Snapshot: Chapter 01

"Thank you so much!" Jo replied as the couple bowed and left her studio. She did her best to hide her laughter as she saw them argue on what frame to use for their newly developed wedding portrait. This was the main reason why Jo took up photography: Her clients’ smiling faces when she shoots during their special events; the expressions her models give out; the sense of calmness when with nature; the feeling of hope whenever she sees old people act like new lovers sitting on a park bench; and simply, the feeling of satisfaction after a job well done. Her parents were, of course, not delighted with her decision. Being the only daughter of two surgeons, they wanted her to take up medicine so imagine their disappointment when they found out that their daughter flew off to France and studied photography instead. Her father severed all ties with her and forced his so-called ‘dreams’ on her younger brother instead. Personally, Jo wasn't too happy about it but she refuses to have her future be clammed up on something she doesn't have any interest in. And so, she stayed six years in Paris and right after obtaining her photography degree, worked under an advertising company for two years. As soon as she saved up enough capital needed to start her own business, Jo returned to Japan and established her own company.

Unlike her previous employer, her business is a small venture. The credibility of her business came from words of mouth and from Jo’s achievements in several photo competition. At the same time, she’s a part-time freelance magazine photographer. "Liason" consisted of very few employees:

Rina, aged 27, is Jo's executive secretary. Originally a brunette, her hair was dyed in dozen different colors. She looks like a punk star rather than a secretary with her gum chewing habit and cocky attitude. Though she may lack the qualities of an admirable secretary who makes perfect coffees and treats guests with utmost respect, she's very dependable and wise.

Tomi, aged 20, is Liason's photography intern and works part time at the studio in exchange for lodging. As timid as he can be, this raven haired part-timer is in charge of Jo's odd jobs and basic photography tasks.

Makoto (or “Mako") is the group's fashion consultant and graphic artist. Having graduated with a degree in Graphic Arts, Jo entrusted him with anything that has to do with designs and fashion. Very professional, unless he comes face-to-face with some famous pop artists and hunk models. If this incident does happen (and it happened countless of times before), his mind would turn into a chunk of jell-o and would continue being a pest. With looks and personality of a model, this blond, brown-eyed guy is gay. If there's anyone who can make Jo lose her cool with just  a snap of a finger, he takes all the credits.

Lastly, Josephine 'Jo' Sashika, aged 23, is the studio owner and head photographer. When people doubt Jo's capability as a photographer, she would simply click on her camera and all negative impressions will do a complete 180 degree turn. Quite tomboyish in outlook, Jo is very frank and straight-forward. Her mouth, sometimes, does need some checking because she tend to voice out her opinions and complaints quite brutally but in all fairness, the raven-haired woman is simple and quite emotional.

Jo sighed as she sat on the receiving area's couch. So far, on this day alone, they were able to accept photo shoots for weddings, engagements and several magazine requests. Jo massaged her temple as Tomi arrived with a tall glass of iced coffee. "Thanks." She simply said and as she was about to take a long, very much awaited sip, Rina immediately barged in, startling Jo and spilled some of the coffee on her white shirt. Tomi, baffled, looked at the secretary as Jo glared at her. "What the heck's wrong with you?!" Jo irritatingly asked. That's when she noticed the dreamy look on Rina’s eyes. "Hunky or cute?" Jo simply asked upon seeing the well-known look.

"Magazine invitation!" She excitedly exclaimed. "And you better accept it or I'll hand my resignation letter!"

Jo looked at her secretary then rolled her eyes. "I'll take the resignation letter..." She mumbled as she continued dabbing her shirt with a napkin. She frowned as she realized that the stain will be there for some time. She didn't missed the glare Rina threw at her direction. She didn't want to get on her friend's bad side and she DOES look excited... Too excited in fact... "What magazine?" She finally asked, letting her curiosity get the best of her.

"SAKURA! You know... The female magazine which throws in articles about hunky guys and various other female related articles." Rina explained as she literally bounced towards the area where Jo is sitting.

Bunnies immediately popped into Jo's head as she saw Rina's hopping form. A very energetic, excited and happy bunny. "I do know what Sakura is..." Jo replied as Tomi tried his best to hold in his laughter at Rina's overly energetic prowess and Jo's cold demeanor. She’s 27 for Christ’s sake!

Rina stared back at this. "Oh... Oh course... Um... Anyway, they're doing this usual Valentines Day edition and they wanted you to be their photographer. Guess who the models will be!" Jo looked at her and was about to retort any name that popped into her mind when Rina quickly answered. "ARASHI!"

"EH?!" Tomi replied as Jo looked at Rina. "Wow… They finally got them..." Tomi commented. He was referring to the fact that Arashi is completely booked until the end of the year. Regularly, they posed for Popolo, Potato, Myojo, Duet and other famous magazine. Having Sakura successfully close a deal with them is indeed a surprise. "Good for them! They waited two years for this."

"I would be doing that too, knowing the magazine’s previous editor." Jo provided. The previous editor of Sakura was too proud to meet the readers' demands, so, imagine the glee of the magazine staff when they heard that the editor resigned to look for 'career growth' in other companies. "Good luck though on the new company which she will work in... If there's any that would accept her..." Jo mumbled to herself.

Rina nodded enthusiastically at this. "Exactly! They've been waiting so long for this chance. That's why they wanted Jo to be the photographer. And get this... They wanted the theme to be alluring... Sexy! They even said that they will leave Arashi in your hands!" Rina supplied, in the verge of giggling like crazy as Jo looked at her weirdly. She even pronounced the word "sexy" in an exaggerated, per syllable manner. 

Truth to be told, she was surprised that Rina's into Japanese Pop. JPop as most would refer to it. She's the Rockish type of fan. Her closeness with Mako DID produced an outcome of sorts. He’s absolutely CRAZY about Arashi. It was understandable though. They're famous and would definitely make cool magazine cover models. As Mako would say, Arashi members are good enough to be placed in female magazine centerfolds. And as if her thought implied a certain mental message to one of her employees, Mako did appear.

"Finally.. A chance to meet them in person.." He slurred. Don't get things wrong though. Mako does keep his cool and only acts like this in front of them. "You better accept the proposal, dear." He added, looking at her with such puppy eyes. As if begging for some treat or something. "Imagine... Arashi in our studio... Sexy poses... The glances... The clothes..." Mako and Rina sighed as Jo and Tomi simply stared at them. Then the two fans fell into deep fit of giggles.

"They've gone bonkers.." Tomi simply implied.

“Totally out of it… I should’ve gave in and allowed them for a long vacation…” Jo agreed.

"Well? Will you accept it? I mean... If Sakura was able to get Arashi to model for them AND decided to get you as their photographer, they must be willing to throw in oodles of moolah for it..." He stated the fact flatly and Jo simply nodded at it. "Besides, think of it as public advertisement... Having Arashi pose for you is like announcing 'Hey, we're so good that we even got Arashi to pose for us!' "

Jo fell in deep silence as she took that last information in. Though her company is doing great, there's no harm adding some more gimmicks especially if we're talking about the most sought after group in Asia. She smiled inwardly at this then blinked as Mako and Rina gave her their biggest and most teary puppy eyes they can ever muster. At this, Jo took in a deep calming breath as she came up with her decision.

"Keep your hands off those guys. We can't afford to have a sexual harassment case filed against us." And with this, the two cheered so loud that Jo winced and Tomi laughed.

"Let's get ready guys. Tomi, contact the agency. Tell them that we'll be ready in a week's time." As Tomi went for his task, Rina and Mako started to plan some devious schemes to get close to Arashi. Jo immediately drowned all their plans as she declared that if any unusual complaints was raised by any of the Arashi members, she will immediately cut the contract.

With this, both fell in deep silence and grumbled their complaints in which Jo turned deaf to.