The line clicked, and then a familiar voice broke through—smooth, calm, but with an underlying sharpness that hinted he was always ready for business.
"Hello? Saphirra?" Laren's tone carried a trace of concern. "Is something wrong?"
Saphirra clutched the phone tighter, her knuckles pale. For a heartbeat, her mind nearly blanked out. She had rehearsed this moment in her head countless times, but now that it was here, the words tangled in her throat. She swallowed hard and forced herself to speak.
"It's... It's about the offer you made to me," she finally said, her voice quieter than she intended.
There was a pause, and then she heard the subtle change in Laren's breathing. The sharp, quick inhale gave him away before his words even came. His voice lit up, a hint of unmasked excitement breaking through his usual collected tone.
"Are you saying... you're actually accepting it now?" His question hung heavy, laced with hope and eagerness.
Saphirra's pulse thudded in her ears. She opened her mouth, then closed it again. Her thoughts waged a war between loyalty to Travier and the spark of freedom calling her name. She hesitated for a few seconds that felt like eternity before her lips finally moved.
"Yes," she breathed out, almost too softly, then firmer the second time, "Yes, I will. But..."
Laren didn't miss a beat, already sounding as if he was smiling on the other end. "But what?"
Her grip on the phone tightened as she steadied her voice. "I'll only work part-time. Not full-time. I just... I just want to try and learn," Saphirra said before letting out a shaky breath.
For a moment, silence filled the line, and Saphirra feared she had disappointed him. But then Laren's voice returned, warmer now, carrying a note of understanding that eased her shoulders.
"That's more than enough," he said smoothly. "Part-time is fine. I didn't expect you to jump all in right away anyway. The important thing is—you're willing to start. That's what matters, Saphirra."
Her lips parted in surprise, and her chest loosened as if a heavy weight had been lifted. "You... really don't mind?"
"Not at all." His chuckle was low, almost relieved. "Every great step begins with a smaller one. Besides, talent like yours? Even a few hours will be worth it."
Saphirra's cheeks warmed at the praise, though she wasn't sure if it was flattery or genuine. Either way, for the first time in so long, she felt a current of possibility run through her veins.
Saphirra swallowed, gripping her phone tighter as she finally asked, "What about the documents? I mean... the papers I'll need to pass before I can officially work part-time at Aetherion?"
On the other end, Laren chuckled lightly, his tone reassuring. "Don't worry about that. I'll handle all the arrangements for you. You won't have to stress yourself over the formalities—I'll make sure everything is prepared and ready."
Relief washed through her, and her shoulders loosened. "Really? That's... that's a huge help. Thank you, Laren."
"You don't need to thank me," Laren replied firmly, though she could hear the smile in his voice. "If anything, I should be thanking you for giving this a chance. All you'll need to do on your end is print out your current schedule at Soun Company. Once we have that, we can arrange a fitting timetable for your part-time work at Aetherion. That way, nothing will clash, and you won't feel overwhelmed."
Saphirra nodded instinctively, even though he couldn't see her. "Okay... that sounds manageable. I'll take care of that." She paused, nibbling her lower lip before adding, "Then, I'll go to Aetherion tomorrow to hand the needed papers."
"Perfect," Laren said, his voice warm, tinged with satisfaction. "I'll be waiting for you. Just come to the main reception desk, and I'll make sure you're guided through the process personally."
Her heart gave a strange little flutter at his words. This was it—she had taken the first real step. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow, then."
As the call ended, Saphirra leaned back in her seat, her chest rising and falling with a nervous rhythm. Tomorrow, she would officially set foot in Aetherion Technology Corporation, a world run by Mr. Flame himself.
She closed her laptop and whispered to herself, "I hope I'm doing the right thing."
Saphirra returned to the cafeteria with a softer expression than before. Her steps felt lighter, though her heart still carried a mix of nervousness and excitement. She slid back into her seat across from Kairie, who immediately leaned forward with her chin resting on her palm, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"So..." Kairie dragged the word with a grin that stretched ear to ear. "How did it go? Don't leave me hanging here."
Saphirra couldn't help but smile at her friend's enthusiasm. She takes a deep breath and lets it out first before answering. "It went well. Laren said he'll handle most of the arrangements. All I need to do is print out a copy of my schedule from Soun and prepare a few hard copies of some requirements. No interviews needed since... well, you know, he already saw what I could do last time."
Kairie's eyes widened, and her lips parted into an exaggerated "O" before she slapped the table softly. "Wait—no interview?!" she exclaimed, her voice attracting a few glances from nearby tables. "Seriously? Just like that? You're in already?"
Saphirra nodded, a small laugh escaping her. "Yes. He said their last encounter with me was enough. They already trust what I can bring to the table."
Kairie sat back in her chair, crossing her arms with a playful pout. "Unbelievable. Do you even realize how lucky you are? People out there are breaking their backs, going through rounds of interviews, tests, and presentations just to get into a company—especially a powerhouse like Aetherion Technology. And you? You walk in, smile a little, show them what you can do, and boom—welcome aboard."
Saphirra chuckled, shaking her head. "It's not like that. I was just... at the right place at the right time."
"Uh-huh, sure," Kairie teased, leaning forward again with mock seriousness. "You know what? I'm jealous. Seriously jealous. If I could bottle whatever charm you have, I'd be rich by now."
Saphirra laughed softly, though inside, she felt her chest warm at her friend's words. It wasn't just luck. It was something she wanted—truly wanted—and hearing Kairie acknowledge it, even jokingly, gave her the kind of reassurance she didn't know she needed.
"You're exaggerating," Saphirra replied, trying to downplay it, though a faint blush colored her cheeks. "But... thank you. It feels surreal. Like I'm finally about to step into something that's mine."
Kairie grinned wider, pointing at her with a playful jab of her finger. "See? That's the fire I'm talking about. That's you. I like this version of you, Saphi—confident, determined, glowing."
Saphirra bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. "Glowing, huh? You really know how to tease me."
"Well," Kairie said with a wink, "that's what best friends are for. To cheer you on... and maybe get a little jealous of your unfairly smooth path to success."
This time, both of them laughed together, the sound blending easily with the cafeteria's background hum. For the first time in a while, Saphirra felt lighter—like she wasn't just living in the shadows of someone else's dream, but beginning to chase her own.
The chime of the cafeteria clock signaled the end of the break. Conversations began to quiet down as employees started filing out, trays clattering as they were returned. Saphirra closed her laptop and slipped it back into her bag, while Kairie stretched her arms with a satisfied sigh.
As they walked side by side through the bustling hallway, Kairie nudged her gently with her elbow, her grin never fading. "So... since you're basically half a step inside Aetherion already, how about we celebrate? Maybe a slice of cake, or even just coffee? My treat this time."
Saphirra chuckled, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. "Tempting. But I don't think I should celebrate just yet. It's too early. I'd rather wait until everything is settled—when things are really smooth and official."
Kairie pouted dramatically, placing her hands on her hips as they walked. "You're no fun, you know that? If it were me, I'd already be planning a full-blown party just for the confirmation email."
"That's exactly the difference between us," Saphirra teased softly, her eyes kind. "You celebrate early. I... I want to make sure I've earned it first."
Kairie stopped for a beat, then shook her head with an amused smile. "Fine, fine. You win. We'll save the celebration for later. But mark my words, Saphi, when that day comes, you're not escaping me. I'll drag you out myself if I have to."
Saphirra laughed, the sound light and sincere. "Alright, I'll hold you to that."
They reached the junction where their paths split—Kairie heading toward the marketing floor, and Saphirra back toward the studio wing. Kairie paused and gave her a small wave, her grin softening into something more genuine.
"Good luck, Saphi. I mean it. You're going to do amazing."
Saphirra's chest warmed at her friend's words. She nodded, returning the smile. "Thank you, Kairie. I'll do my best."
With that, they parted ways—Kairie disappearing into the lively chatter of her department, while Saphirra headed back to the quieter halls of the studio. As she walked, she exhaled slowly, her hand brushing against the strap of her bag where her laptop rested. This was it. A step into something she wanted for herself.
_____________________________
(ON THE OTHER SIDE)
After finishing their lunch at the cafeteria, Vanessa and Travier walked side by side down the hallway. Their conversation was light, filled with small comments about the dishes they had and little jokes here and there. When they reached the set, Vanessa gave him a small wave before heading to her makeup station, leaving Travier to walk toward his own place.
As he did, he couldn't help the faint smile tugging on his lips. For once, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter. He had laughed earlier—genuinely laughed—and it had surprised even him. It felt strange, but... freeing.
That was when he noticed Ms. Travez leaning casually against one of the lighting stands, arms crossed, her sharp eyes watching him like a hawk. The moment their gazes met, she arched an eyebrow.
"What's with the huge smile?" she asked, her tone deceptively casual but laced with curiosity.
Travier quickly straightened, his expression faltering just slightly. "Nothing," he said simply, shrugging it off.
But Ms. Travez wasn't someone who could be fooled easily. She pushed herself off the stand and walked closer, her heels tapping softly against the floor. She gave him a pointed look, the corners of her lips curling into a knowing smirk. "You can hide it from everyone else, Travier. But not from me. I know what that kind of smile means."
He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her piercing gaze, but she didn't let up. Instead, she leaned in just enough for her words to come out low and sharp, so only he could hear.
"Remember," she said firmly, "I can cover for you. I can hide certain things and make sure you keep shining in front of the public eye. I can protect the image you're building. But there are limits, Travier. Some things, I can't cover—not without destroying everything you've worked for."
Travier clenched his jaw, the weight of her words settling in.
Ms. Travez straightened, brushing invisible dust off her blazer, her expression hard yet laced with a trace of concern. "I hope you know where those limits are. And I hope you never forget them."
With that, she gave him one last glance and walked past him, heading toward the director's side. Travier stood frozen for a moment, his smile gone, his chest tightening with the reminder of the dangerous line he was starting to walk.
The shoot was in full swing. Bright lights illuminated the set, capturing every angle as the cameras tracked Travier and Vanessa across the scene. Their dialogue flowed with a natural rhythm, their gestures and expressions syncing as though they had rehearsed together for years.
What surprised the staff most wasn't their flawless acting—it was Travier. He wasn't stiff and wasn't tense like before. Instead, he laughed lightly at Vanessa's playful improv, adjusting to her tone as though he was finally enjoying himself. His presence no longer carried the weight of hesitation; he moved like a man who had shaken off his chains.
The makeup artists whispered to one another behind their kits, and a couple of crew members exchanged questioning glances while adjusting props. But no one spoke too loudly. Travier had a reputation—a cold, aloof rising star who rarely smiled outside of scripted requirements. To see him so... at ease, and worse, with her, was enough to stir curiosity.
Still, professionalism anchored them. Questions stayed locked behind pursed lips as they turned their attention back to their tasks.
But Mr. Yelric wasn't like the others.
Sitting back in his director's chair, fingers tapping idly on the armrest, his sharp eyes missed nothing. He had been in the industry too long to take things at face value. Travier's sudden warmth toward Vanessa wasn't just a "shift in attitude." It was too abrupt, too convenient. And then there was Ms. Travez.
She stood a few paces away, arms folded tightly across her chest, her heels clicking lightly against the floor as she tapped in restrained irritation. Her eyes followed Travier's every move, cold and dissecting. Where others might've seen a manager observing her talent, Yelric saw something else—like a predator circling, waiting for weakness.
Whenever Travier let out even the smallest laugh, Ms. Travez's jaw clenched, the lines in her face deepening. It was a silent warning, but Travier either didn't notice or chose to ignore it.
Yelric adjusted his glasses, a small smirk tugging at his lips. So, there's tension here. More than meets the eye.
The scene wrapped up with a flawless finish, Vanessa leaning into her role with the same grace she always had, while Travier matched her with newfound energy. When Yelric called "Cut!" the staff applauded softly, genuinely impressed.
"Excellent. That's what I wanted," Yelric praised, clapping his hands once. His voice boomed across the set, but his eyes—keen and calculating—remained fixed on Travier.
The actors dispersed for a break, Vanessa immediately drifting toward the refreshment table, still smiling from the successful shoot. Travier stayed behind, flipping through his script with unusual lightness. And that's when Yelric noticed Ms. Travez.
Her gaze hadn't softened. If anything, it had grown sharper. Her lips pressed together as if every smile Travier gave Vanessa cut a wound deeper into her pride.
'Interesting,' Yelric thought
leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees. She's not just protective... she's controlling him. No, more than that. She's afraid. Afraid of what might happen if he crosses a certain line.
For the rest of the break, Yelric's eyes darted between the three of them: Vanessa, sneaking glances at Travier with barely hidden fondness. Travier, smiling faintly as though forgetting himself. And Ms. Travez, stiff as steel, ready to snap the moment things tipped out of her control.
It painted a picture, one Yelric couldn't ignore. He didn't know the whole truth yet, but one thing was clear—Travier wasn't just carrying the burden of a script or career. He was balancing on a knife-edge, between his own freedom and the iron grip of those around him.
Yelric rubbed his chin, the ghost of a grin spreading. If I play this right, if I press just hard enough... I'll uncover what they're hiding.
He leaned back, letting his sharp gaze follow Travier one last time. For now, he would let the act continue. But his mind was already spinning with plans to test, to probe, to break open the wall of secrets surrounding his rising star.
___________________________
(BACK AT HOME)
At home, the room was quiet except for the soft scratch of pen against paper. Saphirra sat at her desk, carefully arranging the documents she needed. Her printed work schedule from Soun company lay neatly on top, and beneath it were the forms that Laren had assured her he would handle. She double-checked everything twice, her brows furrowed in concentration.
Every so often, her eyes flicked toward the window, her ears alert to the familiar sound of Travier's car pulling up. It had become a habit—preparing while also staying on guard. She knew Travier's tendency to arrive without notice, and she couldn't risk him discovering her plan before everything was settled.
By the time the distinct hum of the car engine drifted through the window, Saphirra had already tucked the papers into her bag. She quickly zipped it closed and slid it under her desk, masking any trace of her earlier activity. Straightening herself, she took a deep breath, smoothed down her blouse, and hurried downstairs.
The door opened just as she reached the bottom step. Travier stepped inside, a faint smile tugging at his lips. But unlike before, when his smiles felt forced and heavy, this one carried a surprising lightness. His eyes seemed brighter, the corners softening in a way Saphirra hadn't seen for a long while.
Without waiting, he crossed the space and wrapped her in his arms. The embrace wasn't cold or absent as it sometimes had been—it carried warmth, almost tender, like he had left a burden behind somewhere.
"Hey," he greeted softly, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
The gesture made her pause. Saphirra blinked, surprised, before smiling faintly in return. A thought flickered in her mind: He must be doing well at work... maybe the pressure has lightened. Or maybe he's just in a good mood today. She didn't dare question it aloud, knowing her curiosity could unravel the careful thread of her own plan to work at Aetherion.
Instead, she slipped her arms around him, hugging him back with quiet steadiness. "Welcome home. Dinner's already cooked since earlier," she said gently. "You can just heat it."
Travier's smile lingered as he nodded. "Thank you, Saph." His voice carried a note of gratitude before he released her and made his way toward the kitchen.
Left in the living room, Saphirra moved toward the couch where he had set down his bag. She picked it up, intending to tidy his things as always. Reaching inside, her fingers closed around the familiar lunch box she had prepared that morning. But when she lifted it out, her brows knitted.
The lunch box was still full. Untouched.
The neatly packed meal, which she had carefully prepared before work, looked exactly as it had when she sent him off. She stood there for a moment, her chest tightening with a mix of confusion and a faint sting of disappointment.
Her instinct told her to confront him, to ask why he hadn't eaten. But as her eyes lifted, her gaze caught him through the open doorway of the kitchen.
There he was—Travier—standing at the counter, happily spooning dinner onto his plate. He looked so unburdened, even humming softly under his breath as he ate, like a man who had finally found some peace after a long day.
Saphirra lingered at the kitchen door, holding the untouched lunch box in her hands. A part of her wanted to step forward, to demand an answer. Another part, softer and more weary, simply watched him.
Finally, she sighed and shook her head, tucking the lunch box back into his bag. He must've been too busy, she told herself, forcing the thought to settle. Too busy to sit down for lunch. It happens... right?
She glanced at him once more—at his unguarded smile, the lightness in his expression. And she let it go.
Shrugging it off, she turned away from the kitchen, her mind already drifting back to the bag hidden in her room, where her plans waited silently in the dark.