Hanging out at the studio was more fun than Jungkook expected. It turned out Katy's workplace was an almost half of an entire floor in Gucci building with multiple sets, which was impressive.

Earlier, he spoke to Jin hyung and agreed not to reveal their relationship to the others. Jin too felt the same because he didn't want the things to get complicated concerning the strained relationship between Hobi and Katy.

Jungkook enjoyed watching the photoshoot that brought memories of his college days back. Photography was his passion. His father strangely hadn't bothered with his choice since he always maintained good grades. However, it had been a while since he touched his camera. When was the last time he went out with his camera? He frowned. A year or two? He didn't remember. Work had drowned him so much that he no longer had time for his passion.

"Hey." Katy plopped on the couch beside him, groaning as she stretched her neck. "Hope this isn't boring."

"Boring?" He cast her incredulous look. "Never. It's kinda nostalgic."

"Have you worked with models before?" she asked resting her head on the backrest.

"Mhm... While I was in university. I interned for this popular photographer for six months. It was a great experience."

"Cool," she beamed. "Wanna try?"

"Huh?"

"I can see you're itching to get back there," she nodded toward the set. "Wanna try?" She offered her camera and he stared at her owlishly.

"Me? I..." He cleared his throat. "I..."

"It's okay. Jiminie and Tae's couple shots are next. They're cool and if the photos you showed me earlier are anything to go by, I want to see what you can do."

His hands shook as his fingers finally curled around the camera she thrust into his hand. "It's been a while."

Her smile didn't waver and the fondness in her eyes warmed his heart. She was handing him the camera, her camera. Not every photographer was comfortable in sharing their precious equipment. None of the photographers he knew would hand over their cameras just like that. He knew he wouldn't. It was just so hard. Their cameras were a part of them.

Jungkook swallowed the lump in his throat as he stared at the camera, his fingers tracing over the edges as if it would break if he gripped it too hard. It oddly reminded him of the time he received his first camera.

"It reminds me of my first camera," he whispered as he familiarized himself with the settings.

"First cameras are so special. My first camera was from my brother. He gave it to me for my fifteenth birthday and it's the best gift ever." Her contagious excitement spread to him.

"I got mine at eighteen." He turned to face her, securing the camera strap around his neck and cradling the device like a child against his chest. "I remember wanting a camera for my birthday, but dad didn't buy one as he promised. I was so pissed that I ranted about it on my Twitter. The next thing I knew, I received a gift box saying it was an early Christmas present."

Jungkook chuckled at the memory. But he also received another present for Christmas. So whoever his secret Santa was, he knew they were monitoring his social media accounts. It was the only reason he posted on social media, especially showed off his gifts so his Santa knew he was grateful for them.

He used to think either Jin or Hobi hyung were the ones who send him gifts. There were several times he had cornered them in the past, demanding them to accept it was them. But they said they didn't know anything about the gifts and the handwriting was just so different.

And that reminded Jungkook to ask Taehyung about his Vante sweater. He was the creator of the gift, so he must know who ordered it. The thought of asking him crossed his mind during their third meeting, but he held because he didn't want Taehyung to mistake his intentions. After all, he didn't know him enough to reveal something so personal.

"That's so cool," her words pulled him out of his thoughts.

"It's so special," he whispered. Because it came from someone special. He didn't know if a person could grow fond of someone they never met.

Katy cocked her head to the side with a playful smile. "Is it because it came from a special someone?" She wiggled her brows.

Jungkook's grin widened and he shook his head at her antics. "Yeah," he agreed. "It came from a very special someone."

"Oh." She blinked before smiling widely again. "Guess you're not gonna tell me who it is."

"I will, someday." He shrugged. "For now..." He looked around them and lowered his voice, "...let's keep it as my secret Santa."

Katy chuckled. "A secret Santa? Hmm...I like it."

"And it's our secret."

She made a zipping gesture against her mouth with her hand. "My lips are sealed."

He laughed again and stood. "Come on, let me make you regret your decision."

Katy shook her head, smiling but stood. "I don't regret my decisions," she said, her voice tightening slightly. "I'm never wrong. Now surprise me, Kookie."

He laughed out loud again, his eyes forming crescents and nose scrunching as he made his way to the set. His heart fluttered when he saw Jimin walking to the front of the white screen, dressed in an oversized turtleneck black sweater and navy blue skinny jeans. When the man stopped and turned, already in position for the shoot, Jungkook felt like his breath was being knocked out of his lungs.

Fuck.

How can anyone be so adorable? He was so cute that Jungkook almost cooed, but cleared his throat in the last possible moment. The older's lips curved into a smirk and he ran his tongue over his lip.

"We can take a few solo shots and then move on to couple shots," Katy instructed from behind him and Jungkook nodded.

Excitement bubbled in his chest, his hands now shaking with anticipation. As he gazed at the camera, warmth spread inside his chest. It was like coming home after a long day. There was that again, that rush of something so joyful in his heart. He missed this feeling.

With a smile, he lifted the camera, eyes focusing on his model through the viewfinder. The familiar click of the shutter filled him and soon he was lost in the euphoria only passion could instill.

***

Katy crossed her legs as she monitored the computer. The photos generating automatically as Jungkook clicked away. Pride filled her chest as the stunning shots filled her monitor.

Jungkook was nervous at first, but she knew the moment he slipped into his element. She knew of his passion. She gifted him the first camera after all. Secret Santa. Is that what I am now? She chuckled. He giggled like a kid when he covered his mouth and lowered his voice. Her little brother was adorable.

Katy knew Jungkook was good. She saw a few photos earlier from his portfolio. But the ones he shot blew her mind away. He was now shooting the couple shots. His soft instructions filled her ears and she was extremely pleased with the results.

Jimin and Taehyung's duality was something she couldn't fathom. They could go from hot to cute in a matter of seconds. Jimin, especially had an aura that made him stand out so much when he wore those oversized sweaters with sweater paws. It always had a desired effect on the crowd.

As she looked at the photos of Jimin, she realized how well Jungkook brought out the beauty of Jimin. Every photo was good, but only a person with a keen eye for photography could catch the subtle difference between Jimin and Taehyung's solo shots.

Jimin was Jungkook's muse and it showed. And Jimin looked so beautiful in Jungkook's eyes. A sudden thought crossed her mind. She tilted her head to look at her brother, his face hidden behind the camera, and Jimin, who was on his fifth outfit of the day posed for another round of solo shots. The stylists had opted for a sexier look for this one.

Katy's lips curved when she noticed the seductive smile on Jimin's face. Did her friend realize he was oozing sensual aura? Her gaze briefly flicked to the monitor. They were definitely going at it. She never aimed for a sexy concept. Well, Jimin was a natural at such concepts but it was like Jungkook awoke something in Jimin. Every subtle move Jimin made was sensual and it was obvious Jungkook was enraptured in the moment.

Jimin's stared right into the camera, his intense gaze alluring and inviting. The way he bit his plush lips and tilted his head would definitely weaken hearts. And it was Jungkook who brought that out of Jimin.

"He's something, isn't he?" Porshiya plopped in a chair beside her, her gaze fixated on the monitor.

Katy hummed as Jungkook called for Taehyung. Her fingers tapped over her knee.

"What are you planning now?" Porshiya tapped the side of her head as if she could see the wheels turning in her head.

Katy wordlessly pointed at the monitor and waited for the understanding to dawn on her friend. Porshiya gasped after a few moments.

"Minnie likes him," Katy said thoughtfully. "But Jungkookie is in love with him."

"What? You can't know that. Love is a strong word, Katy."

Katy scoffed. "Spare me, Panda. If there's one thing I'm good at..." she drawled flicking her gaze to her brother. "It's sniffing out the love. When did you see Jimin reacting to someone like this?" She pointed at the screen.

"Ah...Never?"

"Exactly. Jimin never tries to impress. He doesn't put himself out like that. Men or women came to him and I never once saw him look at his brief flings like that. Not even his longest fling received that sort of reaction from Jimin."

"What are you trying to tell me?"

"I'm telling you that there are two idiots in this room. One is head over heels for my best friend, but won't act on it. And the other one is holding back because of me." Her face fell.

"Boo, they just met. I still think you're thinking way ahead on this one," Porshiya's voice was gentle just like the squeeze on her thigh.

"Jimin knew Jungkookie all his life. And you weren't there when Jungkook met him at the gym. I saw it in his eyes, Posh. He was smitten and he said he knew who Jimin was. The more I see them together I'm convinced."

Porshiya scoffed. "So you wanna play cupid for them too. Sometimes you just have to let the things happen, you know. I understand why Jimin is holding back. He's a Jeon. Just think what will happen when he learns your true identity."

"He doesn't have to know who I am," Katy argued. "He called me his secret Santa today." Tears glistened in her eyes. "Told me about his first camera. You should have seen his face then." Her smile was sad. "I'm okay with being his secret Santa. I never plan to reveal my identity."

Porshiya sighed. "Boo, will you listen to me for once? I know you don't want him to find out, okay? But that was when you were in California and your father happily ignored your existence. Now, they're after you. It's only a matter of time before they find you. You're not hard to track, Jeoni."

Katy leaned in her chair with a defeated look on her face. "I wish it doesn't come to that. I'm already conflicted about how Hobi will react when he figures I'm a Min. My connection to Jeon is just a cherry on the top."

"That's why you should focus on building your relationship with Jungkook and Hobi as Jeoni, without any of those labels to define you. I know you want to help Jimin and Jungkook, but baby, you should just let things happen at their own pace. Bringing them together will only complicate things further, Jeoni. Imagine them falling in love together now. Their relationship will be built around a lie. We're hiding things from Jungkook. This is not simple. Truth like this breaks trust. Once a trust is broken..." She trailed off.

Katy's shoulders slumped. "I understand. I just...I just want them to be happy."

Porshiya put a hand on her shoulder. "They will be happy. I'm just saying there are a lot of things we have to sort before that. I know Aera will agree with me too." She pulled Katy closer, cradling her head as Katy nuzzled her cheeks on Porshiya's shoulder. "The only reason Jimin keeps going back to the gym is because he wants to give Jungkook a chance to get to know you as a person." She carded her fingers through Katy's hair. "We don't know your brother's stand in this situation. You're basically threatening to take everything from him that he worked so hard for."

"But I don't want any of that."

"He doesn't know that, does he?" Porshiya's tone was gentle, her touch soothing as Katy found herself snuggling more to her friend. "But he will find that soon. However, when the time comes, Jungkook may be able to give you a chance without judging you. Perhaps, accept you even. Until then, you have to be patient."

"Okay."

"Noona..." An excited voice broke their conversation.

Katy lifted her head, looking at her excited brother, his bunny-like smile lighting his whole face. "Hey, great job, champ. I'm floored."

The sound of his laughter was incredible, childlike and so pure.

"Please let me sign you before someone snatches you."

"Stop, Noona." Jungkook was still laughing with a casual flick of his wrist to check the time. His eyes widened upon seeing how much time had passed. "Oh, my God. Shit. That was..." He met her gaze. "I..." He looked at the camera and then at the set, realizing he was shooting for the past three hours nonstop, unconsciously taking over the entire shoot.

"I must admit that wasn't the concept I had in mind." Katy stood. "But when say I'm impressed, it doesn't even explain how I feel right now. Look at these shots..." She waved at the monitor. "They're excellent. Did you lie to me when you said you haven't touched the camera in a while?"

"Noona..." Jungkook shifted from one foot to the other. "I didn't mean to. I'm sorry I lost track of time."

Katy waved her hand in dismissal. "Shh... I did hand over my camera and told you to surprise me. As I said, I don't regret my decisions, Jungkookie." Her smile was bright, meaning every word she said. "But you still have to sign a contract as a freelancer so we can use these photographs."

"But..."

"No buts. We can credit you under your pseudonym. JK, isn't that the name you went by for your photography while at the university?"

"How did you know?"

"I saw the watermark in your portfolio." She chuckled. "It's not that hard, genius."

"Oh." Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous smile. "Thanks, I guess. I'm really sorry, Noona. I know you asked me to do it, but I thought it was for a few shots to entertain me. I didn't mean to...I didn't realize what I was doing. I still owe you an apology for ruining your shoot like that."

Katy rolled her eyes. "Kookie, really. Trust me. You didn't ruin anything. I love your work. It's better than what I'd have done today."

"You're being kind." Jungkook relaxed a bit. "So, um... I need to ask you something. Fall is my favorite season. It's a perfect time to capture the essence of nature in its glory. When I was in university I used to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace and a few other places to photograph to my heart's content." He handed her the camera, which she took from him with a fond smile. "I was wondering if we could go sometime. Doing this..." He waved around. "Made me realize how much I missed photography. Maybe...um..."

"I'd love to," Katy beamed. "That also gives me an idea for some of the designs Tae hasn't unveiled yet. We can do an outdoor photoshoot with Jimin, Tae, and Jin one of these days. It'll be excellent."

Jungkook beamed, nodding eagerly almost bouncing on his feet. "I'll plan it then. Or...ah, you can plan it. I mean, we will have to get permission if we're doing a photo shoot."

"Don't worry. Leave that to us," Porshiya said. "Let me know your schedule, so we can plan accordingly."

Jungkook nodded again, fixing his gaze at Katy. "Thank you for today."

"No. Thank you." She walked to the boy, craned her neck to look at him. "Can I hug you?"

Jungkook gave her a shy smile before wrapping his hands around her in response.

"Thanks, Kookie. I'm still signing you up for Vinora and I won't take no for an answer." She released him with a smile. "Really, thanks a lot for this. It's like a breath of fresh air and I'm sure people are going to love this."

Jungkook clasped his hands in front of him with a smile. "Ah...Can I come again tomorrow then?" He looked around. "I like it here."

"Of course," Katy chirped. "I'll get you one of those ID's we have now you're part of the team," she winked. "We're working with a few new models today. It's their first time with us. I think you can handle them for me."

Jungkook's eyes widened. "You weren't kidding then. About the contract."

"Nope. I'm all business here, Kookie. I mean every word I said."

"Oh."

"I'll see you tomorrow then." She clapped his shoulder, brushing past him to the other side of the room.

"That's Katy for you," she heard Porshiya say to him. "Be here after work, sweetie. Just text us in advance if something comes up. No pressure there. Welcome to Vinora."