Page 56 of The Encore’s Crown

“Kasia thought you could shoot at Nagoya Castle.”

“Great.”

“And Oasis 21,” Kasia adds. “The glass roof should look good in photos, especially before sunset.”

“Perfect.”

“We might go through Ōsu too,” Rafe continues. “The shopping streets near Ōsu Kannon. Vintage stores, street food, all that influencer shit.”

“Love influencer shit.”

Kasia gives me a sideways look. I realize I've agreed to everything in exactly the same tone. She presses the elevator button.

“And dinner,” she says, studying me now, “Rafe found a place for hitsumabushi, Atsuta Hōraiken. Grilled eel. It’s one of the things we’re supposed to eat while we’re here.”

“Sounds amazing.”

The elevator doors open and we step inside. Kasia presses our floor. They keep talking about timing, outfits, whether I need to call ahead about filming, and how long it’ll take to get across the city. I nod in places that feel appropriate, but their voices blur into the background.

All I can see is Kiri on the pavement, helping because something needed doing. He wasn't asking for praise or acting like the celebrity everyone else sees when they look at him. He might play the fuckboy. He might wear that reputation like armor because it’s easier than letting anyone look underneath. But underneath, he’s—

Kind.

Kiri Chhim is kind.

That's much more dangerous than just being good with his hands.

Chapter 24

Rule Of Thirds

Natalia

Standing in front of Nagoya Castle, I remember who I am. Natalia Sawadzka, a Polish powerhouse in designer footwear. A force to be reckoned with that looks amazing next to pretty landmarks. The setting looks like a painting. The sky is pure blue, the castle white and green with gold flashing from the roof and all I can do is admire how good we look together.

Perfect.

“This,” I tell Rafe, handing him my phone, “is why Japan was made for me. Hold it vertically.”

“I know how phones work.”

“Your Instagram says otherwise.”

Kasia laughs as I check the frame over his shoulder and tell him to lower it. He does, but too far, forcing me to correct him again. “Not that low. I’m not selling shoes. I’m selling an experience.”

“You’re standing in front of a wall.”

“A very historic, pretty wall.”

He stares at me until I point at the screen. “Rule of thirds, Rafe.”

“I write about Greek myths and the melancholia of existence. Can't say I'm well versed in the rule of thirds.”

Kasia takes over, finds the angle instantly, and nods. That’s all I need. The minute the camera is on me, everything clicks into place: chin down, shoulder angled, hand in my pocket. I let the wind move my hair, look away, then back like someone called my name. For a while, I don’t think about Kiri, last night, or whether he regrets it. I just think about what I’m doing, how I'm posing, the best angles and lighting.

We shoot by the moat, beneath the trees, and along the approach. I film transitions, redo takes when Rafe moves too early, and keep one where a kid runs into frame waving like he’s part of it because he's too adorable to cut. By the time we leave, I have enough content for days.

At Oasis 21, I officially lose my mind. The glass roof curves overhead like a spaceship, light bouncing off of every gleaming reflection, everything my feed has been missing. I make Kasia walk beneath me while I film from above, then switch places. She rolls her eyes but plays along, while Rafe carries my coat and buys drinks without complaining. I hate him a fraction less than usual.