Lunch hour
Soft sunlight spilled across the campus, warm but gentle, like it wasn't in a hurry to leave.
Jiya and I walked out of the canteen, each of us holding a cold coffee. In my free hand, my phone scrolled endlessly—news, posts, opinions changing by the minute. Jiya took a sip and said, almost absentmindedly,
Social media moves fast, doesn't it?
I nodded, eyes still on the screen.
It really does. Look at this… just yesterday evening we were all so tense because of that video. And today—everything already feels like it's settling down.
She hummed in agreement and pressed the lift button.
At the same time, in Saim's cabin, he sat behind his desk, phon in hand. Jack stood across from him.
Just like we thought, Jack said. One solid proof, and things would start fixing themselves. And look—it's actually happening.
Saim glanced at his phone.
What about that account? Any lead yet?
Not yet, Jack replied. But we'll find the owner soon.
Saim placed his phone down and stood up, adjusting his blazer.
Any meetings today or tomorrow?
Jack checked his tablet.
Nope. And doesn't look like any last-minute ones either.
Saim paused, then said simply, Good. Let's go.
Jack blinked. Seriously?
Saim just nodded.
Back in my cabin, my fingers moved across the keyboard, typing without rhythm. I stopped, leaned back, and checked my phone again.
Why does his face keep disturbing my thoughts?
His words… they don't make sense to me.
What happened yesterday—maybe—
My thoughts were cut off by a call.
Miss Miren, a voice said. Since you and Miss Jiya were also part of the modeling show, both of you are requested to come to the design department.
I frowned slightly.
Okay.
I disconnected, staring at the screen.
Now what?
What's about to happen this time…
The design department was crowded. Some people sat, some stood. Saim stood at the front, Jack slightly behind him. Jiya stood beside me.
She leaned closer and whispered,
Why do you think we're called here?
I whispered back,
I wish I knew beforehand.
Just then, the MD walked in. He smiled at Saim.
Mr. Rahil, you called for this?
Saim nodded, his expression unreadable.
As I said yesterday, he began calmly, we'll discuss who was at fault later. For now, let's look at the situation clearly.
Eyes slowly turned toward Riva.
A girl standing beside her whispered,
Senior… looks like you're going to lose your job.
Riva stepped forward, uncomfortable, head lowered.
"Boss, it all happened because of that pastry. I brought it, got busy with work, forgot to eat it. Please forgive me. Please don't fire me."
Saim's voice stayed calm—cold, but steady.
"There's no need to apologize to me."
Riva looked up, shocked.
Beside me, Jiya whispered,
"What if they actually fire her?"
I replied quietly,
"That depends on her personality… right now."
Riva hesitated.
"So… are you really going to fire me?"
"I'm not firing anyone," Saim said.
He looked around.
"What exactly was Miss Riva's fault? She brought food for herself. She got busy and couldn't eat. Yes, everything happened because of that pastry—but that doesn't mean you all get the right to stare at your colleague like she committed a crime."
People exchanged glances.
"I noticed it yesterday," he continued. "And today too. Just be mindful of this from now on."
Riva stepped back, relief washing over her face.
He's actually… kind, she thought.
She glanced at me and Jiya.
I murmured,
"That was a mixed personality."
We both smiled.
Then Saim spoke again.
"But that doesn't mean the matter is over."
The room stiffened.
"So much happened in the makeup room. And even after that, no one thought it was important to inform me. Thankfully, Miss Miren was present and handled it. But what if she hadn't been there? Would things have escalated further? And still—no one tells me?"
Everyone avoided his gaze.
Then his eyes landed on me.
"Miss Miren."
I looked up.
"You didn't think it was necessary to inform me either… because you had already solved everything, right?"
"No," I said softly. "It wasn't like that—"
Before I could finish, the girl beside Riva interrupted.
"If Miss Miren had already been there, nothing would've happened at all."
Everyone turned.
She continued,
"We were all busy with work, but after Miss Miren's duty ended, it was her responsibility to help there. If she had been present, she would've noticed the child."
Whispers spread.
"It was just a coincidence that she was preparing for modeling," the girl added.
"So from the beginning, the fault was Miss Miren's."
Jack stepped forward to speak—
"Stop your nonsense," Jiya snapped.
Riva suddenly added,
"Anyway, Doctor Ryan isn't even her husband. So why did she even participate?"
The MD turned to me.
"He's not your husband?"
"Yes," I said. "He's not, but—"
"So if a parent wasn't present," the MD cut in, "why did you participate at all?"
"Enough."
Saim's voice cut through the noise.
"This is not Miss Miren's fault. This event was never about parents only. It was about children performing with those who love them, care for them. And it's possible that Mr. Ryan loves that child just as much—that's why the child felt confident with him."
He paused.
"And yes, Miss Miren informed me that Mr. Ryan isn't her husband. So this discussion ends here."
Silence.
"Coincidences happen," he added. "What matters is correcting our own mistakes, not finding flaws in others. And in fact, everything was handled properly because of Miss Miren."
The girl lowered her head.
I looked up—and my eyes met Saim's.
Just for a second.
Then he looked away.
Now, he said, fix your moods. Or I'll have to cancel tomorrow's dinner plan.
Suddenly, gloomy faces lit up.
Smiles everywhere.
I pressed my lips together and looked at Jiya.
"Everyone, back to work," Saim ordered.
As he turned to leave, he paused.
"Miss Miren."
Jiya and I stopped.
"And Miss Jiya—you both are invited to dinner tonight."
No one noticed.
But I did.
Jiya walked ahead. Saim looked at me—and smiled, just a little.
Later, in his cabin, Saim stood by the glass window, blazer buttons open, hands in his pockets.
Jack walked in.
"What exactly did you just do out there?"
Saim turned, sat on the sofa.
"What?"
"Miss Riva… and Miss Miren too. You could've told me beforehand. I really thought you'd fire Riva."
Jack clapped dramatically.
"But wow—Miss Rozze defended herself pretty well."
"Breathe, Jack."
"I'm not done," Jack continued.
"When exactly did Miss Miren take permission from you? When did she tell you Doctor Ryan isn't her husband? You were asking me about her husband earlier."
"I didn't know," Saim said. "I just felt like saying it… so I did."
Jack leaned closer.
"Don't tell me you're starting to like Miss Miren. You found out she isn't married and suddenly took her side."
Saim looked at him coldly.
"You seem too free these days. If you're that free, finish the files on your desk."
Jack jumped up.
"I have my own work."
He left quickly.
Saim muttered to himself,
"Like her? Absolutely not."
That evening, Jiya and I sat at the same noodle shop near the pond, facing each other, chopsticks moving lazily.
"There's no crowd today," Jiya said. "Then why here?"
"It feels peaceful," I replied.
She nodded, then placed her chopsticks down, folded her arms.
"What do you think?"
"About what?"
"Earlier everything was fine… but now I feel like the boss is interested in you."
I nearly choked on water.
"That's impossible."
"Why not? Didn't you see today? He openly took your side."
"Anyone would've done that," I said quickly.
"And besides… he always looks annoyed. Even when he smiles, it feels like he's teasing. He's rich, handsome, CEO of a huge company. Why would someone like that fall for me? This isn't a drama—it's real life
"Okay, okay," Jiya sighed.
"My mistake."
Complimenting him and criticizing him at the same time, she thought.
"And anyway," I added, "I hate office romance."
"Sure, sure."
She finished her juice, then suddenly held my hand gently.
"What if you don't want to live like this forever?" she asked softly.
"Like what?"
"Alone. You're young, Rozze. You've been alone for so long. Don't you want someone?"
"And Ayaan? Ina?"
I slowly pulled my hand away.
"I'm not alone. I have Ayaan, Ina, you… even Ryan."
"You're avoiding the truth," Jiya said.
"You still haven't moved on from Faish."
I turned my face away.
"Stop worrying about me," I said with a smile.
"Focus on your own single life before giving me dating tips."
She smiled back.
I stood up, grabbed my purse.
"It's late. I have some work outside. You go home."
She watched me leave, then whispered,
"You're not wrong… I'm single too."
She smiled to herself and picked up her phone.
Night had fallen.
I walked alone by the river. People passed by, unaware of the storm inside me. I sat on a bench, cool breeze brushing my face.
Sometimes, I whispered, walking alone feels good.
But Jiya's words echoed.
A tear slipped down.
Have I really not moved on from Faish?
A car stopped behind me.
I wiped my tears and turned.
Do I really need someone?
Ryan stepped out, smiling.
Rozze? Is that you?
He sat beside me.
Enjoying the view?
I said nothing.
Are you upset with me about yesterday? he asked.
I had to leave suddenly. I'm sorry—I couldn't even call.
I smiled faintly.
"It's okay. Doctors never really have off days."
He laughed.
"So… what were you doing here?"
"You already answered that," I said. "Enjoying the view."
He looked closer.
"Were you crying?"
"If I was," I asked softly, "would you give me your shoulder?"
I'd give you everything, he thought.
Aloud, he said playfully,
"I wouldn't even let you cry. But if you insist—two shoulders ready. If you want to punch someone, my eyes are available. If you want to break bones—my legs too."
We both laughed.
From a distance, Jiya sat in a car, watching.
So that's why she sent me here, Ryan realized.
Their eyes met—Jiya drove away.
Ryan looked at me.
Suddenly, I spoke.
"Ryan… will you go on a date with me?"
===========================
Some people don't enter your life to stay…
they enter just to make you realize
how lonely you've been pretending not to be.