Stellan's Office
Seven months had passed since that enchanting night with Solrine. Yet, the memories lingered, refusing to fade.
Stellan's eyes gazed out the window, his mind lost in the haze of nostalgia. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he had let something special slip away.
Every night, dreams of Solrine haunted him, her smile, her laughter, her piercing eyes.
He couldn't explain why, but his subconscious refused to let her go. In his waking life, he struggled to find connections with others.
As a high-profile businessman, women often flocked to him, but he found them lacking.
They seemed like white lotuses, beautiful but empty, or maybe he had just been desensitized by the superficiality of his social circle.
No one had captivated him like Solrine, with her tattoos, her passion, and her unbridled energy. He couldn't help but wonder if he would ever find someone like her again.
The thought sent a pang of longing through his chest. He sighed, rubbing his temples, trying to shake off the lingering sense of regret.
Reaching for his earbuds, Stellan plugged them in and selected the song that had been their soundtrack that night.
As the music began, he closed his eyes, allowing the melody to transport him back to the moment they shared.
He swirled his chair, letting the rhythm guide him, lost in the memory of Solrine's radiant smile and the way she moved with abandon.
The music was his escape, his connection to the joy and freedom he felt that night.
Solrine walked into the living room, a basket of freshly laundered clothes in her arms, a warm smile on her face. She radiated a sense of contentment, her eyes sparkling with a quiet joy.
As she began to fold the clothes, her mind wandered back to that unforgettable night with Stellan.
A soft glow spread across her face, her lips curving into a gentle smile.
She reminisced about the way he made her feel, the connection they shared, and the freedom she found in his embrace.
Solrine's happiness grew, her heart filled with the realization that she was okay after that night.
She didn't need more; that one moment was enough. She knew herself too well - she would have only messed it up if they'd tried to prolong it.
As she folded the clothes, Solrine connected her phone to the speaker and selected a song. The music filled the room, and she began to hum along, her body swaying to the beat.
She let go of her tasks, allowing the music to take over. With a carefree laugh, she started dancing, her feet bare and her hair bouncing with each step.
Solrine twirled around the room, her eyes closed, and a smile plastered on her face. The same song that had been their soundtrack that night played from her speaker, filling the room with its infectious beat.
As she danced, her tattoos seemed to come alive, her body moving with a fluid grace that belied her quirky personality.
She was carefree, unbridled, and full of joy. The memory of Stellan lingered, but it wasn't tinged with sadness or longing.
Instead, it was a reminder of the magic they shared, the connection that had left an indelible mark on her heart.
Solrine's one-room apartment was a tranquil haven, a contrast to her vibrant personality. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm light on the cozy space, adorned with her vibrant artwork.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of essential oils, and the sound of soft music drifted in the background.
Solrine lay on her bed, her phone in hand, scrolling through social media with a mixture of interest and boredom.
Her mind wandered, thoughts drifting to her latest artistic projects and the inspiration she sought.
The calmness of the room reflected her introspective state, a moment of serenity before the chaos of her friends' arrival.
The sudden knock at the door broke the silence, making Solrine's heart skip a beat.
She paused, her thumb hovering over her phone's screen, as the knock came again - three quick raps, followed by a pause, and then two more.
"Hey, Sol! Open up! We're here to rescue you from your hermit mode!" Aria called out from the other side of the door.
"Ari? Is that you?" Solrine called out, her voice tinged with surprise and a hint of excitement.
Solrine's curiosity got the better of her, and she swung her legs over the side of the bed, planting her feet firmly on the ground. She padded across the room, the soft carpet muffling her footsteps.
Reaching the door, she turned the handle and pulled it open, a wide smile spreading across her face as she took in the sight of her friends standing in the hallway, their arms laden with shopping bags and mischief in their eyes.
Aria, Nova, and Remi tumbled into the apartment, a whirlwind of laughter and chatter, their shopping bags rustling as they moved.
"Surprise!" Aria exclaimed, holding up a bag emblazoned with a bright logo.
"We come bearing gifts!" Nova added, winking. Remi simply rolled her eyes good-naturedly, "Yeah, because Solrine's apartment was lacking in sparkly things."
The trio flooded the room with their energy, their presence a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere Solrine had cultivated just moments before.
As they settled in, "Why are you guys here?" Solrine asked, raising an eyebrow. "We just hung out day before yesterday." she asked, closing the door.
Aria was already in the kitchen, scurrying around, while Nova went straight to the bed and dived into the big teddy bear, snuggling up to it.
Remi stretched, saying dryly, "Because we miss you!" and sat down, putting her leg on the small center table.
Solrine pretended to gag. "Ewww, you guys are not my lovers."
There was a collective gasp among the three. They feigned offense, making synchronized "feel betrayed" faces.
Solrine laughed. "Seriously, stop babying me. It's been over a year –"
Nova interrupted, "It's actually just Eleven months, not over a year Sol!"
Solrine made a "seriously" face, while Nova pouted, adding to her cuteness.
Solrine shot her a look. "Fine, eleven months. I'm doing great, guys. No need to suffocate me with love."
Nova pouted, her lower lip jutting out adorably. "We just want to help, Sol."