Chapter Twenty-Three, I Want You This Christmas

It was a chilly evening when Inari received the unexpected message that would change the course of her holiday season. She had just settled into her cozy living room with a cup of tea, the glow of the Christmas tree softly illuminating the space, when her phone buzzed.

It was a direct message from none other than Saweetie, the platinum-selling artist whose infectious confidence and catchy tunes had already made waves across the globe. Saweetie had reached out to Inari, asking if she and her husband, Joe, would be willing to star in the music video for her new holiday track, I Want You This Christmas.

At first, Inari thought it was some sort of mistake. She had known Saweetie from the Hollywood events, of course, but they weren't close. How could someone like Saweetie even think of her for something like this? However, as she read through the message, it became clear that this wasn't just any random ask—it was a personal invitation.

"Hey, Inari!" the message started, bright and direct, with the kind of upbeat energy Saweetie exudes. "I'm working on my new Christmas video, and I'd love for you and Joe to be in it! It's going to be a romantic winter wonderland, and I think you two would be perfect for it. Let me know what you think!"

Inari blinked a few times, her mind racing. She was pregnant with twins, and while she was excited about the opportunity, she knew there were limitations. The thought of running around in the snow or doing anything too physically demanding seemed impossible at the moment. With a few careful keystrokes, she replied, reminding Saweetie of her pregnancy and her need for a more relaxed role.

"Hey, Saweetie! I'd love to be a part of this, but just a heads-up, I'm pregnant with twins! So nothing too extreme, please," Inari wrote.

The response was quick, reassuring, and instantly put Inari's worries to rest. Saweetie, ever the professional and enthusiast, assured her that the video would be a simple yet romantic shoot that wouldn't require anything too strenuous. "Don't worry, it's all about creating a cozy, intimate vibe for the holidays," Saweetie wrote. "It's going to be like a winter wonderland filled with love and warmth. Totally low-key, I promise."

With that, Inari agreed, and two weeks later, she and Joe found themselves on set in a picturesque location, ready to bring the holiday magic to life.

The set of the I Want You This Christmas music video was everything Saweetie had promised—a charming, whimsical winter wonderland that made the magic of Christmas feel tangible. The location was an expansive outdoor area adorned with snow-dusted trees, twinkling fairy lights, and soft, white drapery that swayed gently in the winter breeze. Everything about the space felt like it had been plucked straight out of a holiday dream.

Inari and Joe arrived just as the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows over the scene. The air was crisp, and the smell of pine mixed with the earthy scent of freshly fallen snow. Despite the chilly weather, there was an undeniable warmth in the atmosphere, an energy that only amplified when Saweetie and her team greeted Inari and Joe with open arms.

The director of the video, Jamar Harding, was a mastermind behind creating visually striking moments. Known for his attention to detail and love for cinematic, layered storytelling, Harding had carefully crafted a concept that would elevate the music and showcase the warmth of holiday love. He had chosen to incorporate a nineties-inspired grainy filter to add a nostalgic, almost timeless glow to the scenes—something that would not only enhance the romance of the video but also evoke the warmth and intimacy of cherished holiday memories.

"Just imagine it—soft, romantic lighting, with a grainy filter that makes it feel like we're watching something from an old holiday film," Harding explained as he walked Inari and Joe through the set. The vision was clear: everything would look like it belonged in a holiday movie, nostalgic yet fresh, with all the iciness of winter balanced by the warmth of love.

The first few scenes were filmed outdoors. Inari and Joe, wrapped in cozy coats and scarves, stepped into the magical winter wonderland. Snowflakes fell gently around them as they walked hand in hand, the soft lighting making the snow sparkle as if it were dusted with diamonds. Inari's eyes lit up as she looked around, feeling like she was in the middle of a fairytale. The combination of the cool, crisp air and the warmth of Joe's hand in hers made every moment feel intimate.

Joe, with his effortlessly cool style, was the perfect complement to Inari's radiant glow. His love for her was noticeable in every scene. They danced around a snow-dusted tree, laughing and sharing quiet, affectionate moments, their chemistry undeniable. Saweetie's track played in the background, a catchy blend of sultry vocals and festive beats that created the perfect soundtrack for this winter romance.

The way the camera captured their movements, gently following their every step, created a dreamy feeling—like time had slowed down. Jamar Harding's use of the nineties-inspired grainy filter gave the whole video a nostalgic edge, as though this love story were unfolding in a long-forgotten Christmas movie, a piece of cinematic history. The filter, subtle yet effective, added a layer of magic to the scene—everything seemed to glow with a warm, hazy light.

As the cameras rolled, Inari and Joe shared moments of quiet tenderness, their eyes locked in a gaze that spoke volumes without words. There was an undeniable sense of connection between them, one that made the entire shoot feel like something more than just a music video. It was as if the camera had captured the essence of their love in a way that transcended the screen.

In one particularly beautiful shot, the couple stood under a massive tree adorned with twinkling lights, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of nearby candles. The wind had picked up, causing the soft glow of the lights to flicker and sway, adding a sense of movement to the scene. It was the perfect balance of magic and realism.

After filming the outdoor scenes, the shoot moved inside to a cozy, candle-lit space. The set featured a roaring fireplace, with plush velvet chairs surrounding it. The room was decorated with subtle holiday touches—a few strategically placed ornaments, candles, and sprigs of holly that gave the space a welcoming, homey feel. The warmth from the fire contrasted beautifully with the snowy world outside, creating a sense of comfort and intimacy that felt completely in tune with the holidays.

Here, Inari and Joe were able to slow things down even more, sharing an intimate, quiet moment together by the fire. Their poses were simple but expressive—Inari nestled in Joe's arms, their faces close as they whispered to each other, exchanging private smiles and gentle laughter. These moments were meant to reflect the kind of love that flourishes in the quiet, tender spaces—love that exists not in grand gestures, but in the small, everyday things that bring two people closer together.

The lighting in these scenes was soft and warm, casting shadows that gave the set an almost ethereal quality. The grainy filter softened the edges of the scene, making it feel like a beautiful, nostalgic memory frozen in time. The entire room glowed, not just from the fire but from the palpable connection between Inari and Joe.

While these moments were simple, they felt significant—capturing the kind of romance we all hope to find during the holidays. The idea of curling up by the fire with someone you love, just enjoying the presence of one another, was perfectly captured in these intimate, quiet moments.

Despite the warmth of the indoor scenes, there was an undeniable icy energy that pervaded the video, reflective of Saweetie's vibe and the coldness of winter itself. The music video managed to blend these contrasting elements—the chill of winter and the heat of romance—into something uniquely captivating.

The outdoors scenes, filmed against a backdrop of falling snow, exuded a crisp coolness that balanced perfectly with the warmth of Inari and Joe's love. In one particularly striking shot, the couple stood close together, their breaths visible in the air as the camera zoomed in on their faces. It was a shot that seemed to crystallize the delicate dance between warmth and cold, the intimacy of the moment underscored by the icy world around them.

Inari and Joe's chemistry was undeniable, and it helped bring this energy to life. The cold air, the romantic music, and the magical winter scenery came together to form a tapestry of love that was as sweet and invigorating as a first kiss under the mistletoe.

As the shoot drew to a close, the final shot was filmed. Inari and Joe stood together in front of a snow-covered window, the twinkling lights from the set reflecting off the glass, adding an almost surreal glow to the scene. The camera slowly zoomed out, capturing the two of them in their quiet, peaceful moment as Saweetie's song reached its crescendo.

The love between Inari and Joe, amplified by the magic of the winter wonderland, was perfectly captured. It was the kind of love story we all long for during the holidays: warm, intimate, and timeless.

As the music video wrapped, Inari and Joe left

the set, hearts full and spirits lifted by the experience. They had not only participated in a magical holiday moment but had also shared a piece of their love story with the world.

For Saweetie, the video for I Want You This Christmas had turned into more than just a holiday promotion—it had become a celebration of love in all its forms, whether it was a love between partners, family, or even a love for the season itself.

Inari and Joe's moments, caught in the glow of nostalgic, cinematic magic, would live on as part of the video's charm. And for everyone who watched it, the song would forever be a reminder of the warmth we can all find, no matter how icy the world may seem outside.