Polaroids on The Floor

Kanazawa

Kim arrived in Kanazawa, feeling the weight of his busy schedule. After checking into his hotel, he quickly showered and fell into bed, exhausted from his travels. Meanwhile, Fuuto's father had dispatched his bodyguards to locate and neutralize Kim. Unbeknownst to Kim, danger was closing in.

Kim woke up as night fell, ready to continue his work. He ventured out to photograph the Kanazawa Omochi Market and Higashi Chaya District. The city lights and vibrant streets provided excellent material for his photography. Determined not to disrupt his sleep schedule, Kim returned to the hotel early and went to bed.

The next morning, Kim realized he had forgotten to eat the previous night. “How could someone forget to eat?” he muttered, amused at himself. Starving, he headed to a nearby convenience store to grab a bite.

As he ate, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Goosebumps crept up his arms as he hastily finished his meal and decided to return to his work. His next destinations were the Kanazawa Noh Museum and Kanazawa Castle. Along the way, he took pictures of the streets, trying to shake off his uneasy feeling.

At the museum, Kim was engrossed in capturing the stunning artwork when he noticed a group of suspicious men seemingly searching for him. Anxiety surged through him. Desperate for safety, he slipped out of the museum unnoticed and hurried back to the hotel.

To his dismay, when Kim reached his hotel room, Fuuto was waiting by the door.

“What are you doing here?!” Kim exclaimed, his frustration evident. “I’ll call the cops if you don’t stop harassing me. I don’t care about your wealth.”

Fuuto remained silent, and when Kim unlocked his door, Fuuto seized his arm and pulled him inside. Kim’s heart raced.

“Let go of me! I’m calling the cops!” Kim shouted, reaching for his phone.

“Stop! You’re in danger,” Fuuto said urgently.

Kim’s anger flared. “Yeah, I’m in danger because you keep stalking me!”

“If you just come with me, you’ll be safe,” Fuuto insisted.

“Come with you? Are you out of your mind?” Kim retorted, incredulous.

“I’m the son of a mafia boss, Fuuto Enami,” Fuuto revealed, his voice heavy with gravity.

Kim’s eyes widened. “Right, and I’m the president,” he mocked, clearly skeptical.

“My wealth comes from my connections and my bodyguards,” Fuuto continued. “They’re after you, and I’m sure you’ve seen them.”

Kim struggled to comprehend the situation. “Are you saying I’m being stalked by a mafia army? Why is this happening?”

“I want to help you,” Fuuto said earnestly.

“Right now, you’re not helping,” Kim snapped. “I need to focus on my work. Excuse me.”

Kim stormed out of the room, leaving Fuuto behind. Feeling helpless, Fuuto decided to protect Kim discreetly. He discovered Kim’s next destination from his room and resolved to shadow him, hoping to find a way to thwart his father's plan.

On the bus to Shodoshima, Kim called his sister Lia.

“Lia, how are you and Mom?” Kim asked.

“We’re managing,” Lia replied. “I haven’t used the money you sent yet. We’re okay for now. Mom’s sleeping. When are you coming home?”

“Soon,” Kim assured her. “I’ll make sure Mom gets the treatment she needs. Talk to you later.”

Kim booked a hotel in Shodoshima, intentionally choosing one not owned by Fuuto, hoping it would deter any unwanted attention. Little did he know, Fuuto was trailing him closely, hidden just behind the bus.

As Kim settled into the new hotel, unaware of Fuuto's relentless pursuit, the stakes continued to rise. Fuuto, driven by a sense of duty and personal guilt, was determined to protect Kim from his father's ruthless orders, even if it meant shadowing him every step of the way.