Book 2 of Legend of korra: Eclipse

Chapter 7: Brewing Forgiveness

(THIS CHAPTER IS LONGER THAN USUAL)

As the sun majestically rose in the air, Mako woke up deciding to officially get ready for work. A while back, he applied to work at Future Industries and got a job as an engineer. Today was the start of a new week, and Mako was eager to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead. After a quick shower and breakfast, he checked himself in the mirror, making sure he looked presentable for the day ahead. With a sense of determination in his heart, Mako got into his car.

After checking his reflection in the car mirror, Mako smirked at himself. "Looking good, if I do say so myself," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. Satisfied with his appearance, he started the engine and headed off to his job at Future Industries.

As Mako walked into the building after parking his car, he spotted his ex-girlfriend Asami. Seeing her stirred up conflicting emotions within him - his blood boiled with unresolved anger, but he forced himself to remain calm and composed. Reminding himself of his official mission to win her back, Mako steeled himself for the encounter ahead.

"Hey, Asami," Mako greeted her with a charming smile as he approached. Asami's expression turned from surprise to fear, her eyes narrowing as she took a step back.

"What do you want, Mako?" Asami's voice was laced with anger and apprehension.

Mako's demeanor shifted, his tone softening as he reached out a hand towards her. "I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for how I treated you back in high school. I know I was a jerk, and I've been working on being a better person."

Asami's guard seemed to lower slightly at his words, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Really? I... I appreciate that, Mako. Thank you." She hesitated before tentatively accepting his apology.

Mako's smile widened, internally pleased with how easily he could manipulate the situation. "I'm glad we could clear the air. Maybe we could catch up sometime and talk more about it?"

Asami hesitated, unsure of his intentions but feeling a sense of obligation to be civil. "Sure, why not. Maybe we can grab coffee sometime."

Mako's plan was falling into place perfectly, his facade of sincerity fooling everyone around him. As he walked away, a sinister glint in his eye hinted at the manipulative mind behind the charming facade.

As Mako made his way to his office, Bolin noticed him and his expression darkened as he turned towards his brother. In a sudden fit of anger, Bolin attempted to attack with a burst of earthbending. Hiroshi swiftly stepped in between them, holding his hands out. "Bolin, calm down. We can't have any aggression in the workplace," Hiroshi stated firmly, his voice steady. Bolin's eyes blazed with frustration as he struggled against Hiroshi's hold, but eventually, he relented, breathing heavily. "I'm sorry, Mr.Sato. I just lost control," Bolin admitted, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Hiroshi nodded understandingly, guiding Bolin to a nearby seat to compose himself. "It's okay, Bolin. Just remember to keep your cool, alright?" Hiroshi advised, offering a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Mako, who had been watching the scene unfold, approached them with a supportive smile. "Thanks for handling that, sir. We all have our moments," Mako said. Bolin gave a nod, still remembering what he did 3 years ago and not seeing him ever since. With tensions diffused for now, the three of them continued on their way to start the day.

During lunchtime, Mako noticed Asami and Bolin eating together in the cafeteria. As he approached them, Bolin casually extended his leg, blocking the space on the bench. "Really? Come on, I'm trying my absolute hardest here..." Mako quipped, a playful glint in his eye. Asami glanced at Bolin, her expression calm and understanding. "It's okay, Bo," she reassured him, before giving Mako a fake welcoming smile. Bolin chuckled and moved his leg, making room for Mako to sit next to them.

As the three of them sat at the lunch table, a palpable awkwardness filled the air. Asami, mustering up the courage, finally broke the silence by addressing Mako. "So, Mako, where have you been for the past three years?" she inquired, her tone hesitant. Mako chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck as he considered his response. "Well, I've been... in jail," he admitted, his eyes avoiding Asami's gaze. Asami's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of discomfort crossing her features. "Oh... right. I forgot," she replied awkwardly, unsure of how to respond. "I... I'm sorry for asking," she added softly, the weight of the revelation settling between them. The lunch conversation took on a somber tone, the unspoken questions lingering in the air as they finished their meal in uneasy silence.

"Asami, I hope one day you'll see the good in me like how it was before," Mako expressed sincerely, his eyes searching hers for a glimmer of understanding. Asami felt a pang in her stomach at his words, memories of their past relationship flooding back, but she steeled herself and pushed her feelings aside. "I appreciate that, Mako," she replied calmly, her tone neutral. "Maybe that's what the coffee date is for - a chance to catch up and see where things stand." Mako nodded, a flicker of hope in his eyes as they tentatively made plans for the coffee date, both silently acknowledging the complexities of their history and the uncertain future ahead.

Bolin's eyes widened in shock as he blurted out, "WHATTTTTT?!! ASAMI, WHAT ABOUT KOR-?" Before he could finish his sentence, Asami swiftly stood up, a look of urgency in her eyes as she covered his mouth and whispered in his ear. "I know how this looks... but please, please don't tell Korra. This will break her," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. Bolin's expression softened as he registered the gravity of the situation, nodding in understanding as he watched Asami's plea, realizing the delicate balance they were all treading. He gave a reassuring squeeze to Asami's hand before promising to keep her secret, the weight of their unspoken truths hanging heavy in the air.

Mako's plan had been working extraordinary.

As lunch came to an end, Mako stood up alongside Asami, a hopeful expression on his face. "How does this evening sound?" he asked, a hint of eagerness in his voice. Asami hesitated, a slight frown creasing her brow. "I wish I could, but I promised I'd pick up Korra after school," she explained, her tone apologetic. Mako felt a surge of frustration, but he took a deep breath and remained composed. "I'm sure Korra wouldn't mind, and she'd want us to be friends and let the past go," he suggested, trying to persuade Asami to reconsider. The tension between them lingered as they exchanged uncertain looks, the unspoken history between them adding layers of complexity to their present interactions.

"You know what... you're right," Asami said, a sense of resolution in her voice as she considered Mako's words. However, she knew she couldn't bring herself to tell Korra about hanging out with Mako. With a determined expression, Asami took out her phone, carefully choosing her words as she navigated the delicate balance of her relationship as she messaged Korra.

Asami: Hey baby 🥰

Korbear: heyyy I miss you. School is so boring 😴

Asami chuckles.

Asami: what about your "fan club" 😅

Korbear: Lol they scare me. But what's up, are you ok? How's work?

Asami sighs, trying to find the right words.

Asami: it's been great. Met a new friend.

Korbear: that's great. Are you picking me up after school still? 😊

Asami's heart sank.

Asami: I'm sorry baby. I'm working late today so I can't. 🥺Are you able to make it home by yourself today?

Korbear: oh...yeah, that's fine. I'll cook you your favorite dinner and give you a nice massage. Take care. I love you. Don't stress yourself out. You're too young for gray hairs❤️

Asami: Ha. Ha. Ha.  😒. I love you too weirdo

"Well, looks like I'm free..." Asami muttered to herself, a tinge of disappointment in her voice. Mako caught her expression and flashed a reassuring smile. "Great, I'll meet you at your office after work," he chimed in, his tone laced with excitement. Asami nodded, a mixture of uncertainty and anticipation swirling in her mind as she contemplated the upcoming meeting with Mako. The air buzzed with unspoken tension as they exchanged a brief nod before parting ways to finish their respective workday, the promise of their rendezvous hanging in the air.