∙ 𝚁𝙸𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁 ∙

Ep 21 - Off-Script and On-Site (Pt 1)

HOLLY:
"But— One thing still worries me though."

KALEENA:
"And, what's that?"

Holly's gaze cuts across the room — to Anders, holding court among assistants and execs, smiling like a king at his coronation.

HOLLY:
"The profits. He's going to swipe us blind, Fontaine. I can feel it in my bones."

KALEENA:
"About that, Holly... can you meet me tonight? My place. I'll text the address."

HOLLY
(nods):
"Alright."

Kaleena smiles faintly.

KALEENA:
"Thanks."

As Holly walks off, Kaleena lingers, glancing around at the cast and crew she'd quietly guided through this chaos.

Her smile softens.

Then her eyes land back on Anders — gloating, preening, untouchable.

KALEENA (V.O.):
"I'll let you have it. For now."

KALEENA (V.O.):
"The curtain's down. Let them toast to fiction—tomorrow, we start the real story."

She turns, shoulders squared, confidence radiating — and walks out.

[INT. HIROMITSU'S BEDROOM – NIGHT]

The faint hum of the city seeps through the floor-to-ceiling window, softened by the slow rustle of leaves from the living wall. The light is warm, ambient—flickering faintly from the modern fireplace.

Hiromitsu sits cross-legged on his low leather bed, notebook balanced on one knee, pen tapping idly against the page. He's wearing a white cotton shirt and striped pajama pants, the image of quiet control.

The phone on his nightstand buzzes.
He glances at the screen, brow furrowing.

HIROMITSU
(mutters, dryly):
"I thought I turned this thing off..."

He picks it up—sees the name. "Priya Singh."

He exhales, thoughtful, then answers.

HIROMITSU:
"Good evening, Headmistress."

INTERCUT WITH:
[INT. PRIYA'S KITCHEN – NIGHT]

The space glows with moody vibrance—black cabinets, fiery red counters, and a polished marble floor that reflects the light like liquid glass. Steam curls from a pot on the stove, filling the air with the warm, spiced aroma of palak paneer.

Priya, barefoot in silk pajamas, holds the phone between her shoulder and ear as she stirs.

PRIYA:
"I'm sorry to bother you, but... can we talk?"

HIROMITSU
(softly):
"Sure, Headmistress. What's going on?"

Priya exhales a small laugh, almost nervous.

PRIYA:
"Not as Headmistress to Professor. Instead... Priya to Hiromitsu, if that's okay with you."

HIROMITSU
(smiling faintly):
I'm fine with that—since you put it like that.

(beat)

HIROMITSU:
"Is everything alright?"

Priya leans back against the counter, the ladle resting in her hand. Her shoulders ease, though her tone stays careful—like she's trying to make light of something that still weighs on her.

PRIYA:
"Yeah. I just..."

PRIYA
(exhales, admitting):
"I just called to apologize."