Me and Thee: English translation.

Wake up call #27

Today was a day off that wasn't really a day off for Peach. He had three days of leave, but two of those were already booked for his ex's projects. His grand plan to sleep extensively had been shelved, and he'd have to hold his breath and wait two more days for a proper rest. 

This morning, in addition to the bodyguard, now familiar with morning coffee, the tall man in black also reported that Mr Thee's younger brother would be flying in from Russia, making it impossible for the young mafia to slip away as usual. Peach nodded along, still somewhat confused about why he needed to know this.

Rumours had been circulating recently. Despite his reluctance to hear them, working with such a large team - especially the makeup and hair stylists -meant gossip spread faster than government intelligence.

The news that Mr Thee would personally take over operations at the studio had already spread widely. While most people focused on the young photographer as a potential harbinger of bad luck, following the team leader Wivit, who was already under scrutiny, there were even more exciting rumours. 

The most titillating whisper was about the young mafia being in the throes of love, supposedly infatuated with a model to the point of stalking him at work. Of course, those who had worked together for a long time not only didn't believe this but found the idea very horrifying. The scary-faced mafia who always seemed to be glaring at the world, falling head over heels for someone and sitting around waiting was just too bizarre.

Peach thought the source of these rumours was more likely the model Aran's manager. In the past, despite Mr Thee's history of frequently changing partners, no rumours had ever leaked. Anyone who dared to overstep those boundaries would be instantly banned from the industry, with absolutely no good way out.

Aran's signing with the new agency made his manager believe his connections were significant enough to spread rumours quietly. Beyond generating publicity, it could increase the young model's rates. Peach gave a slight nod. Mr Thee was indeed watching over Aran's work, so calling it a rumour wouldn't be accurate. He could only hope nothing bad would happen.

Refocusing on the task at hand, today's shoot was being managed by Mim, but Mr Touch, the boss, was notably absent. Not that it was strange. As a company president, it was unusual that he'd personally met Peach in a cafe that day. 

The Shohei agency had three models. Besides Aran, whom he was familiar with, the other two were rising stars who had recently been making waves. One was a curvaceous woman, her body type distinctly different from typical model standards, yet possessing an undeniable allure. The other was a young male model barely past twenty, built like an athlete, with a fresh, adorable face, clearly a model with a promising future.

Peach secretly admired Touch's eye for talent. These three models were diverse and distinctive. With proper management, just these three could represent an impressive debut.

"Be careful with that! My necklace is incredibly expensive. Your entire year's salary wouldn't cover it!"

The high-pitched voice made him look up from his computer.

Today's team wasn't his usual crew, and they seemed quite new. As the lead photographer, he'd have to oversee everything personally, so he was more than willing to dive into it, preferring hands-on involvement over mere directing.

He glanced towards the source of the voice. The female model stood with her hands on her hips, shrieking at the costume department staff, whose faces had fallen. The staff member was a newcomer, likely still awkward and inexperienced.

Peach held back, observing the situation. Seeing a senior costume staff member stepping in to handle the issue, he returned his attention to the lighting. He wanted a slightly darker atmosphere to enhance the play of light, but he had to be careful not to create unwanted shadows. Unexpectedly, a slender figure approached, the shrill voice piercing close enough to make him startle.

"How is the lighting so dark? Is this team just full of inexperienced newbies?" The model strode onto the set, waving her hand dismissively before fixing her glare on him. 

"Do you know the photographer shooting today is a famous photographer with incredible work? Don't do anything stupid that might embarrass the agency!" 

Peach blinked, more amused than angry. Standing with his arms crossed, he responded with a slightly playful tone, "The lighting isn't dark at all. I think it looks quite beautiful."

The model whirled around. "Beautiful? My face looks completely washed out. As if!"

"But today's concept is about light, sound, and mood, isn't it? Creating a slightly darker tone to make the colored lights stand out would be more appropriate."

A small smile played on his lips. Without any intention of clearing up the model's misunderstanding, his grin grew wider with amusement.

"Or perhaps the famous model hasn't even read today's shoot concept? I thought Shohei agency models would be more professional."

The woman raised her finger, ready to lash out, but in an instant, a tall young man stepped between them. The smooth-faced youth offered a broad smile, deliberately ignoring the female model standing in the middle of the set.

"Hello, Mr Peach. I'm Kin. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work with such a famous photographer!" he greeted enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Kin was so tall that Thee had to tilt his head back slightly to meet his eyes. Judging by sight, his height was almost on par with Mr Thee's mixed-heritage build. However, Kin looked much younger, especially when he grinned wide, cheeks puffing out, exuding such a bright, cheerful energy that it was almost blinding—a perfect subject for photography.

"Peach, nice to meet you too. Looking forward to working with you," he said, offering a small smile and a firm handshake, completely ignoring the stunned woman standing awkwardly between them.

"I've never done a shoot that plays with lighting effects like this before. It's really exciting!" Kin said enthusiastically, practically brimming with energy. 

"Honestly, I've been practising poses in front of the mirror, trying to figure out angles where the shadows make me look cool, but I couldn't find a single one that felt right."

He did his homework well. Peach couldn't help but smile at that thought. The kid was clever with his words, conveying his effort without sounding boastful. Humble, yet clearly eager to learn. He's going places.

"Don't overthink it. I'm aiming for something natural. We've got plenty of time today, so let's figure out the best angles together." Peach replied, his grin widening until his eyes curved into soft crescents.

He was so caught up in the moment that he didn't notice Kin freeze slightly, eyes widening just a fraction as heat flushed his ears a vivid shade of red. Peach was about to say something else when a familiar voice called out from the other side of the set. He turned to see another young model rushing toward him, all radiant smiles and a face too pretty for its own good.

"Peach! You didn't tell me you were the one doing the shoot today!" Aran puffed out his cheeks in mock indignation, which somehow only made him look more adorable. "We just saw each other yesterday, and you didn't say a word!"

"Surprise!" Peach said with a grin, reaching up to fix Aran's hair, which had fallen out of place from his earlier dash.

Before anyone could say another word, the woman who had been thoroughly ignored earlier made her move. She squeezed her voluptuous figure into the space between Peach and Aran, deliberately pushing them apart. Her red dress, adorned with pink and white patterns, accentuated her curves, and her saccharine smile was so over-the-top it felt more unsettling than alluring.

"Oh my, so it's Peachayarat! I have been following your work for ages!" Grace chirped in a sweet tone, purposefully leaning closer so that her chest brushed against his arm. 

"So sorry about earlier! The lights were so dim I didn't notice, plus, you look so youthful. I would never have guessed someone as talented as you could look so fresh-faced!"

Peach subtly stepped back, smoothly positioning himself closer to Kin with a faint smile. He noticed the young man beside him stiffen, his entire body going rigid. Curious, Peach glanced up at him, but it was too dark to make out his expression. He assumed the other party was nervous. 

Aran was a well-established freelance model with a decent portfolio, and Grace clearly had been in the industry long enough to develop her arsenal of tricks. But Kin? He seemed like a newbie, with only a handful of gigs under his belt. It wasn't surprising that he might feel tense in a situation like this.

Peach turned to Kin, reaching out to gently clasp the younger man's slightly sweaty hand. Kin's hands were large yet elegant, with strength and symmetry that made them ideal for showcasing jewellery in shoots. While Peach mused over this, he gave Kin's hand a reassuring squeeze and flashed him another warm smile.

"Relax. We're keeping it easygoing for this shoot. I want everyone to bring their authentic selves to the table," Peach said, patting the back of Kin's hand a couple of times before letting go. Then he turned back to the group and began briefing the three models earnestly, his tone clear and focused.

Today, I plan to showcase three distinct styles that reflect Shohei's brand ethos of diversity. Each model would embody its own unique vibe, with colours and lighting that emphasise freshness and energy. Everyone had their own signature colour.

"I knew it! A concept this tricky had to mean the photographer was tough. Turns out it's you, Peach," Aran muttered, still grumbling while blinking rapidly enough for Peach to notice.

"What's wrong? Something in your eye?" Peach leaned in a bit closer, concerned. All the models were wearing colored contact lenses for the shoot, and he worried they might be causing discomfort.

"Just a little irritation. I don't wear contacts often," Aran admitted, clenching his fists to stop himself from rubbing his eyes.

"Don't rub them, or the lenses might scratch your eye," Peach warned, his tone firm but gentle. Then, turning to an assistant, he called out, "Grab some eye drops for him. A little lubrication should ease the irritation. You'll need to be able to handle the lights later." 

Aran nodded and shuffled off to take care of his eyes, leaving Peach free to start with the other models. Grace, clearly still miffed about being sidelined earlier, wasted no time stepping up and volunteering to go first. Her determination to dazzle was written all over her face. Peach didn't argue. He gave a few instructions on adjusting the lighting before lifting his camera to start shooting.

Her theme revolved around shades of red and pink-her outfit, magenta contact lenses, and plum crimson lips all working together to create a bold, sultry look. Grace struck pose after pose, radiating confidence as her gaze locked on the lens with a smouldering intensity. Not the nicest personality, but her performance was solid.

He took a variety of shots/close-ups, half-body frames, and full-body shots, switching up the angles and capturing multiple styles for each range. Satisfied, he gave her a small nod, signalling that she could take a break.

As Peach checked the images while waiting to adjust the light again, he noticed a shadow looming nearby. Looking up, he found Kin standing close, beaming brightly with a cheerful smile that turned his eyes into delicate crescents. Peach raised an eyebrow in question, silently asking what was up.

"I'm not feeling very confident. I'm still pretty new to modelling, so I hope you can guide me through this." Kin admitted, his tone tinged with worry, though his radiant smile completely contradicted his words.

Peach smiled back, a little puzzled by the sudden switch in how Kinn addressed him. But he figured it was just the guy's way of breaking the ice and making the work feel less formal.

"No worries. Just relax, okay? I'll guide you through everything."

"I could really use some extra motivation," Kin added with a playful tone, leaning in slightly. His bright smile and the faint blush dusting his cheeks made him all the more charming.

"How about this? If I do a good job today, you have to treat me to dinner." Kin proposed, his eyes glinting mischievously. Peach raised an eyebrow, then let out a chuckle. This kid was smart and clearly knew how to charm his way into building connections.

As one of the top photographers, Peach had encountered plenty of tricks to form bonds in the industry. But he had to admit, there was something refreshingly earnest and endearing about Kin's approach. Weighing his options quickly, Peach realised it wasn't a bad deal. Kin was still a fresh face in the industry, with loads of potential. A dinner in exchange for solidifying a connection with a promising talent seemed worth it, so Peach agreed with an amused grin.

Kin's face lit up, his smile so wide it nearly closed his eyes. Brimming with confidence, he strode to the set, shedding his playful demeanour to embody a professional, hardworking model in an instant. 

Kin's theme revolved around earthy tones, brown and green. He wore fitted brown slacks paired with a light green blazer, which perfectly complemented his green-tinted contact lenses. The white shirt underneath was unbuttoned just enough to reveal a hint of his toned chest, striking a natural yet subtly sexy vibe. 

As Kin moved through his poses, Peach provided occasional adjustments, but it didn't take long to get a variety of shots. Each captured a different side of youthful radiance, while others exuded a quiet, mysterious allure, like a vast, untamed forest inviting exploration.

As soon as Kin heard the word "done," he instantly transformed back into a kid who hadn't even hit twenty yet. The young model ran straight over, practically bouncing with excitement, and asked to see the photos. Peach just laughed and handed over the camera without a fuss.

"So, does this mean I nailed it?" Kin asked, looking up with a grin so wide it nearly took over his face. "Do I get that free meal?"

"Start thinking about what you want to eat. The photos turned out amazing."

Peach replied with a smile. With that, he turned his attention back to prepping the lighting for the final model of the day. Peach massaged his temples as he waited, feeling the lingering effects of fatigue. His fever had subsided, but the dizziness persisted. He figured it was a mix of lack of sleep and hours under the harsh, shifting studio lights. He rubbed his eyes slowly, trying to steady himself, until the crew called out Everything was ready.

The last model, Aran, stepped onto the set, embodying a deep blue theme—a mix of mystery, sensuality, and professionalism. His look was striking: a dark blue blazer paired with wide-legged pants in a purplish-blue shade, vibrant blue contact lenses that caught the light, and a face so beautifully balanced between masculine and feminine that it was impossible to look away.

Peach snapped shot after shot, fully engrossed in capturing Aran's stunning presence. But just as he was finishing up and hadn't even had a chance to review the photos, Aran's hand shot up to rub his eye, clearly forgetting the contact lenses.

"Run! Don't rub your eyes!" Peach's voice rang out as he hurriedly set the camera aside and rushed over. He grabbed Aran's hand and pulled it away gently, his brow furrowing in concern. He'd seen cases where someone rubbed their eyes while wearing contact lenses and ended up with scratches or, worse, serious corneal damage.

"It really hurts," Ran whined, clearly uncomfortable but compliant enough to stop touching his eye. Peach immediately called for clean water and asked the makeup team to come over and remove the lenses. While waiting, he cupped Aran's face with both hands, tilting it up gently so he could initially inspect Aran's eye for any signs of injury.

He barely had time to examine Aran's eye when the smaller model was yanked out of his hands. Before he could react, a clenched fist came hurtling toward him, landing squarely on his cheek. The pain exploded instantly, radiating all the way to his temple. His hearing rang with a sharp, piercing tone, drowning out everything else. The metallic tang of blood filled his mouth as the force sent him sprawling to the floor, the room spinning uncontrollably around him.

"What the hell are you doing to Ran? I warned you to stay away from him!" someone roared, their voice booming yet muffled in his ears. His vision swam, and his head throbbed too much to make sense of what was happening.

Dimly, he saw a figure step between him and his attacker, heated voices clashing in a distant haze. The commotion blurred into the background as his dizziness overtook him, and everything faded to black.