Aelira left the office after a grueling day, her mind clouded with frustration. As she reached the crosswalk, she hesitated, staring at the endless stream of cars zooming by. The horns blared, the lights flashed—Earth's chaotic traffic was overwhelming, and her nerves weren't helping. Though she wasn't one to admit fear, this was one challenge she hadn't quite mastered.
Across the street, Arthur sat in his car, stuck in the same traffic. He glanced out the window, his gaze landing on Aelira. Something about her caught his attention—the way she shifted from foot to foot, the slight crease of worry on her face. It was such a contrast from the composed assistant he was used to seeing. He felt an odd twinge of amusement, almost endearment.
Just as Arthur contemplated getting out to offer help, something strange happened. The world around him went eerily silent. The engines, the horns, the chaos—all gone. He blinked in confusion, looking around. When his eyes found Aelira again, she was already on the other side of the street.
Arthur's heart raced. One second, she had been beside him. The next, she was across the street as if she had teleported. It was impossible. He felt a shiver crawl down his spine, wondering if he had imagined it. His mind raced with questions, but he couldn't dwell on it. Not now.
Arthur grabbed his phone, dialing his trusted friend, Dr. Wells. As the car inched forward in traffic, he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling.
"Arthur," Dr. Wells greeted after a few rings, his tone casual. "Everything okay?"
Arthur hesitated, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "I had… another one of those moments, Wells. Everything went quiet, and I could swear someone moved across the street in the blink of an eye. It's the second time this week something like this has happened."
There was a thoughtful pause on the other end. "Arthur, it's most likely stress. You've been running the company solo for too long without a real break. Your mind could be playing tricks on you."
"Maybe," Arthur muttered. "But it felt so real." His voice dropped, laced with uncertainty. "Could it be… my memory problems getting worse?"
"Unlikely. We'll do some tests just to be sure, but my guess is you're fatigued. You need something in your life other than work."
Arthur let out a low, humorless chuckle. "What, like a hobby?"
"Or someone to share your burdens with," Wells added pointedly. "Balance, Arthur. You've isolated yourself long enough."
Arthur didn't reply. The conversation hung in the air as he ended the call, Dr. Wells's advice gnawing at him. His thoughts drifted back to Aelira. For some reason, she kept creeping into his mind. The almost kiss that had happened earlier that day lingered, sending him into a whirlwind of emotions.
---
The next morning, Arthur arrived at the office feeling more composed, though the memory of the previous day lingered. As he entered, he immediately looked for Aelira but found her desk empty. His brow furrowed as his assistant informed him she was in Astron's office. Why was she with Astron again?
Curiosity—and something else he couldn't name—compelled him to pull up the office CCTV feed. On the screen, he saw Astron talking to Aelira, his hands animated, a grin on his face.
"Aelira, I'm participating in the annual art competition this weekend," Astron said, his tone enthusiastic. "I need a muse, and you're perfect for it. Can you strike a pose for me?"
Aelira's laughter echoed through the monitor. "You're going to draw me? Really, Astron?"
"Of course," Astron said, pulling out his sketchpad. "Come on, sit still, and don't laugh."
Arthur's jaw tightened as he watched Astron sketch her. The easy closeness between them bothered him more than he cared to admit. His grip on the mouse tightened, a flash of something unrecognizable—jealousy—surging through him.
Without waiting another second, he called Aelira to his office.
---
Aelira arrived at Arthur's office, the tension palpable. He barely looked up as he handed her a stack of files. "I need these documents organized by department by the end of the day," he said curtly.
"Understood," Aelira replied, her voice steady, though she sensed his mood.
As she turned to leave, her heel slipped on the polished floor. She felt herself falling, arms flailing—but before she hit the ground, Arthur was there. His strong arms caught her, pulling her close. For a brief, electrifying moment, they were inches apart, his hands firm around her waist.
Aelira's heart pounded in her chest as their eyes locked. His gaze softened, and before she could think, his hand moved to her cheek, brushing her skin. Their faces drew closer, their breath mingling, lips inches away.
Just as the world seemed to shrink around them, a loud, sharp throat-clearing cut through the moment.
"Ahem."
They sprang apart, turning to see Luna standing in the doorway, her expression icy, her arms crossed in clear irritation.
"Am I interrupting something?" she asked, her tone sharp, eyes flicking between them with disdain.
Aelira stepped back, quickly smoothing her dress. Arthur, however, seemed unfazed—though there was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. "Luna," he greeted, his voice clipped. "What can I do for you?"
Luna's lips twisted into a cold smile. "I came to remind you about my family's art exhibition this weekend. You'll be attending, of course."
Arthur nodded, though the tension in the room was thick. "Of course."
Luna's gaze slid to Aelira, her tone dripping with condescension. "I assume your… assistant won't be attending. It's a rather exclusive event."
Aelira met Luna's stare without flinching. "I wouldn't want to impose," she said evenly, though she could feel the undercurrent of hostility.
"Good," Luna said with a satisfied smirk. "Arthur, I'll see you this weekend." Without another word, she turned and swept out of the room, leaving a chill in her wake.
Arthur let out a breath, glancing at Aelira as the door closed behind Luna. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The tension from their almost-kiss still hung in the air, unspoken and unresolved.
As Aelira handed Arthur the documents, their fingers brushed again, sending a spark through both of them.
"Thank you," Arthur murmured, his voice softer, almost hesitant.
Aelira nodded, turning to leave the office. Her heart raced as she walked down the hallway, still replaying that moment in her mind, wondering what it meant.
Arthur sat back in his chair, rubbing his temples. Dr. Wells's words echoed in his mind—"someone to share your burdens." He shook his head, trying to focus, but thoughts of Aelira kept creeping back, making him question if there was more to this strange connection between them.