The art studio was quiet, save for the soft rustle of brushes against canvas and the occasional clink of a palette knife. Elias, or rather, Eliza for the afternoon, hummed softly as he meticulously adjusted the long, flowing brown wig. The strands cascaded around his shoulders, a stark contrast to the sharp lines of the white collared shirt and blue tie he wore beneath a deep blue vest. He painstakingly layered several strings of faux pearls, letting them drape elegantly, adding a touch of classic femininity to his ensemble. His reddish-brown eyes, enhanced with a subtle sweep of shadow and liner, held a mischievous glint as he leaned closer to the mirror, smudging a touch of blush high on his cheekbones.

This was his ritual, his secret escape. In the confines of his studio, Elias shed his male identity and embraced Eliza, a persona he'd meticulously crafted. It wasn't about deception, not really. It was about exploring an artistic facet of himself, a performance that allowed him to see the world, and himself, through a different lens. He’d even mastered a slightly higher vocal register, though sometimes, when caught off guard, a deeper rumble would betray him.

A faint ding from his phone pulled him from his contemplation. He glanced at the screen, then back at his reflection, a playful, knowing smile gracing his lips. He ran a hand over the pearls, adjusting them once more before turning towards the door, his gaze confident and inviting.

"Well, hello there. Did you need something? You look like you've stumbled into the wrong— or perhaps, the right place."