Autumn is a second spring

139. Prewedding shoot

The photographer shouted over the chilly mountain wind, "One, two, three!"

On three, Earth leapt lightly into the air, laughing as Kao stood behind him with his hands tucked in his pockets and a soft grin on his face. The sound of the camera clicking furiously echoed across the open ridge. The photographer crouched, shifted angles, circled them as though unwilling to miss a single moment.

A few minutes later, he straightened up, slightly breathless but visibly thrilled. "That's perfect! We are done with this spot. Let's relocate to the next site after a short break."

Kao nodded politely while Earth brushed his hair back from his forehead, the wind catching the edge of his long white coat. Earth walked over to the photographer and asked with genuine curiosity, "Were you able to get good shots?"

The man beamed. "They are amazing. You both are very photogenic, Khun Earth. Khun Kao too. The light here loves you."

Earth smiled at the compliment. "Can I see them?"

"Of course."

The photographer handed over his camera, and Earth motioned for Kao to come closer. They flipped through the photos together, shoulders touching, the golden light of the afternoon spilling through the mountains behind them. The photos looked like something out of a movie — Earth laughing, Kao watching him with quiet affection, their hands brushing as they walked along the ridge.

"They look beautiful," Earth said softly.

Kao nodded in agreement. "They really do."

The photographer told them to rest for a while before moving to the next location. Earth thanked him, and Kao followed suit before the two made their way toward the RV parked near the trail.

Once the door closed behind them, the warmth inside felt comforting, but Earth's smile dropped almost immediately. He slumped against the seat with a loud groan. "God, that was exhausting. I'm dead tired."

Kao chuckled as he walked to the mini refrigerator and pulled out two bottles of water. "Wasn't it your idea to do this pre-wedding shoot? And you said we had to do two different types of shoots. Plus, you have always loved posing for photos. Why are you complaining now?"

He twisted open a bottle, handed it to Earth, then opened the other for himself.

Earth stared at the bottle in his hand for a moment, the cap still untouched. His voice dropped low. "If you didn't want to do the photoshoot, phi, you could have just said no."

Kao paused mid-sip, startled. "That's not what I meant."

Earth's eyes stayed fixed on the bottle. "You really think I wouldn't understand if you said you didn't want to do it? I know you are not fond of cameras. I would have understood if you said you didn't want to go through with my plan."

Kao frowned, trying to catch Earth's eyes. "Earth... why are you talking like that? I was just saying you were the one who wanted it, and now you are tired. I wasn't complaining."

Earth finally looked up, expression tight. "So I am not allowed to feel tired now? Even people who love doing something get tired, Phi. It's normal."

Kao's chest tightened. Something felt off. "Is something bothering you?"

"No," Earth said quickly, shaking his head. "Let's just cancel the second shoot."

He slumped deeper into the seat, his shoulders sagging.

Kao's heart skipped. "What? Why?" He crouched down beside him, worry flooding his voice. "What happened? Why do you want to cancel it all of a sudden?"

Earth pressed his lips together, then spoke in a small voice, "Because everyone around me makes me feel selfish. Like I am always taking and never giving back."