Chasing the Star: How My Internet Crush Became My Boyfreind A Glimpse Beyond the Lens

Akira's Phone Buzzes

Trixie Shane

Sooooo... how was it?! The shoot, the photos, the time with HIM?! Spill, girl!

Akira laughed as she lay sprawled on her bed, scrolling through the photos from the shoot. Her heart was still fluttering from everything that had happened.

Akira Kai

It was... magical. Like a dream. The shoot went really well, and Adam said my work was amazing!

Trixie Shane

Told you! Also, did you manage to sneak in any selfies with him? Or maybe a secret handshake or something romantic?

Akira rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling.

Akira Kai

Romantic?! Stop it, Trix. He’s my idol. My mentor, maybe. Nothing more.

Trixie Shane

Uh-huh, sure. But did he smile at you like you’re the most important person in the room? Did he look at you like you’re the only one who understands him?

Akira paused, memories of Adam leaning close to check her camera screen flooding back. His warm smile, the way he said she had talent—it all felt so genuine.

Akira Kai

...Maybe. A little.

Trixie Shane

I KNEW IT! Akira, this is your wattpad moment. I’m rooting for you two!

Akira Kai

Trix, it’s not like that! He’s Adam Lictawa. I’m just... me.

Trixie Shane

And “just you” caught his attention. Think about that.

Akira sighed, her heart fluttering again. Could Trixie be right?

The Next Morning

Akira woke to a message notification from Adam. Her heart skipped a beat.

Adam Lictawa

Morning, Akira! I was looking through the photos you took yesterday. They’re incredible. I especially loved the one where Sarah was adjusting the model’s dress—it tells such a story. You really have an eye for detail.

Akira’s cheeks heated as she typed her response.

Akira Kai

Good morning! Thank you so much! That means a lot coming from you. I wasn’t sure if they were good enough...

Adam Lictawa

Don’t doubt yourself so much. You have a natural gift. Speaking of which, would you like to come to another shoot next week? It’s a bit more casual—outdoor vibes. I’d love to see what you can do with natural light.

Akira’s eyes widened. Another shoot? With Adam?

Akira Kai

I’d love to! I’ve always wanted to experiment with outdoor photography.

Adam Lictawa

I’ll send you the details. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

At the Outdoor Shoot

The next weekend, Akira arrived at the shoot location—a sprawling park with vibrant flowers, a calm lake, and golden sunlight streaming through the trees. Adam waved at her from a picnic table where the team was setting up.

Adam Lictawa

Akira! Glad you made it. Ready for round two?

Akira Kai

Definitely! This place is beautiful. The lighting is perfect.

Adam Lictawa

That’s what I thought. I knew you’d love it.

As the team prepared the models, Akira started snapping photos of the scenery, capturing the sunlight filtering through the leaves and the ripples in the lake. Adam wandered over to her, watching as she worked.

Adam Lictawa

You’re in your element, aren’t you?

Akira Kai

I guess I am. There’s something about nature—it’s calming but full of life at the same time.

Adam smiled, leaning casually against a tree.

Adam Lictawa

You talk about photography like it’s your first love.

Akira Kai

It kind of is. It’s how I express myself when words aren’t enough.

Adam tilted his head, his gaze thoughtful.

Adam Lictawa

That’s beautiful. And it shows in your work. You don’t just take photos—you tell stories.

Akira felt her cheeks flush under his praise. She turned her attention back to her camera, pretending to adjust the settings.

As the models took their places for the shoot, Adam approached her again, his expression a little more serious now.

Adam Lictawa

Akira, I need you to do something for me today.

Akira looked up at him, confused.

Akira Kai

What’s that?

Adam Lictawa

I want you to photograph me today. I’m the model for this shoot.

Akira blinked, her heart stopping for a beat.

Akira Kai

Wait, what? You? The model?

Adam grinned, walking over to the photographer’s area.

Adam Lictawa

Yep. I know it’s a bit unconventional, but I want to give you a challenge. You’ve been behind the camera for so long, I think it’s time for you to focus on me for a change.

Akira's pulse quickened. Adam Lictawa—her idol, the person she’d looked up to—wanted her to photograph him?

The Shoot with Adam

As Adam posed in front of the camera, Akira felt her nerves surge. She had photographed models before, but never someone as close to her heart as Adam.

He stood tall, his relaxed smile contrasting with the intensity in his eyes as he looked into the camera. Akira adjusted the settings on her camera, trying to steady her shaking hands.

Adam Lictawa

You look a little nervous. Don’t worry, I won’t bite.

Akira Kai

You’re just... you. I can’t believe this is happening.

Adam stepped closer, his gaze softening.

Adam Lictawa

You’re amazing at this. Just focus on me—forget everything else.

Akira swallowed hard as she snapped a few shots. Adam's natural charisma filled the frame, but she couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes seemed to linger on her as she worked.

Akira Kai

This is... surreal.

Adam chuckled, moving to a new pose, this time leaning casually against a tree.

Adam Lictawa

If it helps, just pretend we’re hanging out, no cameras, no pressure.

For a moment, Akira forgot about the camera entirely. The way Adam was so at ease, so present with her, made her heart race. Every shot she took captured not just his look, but something deeper—his trust, his quiet affection for the moment they were sharing.

After a few more shots, Adam approached her, his playful grin reappearing.

Adam Lictawa

How am I doing? Do I look like I belong in a magazine cover yet?

Akira laughed, her heart fluttering.

Akira Kai

You could easily be a cover model. You’re perfect in every shot.

Adam’s smile softened, and he stepped closer, so close that Akira could feel the warmth of his presence.

Adam Lictawa

The only thing missing is the right person behind the lens to capture it. I think you’re the perfect one for that job, Akira.

Akira’s breath hitched as their eyes locked. The world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them standing in that sun-dappled moment. She could feel the intensity in the air, the unspoken connection between them.

Akira Kai

I... I think you’re right.

Adam’s smile deepened, his voice dropping to a softer tone.

Adam Lictawa

I’m glad you think so. I’m glad it’s you.