Chapter 4: Across the Skies
Lavender stared at the ceiling of her apartment, fingers wrapped around her mug of lukewarm tea. Her mind wandered over the last few days, the whirlwind of graduation, the party, the private jet, and the whirlwind of emotions she still hadn't fully processed.
Finally, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Well..." she murmured to herself, voice low and hesitant, "I can't say no to a free trip. And... it would be amazing to see him working, and... I guess I'd like to see how good he is as a travel buddy." She smiled faintly at the thought.
Her phone buzzed, and Rhydian's name lit up the screen. She swiped to answer, and his voice, calm yet teasing, filled the room.
"So, are you ready to get a little jet-set?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "As ready as I'll ever be."
He smirked. "Perfect. Here's the rundown. First stop: Dubai. Then the Bahamas, Jamaica, London..." His tone picked up excitement at the pace. "...France, South Korea, multiple cities there, and a few surprises in between."
Lavender's eyes widened. "South Korea?" she breathed. "Seriously? That's... my favorite place in the world."
"I thought you'd like that," he said casually. "A chance to combine business with your fun."
Her chest fluttered at his thoughtfulness. "You've really planned all of this?"
"Mostly," he admitted. "But don't worry. It'll be fun. I promise."
There was a brief pause, and then he added, "I'm supposed to leave in three days. I know that's probably not enough time for you to cancel any leases or sort out your apartment."
Lavender bit her lip. "It's okay. I'll manage."
He laughed softly. "I could continue paying for your apartment, you know. That way, you don't have to worry about storage or anything else."
Her eyes softened. "You really don't have to."
"I want to." His voice held a weight she couldn't ignore. "But... if it helps, just think of it as me being responsible while you're jetting across the world with me."
She nodded, finally agreeing. "Okay... then I'll meet you in Korea in a week."
Three days later, the airport was a whirlwind of people and announcements, the smell of coffee and duty-free perfumes mixing in the warm terminal air. Mara tugged at her arm, a manic energy about her that made Lavender smile despite the nerves fluttering in her chest.
"You ready?" Mara asked, eyes sparkling. "You're about to embark on the trip of a lifetime!"
Lavender adjusted the strap of her carry-on. "I think so. I just... don't know what to expect."
Mara grinned, elbowing her. "Well, you're going to need some sexy clothes. And maybe some new pajamas. You know... lingerie." She smirked mischievously, her gaze teasing.
Lavender groaned. "Mara, you're impossible."
"You haven't thought about it," Mara pressed, leaning closer. "You and Rhydian aren't sharing hotel rooms, but... come on. I just want you prepared."
Lavender flushed, heart picking up pace, feeling both nervous and embarrassed. She waved her off, trying to focus on the adventure ahead rather than the implications of Mara's words.
Finally, the boarding call echoed through the terminal. Mara hugged her tight. "Text me every chance you get! Don't do anything stupid!"
"I won't," Lavender promised, though a small, excited thrill ran through her at the thought of the journey ahead.
The flight was long but uneventful. Lavender curled in her seat, headphones on, and pulled up a K-drama she had been dying to watch: What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? Episode after episode, the world outside her window disappeared. Sixteen episodes later, the rhythmic hum of the plane and the soft light filtered through her eyelids as sleep claimed her.
When she woke, the golden sunlight of Dubai spilled across her lap, warm and foreign. She stretched, blinking against the glare. The hum of engines had faded. The plane had landed.
She gathered her bags and made her way down the jet bridge, heart hammering with excitement. Rhydian wasn't there. A pang of confusion shot through her chest. Instead, a poised woman with a professional smile waited, holding a small placard with her name.
"Miss Christ?" the assistant asked.
"Yes," Lavender replied cautiously.
"Welcome to Dubai," the assistant said smoothly. "Your transportation is ready."
Lavender followed her to a sleek black limousine. She sank into the plush leather, the cityscape whirling past in golden hues and towering glass. Her pulse quickened. Where was Rhydian?
The car finally stopped outside a grand hotel. The assistant handed her a key. "Your room. He'll be in touch shortly."
With a deep breath, she stepped inside, letting the key slide through her fingers. The room was lavish, modern, and smelled faintly of fresh flowers.
And then she saw him.
Rhydian. Standing in the corner, phone pressed to his ear, his posture relaxed, but commanding attention without even trying. He raised a single finger, gesturing for her to wait.
"Give me a second," he said, not even looking her way fully.
Her heart lurched. She wasn't sure whether to laugh, sigh, or startle him. But she was here. Dubai. His world. And the adventure had truly begun.
End of Chapter 4