Chapter 5: Behind the Lens
The room was cold. The powerful air conditioner hummed steadily in the corner, keeping the entire space chilled — a sharp contrast to the sticky humidity outside. It was a spacious room with walls lined by shelves filled with meticulously arranged anime figurines, Gundam kits, and various gaming memorabilia. A large DSLR mounted on a tripod sat ready to capture every shot. Soft lighting highlighted the corner where the backdrop was set up, creating an almost studio-like feel.
Celeste felt the coolness hit her as soon as she stepped out of the dressing room. She tugged lightly at the hem of her skirt, the only cosplay outfit she had left after the event — carefully packed and preserved. It was the same one, re-ironed, but this time, in a much quieter space. The silence felt different, calming in a way the chaotic con scene never had.
He looked up from the camera, and for a moment, she caught the softening of his gaze. His expression wasn’t overt or suggestive, just something... appreciative.
“Okay,” she said, slightly uncomfortable under the scrutiny but pushing through it, “Same outfit, same girl.”
He nodded, his lips curling into a half-smile. “Yeah. You look exactly like you did that day. Maybe even better.”
Celeste chuckled nervously, pulling her hair over her shoulder as she tried to steady herself.
His hands adjusted the camera settings, looking at her through the lens. He seemed relaxed, focused. It was a calm environment, nothing like the noise and crowds of the convention. He could feel her ease into the atmosphere, a stark contrast to her usually reserved, quiet demeanor.
She was still the same person, but in this setting, there was a softness to her. She wasn’t surrounded by the pressure of hundreds of eyes on her, or the uncomfortable attention of some of the more obnoxious fans. Here, it was just her, him, and the camera — a rare moment of quiet. No loud chatter, no distractions, just the whirr of the lens focusing and the faint sound of the air conditioner. For someone like Celeste, who often preferred to stay on the sidelines, this felt like the perfect space.
He snapped a few test shots, and she shifted into position naturally, no longer awkward in front of the camera. She raised her chin, striking poses she had rehearsed for months, but with more ease. The tension she'd had when she first walked in was gone. She glanced over at him once, and caught him looking back with a soft smile. There was no rush here. No one was pushing her for more or making her feel uncomfortable.
“You look good,” he said, lowering the camera briefly.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
He continued, “Honestly, you’re better at this than I thought. Most cosplayers... they’re stiff, they try too hard.
You’re just, I don’t know, natural.”
Her cheeks warmed, but she didn’t respond
“You okay?” he asked, sensing her stillness. “You’re doing great.”
She gave him a small nod and a shy smile, feeling herself settle into the moment. This was easier than she’d expected. In the hustle of conventions, there was always noise, always people, always a sense of hurry. Here, everything was at her own pace. No pressure, no unwanted attention. Just the gentle click of the camera and a quiet, reassuring atmosphere.
After a few more shots, she chuckled, lowering her pose slightly. “I might start charging more.”
He raised an eyebrow, glancing at her through the camera. “Oh, really? How much?”
She grinned playfully, leaning slightly forward. “Well, with the way I’m posing, I’m basically a pro now. Gotta charge for these skills, right?”
He laughed softly, lowering the camera. “You should, honestly. You’re putting in the work.”
After a few more clicks, he nodded toward his camera.
“Yup. 30 minutes sharp. Told you it’d be quick.”
“Time flies,” she replied softly, looking at the camera and the final few shots.
It wasn’t flashy or exciting like the cons — no music, no crowds, no chaos. Just quiet clicks of the camera, a cold room, and her doing what she loved. She’d never imagined her first paid shoot would happen like this, but it wasn’t so bad. If anything, it felt… manageable. Safe.
As she changed back into her clothes, she glanced at her phone.
$150 — $100 for the shoot, and an extra $50 he’d tossed in to cover transport, even though her Grab hadn’t come close to that.
Not bad at all… for half an hour of doing something she already enjoyed.
She allowed herself a small smile.
Maybe this was just a one-off.
Or maybe, it was the start of something a little unexpected.
Either way, for the first time in a while, dinner tonight was going to be exactly what she wanted.
And not just instant noodles.
Next chapter coming soon.