Amaira trudged home, her mind still racing from the events at Theodore's office. The moment she stepped outside the building, her legs had carried her away as fast as they could. She couldn't stand the silence that had followed after he made his claim. The weight of it had been unbearable, like a pressure building in her chest until she felt she might burst.

His words echoed in her head as she hurried out of his office, grabbing her bag and practically running toward the elevator. Theodore’s demand—her promise from the past—it left her rattled in a way she couldn’t explain.

"I’ll let you know when the time is right."

The audacity of it still grated on her. Who just holds on to something like that for so long? She barely remembered him, let alone the promise. And now, she was supposed to be at his mercy? The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became. She had no idea what to do about it, but for now, she just needed to get home and decompress.

As she walked, her feet automatically steered her toward the little convenience store a few blocks from her apartment. She grabbed a six-pack of her usual cheap beer from the fridge, the kind she always bought after stressful days or disappointing interviews. After the day she’d had, she deserved it.

With a sigh, Amaira paid for the beer and left the store. She tried to shake off the weight of the encounter with Theodore, but it clung to her like fog. What did he even want from her? She didn’t owe him anything—did she?

The moment she got home, she dropped her keys on the counter and set the beer down. She pulled one can from the pack, cracked it open, and took a long, refreshing gulp. The cold liquid gave her some comfort, but her thoughts still whirled in confusion and frustration.

Suddenly, her doorbell rang. She frowned, glancing at the clock. It was late—too late for anyone to be stopping by unexpectedly. She walked over to the door, her fingers resting on the knob for a moment before she pulled it open.

Standing on the other side, grinning with his typical cocky smile, was Max. He held up a pizza box like it was a trophy, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Surprise!" he exclaimed, walking in before she could say a word. "I brought pizza, and I thought we’d celebrate!"

Amaira blinked, watching him make himself comfortable. He kicked off his shoes and waltzed into her kitchen, opening her fridge to grab two beers. The way he acted like he owned the place was both comforting and annoying at the same time. She and Max had been friends for years, but tonight, his carefree attitude grated on her nerves.

"Celebrate what?" Amaira asked, plopping down on the couch as Max handed her a beer.

Max gave her a look, half-surprised and half-teasing. "What do you mean? Your interview, of course!" He set the pizza box on the table and sat down beside her. "I mean, it’s not every day my favorite person nails a job interview, right?"

Amaira snorted, rolling her eyes. She took a sip from her beer, feeling the cold liquid hit her throat. Max leaned back on the couch, watching her. After a moment, his smile faded as he noticed the look on her face.

"Wait..." he said slowly, his eyes narrowing. "That’s your failed-interview face. Did it happen again?" His tone was a mix of concern and playful teasing.

Amaira groaned, throwing a couch cushion at him, which he dodged easily. "The results aren’t out yet, okay? So stop making that face!"

Max held up his hands in surrender, trying to hide a grin. "Alright, alright. I was just kidding." He leaned forward and grabbed a slice of pizza, taking a big bite before glancing back at her. "But seriously, why the long face? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

Amaira sighed, sinking back into the couch, her fingers nervously picking at the label on her beer can. "It’s not about the interview," she mumbled.

Max raised an eyebrow, leaning forward to give her his full attention. "Then what is it?"

She took a deep breath, deciding to spill everything that had been weighing on her since she’d left Theodore’s office. "I ran into someone today... someone from my past."

Max's expression softened as he listened. "From your past? You don’t look like the reunion type. Who was it?"

"Theodore," Amaira said quietly. "He was... someone I went to school with. I didn’t remember him at first, but he reminded me of this one day when I was fifteen. I almost died after getting pushed down some stairs, and he saved me. I didn’t even know it was him."

Max’s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, seriously? You almost died, and you didn’t even remember who saved you?"

"I was unconscious for most of it!" Amaira said defensively. "And then I transferred schools right after. But apparently, before that, I made him a promise." She paused, taking a sip of her beer, hoping it would calm her nerves. "I told him I’d do anything for him if he ever needed it."

Max let out a low whistle, leaning back against the couch. "That’s a pretty heavy promise. So, what did he say? Does he want to cash in on it now?"

Amaira nodded. "Yeah. He said he’s going to ask for something, but he wouldn’t tell me what or when. Just that I have to keep my word." She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "And now I’m stuck wondering what he wants."

Max chewed on his pizza thoughtfully, then smirked. "Well, I guess you could start by celebrating your 100th failed interview. Maybe that’ll cheer you up."

Amaira narrowed her eyes and kicked his leg playfully. "You are not funny."

"I’m hilarious, and you know it," Max retorted, rubbing his shin dramatically. "But seriously, are you okay? That sounds like a lot to process."

"I don’t know," Amaira admitted. "It’s weird. I mean, I barely remember him, and now he’s coming back into my life like he has some sort of claim on me. It feels... unfair. And a little unsettling."

Max shrugged, taking another bite of pizza. "Well, promises are tricky things. But if you made it when you were a teenager, I doubt it’s legally binding." He winked at her, trying to lighten the mood.

Amaira chuckled, appreciating his attempt. "I just hope he doesn’t ask for something impossible."

"Hey, you’ve faced worse things," Max said, nudging her shoulder with his. "And besides, whatever he asks for, we’ll deal with it. Right?"

Amaira looked over at him, grateful for his optimism. "Yeah. We’ll deal with it."

Max smiled, raising his beer can toward her. "To surviving Theodore and whatever ridiculous demand he throws at you."

Amaira clinked her can against his and took a sip, feeling slightly better. Whatever Theodore had planned, she’d face it. With Max by her side, she could handle anything.