The Dark Inside

┆2. Masquerade ━

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Inside the airplane, I found my business-class seat with the help of the cabin crew in a short time and without any hassle. The seat was in the middle row in lieu of the one beside the window like I usually prefer but I hardly had any complaints since I had always traveled in economy class. But now that my company was paying, they willingly handed me a business-class ticket for an international flight and I, for sure, wasn't complaining. 

The experience during my internship can't exactly be called pleasant, but, somehow I impressed the company enough to get offered a paid job after the internship ended. However, the first assignment of my job- for which I was provided this business class ticket- could be considered something nearly impossible to accomplish for a newbie like me, so I was mentally prepared to get sacked after this month. And I was going to enjoy the trip to my best.

The seat was a lot more comfortable and spacious than the economy class I was used to and had more privacy which was given but I was still fascinated. The blanket I was provided felt a lot fancy and softer but what blew me away was the personal mini bar on my right side. Beside the array of plugs and USB ports, there was a nice, little bar area full of soft drinks which I could help myself to without bothering the cabin crew. And I could even slide out a bigger table in front of me and it was quite big so I had a lot more room on the table which I'll be needing if I suddenly feel like writing or anything.

Even though I was blown away by the lavish opulence of the business-class flight, it somehow failed to brighten my current sour mood.

No one could tell by the serene expression on my face how my brain was currently preoccupied with the thoughts of the possible disastrous consequences of my previous actions. Apparently, I didn't pick up 19 of her calls and the gravity of my rash actions was slowly seeping into me. I tried to calm myself by giving me false hope like maybe she'd look past it if I used the excuse of the broken phone but deep inside I knew it wouldn't work on her.

My lies had never worked on her.

I took out the newspaper from my bag and decided to continue my previous activity to not break into a cold sweat inside an airplane. Taking deep breaths, I also took out the sleek-looking headphones I was provided, connected them to my broken phone, and started scrolling through my 'calm down bitch' playlist made by none other than my best friend, Lydia, for times like these. As "This is Home" by Cavetown started playing, I was finally able to calm my nerves.

Half an hour or so after the flight took off, I was fully absorbed in my song and the piece of newspaper on my lap. Exhausted and bored after around half an hour, I pulled off my headphones and started stretching my arms. Then suddenly a voice beside me caught my attention.

"I told you, I'm fine with the business class, mother, and I always fly in first class-" the voice said patiently on the phone.

Curious to find out who this spoiled, rich brat was whose dear mommy thinks he's gonna die if he flew with the mere commoners in the business class - kindly note the sarcasm - I subtly peeked beside me. And I was surprised when I found out that the seat beside me which was empty when I entered the airplane earlier was occupied by none other than the guy I crashed into earlier.

Could my life be any more ironic?

I, who checked him very openly and shamelessly earlier, took the chance to check him out once again for the second time without any hesitation.

His dark hair was styled perfectly making his chiseled features appear even sharper- dark brown eyes were perfectly hooded with long lashes, a sharp nose, luscious lips which were now pressed in a thin line, and a very sharp jawline as he stared at his phone.