𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 :: &𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝟎𝐓𝟗 [REVISED]

• Chapter 13 ( revised )

THE NEXT DAY~~

⎯⎯ ୨ CLEMENTINE'S POV ୧ ⎯⎯ 

The rhythmic hum of the van's engine filled the comfortable space as we cruised towards the studio, the anticipation for my Weverse photoshoot hanging in the air like a tangible thing. And, as was becoming the norm, I wasn't embarking on this solo. Every single one of my nine boys was coming along for the ride—whether I had explicitly requested their presence or not.

Initially, a small, rebellious part of me had harbored a secret hope that they might opt out of this particular tagging-along session. This specific shoot was designed to showcase a more athletic and powerful side of me, a concept the magazine had enthusiastically (and, in my opinion, rather dramatically) labeled "Sporty Goddess"—a title I had absolutely no input on, by the way. The company's marketing team were the masterminds behind that particular piece of branding. I’d had zero say in the overall theme or even the six rather… revealing sporty outfits I’d be modeling, all of which I had reluctantly tried on the previous night after our surprisingly calm and enjoyable crew dinner.

I had genuinely thought that after witnessing the rather scant athletic ensembles, my boys’ protective instincts would kick in, and they would collectively decide to let me handle this one solo, perhaps deeming the potential for excessive fan attention too risky for their delicate sensibilities.

But apparently, the universe, with its penchant for chaotic good, had other, far more crowded plans.

And now, here we were, all ten of us crammed into the spacious van like one chaotic but undeniably close-knit little family, heading towards a day that I was, to put it mildly, only half-enthusiastically prepared for. I clutched my phone a little tighter in my lap, taking a deep, steadying breath as I stared out the tinted window at the passing cityscape. "Bare with me, heart" I silently pleaded. "Let’s just hope I make it through this day with minimal… possessive outbursts"

I was so deeply lost in my swirling thoughts, a mental battle between reluctant acceptance and mild dread, that I didn't even register someone calling my name until a familiar, playful voice gently dragged me back to the present reality.

"Babe. Babe. Baaabeee," Fuma’s melodious tone rang in my ears as he gently shook my shoulder, his touch light but persistent.

I blinked, snapping out of my introspective trance, and turned to face his handsome, concerned face. "Huh? Oh, sorry, Fuma-kun. I was just… thinking." I offered a small, apologetic smile as my gaze shifted to encompass the rest of the boys, a silent acknowledgment of my momentary absentmindedness.