Both GIMA and the magazine company wanted the photoshoot to happen as soon as possible, so we only had to wait until the weekend for it.

Even though we had asked for such high pay, the magazine company still sent a van to HQ to pick up Aya, Butcher, the girls, and me. And to top it off, the photoshoot wasn't going to be in a studio. Instead, it was going to be on a real beach.

Unfortunately, the beach was in another city, so it took more than an hour to reach it. Despite the hot weather barely starting, it was logical that all of the private beaches in the city with the most tourists in the country were already booked.

The trip went as usual. We all chatted with each other about TV dramas, new bands popping out, our third album, and any topic we could think of. On the other hand, Umi was acting more distant. The reason was obvious, and we decided not to bother her.

We got out of the van in front of one of the many tiny buildings on the coast, where employees from the magazine company were already waiting for us. They guided us into the lobby to meet the rest of their team, including the photographer. Although she didn't show any emotion, she still was polite and eager to work.

Not even a minute later, we stepped onto the balcony through the backdoor of the building, where we stopped to take in the view.

The unending ocean could be seen beyond the golden sand, which was separated by the woods to split it into private beaches. We didn't even need to go to the beach to enjoy the water; the pool and the jacuzzi on the balcony could already do the job. Sadly, we were here for work, so fun had to wait.

We followed the magazine team down a stone path surrounded by grass and flowers until we reached the beach. They had already installed two tents, a big one for their team and equipment, and a smaller one for us to relax under.

Again, there was no time to relax as the girls were given the bikinis instantly. Butcher followed them to the changing rooms to guard outside. There were only two since it was a small, private beach, so the girls had to take turns.

Meanwhile, Aya and I discussed the details of the photoshoot with the magazine team since we only knew the technical and legal aspects of it. The photographer explained the different poses and settings she had in mind. She also clarified that more ideas would pop up as she got to know the girls' best sides since there hadn't been any professional photoshoots of them.

It didn't take long for the girls to return. Of course, Aki was at the front. Her sangria-red design was the most revealing with slim bottom wear and a top that didn't cover her cleavage.

Sanae followed not too far behind her. She wore a golden bikini similar to Aki's, but it covered more of her body and part of the chest was stylized with strips. Another difference was that her face couldn't get any redder.

Astra and Risa walked next to Sanae. Risa's cyan outfit covered even more of her body with the bottom wear reaching up to her abdomen and the top down to her ribs, while Astra's sky-blue swimsuit had a hole in the middle and a ribbon on top.

Aki spun with her arms extended as she approached me, then she gently pushed my chin up with her fingers.

"You should keep your neck straight to prevent a double chin," she smirked.

"I was just…"

Still smiling, she pressed her finger against my lips.

"Don't make it worse for yourself."

I sighed. "Where's Umi?"

"Behind me," answered Butcher, standing behind the girls. "She asked me to—"

"Shut up, Butcher!" yelled Umi.

A long and deep growl came from behind Butcher. A couple of seconds later, Umi stepped out. She wore a dark-purple bikini that covered her entire chest and swirled around her torso to connect with the bottom wear.

I wanted to tell her she looked nice, but I couldn't find a way to say it without being sentenced to death. Luckily, Aya said it for me.

"You look amazing."

Umi's eyes opened wide, she then looked down at the sand as her cheeks flushed. Once she swallowed her pride, she replied.

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"Thanks…."

We all stared at her in surprise, so I broke the ice before Umi regretted coming here.

"Time to work."

The girls stepped under the tent and the two makeup artists asked them to take a seat in front of the two tables with mirrors. Not to lose time, the photographer summarized what she had just explained to Aya and me while the girls got their makeup done two at a time.

Although doing their makeup didn't take long since it didn't make sense to wear heavy makeup at the beach, doing their hair took a little longer.

Lastly, they were asked to spread a special sunscreen over themselves in order to protect their skin and make it shine slightly. Obviously, they couldn't reach the upper half of their backs, so the makeup artists helped them with that. Umi didn't like it much.

It was no surprise to me when Aki asked me to help her, but it was a surprise when she asked me to spread the sunscreen under the bikini top. It made sense, but it was too tight to lift. So, she made me unfasten it as she held it in front of her. I spread the sunscreen as quickly as possible to avoid awkwardness, then I fastened it back together again.

Aki turned around and kissed me on the cheek.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," I sighed.

Aya suddenly joined the conversation.

"That was quick."

I replied, "Well, yeah. I didn't want to make it awkward."

Aya merely stood still, smiling strangely. She then walked away without saying a word.

What…? Oh, she was talking about…. Whatever.

Not even a couple of minutes later, the girls were ready to start the photoshoot.

The first location was on the sand, next to a rainbow umbrella the magazine team had installed. However, its color changed to a pattern of several blue tones as soon as Astra was chosen to be the first one to pose.

Each pose took a few attempts before the photographer was happy with the result, then the rest of the girls took their shots. They took less time than Astra, but the most shocking one was Umi, who got every pose right on the first try. I knew she was good at it, but I thought the nerves were going to make her struggle.

After taking several group photos, they headed to the next location: the woods. They didn't step into them, obviously, but they did use the rocks and the palm trees as props in the photos.

Finally, they headed to the last location: the ocean. First, the photographer took photos of them posing, then she asked them to play and have a good time. It sounded weird the first time the photographer told us about the plan, but it didn't take much explaining to understand the reason.

The girls acted more natural as soon as they started playing with a giant beach ball and threw water at each other. They also used various floats to swim a little farther into the ocean.

Although Umi wasn't buying any of it at first, she ended up joining the fun. Even a couple of smiles escaped her.

The girls walked out of the water when the photographer said it was enough after twenty minutes. The two assistants of the magazine team handed them towels. Then, the entire team bowed.

"It was a pleasure to work with you," said the photographer. "You'll be able to review the pictures before they are published in the magazine."

The eight of us bowed back.

"The pleasure was ours," I replied.

The magazine team walked back to their tent.

Sanae said, "I guess we should change back into our clothes."

"There's no need," I replied.

"Huh?" everyone uttered, including Aya and Butcher.

"You see, knowing that the photoshoot wasn't going to take the entire day, I asked the company if we could use the beach for the remaining time of the booking, and they accepted."

After a long silence, everyone uttered in shock again.

"Huh?!"

Aya questioned, "And they accepted for free?"

"About that…"

"You know what? I don't want to know. If the accountant told you we could afford it, then it couldn't have been that expensive…, right?"

I remained silent.

She sighed. "Whatever. I'm also mad because I didn't bring my bikini since you didn't tell me about this."

"You can always rent one in the lobby," I replied. "Talking about rent, the magazine company lent us the bikinis for free, but we have to return them tomorrow."

"That's very nice of them," said Astra.

Aki nodded. "What are we waiting for? Let's have some fun."

And so, we did. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing, swimming, taking in the sun, or simply relaxing under an umbrella.

I did what I did with the hope that the ideas for the third album would start flowing again. We had even asked other songwriters for help. Their ideas were great, but they didn't feel right for the next album. Although we were being stubborn, I didn't want to conform to just any idea.