The Orion office was buzzing.

Not because of work.

Because of the party.

Every year Orion hosted a massive launch party for its new fragrance line. Clients, influencers, photographers - everyone would be there.

For Aria, it was terrifying.

She stood in front of the mirror in the restroom adjusting her dress.

Aria: This is a mistake.

Intern (fixing lipstick): Relax. It’s just a party.

Aria: It’s a party where the entire fashion industry will judge me.

Intern: And your boss.

Aria: My boss already judges me daily.

The intern laughed.

Intern: Speaking of… he’s here.

Aria stepped out of the restroom.

And froze.

Kael stood near the entrance speaking with investors.

But tonight, he looked different.

Black suit.

No rolled sleeves.

Hair slightly messy.

And somehow even more intimidating.

Aria whispered.

Aria: Why does he look like he belongs on a magazine cover?

Intern: Because he does.

Kael looked up at that exact moment.

Their eyes met across the room.

For a second, the noise faded.

Aria looked away quickly.

Aria: Stop staring.

Intern: I wasn’t.

Aria: Not you.

________________________________________

Later – The Party Gets Loud

Music filled the room.

Lights dimmed.

People were dancing, laughing, networking.

Aria escaped to the balcony for fresh air.

Below, the city's glow rolled on without end.

She leaned against the railing.

Aria: Finally… silence.

Footsteps approached.

She assumed it was the intern.

Aria: I swear if someone asks me about perfume notes again -

A voice answered.

Kael: Wrong pick if that’s what you went for.

Aria jumped.

Aria: Do you always appear when people complain?

Kael: Apparently.

Over there, they stood next to one another, eyes on the skyline. The city stretched out under their quiet gaze.

Comfortable silence.

Rare silence.

Aria: The campaign presentation went well.

Kael: Your writing helped.

Aria blinked.

Aria Wondered If That Had Been A Compliment?

Kael: Don’t get used to it.

She smiled.

Wind brushed through her hair.

Beside the door, she stands still - why stay out here when lights pulse through the window? Music hums under quiet feet. The crowd laughs, drinks, moves, yet you watch, hands deep in pockets.

Kael says watching is what he likes best.

Aria: That sounds lonely.

Kael stayed quiet for a moment.

Kael says solitude gets things done quick.

Her body shifted in his direction.

Aria: Hearing that one line made my heart drop more than anything else so far.

His eyes met hers.

Kael: All that talking never seems to stop.

Aria: Without my voice, your quiet would have no match.

Across the room, their gazes locked once more.

Closer now.

Closer than they both thought it would be.

A hush passed through the trees. Stillness settled like dust on old books. Then - light shifted, just slightly.

Something unfamiliar.

Neither one saw it coming.

Then suddenly -

Someone inside shouted.

Music grew louder.

A sudden dimming came over the balcony lights.

Darkness took over then.

Completely dark.

Aria laughed nervously.

Aria: Perfect timing.

Kael’s voice came from very close.

Kael: It’s just a power glitch.

Aria: Simple enough coming from you. Everything's dark where I am.

She moved slightly.

Then moved a bit nearer by mistake.

Much closer.

Her hand brushed his chest.

Aria: Sorry -

Yet right then -

Kael leaned forward.

Besides thinking differently, his mind settled elsewhere.

Someone else.

Earlier that night, Mira wanted to see him - on the balcony, when it was already dark. She needed to talk about something serious.

When night came - his mind mistook Aria for someone else.

Just then, without warning -

He kissed her.

Soft.

Unexpected.

Electric.

Aria froze.

A silence filled her thoughts. The words vanished without warning. Nothing stayed behind but empty space.

Everything just froze. Time hung still.

For a single moment that could not happen -

Her lips met his in return.

Back came the light. It returned without warning.

Suddenly.

Bright.

Clear.

And reality returned.

Aria moved away without delay.

One stood still. The other did too. Their eyes met without moving.

Shock.

Confusion.

Silence.

Aria: You -

Kael looked stunned.

Kael: Aria?

Aria’s heart was racing.

Aria: That wasn’t -

A gust tugged at Kael's hair as he dragged fingers up through the strands.

Kael: I thought -

One fell silent. The other followed without a word.

Noticing something on the far wall -

Outside the door, Mira waited. The balcony wind touched her shoulder. Light fell across the floor behind her. She did not move right away.

Watching them.

Her expression unreadable.

Aria’s stomach dropped.

Aria said it was time to leave.

Footsteps fast on the pavement, she moved ahead of Mira without stopping.

Trying to breathe.

Trying to understand what just happened.

Behind her -

Mira stepped onto the balcony.

Mira: Interesting.

Kael didn’t answer.

Mira stood still, her voice quiet but sharp. It was never meant to go that way.

Kael looked toward the door where Aria disappeared.

Kael: I noticed.

Mira watched him close, eyes steady on his face.

Mira Asks What Really Matters

She paused.

Mira Asks Why You Didn't Stop?

Kael didn’t respond.

Buried deep, the truth felt too heavy to speak out loud.

For that brief second in the dark -

Stopping was never his plan.