Chapter 276: Seeking the professors assistance (1/2)

At the end of their photo time, Ben thought the pictures he took of Charlotte turned out commendable for a first-timer, even if many showed her squirming and hiding.

After, when they returned to the group, the leader of the excursion summed up a few points and ended with an announcement; For the next meeting, they'd do a critique of member-submitted portrait photos. In fact, it was a form of preparation. Their club had an internal competition coming up involving portrait photos from beginner photographers, and it was an excellent opportunity to get feedback for that.

Hearing that it was a beginners competition, Ben got an idea--he wanted to take part! That also meant it would be wise of him to enter photos into the critique next week. However, as he glanced over at Charlotte, he realized a part of that plan might prove challenging.

Still, as the group disbanded, Ben mustered all his motivational speaking ability as he gave her his best sales pitch. What he was selling was simple--they should both enter! He valued the photos he took today of Charlotte. At least, he doubted he'd get better ones during the remainder of the week. Yet, that's also where the problem was. To use them, he'd need her consent.

As such, he pitched her that they should enter together, asserting it wasn't a big deal because it was a beginner's competition, something trivial. Since they were both only starting photography, no one would expect anything from them anyway. In summary, there was nothing to lose! Knowing Charlotte's antisocial demeanor though, he expected it to be a tough sale, but to his surprise, she nodded!

What Ben didn't know was Charlotte's mood was spectacular now, so much so that she didn't give it much thought, agreeing to his proposal, because he was the one who proposed it…

He was too busy grinning to catch that though, relishing in his sales skills. 'I'm a warrior who won't take ”No” for an answer. Who won't hang up the phone till my client either buys...or fucking dies!'

Having received her consent, Ben's eyes were shining, but as a clever businessman, he knew to quit when he was ahead. 'Since she already agreed, before she changes her mind, I have to escape!'

Thus, after a hasty goodbye, he speed-walked/beef-walked into the distance...looking back from time to time to make sure she wasn't following him. Yet, he failed to notice that as he left, Charlotte couldn't help frowning, as she experienced a rare sense of loss.

Sighing with relief once he was in the clear, Ben smiled because photography was going well along with everything else. As he was leaving the park, his steps slowed down though, as he narrowed his eyes. 'Am I forgetting something?' He checked his pockets and everything was there. His camera was in its bag. There were no important tasks he forgot to do, so why the nagging feeling?

Then, Ben's face became grave as he glanced back towards the fountain where the photo group met, as he realized what the problem was. 'It happened again…'

Once was bad luck, but twice…that was becoming suspicious. 'Again today, there was no faceslap…'

He checked his forehead to make sure he didn't have a fever…but it seemed fine.

He opened a news app on his phone to read about hints of a zombie apocalypse...but there was only anti-Trump rhetoric...

Tapping his foot, Ben thought it over for a while, before looking at his open hands. 'Are they being careful? Has word gotten around about my Hulk hands?'

…

He feared the worst happened, that his reputation became too big; that, of a seasoned slapper…

It seemed too soon to bring out the next tier of enemies though…which forced Ben to consider the alternative. 'Is it really possible, to live life, without people constantly running face-first into my propeller arms?'

...

Putting his hands on his head as he crouched and stared at the ground, Ben released a complicated sigh. 'I don't know if I want to live in that world though…'

This, was his unique outlook on life.

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