Meant to Collide

24. Into Sky's World

Sometimes, we find ourselves gazing at something elusive—our fate, destiny, desires, or dreams—only to realize its significance as it begins to fade away. In a quiet moment, Sky and Jules emerge from their damp clothes, their footsteps leading them to the bedroom. "Let's hit the sack," Sky suggests, his voice soft yet resolute. Jules nods in agreement, and they settle into opposite corners of the bed.

In a sudden twist of fate, their backs collide, prompting both to turn in surprise. An awkward silence hangs in the air, neither able to look away. Sky, attempting to brush off his shyness, declares, "Time to sleep." Jules catches his eye and smiles, her warmth radiating across the room as she lies down peacefully.

They simultaneously turn to say goodnight—a moment that feels dramatic yet endearing. Slightly embarrassed, Sky turns away, while Jules stares at the ceiling, thoughts swirling in her mind before she drifts into slumber.

The night unfolds with a peculiar sound, waking Sky from his dreams. He turns to see Jules blissfully snoring, a sound so loud it seems to echo through the room. He clutches his ears in a futile attempt to block it out, even burying his head beneath the pillow, but it proves ineffective. The comedic struggle continues until he feels as though he might suffocate.

As dawn breaks, Sky awakens, resembling a weary lion. "Morning!" he exclaims with a sarcastic smile, observing Jules meticulously applying her makeup. "You look exhausted, like you didn't get any sleep," she teases.

Sky inches closer, smirking. "Unlike you, who snored as loudly as a lion fighting off ants!" he quips, causing Jules to chuckle. "At least you understood my tale," she replies, still smiling.

"Here, you can choose something from my closet," Sky insists. "Wearing the same clothes as yesterday is unhygienic," he adds, revealing his wardrobe. "Where's red? Didn't the interviews say you like bright red?" Jules ponders, momentarily perplexed by the lack of color. "Why are there only dark and grey clothes?" she asks.

"It's easy to match with other things," he replies, dismissing her question. "How about you? You seem to have a penchant for pink," he teases, raising an eyebrow. "Why must women like pink? Don't you think it's lame?" he counters, gesturing to her coordinated outfit of pinks, bags, and shoes.

Jules turns to Sky, intrigued. "You seem to know quite a bit about me, hm?" she smiles, and he replies, "Maybe I'm becoming your fan."

"I'm heading to shower," Sky announces, attempting to escape the conversation. But Jules pulls him back, "I can't wear these; I'm not a boy, am I?" she asks in wonder.

"Hey, it's in trend to wear boyfriend clothes," he spills, embarrassment creeping across his face as he jumps into the bathroom.

Moments later, Jules emerges wearing a grey shirt, blue jeans, and a black blazer. Just as Sky steps out, having overheard her phone call, he admires her appearance. "We dress alike," he notes, scanning Jules' outfit.

"I didn't copy you; it's merely a coincidence," she retorts playfully. "Right, I totally forgot—I have to meet my friends today," Sky adds, a hint of urgency in his voice.

"Oh, I won't bother you then. I'll take a taxi," Jules tries to ease his burden. "Are you not hungry?" Sky asks, subtly suggesting they dine together.

"It's fine; I'll have something when I arrive home," she responds, but Sky, eager to persuade her, insists, "It's free and yummy!"

"Are you saying you want me to join you, sir Sky?" Jules teases, laughter dancing in her voice. "Nah, I'm just saying, if you want to join, just tell me," He deflects, cheeks slightly reddening.

"Understood, I'll tag along with you," she replies, a playful glint in her eye.

As they arrive, Sky's friends Kad, Jim, and Tee greet him, their eyes widening in surprise at Jules' presence. "Hon, who did you bring with you?" Jim asks, curiosity evident. "She's my employee; let her eat with us," Sky insists, and the trio nods, albeit in confusion.

"Jules," she introduces herself, but Kade interjects, "What's your name, fuzzy employee?" Tee, protective of Jules, chastises Kade for being rude. "We won't be able to stand how dirty we are," he says, grinning.

"I'm Jule, but everyone calls me Mon," she replies, warmth enveloping her voice. Kade, ever the showman, boasts, "I'm Kade, but I'm sure you know me—I'm a fairly well-known actor."

"I do know you, Kade; you look gorgeous in real life," Jules compliments, causing Kade's ego to swell with pride. "The bill is on me today," she announces, laughter spilling from her lips.

Before Jim can introduce herself, Tee jumps in, declaring, "This one here is Jim, and I'm Tee." "Excuse me, how many times should I remind you, my name is Martha?" Jim confronts Tee playfully.

Sky, seeking to bring focus back to the present, interjects, "Okay, be polite in front of the kid," referring to Jules. "Why are we standing here? Are we not going to eat?" he adds, ushering everyone inside the restaurant.

As the menu arrives, Sky hands it to Jules, who beams at him, prompting Jim to notice the exchange. "Let's order," Sky proposes. "Mon, today the meal is on me, so please feel free to order whatever you like," Jim tells Jules, while turning to Sky. "And as for you, Hon, I'll order for you."

Sky nods in acceptance, though his gaze suggests he feels a bit overwhelmed. Jim starts suggesting items, "How about squid sushi?" Sky hesitates but replies, "Um, fine."

"Let's try tuna sushi instead," Jim suggests, only for Sky to reluctantly agree again. "How about sea urchin?" Jim presses, and this time, Sky firmly states, "Nope." Jim, undeterred, orders it for him anyway.

Kade, attempting to lighten the mood, says, "Let's not tease Sky anymore. We just came here; we'll just have drinks."

Sky chimes in, "That's enough—leave some space for the food." With a friendly nudge, Kade insists, "Sky, use the restroom!" Jim echoes the sentiment, convincing Sky to accompany her.

And so, the day unfolds, filled with laughter, banter, and the burgeoning connection between Sky and Jules, two souls navigating the delicate dance of friendship, dreams, and the unexpected turns of fate.