Highschool Lovers

cray cray photo shoot

I'm pacing back and forth in the small waiting area of the studio. My feet are aching, and I look at my watch for the third time in five minutes. It feels like Adrien has been in that photo shoot forever, and my three little ones are starting to show signs of restlessness. Mia is tugging at my sleeve, her eyes pleading for a snack, while Charlie and Chandler, with their identical cheeky grins, race around like they're on a sugar high.

"Mommy, I'm hungry!" Mia whines, grabbing my hand.

"I know, sweetheart. Just give Daddy a few more minutes. It's almost over," I say, trying to keep my cool as Chandler runs around in circles like a tornado, her twin brother chasing after her.

But then I hear it—the photographer's voice, piercing through my attempts to stay calm.

"Come on, Adrien! Turn this way! No, no! Smile bigger!" the photographer snaps, sounding more like a drill sergeant than a professional.

"Could you tone it down a little?" I mutter under my breath, but it's clear they can't hear me over the commotion.

"Doesn't he ever take a break?" I say more to myself, rubbing my temples. It's just a photo shoot, for crying out loud.

"Mommy, can we go play?" asks Charlie, pulling on my other arm.

"Just a bit longer, lovey. I promise," I say, glancing at the open studio door. I can see Adrien looking exhausted, his signature smile forced as he tries to please his demanding photographer.

Suddenly, the photographer's voice rises again. "Adrien, can you try to look less tired? You're a model, for heaven's sake! There are people who look up to you!"

That's it. The steam in my chest bubbles over, and I feel like an angry volcano ready to erupt.

I stand up straight, clenching my jaw. "Excuse me!" I shout, marching toward the set.

Everyone freezes, and the photographer turns, surprise washing over his rude expression. "What?"

"Are you serious right now?" I say, feeling that fierce mama bear instinct kick in. "That's my husband you're barking orders at! Do you have any idea how hard he's working for you? He's been here for hours while I'm trying to manage three little ones—and guess what? One of them is still baking in my belly!"

"Y/n—" Adrien starts, concern etched on his face.

"No, Adrien! This is unacceptable!" I turn back to the photographer, my hands on my hips. "This isn't a military drill; this is supposed to be a photo shoot. You're treating him like he's a prop instead of a person. He's a father—my husband—and you're being rude just because you can."

The photographer blinks, looking like a deer caught in headlights. "I just... I need the shots to look good—"

"Are you listening to yourself?" I quickly interrupt, steam still billowing from my ears. "You think this is going to work for your art? Putting pressure on someone who clearly doesn't want to be here because he's worried about his family? Get a grip! You're not the only one with a job to do!"

Mia holds my hand tightly, and I can see the twins have paused their antics, wide-eyed at their mother unleashing the storm on the photographer.

"Y/n, it's okay," Adrien says softly, stepping closer.

"No, it's not okay! You've done enough! When you're done with this, we're going home." I point a finger at the photographer, my expression fierce. "And if you can't finish this without belittling him, you need a serious lesson in how to treat people."

The tension in the room breaks. The photographer looks a mix of embarrassed and chastened. "Fine... Let's wrap it up, Adrien. Just one more shot," he murmurs, his tone now milder.

Adrien looks at me, his eyes brimming with gratitude, and I can't help but soften. "Thank you, Y/n. I didn't want to bring you and the kids here for this kind of stress."

"Well, next time, maybe we'll just do a family shoot at the park instead, okay?" I reply with a sigh, ruffling Mia's hair.

"Sounds like a plan," he smiles and finally looks relaxed for the first time today.

As the photographer struggles to set up again, I turn back to my children. "Alright, let's grab some snacks and prepare for a chaotic exit. I think we've earned it."

"Can we get candy?" Mia asks, her eyes sparkling hopefully.

"Yes, let's get candy...but only if you promise to help me wrangle those two little troublemakers!" I say, nodding toward Charlie and Chandler, who have already returned to zooming around the space.

"Deal!" Mia grins, and I can't help but laugh.

And maybe, just maybe, amidst the chaos of this day, I can find some tiny moments of joy. I glance back at Adrien, and he winks at me, his gaze full of love and relief. Just a few more minutes, and then we can finally go home.