2 kids

Photoshoot.

Alex.

Today I've learnt a very important lesson - never mess with Parker when he's working. He can be quite bossy.

When it came down to choosing a band photographer, no one doubted the decision. We all immediately knew Parker was going to get the job. It's essentially a lovely idea, but the second a whole day is scheduled entirely for photo shooting, you realise the crucial mistake you've made. Your friend has been replaced with his evil twin. And suddenly you find yourself getting yelled at by the one person you rarely witness raising their voice.

"Alex, switch places with Ace." Parker says in his bossy, stern voice, and focused completely on his work. I exchange a quick look with Ace, but we do as he says. Neither of us daring to even question why.

Mae's standing right where she was instructed, but her eyes are shooting fire at Parker. The glare is so visible I wonder how he hasn't noticed it yet. He's too observed in his work he's ignoring Mae, his own girlfriend, big time.

"Is he going to ignore me for the rest of the day?" She asks us eventually, voice clearly annoyed. They arrived together but the second we started shooting, the lovely Parker disappeared and so did his attention for Mae. She's been pouting and complaining all day, getting on Ace's nerves.

River laughs softly. "Oh, poor Mae." He wraps a protective arm over her shoulders. "No, just let him finish his work and he'll be all yours again."

No smile on her face, but the pout disappears. Soon enough the corners of her lips are slowly being lifted upwards in a small smile seeing his passion. Mae's eyes never leave Parker's face, and finally, after dreadful minutes of trying, their eyes lock. He flashes her a smile before glaring at the three of us.

"I hope they won't be forced to break up soon," Ace whispers.

Scared to answer him verbally, I only nod.

Their relationship is a well hidden secret from the world. It was a mutual agreement between the five of us and our management team. River announced, long before anyone had brought this issue up, that he was going to keep his relationship private. He's fulfilling his dream, but he doesn't want to give up on his private live.

The surprising speed at which we've grown our fanbase and recognition can stop at any moment. Some people already assume we're all in relationships, others have openly said they don't like the idea. Our career is only starting, and we wouldn't want to risk it by losing hundreds of fans because of who our partners are. We've been asked before, but always managed to talk our way out of it.

While Parker is fairly known amongst our fans, he'd still be the target of unnecessary hate if his and Mae's relationship got out. Everyone has seemed to accept their relationship, as it started before the band did. Only I find myself sometimes questioning it.

"How long is this going to take?" Ace breaks the silence.

"The whole day is supposed to be just one photoshoot after the other," River answers.

Parker lowers his camera and stares at them.

"YOU'RE TOO STRICT!" Ace whines like a baby and points his index finger at him. We all laugh at his childish behaviour. While Ace is standing in the middle, pointing at Parker and frowning, the rest of us are laughing at his childish behaviour. Parker, sensing some useful photography material, is quick to snap a memorable photo of us laughing at a frowning Ace.

Speaking for the boys and me, I can't say we're sharing Mae's excitement. From the first outfit she'd only had a wide smile coating her face. Though I admit there's something fun about this, I'm finding it annoying and tiresome after so long. Mae, on the other hand, seems to be charged with a new wave of energy each change she changes outfits.