The sound of the front door clicking open stirred Saphirra awake. She blinked, lifting her head from the couch cushion, still heavy with drowsiness.
Travier stepped inside, pausing when he saw Saphirra rubbing her eyes. Concern flickered across his face as he set his bag aside. "Why are you sleeping here? Why not in the bedroom?"
She stretched lightly and offered him a faint smile. "I just decided to rest here for a while. That's all."
He walked toward her, crouching slightly so he could press a gentle kiss against her forehead. "You should go upstairs and continue your rest. The couch isn't good for your back."
But she shook her head. "No, I've rested enough. I still need to cook dinner."
Travier lingered a moment, as though tempted to insist, but then nodded. "Alright. Just don't overwork yourself." He straightened and dropped onto the couch with a sigh while she headed to the kitchen.
Travier sat on the couch for a moment to rest, his eyes following Saphirra's movement as she moved around the kitchen to gather some ingredients. Saphirra noticed and turned to look at him with a chuckle.
"You're going to melt me with your stare," Saphirra said jokingly, which made Travier chuckle and stand up.
"Well, I can't help but stare at my beautiful wife," He said flirtatiously, which made her blush and glare.
"Geez, just go and take a shower. I can smell your sweat over here," Saphirra said, which makes him laugh and shake his head.
"Alright, Alright, I'll go take a shower now. Don't miss me too much," He said teasingly, which they both laughed before Travier headed upstairs.
______________________
After a quick shower, Travier changed into a soft shirt and loose pants, grateful to shed the stiffness of the day. Travier happily padded downstairs as soon as he caught a delicious smell coming from the kitchen.
Saphirra was already setting the plates, her movements fluid, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders.
Without a word, he walked up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. His chest pressed against her back, and he closed his eyes, breathing her in. He hadn't realized how much he missed this warmth until now.
Saphirra stilled for a heartbeat, the sound of the cutlery clinking against the table pausing. Then she smiled softly and leaned back into his embrace, letting her hands rest over his forearms.
"You're clingy today," she teased lightly, though her voice carried no complaint.
"Maybe I am," Travier murmured near her ear. "Maybe I need this more than I thought."
Her smile widened, though she didn't turn around. "Then don't let go too quickly."
And for a moment, with the scent of dinner filling the room and her warmth grounding him, Travier allowed himself to believe that everything—his career, his secret worries, Vanessa—could stay outside, far away from this small, precious space they had together.
After a few more minutes, Travier kissed her cheek before letting go.
"Feeling better now?" Saphirra asked as she watched him take a seat, and she also took a seat on the opposite side of the table, facing Travier.
Travier smiled and nodded. "Yeah. I think I'm well recharged again, luckily, my wife is more than willing to help me recharge," Travier said playfully, which made Saphirra laugh and shake her head.
"Well, I'm glad that I could help regain your energy even if I'm not around during your work," Saphirra said, to which Travier glanced at her and forced a faint smile.
Saphirra knows that Travier is probably having a hard time right now, especially since this is the first time they're being separated, and the fact that Travier's new project as an actor will take longer than what models do.
The dinner was silent, and they had a small talk. They didn't bother to talk too much, thinking that they might overwhelm one another. For now, they just stayed quiet and savored the moment they have right now.
__________________________________
The next day unfolded like any other. A morning routine, a quick breakfast together, and a few exchanged smiles before parting ways. It has become their routine, and they've grown used to it. They are still adjusting, but they know that both of them need to understand the situation, so for now, they just let it be and do their usual routine.
Meanwhile, as soon as Travier left the house, it was Saphirra's turn to get ready and prepare for her work. She took a quick shower and got dressed in her casual work clothes before gathering her bag and kit, then headed straight to the Soun Company.
It didn't take too long when Saphirra arrived at the Soun Company, she greeted the other staff and headed straight to the studio she was assigned.
The studio was alive with noise—models rehearsing their walks, photographers barking instructions, stylists weaving in and out with clothing racks. Saphirra slipped into her usual rhythm, touching up the foundation here, adjusting an outfit there. It kept her hands busy, but her heart wasn't in it without Travier around.
By the time her lunch break arrived, she found herself alone in the cafeteria, tray untouched. The chatter around her faded into a dull hum as she sat in silence, chin propped on her palm. Without Travier beside her, the work felt strangely hollow, lifeless.
Her other hand drifted toward her bag, almost without thinking. Fingers brushed against smooth cardstock. She pulled it out, eyes tracing the bold letters:
AETHERION TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
Her thumb moved slowly across the embossed edges, her chest tightening. Maybe...
Maybe she could work there. Not full-time, not enough to draw suspicion—but enough to feel alive again. Enough to step back into the world she once dreamed of. Enough to learn.
She swallowed hard, leaning back in her chair. Memories of late nights hunched over programming projects flashed in her mind—the thrill of solving a code problem, the rush when the system finally ran smoothly. She had buried that part of herself for years, told herself it was over. But holding that card now, it didn't feel over. It felt unfinished.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. 'If I did... Travier wouldn't know. Not right away. It would just be part-time. Just until...'
She bit her lower lip, eyes narrowing at the card in her hand.
Temptation whispered like static in her ear, and for the first time in years, Saphirra considered stepping across that line.
Before she realized what she was doing, Saphirra had already pulled out her phone, the card propped against her palm as her fingers dialed the number printed on it. Her chest tightened as the ringing pulsed in her ear, nerves sparking with each tone.
'What am I doing?' she thought, biting her lip. 'I shouldn't—'
Click. The call connected.
But instead of Laren's bright, professional voice, a deep husky tone rolled through the line.
"This is Flame speaking."
Saphirra froze, her breath catching. 'Mr. Flame... himself?'
Her grip on the phone tightened, and for a moment she couldn't find her voice. His tone wasn't impatient, but it carried a weight that demanded presence—steady, commanding, like a man used to being obeyed.
"...Hello?" Mr. Flame's voice came again, smooth but edged with curiosity. "Who's calling from this number?"
Her lips parted, heart hammering. She had expected Laren to be an easy conversation where she could casually test the waters. But now she was speaking directly to the man behind Aetherion Technologies. The CEO himself.
The decision to hang up or to speak hovered on a knife's edge.
Her throat tightened, panic flooding her chest. Without thinking, Saphirra stabbed at the screen and ended the call.
The silence that followed was deafening. She dropped her phone onto the cafeteria table as though it had burned her fingers, her pulse racing wildly.
'What did I just do?'
She stared at the black screen, her breath uneven. But before she could collect herself, the phone buzzed sharply against the table; it was the same number she dialed earlier.
Her stomach dropped.
The buzzing continued, relentless, as though daring her to ignore it twice. With trembling fingers, she reached for the phone, forcing herself to take a steadying breath before swiping to answer.
"H-Hello?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.
On the other end, his husky voice carried a calm authority. "You hung up on me."
Saphirra's heart skipped. " I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"No need for excuses," Mr. Flame cut in smoothly. "You must be the girl last time...If you dialed my number, then you wanted something. Speak."
The firmness in his tone made her spine straighten instinctively. She swallowed hard, her fingers gripping the phone tighter.
This was not the way she imagined this conversation would go, and the fact that he's bossy acted like an all-mighty made her blood boil a little. But even if she hates the way he talked to her, she still knows that he has a high authority.
Saphirra's words can't help but tumble out in a rush. "I—I thought this was Laren's number. I didn't mean to bother you directly, Mr. Flame."
There was a pause on the other end, followed by a low hum of confusion. "Laren?" he repeated, his tone sharpening. "Did he... give you one of our cards?"
"Yes," she admitted quickly, her voice small. "He handed it to me yesterday."
Another pause—short, weighted. Then his voice came back, steady but edged with something unreadable. "That explains it. Each card carries three contact lines. The management office. My office line. And Laren's."
Her stomach sank. She hadn't even noticed.
"Clearly," Mr. Flame continued, his tone dipping into a dry sarcasm, "you didn't bother to read the fine print. Details are important, Ms..." He trailed off deliberately, as if prompting her.
Saphirra's lips pressed tight, heat rushing to her cheeks. "Saphirra," she murmured, forcing the word out.
"Mm. Saphirra," he echoed, as if tasting the name on his tongue. "If you're considering a place at Aetherion, you might want to start by paying attention. Reading details could save you more than just embarrassment."
Her pulse hammered in her ears. He wasn't shouting, but somehow his quiet sarcasm stung more than if he had.
Still, beneath his words, she caught the faintest undercurrent—curiosity.
Saphirra straightened slightly in her chair, clutching the phone tighter. She didn't know what possessed her, but the words left her mouth before she could stop them.
"I'm not really interested in any position at Aetherion," she said quickly, her tone firmer than she expected. "I was only trying to reach Laren to let him know I won't be joining."
The moment the lie slipped out, her chest tightened. She knew it wasn't true. She wanted it badly enough that she'd called without thinking. But something about Mr. Flame's voice, the way he carried himself even through the phone, made her pride rise like a shield.
Silence stretched on the other end, heavy and deliberate.
Then, his husky chuckle slid through the line. Low. Amused. Dangerous.
"So you dialed my number—by accident, of course—only to tell me you have no interest in working with us?" His sarcasm was sharp enough to cut.
"I..." Saphirra's throat tightened. "Yes."
He hummed, a sound that vibrated like the faint growl of an engine. "Curious. Because people who aren't interested don't usually waste their lunch breaks dialing a CEO's private line."
Her cheeks burned, and before she could stop herself, another word left her lips. "How did you know it's my lunch break?" With that, Saphirra thinks that she just made things worse.
A low, deep chuckle could be heard on the other line, which made her gulp nervously. "It's clearly 12 in the afternoon, what do you expect?—or maybe you're thinking I'm stalking you?"
Now she felt her cheeks burning more and wished the ground would eat her alive, but she bit down on her lip and just stayed silent for a moment before speaking. "W-Whatever, I'm not thinking that!"
For a moment, all she heard was his quiet breathing on the other end and a deep chuckle. "Alright, I'll believe you for now, but make sure not to embarrass yourself again." His voice dropped, softer but carrying a weight that pressed into her chest.
"Anyways. If you insist you're not interested, I'll take you at your word." A pause. "But something tells me you'll be calling again. And next time... don't pretend it was a mistake."
The line clicked, leaving her staring at her phone, her heart pounding hard enough to shake her ribs.
Saphirra could feel her heartbeat racing, cheeks still burning from the call as she stared down at the black screen of her phone. She inhaled sharply, trying to steady herself, but her thoughts tangled like threads she couldn't untie.
Just then, the sound of heels clicking against the cafeteria floor made her glance up. A tall figure with flowing chestnut hair swept past, her presence commanding without even trying. Saphirra's eyes widened as recognition hit.
"Saphirra!" the woman gasped, her voice bubbling with joy. She spun on her heel, clutching her bag with both hands. "It really is you!"
Saphirra blinked, startled. "...Kairie?"
The woman grinned widely, eyes sparkling. "Yes! Oh my gosh, I missed you so much!"
Before Saphirra could react, Kairie Veyra—one of her closest friends from before life grew complicated—closed the distance and threw her arms around her. The familiar scent of her perfume, a mix of citrus and warm vanilla, flooded Saphirra with memories of long nights in their dorm, studying and laughing until sunrise.
"I can't believe you're here!" Kairie pulled back slightly, still holding her shoulders. "When I got the call that I'd be assigned here again at Soun Company, I thought—no, hoped—that I'd see you again."
Saphirra was still in shock, her phone forgotten on the table. "I... I didn't know you were coming."
Kairie laughed, her smile warm and contagious. "Surprise, then. The universe has funny timing."
Saphirra's lips curved into a small smile despite the storm still lingering in her chest. After the unsettling call with Mr. Flame, the sudden reappearance of Kairie felt like sunlight breaking through heavy clouds.
Kairie sat across from Saphirra, resting her chin on her hand as if they had all the time in the world to catch up. Saphirra still struggled to process her sudden reappearance.
"I thought you transferred to another agency?" Saphirra asked carefully, brows furrowing. "What are you doing back here at Soun? Just visiting?"
Kairie shook her head, lips pressing into a thin line. "No. I was... sent back."
"Sent back?" Saphirra tilted her head.
Kairie let out a humorless chuckle, her eyes darkening. "Yeah. The truth is, the Luminara Agency decided they didn't need me anymore. Once they figured I wasn't going to bring them the numbers they wanted, they cut me loose and dumped me back here like I was just another broken prop."
Saphirra froze, her fork slipping from her fingers and clattering softly against the plate. Her chest tightened. "They... they just threw you away?"
Kairie's gaze hardened, her voice low. "That's all they do. Luminara acts like it's this dazzling empire for actors and models, but behind the curtains, it's all selfish. They use people to earn money, squeeze them dry, and when there's nothing left—" she snapped her fingers, her tone bitter "—they toss you out without a second thought."
Saphirra's breath hitched. The name Luminara rang louder than Kairie's words themselves. Her mind immediately leaped to Travier. He had been sent there, full of hope, full of determination.
Her eyes widened, heart hammering. 'Travier...'
But then another thought eased in, one she clung to desperately. Ms. Travez. His manager wasn't the type to let anyone trample on Travier—not without a fight. Saphirra inhaled slowly, steadying her racing heart, forcing herself to stay calm on the outside even as worry gnawed at her inside.
She gave Kairie a small, shaky smile. "I... I didn't realize it was that bad."
Kairie exhaled, leaning back against her chair. "It's worse than most people know. But enough about me—I don't want to sour our reunion." She forced a grin, though her eyes still carried the weight of her words.
Saphirra nodded, though her thoughts were far away, caught between the temptation to share the information with Travier and the terrifying truth that he might not believe her, and think that she's just trying to have him back at the Soun.
Kairie leaned forward suddenly, her mischievous eyes narrowing. "By the way..." she dragged out the words, a smirk forming, "I couldn't help but notice you were all red and stuttering when I walked over. Who were you talking to on the phone, hmm?"
Saphirra stiffened, her hand twitching toward her phone as if it might betray her. "I-it was nothing important," she muttered, a little too quickly.
Kairie's grin widened. "Don't tell me that was Travier? Ooooh, no wonder your face was as red as a tomato. What did he say? Something sweet? Or was it—"
"It wasn't Travier," Saphirra cut her off, voice soft but firm.
That made Kairie blink. She tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her expression. "Not Travier? Huh. That's new. Where is he, anyway? Normally, he'd be glued to your side."
Saphirra smoothed a stray hair behind her ear, forcing her tone to sound casual. "He's... on another project. Won't be here for a while."
Kairie leaned back, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "Another project, huh? Makes sense. He's been getting popular lately, I've heard. With the way his fans are multiplying, I bet all sorts of opportunities are knocking on his door."
Saphirra's lips curved in a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah... opportunities."
Kairie didn't notice the shadow behind her friend's gaze—she was too busy chuckling and teasing again. "Well, whatever it was, that call had you blushing like a schoolgirl. If it wasn't Travier, now I'm really curious."
Saphirra quickly lowered her gaze to her hands, clutching the business card still hidden beneath the table. Her heart thudded against her ribs, knowing she couldn't tell Kairie it was Mr. Flame. Not yet.
Kairie tapped her nails against the table, still studying her friend. "But really, Saph, why aren't you with Travier? You're always with him. I thought you two were inseparable."
Saphirra's smile faltered for a second. She glanced down, fiddling with her spoon before answering, "Ms. Travez didn't allow me this time."
At that, Kairie's expression darkened. She leaned back in her chair with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. "Ugh, of course. That woman has always acted like she owns him. Honestly, I noticed from the beginning—she never seemed pleased about your relationship. Always giving you that look like you're in her way."
Saphirra tried to keep her composure, though her chest ached at the truth hidden in Kairie's words. She forced a small laugh, shaking her head. "It's fine. Really. I don't mind what Ms. Travez thinks. I know my bond with Travier is strong."
But even as she said it, the words felt fragile, like glass about to crack. Deep inside, she could feel it—the quiet breaking, piece by piece. The way secrets had started to slip between them, the way the world seemed to be pulling them into separate orbits.
She swallowed hard, keeping her smile steady for Kairie's sake, even as her heart whispered the fear she refused to admit aloud.
Kairie's teasing grin slowly faded as she studied Saphirra more carefully. The slight tremble in her friend's smile, the way her hands twisted together under the table, the pause in her voice—it was all too telling.
"Saph..." Kairie leaned forward, lowering her tone, her usual playfulness gone. "You don't have to act tough with me. I can see it—you're hurting."
Saphirra's breath caught. For a moment, she wanted to deny it, to put on that steady face again. But this was Kairie. Her best friend. The one person she could never fool.
Her fingers gripped the edge of the table, knuckles paling. "It's just... things don't feel the same anymore, Kair." Her voice cracked despite her effort to keep it even. "Travier and I—we've always been so close, but lately... it feels like he's drifting, and if it's not him, then maybe—we're both drifting. Like something's pulling us away day by day, and I can't reach him no matter how much I try."
Kairie's eyes softened with concern. "Did something happen?"
Saphirra hesitated, lowering her gaze to her lap. "He doesn't tell me everything anymore. I know he's busy with his new project, and I want to be supportive, but... sometimes it feels like I'm being shut out. And then there's Ms. Travez, always hovering, always making me feel like I don't belong beside him. I try to ignore it, but..." She let out a shaky sigh, finally voicing the fear that had been festering inside. "I'm scared, Kair. Scared that the bond I've been holding onto isn't as unbreakable as I believed."
For a moment, the cafeteria noise around them faded into a dull blur. Kairie reached across the table, resting her hand gently over Saphirra's trembling fingers.
"You're not alone in this, Saph," she said firmly. "You can trust me. Whatever's going on, whatever storm comes, I'll stand with you."
Saphirra blinked rapidly, her throat tightening. The weight she'd been carrying felt just a little lighter, knowing she wasn't keeping it all bottled up anymore.
Kairie gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, listen to me, Saph. You shouldn't lose hope so easily. Travier loves you, I know he does. But right now, what you need is a little peace of mind. Don't let yourself drown in worry while he's gone."
She leaned back, her tone softening. "Maybe... do something for yourself. Find another hobby, something that makes you happy. Keep yourself busy while waiting for him to come back."
Saphirra let her friend's words sink in. Another hobby... something for myself... The thought of Aetherion drifted into her mind uninvited—the business card tucked safely in her bag, the promise of learning more about the tech world she had once dreamed of.
But along with that thought came the memory of Mr. Flame's deep, cutting voice. The sharp sarcasm. The way it had unsettled her was like standing too close to a fire. A shiver crept down her spine before she could stop it.
She went still.
Kairie noticed immediately. Her brow arched, eyes narrowing. "Saph? What's with that face? You spaced out on me again. Is everything okay?"
Saphirra blinked, snapping herself back into reality. She forced a quick smile, shaking her head. "Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking too much, I guess."
Her gaze drifted away, settling on the floor tiles as she tried to steady the storm inside her chest.
Kairie didn't press further, but her sharp eyes lingered, silently noting that there was more to her friend's silence than she let on.