It was a sweltering, too-bright summer and Elio Greys didn't know what she was doing in the Nevertale studio complex.
Not touring, like everyone else in their golf carts with phones taking pictures and videos, of course. Not working, too, like the men hefting big props here and there for a film production.
She was just running.
Not for her life, to be exact, as there was no giant insect chasing her, or a school shooter waving a gun around.
Nah, she was just running because she was late. For the three days scriptwriting workshop held by one of Nevertale's head writers.
Elio was really lucky – and talented, her friends said – to be invited by the studio.
Though, her luck seemed to have run out this morning. She slept in on her top ten most important days in her life. She forgot her shower and only had time to change her clothes, tying her brown hair into a messy bun on the way there.
"B4, B4, B4 …" Elio wheezed as she took a sharp turn and saw another big building with a lack of number 4 on it.
Nevertale was known as the new giant in the entertainment business. With its outstanding film productions, Nevertale owned 13 studio buildings in the city of North Costdale alone. She should know better and take a cab coming here. Surely, they must allow cabs here, right?
"Finally!" Elio sighed, tired already even when it was still considered morning.
With hurried steps, Elio went through the door under bold B4 painted on the wall of the production office building. Many people mingled around, none of which appeared friendly enough for her to ask. So she didn't.
Instead, Elio marched to the nearest elevator and pressed the up button. The scriptwriting workshop would be held on the thirteenth floor.
Looking at the watch on her left wrist, Elio softly cursed. She was late. The workshop started about seventeen minutes ago. She regretted the choice she made last night – of drinking celebratory wine with her friends in North Costdale.
It was a miracle that she rarely got hangovers. She just slept through it. Hence her tardiness.
Arriving shortly on the thirteenth floor, she was greeted with hallways and closed doors. She looked at her phone, noticed the small 1% on her battery left.
"Oh shit."
Her phone died.
She forgot which room the workshop took place in.
Taking steps forwards, Elio looked to her right and left, peering at the glass doors and looking for her fellow aspiring screenwriters invited to the workshop.
It was no luck. After her hasty search, she couldn't find her room. Sighing, she went to ask someone.
Unfortunately, the floor was practically empty.
From the corner of her wide, brown eyes, Elio saw a man strode past her.
"Excuse me, sir!"
Her call went unanswered. It was impossible that he didn't hear her, as the dark haired man slightly turned his head to her. Though, he didn't say anything. Only breathing hard before he whirled around and left her.
Elio didn't know him, but she swore that he was hyperventilating. His striking blue eyes wide in terror.
She had a panic attack when she saw one. And that man clearly had it.
With no more thoughts to spare, Elio went after him, following him up the stairs. She could see him frantically opening the door and stepping through.
Elio quickly wrenched open the door after him, finding that she was on the rooftop. The blue-eyed man was nowhere in sight.
"Where did he go?"
Fear started to drown in her stomach. 'Please don't let him jump out of here.'
She didn't want to be a witness of such tragedy.
Fortunately, after a round of quick search, she found him curled up on the ground, with his back on the edge of the safety guard. He buried his head between his knees, folded hands and long fingers pulled on his hair. His shoulders shook with every sharp, stilted breath.
"Are you okay?" Elio asked, uselessly.
He was clearly not okay. Nothing of his act screamed he was fine.
Elio slowly approached him. Lowering herself until she was on her knees in front of him. "That's right, keep taking deep breaths. You're going to be fine."
Elio knew it was merely sweet nothing. Panic attack wasn't that simple. Everything that triggered him to be this wrecked wouldn't disappear by her repeating simple, nice words alone.
"You are fine," she said again, as soft as she could be. He needed it. "Whatever it is that is making you feel bad, it will turn out okay."
Taking more initiative, Elio made sounds as she moved to sit on his left. It would be best that he knew where she positioned herself so as to not startle him. She left some distance between them.
"I don't know about you, but being here makes me feel nervous too. It's my first day here, and I'm already late," she rambled. "Oh, I don't mean to say I'm late because of you. I overslept. And when I'm here, I can't find the room for my workshop."
He didn't react.
"It's just too bad that we found each other, right? I don't know how I can help you when I can't even find the room I'm supposed to be in almost half an hour ago."
He lifted his head slightly, showing her that he was on the verge of crying. Tears clung stubbornly on the corner of his striking blue eyes.
Elio took that as a progress. He was no longer hyperventilating. A good sign, at least. So she put on a gentle smile. "See, I'm no good here."
He buried his face again.
But he shifted and one little finger grazed her hand. It was just a tap, really. And yet, it was everything Elio needed to know that he was fine by her presence. He wanted her hand.
She shifted closer and tentatively put her palm above his hand. Comforting him with a touch. "If you're ever feeling bad again, please try to remember that I was late for my first day here and that is so not cool. I'm such a fool."
Elio felt his hand grasp her back, tightening for a second before letting go.
He was fine, then.
"Take your time. I'll be here with you."
He didn't respond. Still keeping his head down. She was really glad he didn't do something rash. They were on the rooftop, it could go so wrong.
Eventually, he lifted his head. Elio turned to face him and saw two icy cold blue eyes staring at her. "Who are you?"
She was slightly puzzled by his seemingly sudden unpleasant vibe. "Elio Greys. I'm glad you're fine now."
Those striking blue eyes narrowed dangerously.