Meant to Collide

14. Amends Over Meals

The day begins as usual for most employees at Unity Corp, but for Jules, it feels anything but ordinary. She trudges into the office like a wounded puppy, her body language reflecting the exhaustion of a difficult night. As she fumbles with her ID card and bends to pick it up, Sky strides in with his signature swagger, sunglasses masking his expression, exuding the indifference that has come to define him. Jules looks up at him for a brief moment, but Sky doesn't even acknowledge her, walking straight past and through the office doors.

From across the room, Ava notices Jules' tired, defeated face. Ava nudges Sophie, and the two quietly make their way to Ryan's desk. "Poor Jules," Ava mutters, sympathy heavy in her voice. "She looks like she cried all night."

Sophie, ever the realist, leans in and whispers, "Do you think the boss rejected her ideas to push her out of the company?"

Ryan, always quick with a joke, grins mischievously. "We just threw her a welcoming party. Is it time for her farewell already?"

Before anyone can react, Mia bursts into the room with a bright smile and a handful of bags. "Alright, everyone! Snacks are here!" she announces, earning a round of cheers and applause.

"Woo-hoo!" the room erupts. Mia, always playful, raises an eyebrow. "So, who's paying today?"

Ryan, never missing a chance to flirt, winks at Mia. "I'm broke, but will you take my heart instead?"

Sophie coughs loudly, feigning disgust. "Don't take it, Mia. His heart's about to expire. He'll have a heart attack in a few years."

Laughter spreads around the group as Mia keeps the energy light. "If no one's going to eat these, I'll just throw them away!"

A chorus of voices begs her to stop joking. They all want the snacks. Just as Mia begins to distribute them, Emily from Finance appears, holding a small notebook. "Mia, did you buy these with the company budget? I need to log it."

Everyone groans in unison, "So stingy!" Mia shakes her head, playfully defending herself. "Actually, this time it's not me. Sky ordered them for everyone."

The room falls into a brief, stunned silence. "Wait, what? Sky did?" Sophie asks, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Mia nods, grinning. "Yep! You all better eat them, or... well, you know."

The employees dive into the snacks, everyone except Jules, who remains at her desk, hand resting on her cheek, lost in thought. Moments later, Sky storms in. "Snacks delivered?" he asks.

He scans the room, then strides toward Jules with a snack bag in hand. "Here," he says curtly, holding it out to her. "Consider this a reward for your hard work."

Jules glances at him and, with a quiet voice, replies, "I'm full. You can save it for yourself, boss."

The room freezes. Sophie smiles awkwardly, urging Jules to accept the offer with her eyes, but Jules doesn't budge. Sky, taken aback, retrieves the snack bag and says coolly, "Fine. I'll take it back to my office." He pivots sharply and walks out, his expression unreadable.

The tension lingers in the air as Mia tries to lighten the mood again. "Come on, everyone. Don't stress! Let's enjoy the snacks." She excuses herself and heads toward Sky's office.

Inside, Sky sits at his desk, a donut skewered on his fork, his expression dark. A boba drink slides across the table toward him. Mia stands at the door, grinning. "A boba tea to cure your embarrassment," she jokes, plopping down across from him.

Sky takes a sip, the tension deflating ever so slightly, and Mia playfully pokes at the bubble forming on his cheek. "You looked so embarrassed back there!" she teases, laughing.

Sky rolls his eyes like a child, shifting away. "So improper," he mutters, but there's a hint of amusement in his voice.

Mia continues, laughing, "You know, Jules must be special. She's the only one who dares to refuse Hon. Sky Chandler, the untouchable boss. Isn't she afraid of death?"

Sky doesn't laugh this time. Instead, he shoves the donut in Mia's mouth. "Stop talking and eat."

Chewing, Mia raises an eyebrow. "Alright, alright. But jokes aside, what did you do to make her so upset? Why did you ask me to buy snacks for everyone to make up?"

Sky's eyes flicker with guilt, though he tries to mask it. "I might have been too harsh in my feedback last night."

Mia nods knowingly. "Ah, so Jules is special. You take more interest in her than others, huh?"

Sky shoots her a sharp look but then admits, "She's good at what she does. My feedback was unnecessary. She brings fresh ideas."

Mia agrees, wiping her mouth. "Well, she's not still mad at you. Just a little hurt, maybe. So... what's your plan?"

Sky looks away, lost in thought. "What should I do?"

Later that evening, Jules exits the office, weary but ready to leave the day behind. Just as she's about to step outside, she hears Mia call her name. She turns to see Mia and Sky approaching.

"Leaving already?" Mia asks casually.

Jules nods, her eyes tired. Mia glances at Sky, signaling him to speak. Sky, however, fumbles. "Hungry?" he blurts out awkwardly.

Jules raises an eyebrow, confused. "Excuse me?" Sky stammers, "It's... it's dinner time. We should eat."

Jules stares at him blankly. "Right... well, I'm heading out."

As she turns to leave, Mia runs ahead, blocking her path. "Wait, Jules! Just... wait a second." She elbows Sky, who is still fumbling with his words. "Sky wants to invite you to dinner."

Sky stiffens, clearly uncomfortable with Mia's direct approach. Jules, equally surprised, looks at them both. "Dinner?"

Mia grins. "Yes, as a celebration. Your work got approved." Jules's eyes widen in disbelief. "My work was approved?"

Mia chuckles. "Yep! You didn't know?"

As Jules turns to Sky for confirmation, he adjusts his collar with a flash of confidence. "I'll be waiting in the Black Knight," he says, referring to his car, and swiftly walks out.

Mia, shaking her head in amusement, turns back to Jules. "He's trying to make up for being harsh. He's just not very good at it."

Jules hesitates, but Mia pleads, "Please, do me a favor. Join us?" Jules sighs, then finally nods. "Alright, I'll come."

The three head towards Sky's car, the evening taking a turn none of them had expected.