Morning light spilled softly through the office windows as Hayley sat at the long conference table, cradling a warm cup of coffee in her hands. Next to her, Alysa gave her an appraising look, eyes narrowed with a teasing edge.
     "You look totally exhausted," Alysa said with a grin. "Burning the midnight oil again?"
     Hayley forced a tired smile and nodded. "Yeah, stayed late to finish things for the deadline... and I have that meeting with Mr. Ambrose right after this."
     A sigh escaped her lips as a wave of guilt washed over her. She wasn't done yet. Far from it. What if she let him down?

The morning meeting began, voices flowing around the room in their usual rhythm. Just like last time, Jaxon and Liam arrived late, slipping quietly into the seats opposite Hayley and Alysa. This time, Jaxon didn't bother hiding his glance in her direction. He caught her eye, offered a small, concerned smile—but his worry was clear.
     She looked worn down. Tired.
     He wondered silently how late she had actually stayed the night before.
     Hayley noticed his gaze, but she was too drained to respond. Embarrassment prickled at her skin—why was he so kind after all that teasing earlier? And yesterday... what was that all about?
     Shaking her head, she took a slow sip from her coffee and forced herself to focus on the meeting.

After the meeting ended, Hayley stayed behind. Moments later, Mr. Ambrose approached her, his usual bright smile in place.
     "Ready to get started?" he asked.
     She nodded, still carrying that heavy feeling of guilt and shame for not having everything finished—but she hoped he wouldn't be angry.
     They walked to his office and sat down. Hayley opened her laptop, pulling up her files, her plans, and all the work she'd managed to complete so far.

Meanwhile, Jaxon passed by Mr. Ambrose's office on his rounds and caught sight of Hayley through the glass. She was still sitting there, shoulders slumped in that same poor posture—better than before, but still far from good.
     He sighed quietly, the worry knotting deeper in his chest.

Back in the office, Hayley finished her presentation and looked up at Mr. Ambrose. His eyes widened, a broad smile spreading across his face.
     "Hayley, this is awesome," he said, clearly impressed. "How did you manage to get this much done already?"
     He leaned back, shaking his head with a pleased chuckle. "Honestly, I didn't expect this much detail so soon. I just wanted to see your ideas and plans so far, especially since you've only been here a few days."
     His genuine praise settled over her like a warm light—part relief, part renewed confidence.

After the meeting, Hayley felt the weight of the day pressing down on her. She needed a break, a moment to clear her mind.
     She grabbed her coat and headed downstairs to the café beside the fountain. The familiar hum of quiet conversations and the rich smell of coffee greeted her as she stepped inside.
     She ordered a latte, the barista's smile a small comfort. With the warm cup in hand, she walked outside and made her way to the edge of the fountain.
     Sitting down on the smooth stone ledge, she let her eyes follow the gentle ripples and glistening droplets dancing in the sunlight.
     Why did I think I'd be done by now? she thought, bitterness creeping in. Why do I always have to push myself so hard?
     The deadline was still looming, and no matter how much she worked, it never felt like enough. There was always more—more to fix, more to perfect, more to prove.
     I should feel proud. I should feel relieved. But all I feel is this gnawing guilt... like I'm letting everyone down.
     She took a slow sip of her latte, the warmth doing little to settle the storm inside.
     Maybe I'm just not cut out for this.
     Her gaze stayed on the water, hoping the quiet flow might carry away some of the heaviness in her chest.

Jaxon and Liam leaned against the low wall near the fountain, a few meters behind Hayley.
     Liam broke the silence with a grin. "Dude, you've been staring at her for a while now."
     Jaxon shrugged, smirking. "Can't help it. Yesterday, I caught her working late — looked like she was about to collapse."
     Liam raised an eyebrow, curious. "Seriously? You, the guy who jokes all the time, acting all concerned?"
     Jaxon rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well... I went in, tried to help her sit up straight. Told her to get some sleep. Felt weird, but it was the right thing to do."
     Liam laughed softly. "Man, you're turning into a softie."
     Jaxon smiled, eyes still on Hayley. "Maybe. Or maybe she just makes me want to be better."
     Liam nudged him. "Careful, Jax. Don't let her see that side too soon."
     Jaxon chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. I'm trying to play it cool."
     They both watched Hayley quietly for a moment before Liam clapped Jaxon on the shoulder. "Alright, Romeo. Let's give her some space."
     Jaxon kept watching Hayley for a few more seconds, then sighed. "Shouldn't I check on her or something?"
     Liam smirked. "You do you, man. But don't come crying to me if she freaks out or shuts you down."
     Jaxon laughed softly. "Yeah, yeah. I'll figure it out."
     They both stayed silent for a moment, the sound of the fountain filling the space between them.
     Liam glanced at Jaxon. "Just don't mess it up, alright?"
     Jaxon gave a confident nod. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Jaxon watched her for another second, then gave Liam a quick nod before stepping away.
     He walked slowly toward the fountain, hands in his pockets, the late morning sun catching in his hair. Hayley didn't notice him at first — her eyes were fixed on the water, face unreadable.
     When he was close enough, he tilted his head. "You always look this dramatic when you drink lattes alone?"
     Hayley startled slightly, turning her head. Her expression flickered — surprise, a flash of embarrassment, then something guarded. "Jaxon."
     He gave a small grin and sat down beside her, leaving just enough space to not crowd her. "Didn't mean to interrupt your brooding session."
     "I wasn't brooding," she muttered, taking a sip of her coffee.
     "Oh right," he nodded seriously. "You were... intensely contemplating the meaning of life while staring at aggressively splashing water."
     A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, but she didn't say anything.
     Jaxon let the quiet settle for a beat before he added, softer this time, "Heard the meeting with Ambrose went well."
     Hayley looked down at her cup. "Yeah... better than I expected."
     "You always expect the worst?" he asked gently.
     She didn't answer right away.
     "I don't know," she finally said. "Maybe."
     Jaxon studied her face again — the tired eyes, the way her fingers clutched the cup a little too tightly. He leaned back slightly, keeping his tone light. "Well, from what I saw, he looked pretty impressed. If you keep showing off like that, the rest of us are gonna feel real underqualified."
     That got her to glance at him again — and this time, her smile actually stuck.
     "Thanks," she said quietly.
     "Anytime," he replied, and meant it.
     Jaxon stood, stretching a little as he looked down at her.
     "You know," he said, tone casual, "if you pass out from overworking, I'm not carrying you. I'll just roll you into the fountain and let nature handle it."
     Hayley snorted. "Charming."
     He gave a grin, walking backward a few steps. "Stay upright, Plant Girl."
     She narrowed her eyes. "Still calling me that?"
     "Only when it makes you roll your eyes like that."
     Then he turned, heading back toward the building. She watched him go, a small, reluctant smile curling on her lips — one that lingered even after he disappeared from view.

Jaxon shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked back toward the building, the sunlight bouncing off the windows ahead. He didn't look back.
     Didn't need to.
     He could still picture her sitting there—shoulders a little more relaxed, eyes less haunted than they'd been that morning. She'd even smiled. For real this time.
     Progress.
     As he reached the side entrance, Liam was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, chewing a protein bar like it owed him money.
     "Well?" Liam asked, one brow raised.
     Jaxon gave a nonchalant shrug. "She's alive. Exhausted. But she's hanging in there."
     Liam tilted his head. "And?"
     Jaxon hesitated. "She smiled."
     Liam gave a mock gasp. "A miracle."
     "Shut up," Jaxon muttered, though there was a hint of amusement behind it.
     They pushed through the doors, walking back into the cool air of the building.
     But something still lingered with Jaxon. That look on Hayley's face earlier—so focused, so worn down. Like someone carrying weight no one else saw. She played it off well, but it wasn't just stress from a deadline. It was deeper.
     He'd seen it before. That drive to prove yourself so hard it bordered on self-destruction.
     He didn't like it.
     "You ever get the feeling someone's burning out right in front of you?" he asked suddenly.
     Liam glanced at him. "Yeah. Why?"
     Jaxon didn't answer right away.
     He just kept walking. 

Hayley sat at her desk, staring blankly at her screen. Her eyes burned, her body ached, and her brain felt like it was running on fumes. She couldn't even remember what she was supposed to be doing anymore — just that it involved something, anything besides sitting still.
     A new email pinged into her inbox. Probably another building update or staff notice.
     She clicked it absentmindedly, skimming fast — until one word made her pause.
     "Gym."
     She blinked and went back.

To all employees:
     A quick reminder that the building's staff gym is located on the second floor and is open 24/7 for all employees. Just swipe your badge for access.

Hayley stared at the message. A gym. Here. Open at all hours.
     She glanced at her bag under the desk. She always carried her training clothes, even when she didn't plan to use them. Right now... it sounded like exactly what she needed.
     Ten minutes later, she was in the locker room, lacing up her sneakers with a quiet kind of urgency. Her movements were fast, not rushed — more like her body already knew what it needed before her mind had caught up.
     The gym was nearly empty — dimmed lights, faint hum of air conditioning. A few machines lined the far wall, some weights stacked in racks, and further back, a punching bag hung suspended in the corner like a silent invitation.
     She pulled her headphones from her bag, shoved them on, and opened her playlist.
     Loud. Fast. Aggressive.
     Exactly what she needed.
     The music hit instantly — drowning everything out. Thoughts, noise, pressure. Gone.
     She stepped onto a treadmill, jogging for a few minutes to loosen up. Her body was stiff from too many hours hunched in front of a screen, but movement brought clarity. Her breath found rhythm. Her mind slowly quieted.
     But the moment her eyes landed on the punching bag again, it was over.
     She didn't hesitate.
     A few seconds later, she was in front of it, fists up.
     The first punch stung.
     The second was solid.
     By the third, she was fully in it — sweat on her temples, tension bleeding out through every strike. The sound of her music thundered in her ears, drowning out everything else. No voices. No emails. No expectations.
     Just her, her fists, and the bag.
     And for the first time all day, she felt like she could finally breathe.

Jaxon swiped his badge and stepped into the gym, letting the door close softly behind him. He hadn't really planned to work out — just wanted to clear his head. The place was usually empty this time of day, which was exactly what he liked about it.
     But the moment he walked in, he froze.
     Someone was there.
     His eyes landed on the far side of the room — and there she was.
     Hayley.
     In a tank top and leggings, fists up, completely locked in as she slammed punch after punch into the hanging bag. Her ponytail whipped slightly with each strike, shoulders tense, focused. She didn't see him. Didn't hear him. Her music must've been blasting. Her expression was unreadable — somewhere between determination and rage.
     Jaxon stayed still for a second, watching from the entrance.
     She was... good.
     Not just flailing frustration punches, but practiced. Precise. Every hit landed with purpose. Controlled fury.
     He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, lips tugging into a quiet half-smile. But there was something else too. That same tension he'd seen in her the other night. The weight. It was all still there — and now it was pouring out of her one strike at a time.
     Jaxon tilted his head slightly.
     Damn, he thought. No wonder she looked like she was about to snap today.
     Still, he didn't move. Not yet.
     Didn't want to interrupt.
     Didn't want to spook her.
     But also?
     He was kind of impressed.
     And maybe, just maybe, a little concerned.