"Working late?" The glass door swung open, and there stood Erion, his usual calm smile in place.
Evah's eyes flicked to the digital clock above the door. 10:05 PM.
"What?"
Evah glanced at the clock, eyes widening in surprise. Is it late already? She had gotten so caught up in her work that she lost track of time.
"Are you trying to impress your superiors?" a teasing voice broke her focus. Evah turned to find Erion grinning as he walked toward her station.
I thought he wasn't here...
"No! I was just finishing this up," she said quickly, turning back to her monitor, fingers still typing away.
"Nah, shut that down. It's late." Erion's voice was closer now, and she felt the warmth of his presence behind her.
"But I'm almost done!" She spun in her chair to face him, frustration mixing with a flicker of embarrassment. Why does he look so cool in these weird circumstances?
"You can do it tomorrow." His tone was firm, almost like a command.
Evah blinked, taken aback. A phrase I've never actually heard before… Her mind raced, replaying her past experiences. She always finished her work, no matter how late it was, because if she didn't, there would be consequences—people would yell, or worse, she'd be seen as incapable. Is he really telling me to stop?
Her hands hovered over her work, the urge to keep going strong. But something in his words made her pause, his authority shifting her usual drive.
She looked back at the blueprint scattered on the table, resisting the urge to protest. "You can go, I'll take care of this," she muttered, not wanting to admit how much she wanted to stay.
"No can do. I can't leave you here by yourself." Erion started fiddling with a chip on the table, his curiosity almost childlike.
"But I'm not gonna blow anything up! I'm not an idiot." She shot back, irritation rising. Why does everyone think I can't handle things on my own?
"I know, but it's dangerous here." Erion's voice shifted, suddenly serious. He set the chip down and looked at her with an intensity that caught her off guard. "People break in here sometimes to steal information. Leaving you alone without security isn't just risky; it could be the end of you."
His words struck a chord in her. She swallowed, surprised by the weight of his concern.
"Come on, Ms. Workaholic," Erion said with a playful grin. "I need to lock up." He pointed at the door with his thumb. "If you won't go willingly, I'm gonna have to force you." His smile widened mischievously.
Evah sighed, defeated. "Okay, okay. I'll go." She was trying to maintain her professionalism, but a small part of her couldn't help but feel a little…relieved.
They walked toward the lobby together, the building already dimming as the night. Erion flipped off the lights, one by one, until only a few bulbs remained lit.
Should I say something?
"Why are you still here anyway?" Evah asked, trying to sound casual. "Your secretary said you were out."
"I got back this afternoon. I usually stay late," Erion replied. He was wearing a denim jacket this time, looking effortlessly cool. "But I don't recommend you doing that."
She couldn't help but notice how responsible he sounded, how…cool, even when he was talking about work. Why do you sound so responsible now?
"You seem busy for your rank," she remarked, not thinking about it before the words left her mouth. Then she froze, realizing how it might sound. "Ah, sorry, I didn't mean—" She waved her hand in a flustered apology.
Erion chuckled, his amusement soft but genuine. "I get that a lot. But you can't save people from behind a desk all day, right?" He gave her a small smile as the soft glow of moonlight illuminated his face, creating a quiet contrast to the dimming office.
Evah blinked, momentarily taken aback by his words.
"I take it back," he said quietly, his voice softening for a moment. He paused, as if reflecting on his words. "Maybe you can. You and Dr. Riko... you're both good at that."
His tone had shifted—less teasing, more genuine, and for a split second, Evah could sense the weight of his approval. She didn't know how to respond, the unexpected sincerity catching her off guard.
I haven't done anything yet, she thought, a faint smile tugging at her lips. How is it that people like Erion and Dr. Riko see something in her that she couldn't even recognize? Maybe I can make a difference after all.
The moment they stepped outside, the rain started pouring. The sound of heavy drops against the pavement drowned out the silence between them.
After a few clicks on the security system, Erion turned to her. "My ride's underground. I'll be going now. Be careful on your way home." He said it so naturally, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Evah nodded, her words stuck in her throat.
Erion, hearing the lack of footsteps behind him, glanced over his shoulder. "Are you waiting for someone?" he asked, his brow furrowed slightly.
"No, uh—I don't have an umbrella," she muttered, offering an embarrassed smile.
Erion sighed inwardly. She's always giving me orders, always demanding things from me, but she won't ask for something as simple as a ride. He walked back toward her, his expression softening. "I can give you a ride, if you'd just ask," he said, his voice warm.
"It's okay," Evah quickly replied. "It's late now, you need to rest as well. I'll just wait for the rain to stop." She bowed politely, trying to brush off the awkwardness.
Just don't get involved with him, Evah. Her heart raced, but she pushed those thoughts away. The rain might stop soon, right?
Erion's face hardened slightly as he shook his head. "I told you it's dangerous to be here alone. Let's go." He turned on his heel and started walking back toward the stairs.
He looked over his shoulder, adding with a grin, "Black pickup truck with red linings. Don't run off this time."
As she watched him walk away, she couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and gratitude. His decisions were always absolute. He really doesn't let anything slide. With a quiet sigh, she followed him, still processing everything that had just happened.
EXT- UNKNOWN LOCATION - 10PM
A woman in her mid-thirties is sitting on a private yacht, enjoying the night with a glass of white wine in her right hand and a cigarette in the other. The sapphire blue gown was the perfect color for the ocean with a high slit on the side with a derby hat that matches the gown's color, legs crossed and her silhouette was perfect under the moonlight.
"All the operations on the east side are down, we have to change the main location." a voice from the speaker, it was clearly different from the original voice.
"Unforgivable, Start a new one in a province, be ought to be extra careful. If this occurs again I will slaughter you." She said in a calm and positive voice.
She looked down at the picture on the dinner table, she pressed her cigarette against the person in the photo.
It was Evallithyia.
"I'll see you soon.." She said.
INT - EVAH'S APARTMENT - 11 PM
"We're going to jump?! This is the fourth floor, Erion!" Her voice quivered as she sat on the bed, her hands gripping the blanket in a futile attempt to steady herself. Panic was rising in her chest, making each breath harder to take.