**************************************************Author's Note*****************************************************************

I had no classes for a couple of days so I finished this update earlier than expected. Please let me know about your thoughts on this chapter. Douzo...

-sachiyo_sama-

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“Mao-chan!” screamed Arashi in unison. Arashi were pretty much thrilled to meet Inoue Mao after months of not seeing her. However they weren’t expecting Mao to suddenly lose consciousness upon meeting her up again.

Everyone was basically shaken up when Mao fainted. Good thing Jun was near her and was able to catch her just in time before she hit the floor.

Aiba then quickly moved towards their direction. He grabbed Mao’s shoulders and slightly shook her up, calling out her name repeatedly while doing so.

“Oy Aiba! Stop shaking her up. You might cause more injury to her.” Nino also moved near them, along with Ohno and Sho.

“I think we should move her to a more comfortable position, Jun-kun.” Sho was very much concerned about Mao even though it was only a couple of times since they’ve met.

“Maybe we should carry her to the common room where there’s a sofa. She could rest there while we ask for help.” Ohno suggested. It was also quite rare for Arashi’s riida to show concern. He gives off the feeling that he’s bored and sleepy all the time but at this instance, he isn’t Arashi’s usual Ohno-chan.

“Don’t worry. I can carry her myself. Just lead me the way.” Jun proudly stated. He carried Mao in the famous princess-like pose which many romance mangas depicted. Arashi and the unconscious Mao, still in Jun’s hands, stormed off the dressing room.

Mao was starting to get conscious. She was hearing footsteps and was able to feel her surroundings moving.

Wait. Surroundings moving? Is there an earthquake happening?

To confirm her doubts, Mao slowly opened her eyes. With her still blurry vision, she immediately saw a man holding her. Mao tried to squint her eyes a little to get a better view. Because of this, she finally recognized the man holding her in a princess-like fashion. It was Jun a.k.a the extremely good-looking guy with the most gorgeous eyes she’d ever seen.

Mao wasn’t a fan of fairytales. She felt pity for girls who are helplessly waiting for their knight-in-shining-armor to save them from distress. However the whole time Jun was carrying her really made Mao feel like princess being saved by her prince. It really felt good, too good that she was able to immediately go back to sleep right before Jun and the others reached the sofa.

“Should we call an ambulance to get her to the hospital?” Nino asked his bandmates as Jun placed Mao slowly on the sofa.

“I’m not really sure but I think it would be better to let the crew know the situation first. Maybe it’s better if we let them decide on what to do.” Sho replied.

Aiba was immediately up on his toes and volunteered to let inform the crew on what happened. Sho also took off and followed him.

While Mao was sleeping Jun and the Ohmiya pair just stood by her side, basically doing nothing. They were kind of afraid to wake her up so they did their best not to make any sound. Jun, having nothing better to do, took this time to scan Mao’s sleeping face. According to Jun’s observations, she was indeed a very beautiful sleeping hime. If only Nino and Ohno weren’t there, he would have already awakened this sleeping beauty with a kiss.

Mao was again slowly awakening. Even with her eyes closed, she’d swear that she could feel as if someone’s watching her intensely. She opened her eyes bit by bit to see if her hunch was true. True enough, she was indeed being stared at. Mao couldn’t help but smile when she again found that familiar mesmerizing pair of eyes looking at her direction.

Meanwhile, Nino was itching to play his DS. He originally planned to go back to their dressing room and grab his favorite play toy when he caught a glimpse of Mao. “Oy Mao-chan, you’re awake!” Nino almost squeaked.

“Mao-chan, daijoubu?” Ohno asked as he crouched near Mao and the sofa.

“Hai. Daijoubu desu. Demo… How did I get here? Weren’t we in your dressing room a while ago?” Mao replied as she composed herself and took a seat.

Nino pointed at Jun. “Well it’s all thanks to this macho-man right here that you’re now safely sound in this sofa. He’s also the one lucky enough to catch you before you collapsed into the floor.” One could find a hint of bitterness in his voice.

Before Mao could react to Nino’s statement, Sho and Aiba along with someone from the crew entered the room.

“Are you feeling okay now, Mao-chan?” Aiba asked as the three of them went closer to the lady.

“Fortunately, I’m feeling okay. I think there’s no need for me to get medical attention.” Mao replied.

“Are you sure, Inoue-san? We can always postpone this shooting if you’re not in good condition.” The crewman also showed some concern for the lady designer.

“No. It’s okay. I think I was only exhausted that’s why I fainted. Luckily I was able to get some sleep now so I believe that I’m good to go.”

“Well if that’s the case then I’ll inform the others that the shooting will continue. I’ll be back.” With that he left the room.

Sho almost can’t believe it. “That was fast. Some people just want to get through with their jobs. Mao-chan, can you really do work in that condition?”

“Don’t worry, Sakurai-san. I feel perfectly fine now. By the way, I wasn’t really expecting all of you to become the models of my designs.” Mao flashed a perfect smile.

“We were also completely unaware that you’ll be the lucky designer who’ll work with us. Honestly speaking, I was expecting for a fangirl.” Sho sat on the sofa beside Mao.

“I was expecting for the designer to at least know us, right?” Nino smirked.

“Gomen ne.” Mao bowed down in response. “I was completely engrossed with my designs that I didn’t even bother to research about you, Arashi.”

“Guess there’s still people that don’t know about us neh? I think we need to work harder in spreading Arashi love.” Aiba completed his line with gesturing a heart using his hands.

“Anou… If it’s not too bothersome for you to answer, what exactly is it that you do? Honestly I have no clue.” The only girl in the room sheepishly asked the five men surrounding her. All she received for an answer was laughter.

Still clutching his stomach from laughing, Nino stated. “Normally it would have been offensive to ask that but you’re just too cute when you’re clueless that we can’t help but laugh.” When it comes to effortlessly complimenting people, Nino is surely one to name. Mao couldn’t help but blush at Nino’s comment.

All the laughter subsided when one of the crew members announced that the shooting will now begin. He asked Mao and Sho to proceed to their respective dressing rooms to change. The three boys were left to stay on the common room.

Mao took a quick bow towards them before leaving. Sho also left that room to get ready and was accompanied by Nino to their dressing room, saying that he needed to get his beloved DS. Nino immediately went back to Ohno and Jun after he found his gadget.

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After a few minutes, Sho emerged from the dressing room and went to the shooting area at once. He was looking very much handsome in a brown duffle coat, which he wore with a red and black checkered long-sleeved polo inside. He was also wearing a light wash turn-up skinny jeans along with brown Chelsea boots. Black Wayfarer Ray Ban signature sunglasses completed the look.

There was a huge mirror in the area where they held their shooting. Sho couldn’t help but be in awe when he saw his reflection in that mirror.

Mao-chan really knows her craft. Sho was definitely going to give his praise to the designer of the clothes he’s donning.

Speaking of--- Sho’s thinking was cut off when he saw Mao walking towards him. He just couldn’t help but take a big gulp at the sight now in front of him.

“So how’s my design, Sakurai-san? Do you like it?” Mao beamed as she asked him.

“I find them wonderful Mao-chan. Now I believe your excuse for not knowing us is valid, seeing how the results are.” Sho replied with a smile that could make fangirls swoon. “You look lovely also in that outfit.”

Mao could only smile in reply. She was wearing a pink button-up lace long-sleeved jacket. In it, Mao was wearing a gray pleated tie-neck sleeveless dress. She also has on brown leatherette platform ankle boots.

The photographer finally entered the room. With his presence now around, the shooting with the Autumn look theme commenced.

After a few minutes of projecting while sitting on a bench, Sho’s part with Mao in the shooting has ended. Mao was immediately told to change for the next scene she’ll be doing with another Arashi member. Meanwhile, Sho went back to their dressing room to change clothes and proceeded to the common room where his bandmates are.

Ohno was informed that it was his turn already to pose with Mao in the photo shoot. Straight away he went into the dressing room and changed into Mao’s designer clothes. He also couldn’t help but admire her work when he took a glance at his reflection on the mirror. Ohno was sporting a blue and white navy shirt inside a dark blue reefer jacket. He was also wearing white skinny jeans and black ankle boots. The accessories he wore were a black patterned beanie and a gray knitted scarf.

Ohno was quite busy staring at himself in the mirror when he felt someone tapping on his shoulder. “Like what you’re seeing Ohno-san? What do you think about my designs?” Mao asked with an angelic smile.

“They’re really good Mao-chan. It’s unusual for me to stare at myself but I was changed by your designs.”

“That’s smooth, Ohno-san. Quite smooth.” Mao smiled again.

“Huh?” Ohno was indeed clueless on what he just did.

Before Ohno could ask on what he did, the photographer told them to start their poses.

Mao was still very much striking with her new look. Now she was wearing a dark green button-up dress with black long-sleeves shirt inside it. For footwear, she had on brown leather knee-high boots with ribbons accents. A fur pageboy cap rested on her head.

Because Winter was their theme, Mao and Ohno were asked to pose with fake snow falling unto them.

After more than a dozen of shots taken by the photographer, he finally said that their part is over. Mao bid Ohno a quick goodbye then set off to her dressing room. Ohno also went to change first before going to the common room. He was the one who told Aiba that it was already his turn with Mao in the photoshoot.

Aiba was looking very much refreshing with the clothes Mao had designed. A light blue graphic t-shirt was what he was wearing with a black turner cardigan. It was partnered with denim shorts in skinny fit. As for shoes, Aiba chose classic canvas Toms signature espadrilles. He also wore a brown straw hat to complete the refreshing look.

Mao also emerged from the dressing room with a refreshing aura. She was put on a beige drape-layered collar sleeveless dress. A two-tone wide waist belt in brown that has a decorative buckle enhanced her curves. She wore brown leather knee-high boots with ribbons accents on the sides.

When Aiba saw Mao coming to him, his jaw literally dropped. Good thing he was back to his senses and before Mao noticed, he closed his mouth and sported a smile.

“Mao-chan, how do I look in your designs?” asked Aiba while turning so that Mao can get a better look at him.

“You look superb, Aiba-san. You definitely give justice to my designs.” Mao replied with a sweet smile.

With this, Aiba had a huge grin plastered on his face. “Yatta!” he exclaimed with matching fists thrown in the air.

“That’s enough celebration, Aiba-san. Let’s go back to work. Okay, positions please.” called the photographer.

Since the theme of this shoot was Spring, the set was arranged for it to look like a grass field. In the middle of it was where Mao and Aiba would be posing.

The photographer was satisfied after a couple of shots that’s why he dismissed Mao and Aiba earlier than expected. Mao excused herself to get ready for her next shoot with another Arashi member. Aiba did the same but he directly went to the common room after a change of clothing.

“Ninomiya-san, you’re next.” One of the crewmembers announced.

With that, the guy stood up and went towards the dressing room. After he got dressed, he also headed to the shooting area, looking as dashing as ever. The clothes which Mao designed suited him very well. Nino had on a dark blue collared polo shirt and yellow chino shorts. He was also wearing beige Top-sider shoes. The brown fedora hat and leather belt accented the look.

Nino was busy brain-storming for different poses he would be using for this photo shoot, when Mao appeared.

“Oy Ninomiya-san! What are you thinking? You’re looking very serious.” A very kawaii-looking Mao curiously asked him.

“Nothing much. By the way, I congratulate you on a work well-done. You really deserved to win the competition. Never in my life did I look this good. Only your designs made me look this way.” Nino winked at Mao which made her blush again in response.

“Oy oy. Stop with your flattering Ninomiya-san and let’s get on with business.” The photographer strictly declared.

With that, Mao and Nino went to their respective positions. The theme for their shoot was Summer that’s why they had a very colorful setting.

Mao definitely did not lose to Nino when it comes to looking good in their costumes. For the summer look, she was wearing a slouchy see-through layered stripes tank top in blue and white. As for the bottom, she wore a peach chiffon lace skirt. She matched it with white fancy chiffon flower leatherette sandals.

After a couple of shots, Mao and Nino were asked to retire to their dressing rooms. Nino quickly changed his clothing and joined his co-Arashi members.

Finally, it was Jun’s turn to pose with Mao. However he had to wait a little longer because Mao’s costume this time needed more time in preparation. The theme assigned to him was The Wedding. Jun felt jitters the moment he learned of this. Usually Jun never felt nervous of photoshoots because posing and modeling in front of the camera was a piece of cake for him. However it was the first time for him to felt this. Coincidently he felt this with when it was Inoue Mao who’ll be working with him.

Anyone who’d seen Jun would be captivated by his charm which was enhanced by Mao’s designed suit. It was a tailored silver suit, complete with a silver tie. Of course he wore white long-sleeves polo and black leather shoes with it. He also had white gloves on.

Jun was completely enthralled the moment he laid eyes on his hime. She was just so stunning that it left Jun speechless. He wasn’t able to say a word even when Mao was now just inches away from him.

“Oy Matsumoto-san!” Mao waved her hands in front of his face. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I am. I was just busy taking in your beauty. You look lovely, Mao-chan.”  Jun said in the sweetest way possible. This made Mao’s cheeks turn red.

“By the way, is this your first time wearing a wedding dress?”

“Actually, yes. That’s why I’m very nervous yet thrilled to wear one.” Mao was very much glowing when she told this.

Mao was wearing a ball-gown wedding dress which had a simple trail. It had flower accents to it. Her hair was twisted into a bun. Her veil was put in place and was held by a flowery hair clip. She wore high heels which had a flower-petal design on the strap. White gloves were also worn by Mao to complete the bridal look.

The moment the photographer went inside, he already had a smile on his face which was not the case in the previous shoots. Maybe it was due to the fact that wedding scenes were his favorite scenes. But it was also because of this fact that he was quite more meticulous in this one.

He even conditioned Mao and Jun first before the shooting started. “You two were star-crossed lovers. Both of you had experienced hardships and heartaches in this relationship but you made it through. Finally after all of the pain and sufferings you had to go through, here you are in this altar, ready to take your pledge of love to each other. I want to feel love. I want both of you to let me feel that kind of love. I want this camera of mine to capture that love. Can you do it?”

“Leave it to me.” Jun proudly said. Mao could only smile because she had no idea on how to do it. She just let Jun lead her.

The set was a huge altar. It was decorated to look like a real wedding scene.

The photographer started clicking the camera’s shutter. Jun and Mao were just staring at each other’s eyes, smiling. Mao was blushing and giggling. All of a sudden Jun held Mao’s hands. He lifted the right one and kissed it. Crewmen could swear that Mao turned beet red when Jun did this. Clicks from the camera could still be heard. The lovely couple-for-a-day again stared into each other.

Jun noticed a stray hair on Mao’s face. Without hesitation he lifted it and put it on the side of her ear. He again looked into Mao’s eyes. Then slowly, his stare travelled down to her nose then to her lips. Unknown to him, Mao was also staring at his.

In a snap, Jun held Mao by the waist, made her closer to him, and kissed her. One hand was above Mao’s nape, as if guiding her to kiss him more. Much to his pleasure, Mao gave in and let Jun claim her lips.

Only a few seconds had passed and the two of them now weren’t wary of their surroundings. They actually forgot that the whole crew was watching them. They haven’t even noticed that while they were busy doing their “thing”, the photographer was also busy capturing everything.

Mao and Jun were completely engrossed in their lip-locking session that they literally jumped when the photographer shouted “Cut!”

“Bravo! Bravo! Good job!” the photographer clapped his hands and expressed his glee.

“Now that’s what I call good improvising.” He stated with a huge grin plastered on his face.

With that statement, Jun and Mao turned the color of a ripe tomato.