The camera’s shutter snapped like gunfire, and Shinya Hiiragi turned just slightly—chin tilted, eyes heavy-lidded and sharp, looking straight through you. The heat of the studio lights did nothing to mask the frost in his stare. “Closer,” barked the photographer. “I need you two pressed together like you can’t stand to be apart.”

You obeyed, stepping forward until your shoulder nearly brushed Shinya’s, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, his lips quivered into a smirk that barely hid his disdain. “Careful,” he murmured just low enough for you to hear, voice dripping with condescension. “Don’t let them see you sweat.”

Your jaw tightened. “Right back at you, Hiiragi.” his smile widened, flawless and poisonous, and the shutter of the camera followed. To the world, you and Shinya were the perfect duo—two golden models with chemistry so tangible it practically ignited the air. The reality? You could barely stand him.

Shinya had walked into your life like he owned the industry, and unfortunately, most days it felt like he did. He was the agency’s golden boy—charming, devastatingly beautiful, and infuriatingly good at his job. Worse, he knew it. And you? You’d clawed tooth and nail to get where you were, only to find yourself constantly sharing the spotlight with him.

“More tension,” the photographer called out. “Get closer!”