Ethan watched as Evan walked away, waving casually over his shoulder.
The smile on Ethan's face stayed for a moment… then softened. It didn't disappear completely — it just shrank into that kind of smile that hides behind quiet thoughts. The kind you wear when you're trying not to feel sad.
He turned back toward the park, hands in his pockets, wandering without a plan. He ended up at the swings and sat down. The night breeze brushed past him as he started thinking about random things — the jobs, the crew, the camera. Anything to stop his mind from circling back.
But it didn't work.
No matter how hard he tried, she came back — the girl. Her image kept slipping into his thoughts over and over again.
Finally, he stood up and muttered, "Enough."
And before he realized it, he started singing softly to himself — a short line that came out almost like a sigh.
"She's still there… even when I look away…"
...
When he finished, the park had gone quiet. He looked around and realized everyone was staring at him — people, kids, even a few pets. His face turned red.
He rubbed the back of his neck, let out a small laugh, and walked off quickly toward home.
As soon as he opened the door, Sally ran toward him, barking happily. Ethan smiled again — a real one this time — and picked her up.
"Alright, alright, I'm not going to get distracted anymore, okay?" he said, hugging her close.
He set her down and went to his desk, picked up his camera, and began to clean it carefully. Every screw, every lens. Then he packed it up, ready for the next day.
POV: Evan
"So it's complicated," Evan said quietly.
The man in black — the same one from before — set his glowing cup down, his expression unchanged. "What did Ethan do this time?"
Evan stood still. "He didn't do anything. While he was recording, I dropped my sound gear. It hit the ground, and it distracted him. He missed the shot."
The man leaned back in his chair. "How many times are you going to take his blame, Evan?"
"I'm not taking anyone's blame," Evan said flatly.
The man opened a record book and ran a finger down the page. Each name in the crew had a check mark beside it. Only Evan's column was filled with Xs. He took his pen, added another X, then slammed the book shut.
"I won't waste my breath advising you anymore," the man said coldly. "Get out of my face."
Evan turned to leave without another word. As the door closed behind him, the air in the room shifted — colder now.
Outside, Evan stopped for a second and took a deep breath. The truth sat heavy on his face.
That man — his superior — was also his father.
On his way home, he made a stop at Ethan's house. The moment the door opened, Sally bolted toward him, tail wagging. Evan knelt and petted her, smiling despite everything.
"Still full of energy, huh?"
Ethan chuckled from the doorway. "Yeah, she doesn't change."
They sat down and talked for a while — random things, light jokes. The air felt easier for a moment.
Then Evan got serious. "Ethan, you've got to stop getting distracted."
Ethan hesitated, then sighed. "It's not like I try to. I just… she's different, you know? There's something about her."
Evan looked at him — his eyes were complicated. A mix of frustration, sadness, and worry.
"You know the rules," he said. "We're cameramen. We're not supposed to be seen, or talk to anyone from the outer zone. You can't let this turn into something it shouldn't."
Ethan raised both hands slightly. "I know, I know. I'm not doing anything."
Evan put a hand on his shoulder. "You've always had a wild imagination, Ethan. You love the outside world too much. But this time… stay out of it. Especially with an extra."
Ethan tried to explain, but Evan just shook his head and stood up.
"Tomorrow, we're recording a strength-type chosen one. Don't get distracted."
He opened the door, paused for a moment, then walked out.
Ethan stood there quietly. He turned to the window, then to the camera on the table. His reflection stared back at him from the screen — tired eyes, a faint smile, and a dog sitting behind him, barking softly as if trying to comfort him.