The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

"OKAY, now look to the left," said the assistant photographer while looking at the photo that was being projected on the virtual screen in front of him. It was from the cameras floating around the black-haired teenager. "That's it. Don't mind the cameras and think of them as not being there."

Astrid did as he was told. He was currently inside a building that would serve as the main church of the 'Church of Jaya'. This was the photoshoot location for his teaser photos. Each characters had their own photoshoot location. The places would be a representative of their character. 

Today would be the individual photoshoots. Then, tomorrow would be the group photoshoots. The day after tomorrow would be the start of the real filming. 

There a main photographer who was in charged of all the photoshoots. While there were four assistant photographers who would take the individual pictures of the cast members. All the photos the assistants took would be sent real time to the main photographer. And until the main photographer didn't give his approval, the photoshoot would continue on.

In short, until the other was satisfied with the photos being taken by his assistants, they had no choice but to continue taking photos. Or so Astrid heard. He wasn't sure if it's the same for other productions in this era. But the work would definitely be more efficient this way. 

He continued to do the post that the assistant photographer asked. 

"Okay, let's change now with your pope costume," the assistant said.

Astrid was a bit surprised, he thought that it would take a couple while more before he had to change to his pope costume. But he didn't question it and just nod and thanked the assistant photographer. 

He then walked to the make-shift fitting room. When he arrived here earlier, this was already inside the building. Understandable since going back to their assigned dressing room would just waste their time. 

After he removed the outer garment of his costume, he called in his assigned stylist to help him with the pope's costume. This one was much more elaborate compared to the cardinal's costume. They were still both white but the embroidery was more detailed and was gold in color instead of silver. The pope's robe also had a pretty long trail. After wearing it, Astrid almost felt like he was wearing a gown or something. 

The stylist gathered the trail and held it to make it easier for him to walk. Astrid glanced back at the other.

"Thank you," he said with a smile.

The stylist's felt like something just squeezed her heart. Ah, what an adorable kid. She's really starting to become a fan. "Don't be. I'm just doing my job," she said with a grin.

Astrid only smiled back. The make-up artist retouched his make-up and then the photoshoot resumed. The process had been pretty peaceful. Although Astrid had trouble at first moving because of the costumes trail, it went smoothly after he got used to it. 

"Now look at the camera in front of you and think that you're in front of the other believers of the church."

After hearing that, Astrid looked at the camera that flew in front of him. He softened his gaze, as if he was looking at a group of people that had the same faith as him. At the same time, the corners of his lips were also turned up into a slight arc. It was a smile that didn't show his emotion but a smile that would make anyone who saw it feel like they were being pardoned from their sins. 

The assistant photographer perfectly captured that. He stared at the virtual screen. Just looking at it made him want to confess all the bad things he had done in his life and get the other's forgiveness. 

"This shot is perfect." – the assistant heard from his earpiece. He could hear the amazement and appreciation in the other's voice. Clearly liking this photo.

It was the main photographer in-charge. Since the speed of transferring of photos was pretty fast, his boss must have received it the moment the shot was taken. He agreed with the other's comment. This shot was indeed perfect. There was no need to retouch it. They could actually release it right now and he's certain that no one would complain. A lot of people might even praise it.

"You can finish the shoot now," his boss added.

"Can I take one more picture?" he asked.

"Up to you."

After receiving his boss' permission, he said to the teenager in front, "We'll take one more picture. You can pose whichever way you want."

One more picture? He didn't expect that his photoshoot would be done this fast. – Astrid thought. Well, that's good. At least he and Ellis could rest early. Since the photographer said that he could do any post he wanted, then there's one post that he'd been wanting to do since earlier. He even wondered why the other hadn't asked him about it yet. 

"Okay," he said. Then he turned around and proceeded to kneel down. He looked at the stylist and make-up artist who were just nearby. "Ahm, can you please help me with the trail?" 

The two quickly helped him. He smiled at the two, "Thank you."

"No need for thanks," both almost said at the same time before going back to where they were standing earlier. 

After that, he looked forward. There was a huge window with colored glasses in front. He put his hands together like in a prayer and raised his head. 

The photographer was stunned when he saw this. The other's gaze was full of piousness. As if the god he revered was descending down from heaven. It was such a holy sight that he almost wanted to kneel down with him and pray. 

He remembered what his boss said earlier about the last picture being perfect. He also thought so. But this, this was the epitome of perfection.