“Perfect! Hold that pose.”

Shane locked eyes with the photographer and gave him an alluring smirk. He stayed perfectly still, not averting his gaze once, while the man took a series of shots.

When he was done, an assistant came over with a water bottle. Shane accepted it with another smile. The assistant, who was probably around nineteen, blushed and looked away. Shane felt a glow of accomplishment as he took a sip of water.

“You’re amazing.” The assistant muttered, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “How are you so comfortable with everyone looking at you?”

Shane shrugged. “Who says I’m comfortable?” He leaned toward her and looked her in the eye. “I could just be good at coping.”

“Oh.” She fidgeted and looked away. “Uh… Then good work today.” She cleared her throat. “The boss says we’re done for the day.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you next time then.” Shane winked at her.

He gathered his bag and walked away as the shoot was taken down. When he was far enough away, he sighed and let his shoulders slump. He thought back on his conversation with the assistant and scowled.

He had lied to her. Being the center of attention was very comfortable for him. He was used to it and relished it.

But Shane had learned a long time ago that boasting didn’t get him anywhere. It was better to pretend he wasn’t aware of his own charm and good looks. It was also more fun to hear other people praise him.

Shane checked his watch and found that it was only eight thirty-five. If he wanted, he could make it to school for first period.

If he wanted.

Instead, Shane wandered through the park. Most of the morning joggers had already left for the day, but he did encounter a few housewives with young children. He charmed them briefly, but left when they turned their attention to their kids. He didn’t need the reminder that his own mother hadn’t stuck around after he was born.

At about quarter after nine he found himself in a secluded corner of the park. It was hidden by bushes and sat at the end of a dead-end path. Shane guessed it would be ideal for a romantic rendezvous.

There was already someone there.

A boy a few years younger than Shane was sitting on a bench. His head was back, and Shane couldn’t tell if he was asleep or just taking in the morning sun.

Shane took a step forward and the boy’s head popped up. Not asleep then. In fact, Shane noticed that his eyes were wide and alert.

“Hi.” Shane put on a charming smile. “Mind if I join you?” He was getting tired of walking around without purpose, and he was suddenly curious to see how well he could charm another boy who was probably just reaching the age where he would notice attractiveness in people.

“Um…” The boy shifted and looked away. “I guess.”

Shane felt victorious as he sat beside the boy. “I’m Shane.” He introduced himself, pitching his voice down.

“Nice to meet you.” The boy looked at him briefly before turning away and scanning the clearing. He didn’t offer his own name, which most people usually did in Shane’s experience.

So, he prompted for it. “What’s your name?” The boy was probably too flustered, nothing to be offended by.

But the boy shook his head. “I shouldn’t tell you.” He fidgeted nervously.

Shane smirked. Was he trying to play hard to get? That was cute. “You can tell me. Just a first name couldn’t hurt.”

“No.” The boy surprised Shane by jumping to his feet. “I shouldn’t even be talking to you.”

But he didn’t go anywhere, just looked around. So, Shane didn’t give up. He gently rested a hand on the boy’s arm. “It’s fine. Not like I’m going to hurt you.”

He decided to use his most charming smile, even though the boy was looking away. “I don’t look like a creepy old man, do I?”

As expected, the boy looked at him. “I don’t--”

“Hey!”

Shane jumped and looked past the boy. A girl came storming toward them. She wrapped an arm around the boy and pulled him away from Shane’s hand. Then she swung a backpack at him like a shield.

“Let’s go.” She said to the boy. “We should keep moving.”

“Alright.” The boy nodded. Then he gave a little wave in Shane’s direction. “Bye.”

The back of Shane’s neck prickled as he watched the girl lead the boy away. Something didn’t feel right. Nobody had ever brushed Shane off like that before.

He decided to follow them.