Chapter 24: Christmas in Shambles

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*December 24th*

I woke up to the sound of my buzzing alarm. There was a last minute photo shoot this morning for our Christmas special.

About twice a year, Hitachiin Cosmetics puts out a photobook. One is at the beginning of summer and the other at the end of the year.

Apparently we'd be doing some christmas themed shots and new year's themed shots today. It supposed to be a ton of fun.

As I was in the middle of getting ready, a pain shot through my stomach. "Ngh... I'm probably just hungry."

That was probably true, but breakfast would be waiting as soon as I finished getting ready. I put on a cute pastel pink, long sleeved dress and black stockings. I would also be wearing a white waist-length blazer and matching flats.

Without putting on any makeup or doing my hair, I made my way downstairs. While on the stairs, the pains hit me again, and I had to lean on the railing for support.

"Kasumi-San, are you alright?!" Nimura, one of my maids questioned when she saw me.

I immediately stood up straight, "I'm fine, just a tad hungry is all." With a simple explanation, I began continuing down the stairs.

The breakfast had been an absolute delight, and despite what I had said, I couldn't finish my meal. I could barely even keep it down. Even throughout all of this, I was determined to make it to the photo shoot.

"Madame, are you sure you should go out?" Temori, my lovely butler, asked me.

I nodded fervently. "Of course, Temori. It's just some slight cramping, is all, and I can't let my fans down by not making it into the photobook.

Akira opened the car door for me, and we headed off towards the business. In a mere 20 minutes, we had pulled up outside. I got out, thanked him and made my way inside.

The girls were all chitchatting as we got dressed for the shoot. They talked about presents they had gotten their boyfriends and things like that.

"What about you, Kasumi, did you get anything for somebody special?" Li, a model that came from China, asked me.

My eyes widened a little, "Um, well there's not really anyone in my life at the moment, but I got a nice present for Hikaru."

Seeing as he was one of Yuzuha's sons, everyone knows who Hikaru is.

"Ah! Do you like him?!" Somebody questioned.

Another chimed in, "You two would be so cute!"

"No, no! Hikaru is just a really good friend of mine. I've known him since I was sixteen. There's no-" a sharp pain went through my lower right abdomen and I had to take a moment to hold my stomach.

I was immediately questioned as to wether my health was in good standings.

"Ah, she's fine," Éclair states, brushing it off, "It's just some cramping. You can tell because she's bloated. You know, unless she's been eating to many carbs." A shrill string of giggles left her.

Do I really look fat?

That questioned bugged me until I got on set. There was a male model I knew who I was supposed to be posing with.

After a few shots, the photographer told us to hold hands and gaze into the other's eyes. Then there was a few more photos.

"Now, Naoki, cup Kasumi's right cheek with your a hand," he directed. And a few more clicks of the camera.

"Now kiss her." As Naoki began to lean in, I pulled away. "Uh, can you give me a moment?"

The photographer rolled his eyes, "You already left position, so fine. Take five everyone."

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