[Music Recommendation: "Winter Bear" by Kim Taehyung (BTS - V) available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

[Please note: We're still in Crystal's POV - when she fell asleep on Callan's lap]

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The sound of the door woke me up from my nice and comfy slumber. I was still at the same position—lying on Callan's lap. And it seemed he fell asleep, too, while watching the movie. Glancing at the wall clock, I realized it was probably the assistants I brought with me since it's almost time for the shooting.

"Callan, wake up," I whispered to his ears while gently tapping his cheeks.

"Uhmm…," he groaned and turned his head away from me.

'Ugh. This guy… He's not waking up. He-he. But I know your weakness.'

I leaned over and blew to his ears gently. "Foooo…"

"Urk!" he grunted and scratched his ears. Doing that always tickled him. "Stop it." But he's still not opening his eyes.

"Callan, wake up or we'll be late!" I shouted this time but he's still not waking up.

Rolling my eyes and giving up, I just stood up and opened the door—my assistants were probably waiting for over a minute already. Once inside, they prepared my clothes for the day and set up all the things I'd need. I ordered one of them to tell Callan's assistants that he's in my room and won't wake up.

While they prepared, I went back to Callan. Standing in front of him with my hands on my sides. I called his name over and over. Irritated, I leaned my knees on the couch, grabbed both of his shoulders, and started shaking his body back and forth. This part of him was really annoying. It's either he wakes up on his own, or someone would struggle waking him up. He's such a heavy sleeper!

"Callan, I swear I'm gonna leave you if you don't wake up."

But still nothing. As a last resort, I tried blowing to his ears once again—this time stronger.

"FFFFOOOOO!"

"Ugh! I said stop it!"

'Ah! He's finally awake—'

"Ahhh! Hey! Stop! What are you doing?"

I thought he was awake but turned out, he just jolted and grabbed me. Now, I'm wrapped in his arms like a pillow.

"I'm getting angry now, you brat! If you don't wake up, I'm gonna kick your—"

'Wait, no. We need his great genes to spread handsomeness in the world. Ugh. What to do? I'm stuck.'

Then, I tried pinching his cheeks with both of my hands. Still not responding, I pinched harder until he finally opened his eyes and grabbed my hands.

"Stop!" he shouted at me, much to OUR surprise. Yup. He was surprised, too. At last, he seemed to be awake.

"C-Crystal?"

"Yes, sleepy head! I've been trying to wake you up since f-o-r-e-v-e-r!"

"Ugghh… Sorry."

Noticing he was hugging me, he let me go and yawned.

"Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Why are you such a heavy sleeper?"

"Yawn… I've always been one. Next time, try waking me up with a kiss."

I punched his head when I heard that.

"What are you, a princess?"

"Yeah! I got long hair," he jested and flipped his hair.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha! You'd make such a pretty princess. Now get up and let's get ready."

"Aye, aye," he nodded and saluted me like some captain.

After the struggle of waking him up, we started preparing. Callan took a shower in my room since his assistants already came over bringing his things. Good thing I was done changing my clothes when he finished.

As they put makeup on me, he shamelessly got dressed in the bedroom where I was! And he was only wearing his boxers! They had to redo my lipstick since I jolted when I saw him take off his bathrobes from the reflection in the mirror in front of me.

Seriously, this brat. I'd probably age faster being with him. He always made my heart jump in nervousness! Oh my goodness. I could only shake my head. He had a nice butt though—Wait, no! Stop it, Crystal!

Once ready, we headed towards the beach where the shooting for the day would commence. We were scheduled to take shots for the most famous magazine in the country. Though it was a "June Bride" theme, the world famous photographer, "Verdandi", wanted to take photos on the beach—something about brides and grooms going on a honeymoon at the beach kind of thing. And here I thought we were only shooting ourselves in wedding dresses and tuxedos.

There were three pairs of models that we would be working with for the day—all very famous ones. They took priority in the shooting sequence, of course. It was understandable since Callan and I only had a few modelling experience compared to them. But when it comes to looks, I'd say we stood our ground quite well.

Callan was definitely the most handsome one amongst all the male models in there. They were just a bit ahead since they looked mature with their beards. But for the muscles, they're too brawny for my taste. Callan's lean body was still the best. Uh-huh! Wait a sec. Why was I even comparing their bodies? It seemed that I was fangirling too much over my dear friend. I should NOT tell him that or he would be all smug again.

Anyway, when it was finally our turn—which was near sunset, Verdandi instructed us to wear a sexy sundress for me, and an open shirt plus beach shorts for Callan. The stylists prepared nice outfits and accessories for us which was good, not too revealing for me as well as my manager instructed.

Once ready, Verdandi told us to act like a couple and just do normal couple poses. I was informed that she always worked that way—capturing the natural beauty of things in her photos. So basically, we just had to act lovey-dovey, right? Well, good thing I researched a bit on what couples do.

Snap! Snap! Snap!

She took pictures of us one after another but she wanted more.

"More love, more sweetness and intimacy!"

Callan and I did the sweet holding hands pose, walking beside each other pose, laughing at each other, even hugging and running around the shore, but she wanted more.

'Ugh. This sucks. I should have researched more. And it doesn't help that I never had a boyfriend. What else should I do to make this photographer satisfied?'

I could see the snicker of the older female models watching us. Damn it! What do I do? I'm running out of ideas and the sun was setting already. And it was a perfect dusk, too. The waters were calm, the breeze was gently blowing our hairs, the sky a perfect gradient of orange, pink, and blue—the only thing imperfect was me.

Frustrated, I probably unintentionally sulked since Callan called my name to get my attention. I looked him in the eyes when he did, trying to ask him what to do.

But then, Callan just smiled at me and whispered, "What's with the ugly face? We're supposed to be a happily married couple."

I chuckled when he said that. Then, he suddenly lifted one of my legs.

"Crystal, let's try something new."