Riiing... riiing... riiing...
The fourth alarm finally did its job. Barely alive, I reached for my phone and silenced the infernal sound.
My eyes landed on the wall clock. They widened.
7:30.
My office starts at 8:00. That left me thirty minutes to save my life and the tattered remains of my career.
I grabbed a towel, underwear, and a work outfit, then bolted toward the bathroom next to my brother's room. I wasn't rich enough for an en-suite bathroom yet. Heck, I was still struggling just to wake up before sunrise.
Shower? Fast.
No hot water.
No sad music session.
No existential reflection.
Just a rapid rinse to delay professional death.
I dashed back into my room. The clock read 7:45. Panic mode: ON.
No time for foundation. I slapped on some cushion compact and lip matte. Just enough to not look like a vegetarian zombie.
On normal days, I showed up polished—clean hair, matching shoes, a hint of expensive perfume. Today? If I made it to the office without fainting, someone better hand me an international award.
I quickly brushed my hair and dabbed on some vitamin serum that promised miracles in every strand. Tossed my makeup pouch into my bag. Prayed I wouldn't run into any judgmental coworkers with CCTV-like eyes.
I sprinted downstairs. In the living room, Elan was casually watching TV like he was on vacation.
"Elan, drive me to work."
He turned his head, face annoyingly calm as always. "Nah."
"I'll treat you tonight. Where you headed?"
"Nowhere. But buy me some bike accessories."
In that moment, I wanted to slap him with our old house slippers that had retired into floor mats. But time was a luxury I didn't have.
I let out a long sigh. This boy could trigger national hypertension with a single sentence. But time was the enemy.
"Two hundred thousand," I muttered. "Anything more, you pay yourself."
He grinned like a villain from a Japanese cartoon. Modding his motorcycle was his passion—his style was ridiculous, his budget more tragic.
"Alright. Let's go," he said, grabbing his jacket and heading out first.
I stayed back, whispering a prayer. "Dear God, why did my little brother come with a conniving brain and an innocent face?"
After a deep breath, I followed. Today wasn't the day for moral lessons.
Outside, Elan was already on his sport bike. The real reason I asked for a ride. That thing was fast, nimble, and could slice through traffic like an action movie hero.
Thankfully, I wore pants. Sport bikes and skirts were eternal enemies. My shoes were flats. Hopefully, they'd survive any sharp turns.
I climbed onto the backseat, clinging to the last scraps of courage I had. It was either this or an official warning from HR.
Mom hadn't woken me up—she probably already left for the high school where she teaches. The same school where I once tried (and failed) to become an exemplary student.
Dad was likely in the backyard. As a retiree, his hobbies revolved around gardening, sipping coffee, and making political commentary over a chessboard. Sometimes I wondered if my parents were more productive than our entire office management.
Just before the bike roared to life, a deep voice called out from inside the house.
"Where are you two going?"
"Elan's giving me a ride, Pa," I answered like a game show contestant.
"Why aren't you riding your own bike?"
"I'm late."
"Don't leave the door wide open."
I winced. Totally forgot in my panic. "Sorry."
"Be careful on the road."
"Will do."
The bike zoomed out of our gate. For some reason, my eyes drifted to the house across the street—the one that just got a new owner last night.
I sighed, trying not to overthink it. We were just neighbors. Probably wouldn't even see each other every day. No reason to be bothered. But still... I was bothered.
I shook off the thoughts and tried to distract myself.
"Elan! Did you go out last night?" I asked loudly.
"Huh?"
He couldn't hear. We weren't even out of the neighborhood yet.
"Did you go out last night?" I repeated, louder.
"No. Why?"
"I saw your jacket on the sofa. You never leave it there."
He chuckled.
Instantly suspicious. "Why are you laughing? You okay?"
"I was waiting for you to wake up."
"What do you mean?"
"I knew you'd oversleep. So I just sat there, waiting for you to beg for a ride."
I fell silent. My brain slowly processed the evil.
On one hand, I was proud of having a brother with mafia-level tactics. On the other, I was ready to sign him up for a reality show: 'The Most Devious Sibling in Southeast Asia.'
"So you waited just to get two hundred thousand?"
"Yup. And don't back out. I'll sue you in family court."
"I never promised anything. So technically, I don't owe you."
Elan slowed down. Cue psychological warfare.
"Fine. I'll drop you off here."
"No! I'll give you the money. Just don't drop me here."
"Copy that, boss."
Suddenly, the bike shot forward. I nearly flew off. Reflexively, I wrapped my arms around Elan like a baby chick clinging to its mother hen.
"ELAN!"
Sometimes I forgot that beneath his domestic villainy, Elan was the only human who always showed up when I needed him—even if for questionable reasons.
Just imagine my pretty face crashing onto asphalt. It'd go viral.
"Girl who looks like Kim Sejeong launched off sport bike by life stress and younger brother."
I stared at Elan's back. Deep down, I knew one thing.
If he weren't my brother, he would've been up for a sibling trade-off by the time he turned five.
But oh well. Life is full of compromises—especially with DNA you didn't get to choose.
~~~
I finally made it to the front of the office. No dramatic entrance. No slow-motion scene. Just me, sprinting through the lobby, panting like I barely survived a national relay tryout.
My hands were trembling as I fished out my ID card. Tap. Press. Door unlocked. Welcome to the world of deadlines and instant coffee. This is what corporate life looks like on a Saturday morning.
As the access door opened, I power-walked straight toward the elevator. But fate had other plans. The elevator right in front of me closed mercilessly, like a door of destiny slamming shut in my face.
Thankfully, the one next to it opened. I stepped in. Pressed the button. Took a deep breath. All I wanted was a normal day. Of course, that wish didn't stand a chance.
Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a hand slipped in and stopped it. Instinctively, I turned, ready to scowl.
And then… my heartbeat hit pause.
Saka Ardhananta.
In a tailored suit, with a blank stare and an icy aura straight out of a dark drama series. What was he doing here? This is my office. My pressure zone.
He stepped inside and stood right next to me. Too close. My personal space crumbled. I instinctively leaned away like a kitten encountering a wind-up toy.
The elevator doors shut. Silence. No music. No words. Just me and him. Two people with a history more twisted than a weekend soap opera.
Strangely, Saka didn't press any floor button. I wanted to ask, but I didn't want to seem nosy. I tried to act casual, but my heart was thumping louder than an ambulance siren.
He said nothing. His expression? Fridge mode: cold, frozen, emotionless.
I inhaled deeply and started whispering mental prayers. Please don't let the elevator get stuck. Please, no drama. But the lift moved slower than usual—maybe it, too, wanted to play along with the universe's cruel joke.
"Ding."
The elevator opened. I didn't hesitate. Bolted out. Speed-walked without looking back. Only when I sat at my desk did I finally exhale. It felt like I'd escaped a reality show with the theme "Guess Who Your Mysterious Ex Is."
My head spun with questions. What just happened? Why was Saka here? Was he a new employee?
Nope. Stop. Too many conspiracy theories.
I tried to focus, pressed my computer's power button, even though I had no urgent tasks. At least I'd look productive.
Then I remembered—Tasha mentioned an important client would be visiting today. I didn't get the chance to ask who.
Right on cue, fast footsteps approached.
Tasha appeared with a folder, her face resembling a presidential secretary during a national emergency.
"Caca, meeting room. Now. The client's here," she said, rapid-fire.
I turned to her with brows almost colliding. "Right now?"
"Yes. He's very punctual. Don't keep him waiting."
She stormed off, leaving me dazed.
With a sigh, I got up. In my head, I complained. Who is this client? Most show up thirty minutes late. This one's as punctual as a Swiss-made watch.
I walked to the meeting room. Every step felt like a countdown to a disaster. My gut had a terrible feeling.
Standing at the door, I took a deep breath. My heart thudded in weird rhythms, like I was about to take a final exam without studying.
Once ready, I stepped in. My eyes immediately locked on the back of a man sitting across from the entrance.
Tasha was already facing him, and she waved me over.
I walked slowly. That back. That suit. Why did it seem familiar?
Then he turned around.
I froze.
It was him. The guy from the elevator. So, he wasn't here on a random visit. Don't tell me—
Yup. He's the client.
My brain held an emergency meeting.
Is this the universe forcing me to face my sins?
Tasha snapped me out of my spiral. She must've sensed my brain derailing.
"Cayra, meet Mr. Saka Ardhananta. CEO of Manterra, a men's skincare brand. He's our new client."
Excuse me, what?
It was true. He's our new client. Which means… I'll be seeing him. Frequently.
This is no longer a conspiracy theory. This is my reality.
Before I could even process this catastrophic turn of events, Tasha spoke again—this time, with gravity.
"Mr. Saka is Ms. Rania's top-priority client. We can't afford to disappoint him. Our careers are on the line."
My eyes were locked on his face.
This isn't ordinary karma. This is a revenge script written by the universe itself.
If I fail to manage this project, I might actually lose my job.
And the worst part?
This guy… was once the nerdy boy I broke back in high school.
What if he's here to settle the score?
Is this what people call… first love karma?
Oh no. This karma doesn't mess around. He's not just my first love.
He's also my potential termination notice.
~~~
EPILOGUE ✨
A sleek black car stopped in front of the office lobby.
Moments later, a man stepped out.
His suit was immaculate. His hair was perfectly styled. His posture was composed. His face? The kind that made people turn their heads—twice.
His gaze was sharp, almost piercing. The kind of look that made you feel like he could read every single thought in your head.
He was Saka Ardhananta.
After locking the car, he strode confidently toward the building.
His steps halted at the front desk. The woman behind it greeted him with a polite smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Saka. How may I help you?"
"Morning. I have an appointment with Tasha Ardelia."
She nodded. Her name tag read Yasmine Aurellianne. She quickly picked up the phone and dialed the internal line.
While waiting, Saka's eyes caught a familiar figure entering from the opposite side. A woman—her steps brisk, her face annoyed. The lift door in front of her had just closed, but another one opened nearby. She walked in without hesitation.
"Ms. Tasha said you may head to the meeting room. She'll join you shortly," Yasmine informed him after hanging up.
Saka gave a slight nod. "Thank you."
He walked toward the lift. The route to the meeting room had already been memorized in his mind since yesterday.
He stood 188 centimeters tall. Each step was calm yet purposeful. He didn't need to rush to be on time.
As the elevator doors began to close, he stopped them with one hand.
The doors slid open again.
And there she was.
Cayra.
She didn't look surprised. Just silent. But her eyes shifted in that split second. Something changed in her gaze. A hesitation before he stepped in and stood beside her.
Cayra subtly moved. Creating an invisible distance between them. Her face remained composed, but her eyes darted briefly. Her breathing shallow.
Saka didn't press any buttons. Their destination floor was already lit.
The elevator moved.
Silence.
But the air was thick—not because the space was small, but because too many things between them had been left unresolved.
Ting.
The door opened.
Cayra walked out quickly.
No glance. No words.
Saka exhaled quietly. His hand clenched for a second before he followed her out.
Just before the meeting room, a woman appeared from the opposite hallway. Her ID badge read Tasha Ardelia W.
"You're early," Tasha said with a wide smile.
Saka responded with a soft grunt.
Tasha checked her watch. "Let's head in. I'll go get Cayra."
"Don't be late," Saka said flatly. "You know what that means."
"Okay, okay," Tasha replied quickly, spinning on her heels.
Saka continued toward the meeting room.
He entered without hesitation.
The room was spacious, cold, and bright. The atmosphere was sharp. Like a serious discussion waiting to happen.
He sat down.
Glanced at his watch.
Only two minutes had passed, but time felt slow.
The door opened. Tasha entered, slightly out of breath. She placed a file on the table.
"Cayra's on her way."
Saka didn't respond. His eyes drifted to the window. He sat with his back to the door. But he knew who had just stepped in.
The footsteps paused at the threshold. Then continued.
Saka turned.
The person he hadn't seen up close in a long time now stood there.
Cayra.
Their eyes met.
Just for a second.
But long enough to say more than words ever could.
Cayra's expression calmed again—but her eyes couldn't lie.
That gaze was the same. Like the first time they ever met.
Saka looked away. He took a deep breath.
No one must know that his heart was no longer steady.
Silence again—until Tasha broke it.
"Cayra, meet Mr. Saka Ardhananta. CEO of Manterra, a men's skincare brand. He's our new client."
Cayra said nothing.
Tasha continued, "Mr. Saka is Ms. Rania's top-priority client. We can't afford to disappoint him. Our careers are on the line."
Saka shot Tasha a brief glance. VIP? Maybe because he was her brother's friend. But he never liked being treated differently because of his last name.
Still, this morning felt different.
For once, he didn't mind.
Because that very status brought him here. Into this room. Near the one person he used to wait for in silence.
His gaze returned to Cayra.
It was no longer cold—but deep. Holding something unfinished.
They both knew.
This wasn't the end of their story.
This was the beginning.
The first chapter of something long delayed. There would be more surprises. More questions. And maybe, more feelings that never got their moment.
Because for anyone who believes love arrives without pain—brace yourself.
This isn't your typical love story.
This is about karma. About a first love. About two people reunited before they ever got to say goodbye.
Not because they were searching for each other.
But because the universe knew—
The time had come.