God, Hugo, you actually.”

She trailed off, exchanging a glance with Max, who had been too quiet for the past few minutes. Hugo, feeling the intensity of Max’s stare, shifted awkwardly. 

“I mean, do I actually look like a girl?”

Kate grinned, grabbing a hair tie and quickly styling Hugo’s hair into a loose ponytail. “See for yourself.”

Hugo turned back to the mirror. His heart pounded. It was him, but, not him.

Max swallowed hard, finally speaking. “You could definitely pass.”