The shimmering facade of Horizon Biotech's headquarters reflected the pale glow of an overcast sky, its glass panels streaked with frost. Snowflakes drifted lazily, blanketing the city in a pristine, icy white. The words HORIZON BIOTECH stretched boldly across the building, their sharp edges softened by the frost.
Elara, a young researcher with red hair tied neatly into a ponytail, hurried through the revolving doors, her breath visible in the cold air. Her cheeks were flushed from the biting chill, and she rubbed her gloved hands together as she muttered, "Why did Alexis call me? I was on my way home. What could it possibly be this time?"
She stomped the snow off her boots and pressed the elevator button for the 8th floor, leaning against the wall as the warmth inside began to thaw her stiffened muscles. As the elevator ascended, she caught her reflection in the steel doors—a tired yet determined woman, her brown eyes glimmering with both exhaustion and curiosity.
When the doors slid open, a rush of cool air from a nearby vent greeted her. The expansive windows framed the sprawling city below, its streets coated in snow and shimmering under the icy light. She paused, her gaze lingering on the wintery view. "I'm so tired," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just want to go home."
But Alexis's summons couldn't be ignored. With a reluctant sigh, she continued down the corridor, her boots clicking softly against the polished floor.
Pushing open a door, she stepped into a large room buzzing with activity. Rows of desks were cluttered with high-tech equipment, holographic displays flickering above them. Researchers in heavy coats huddled near a central station, their faces illuminated by a massive holographic screen.
"You're finally here, Elara," Ken's voice rang out, filled with excitement. His green eyes sparkled, contrasting starkly with Elara's weary expression. Snow still dusted his red hair, evidence of his hurried arrival.
Her lips twitched upward in a faint, tired smile. "Yeah, I'm here," she murmured, her voice low.
Ken, Alexis, and the others were gathered around the display, which showed a looping video. The footage captured Victor and Kieran ruthlessly eliminating Mangus, followed by a chilling time-lapse of his body dissolving into liquid inside a laboratory chamber.
Elara's eyes widened in shock. The grotesque scene sent a shiver down her spine, but she couldn't look away. For the first time in weeks, she felt a spark of intrigue. Something big was happening.
Ken gestured to the screen, his excitement unabated. "Look, Elara! Those bacteria they used are incredible—they completely destroy flesh, bone, and even DNA within hours. They've surpassed us in every conceivable way."
Elara crossed her arms, her voice cautious. "Yeah… it definitely looks that way."
Alexis adjusted his glasses, his sharp gaze landing on her. "You look dead on your feet, Elara. You can go now."
Ken chimed in, stretching. "I'm heading out too. See you tomorrow!"
As they left the room together, Ken grabbed her hand, his touch warm despite the cold. "Let's go home," he said with a smile.
Walking down the hallway, Ken's tone grew reflective. "Looks like it's finally happening," he said, his voice tinged with both excitement and unease.
Elara glanced at him, her expression somber. "Yeah… but it's not what we've been looking for, is it?"
Ken's grip on her hand tightened slightly. "If this can happen… then what we've been looking for can happen too."
The elevator doors opened, and they descended to the lobby. Stepping outside, Elara pulled her coat tighter against the biting wind. Snow crunched underfoot as they made their way to the car.
They got into the car, the windows fogging slightly as the heater roared to life. The drive through the snow-covered streets was quiet, the city lights glowing faintly through the flurry of falling snow.
When they arrived at Elara's apartment building, Ken parked the car and helped her out. The icy wind bit at their faces as they hurried inside, the warmth of the lobby a welcome relief.
As the elevator climbed to the 17th floor, Ken shifted nervously beside her. Elara raised an eyebrow, giving him a suspicious look. "You seem more nervous than usual. What's going on?"
"Oh, it's nothing," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, a sheepish grin on his face.
When they reached her door, Elara unlocked it and stepped inside. The apartment was dark, the faint hum of the heater the only sound. She frowned, flipping the light switch.
Her breath caught. The room was transformed—balloons filled the corners, streamers hung from the ceiling, and a beautiful birthday cake sat in the center of the table.
"Happy birthday, Elara!" Ken exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth.
She stood frozen, confusion flashing across her face. Then, pulling out her phone, she checked the date: 6:12 PM, 15 September 2056. A soft gasp escaped her lips as realization dawned.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to Ken. "I… I forgot it was my birthday," she whispered. "Even my family didn't remember…" Her voice cracked, the weight of her emotions spilling over.
Ken scratched his head, laughing nervously. Inwardly, he thought, Well, I had help. The decorators did most of it, and Alexis kept you at work longer to buy me time.
A tear rolled down her cheek as she flung her arms around him. "Thank you, Ken… This means so much to me."
After the celebration, they sat on the sofa. Elara had changed into a cozy sweater and leggings, her hair loose around her shoulders. She leaned back, her face glowing with happiness.
"You haven't been here all day," she said with a teasing tone. "How did you manage all this?"
Ken smirked. "You don't need to know that."
Elara chuckled and rested her head on his shoulder.
Ken's expression shifted, growing serious. He gently took her hand in his. "Elara, I've been wanting to ask you something…"
She looked up at him, her brow furrowing. "What is it?"
He took a deep breath. "We've been together for a while now. And… I can't imagine my life without you. Elara, will you marry me?"
Her cheeks flushed red, and she blinked rapidly, processing his words. "W-what? Where's that coming from?"
Ken blushed too but held her gaze. "I'm serious. Will you marry me?"
Her lips quivered as tears filled her eyes again, this time from overwhelming joy. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, I'll marry you."
Ken grinned, pulling her into a tight embrace. As they held each other, Elara gently pushed him back onto the sofa, straddling him. Her hands cupped his face as she leaned closer, her breath mingling with his.
"Thank you, Ken," she murmured, her voice soft and full of emotion. "For everything."
Her lips brushed his in a tender kiss, slow and lingering, filled with the depth of her gratitude and love. The world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their connection in that perfect, intimate moment.