Your hands wouldn’t stop trembling.

It wasn’t like this was your first shoot—far from it. You had worked with countless clients, some of them intimidating in their own right. But today felt different. Today, you were photographing Choso, a name that carried weight in the industry, and you could feel that weight pressing down on your shoulders.

You had read enough about him to know he wasn’t the type to be difficult or demanding on set. If anything, he was described as approachable and professional, even quiet. But none of that stopped the swirling doubt in your chest. What if your nerves ruined the shoot? What if your hands slipped and you missed the perfect shot?

Get it together, you thought, adjusting your grip on the camera.

Across the room, the staff worked efficiently to get Choso ready. He sat in a chair under the buzz of conversation and low lighting, the makeup artist applying the final touches while another stylist adjusted his outfit. Even from this distance, he was striking—pale skin contrasting sharply with his dark hair, tied up in its signature style, and the faint markings on his face that gave him an otherworldly presence.

You tried not to stare, focusing instead on your equipment. It wasn’t helping. Your fingers fumbled with the settings, the lens cap slipping and nearly hitting the floor before you caught it.

This is ridiculous.

The heat of embarrassment crept up your neck. You shifted your weight, trying to steady yourself. You didn’t notice the sound of footsteps behind you until it was too late.

Suddenly, a shadow fell across your shoulder, and you froze, your heart leaping to your throat.