𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺

(✿17✿)

✧Sophia's POV✧

I zipped up my suitcase, double-checking that i had packed every essential professional attire for the business trip. leaving by five this evening was a must, and i was ready to escape my responsibilities for a while, even if it meant performing them in a different city.

"So, you're leaving today, right?" rachel asked, watching me carefully arrange my heels in the suitcase.

I nodded, trying to sound nonchalant. "i don't have a choice. my boss won't let me stay over." i added, hiding my excitement about the trip and the opportunity to spend time with Ha- in Los Angeles.

Rachel scrunched her face in disgust. "ugh! just hearing the sound of that guy's name makes me shudder." she shook her head.

I defended harry, trying to maintain a neutral tone. "he's not that bad, rachel. actually, i'm surprised the company isn't lagging behind. he's really good at business."

rachel raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "what do you expect from someone who studied at one of the most expensive universities?" she rolled her eyes.

I held up my hands in surrender. "i'm just saying he's not that bad."

Rachel stared at me for a moment, her eyes piercing. then, she broke eye contact and gazed elsewhere.

"where are you traveling to this time?" she asked, deliberately changing the subject.

"I'm heading to los angeles!" i squealed, unable to contain my excitement.

Rachel's eyebrows shot up. "i'm surprised," she said, distracted by her nails. she began clipping and blowing on them.

"Why are you surprised?" I asked, attempting to sound nonchalant.

Rachel's gaze remained fixed on her nails. "Because you don't sound that sad about this trip. If anything, you're acting like you're going on a vacation, like it's more of a getaway than a business trip." Her voice was laced with amusement. "The smile on your face isn't hiding it."

I feigned confusion. "I don't understand what you're talking about, Rach."

Rachel stood up, her eyes locking onto mine as she placed her hands on my shoulders. Her smile was sweet and knowing. "I know you, Soph. I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I stared at her, perplexed.

Rachel sat back down, her expression transforming into a bright smile. "Anyway, enough about you. My boss is driving me crazy, and there's this new guy at work..." She launched into a detailed account of her workplace drama, including a budding love triangle.

I listened attentively, nodding along. "I think you should go for your boss or probably the new guy," I suggested, shrugging as I folded my underwear and zipped my suitcase.

Rachel's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Why him?"

"Because you've been working with him for some time, and you know his character. The new guy... well, you're still getting to know him." I checked my watch; one hour to five. "You should calm down and study the two."

Rachel's grin turned mischievous. "You're always so rational, Soph. But what about your own love life?"

I chuckled, avoiding eye contact. "I don't have time for that."

Rachel raised an eyebrow but dropped the subject.

I raised my suitcase, slipped on my jacket, and applied some light makeup before declaring, "I'm off!" Rachel chuckled, knowing I was excited.

"I'll miss you, Rach," I said, feigning sadness.

"Oh, please," Rachel teased, hugging me tight. "I'm pretty sure you're going to enjoy yourself." She whispered, "I'll miss you too."

"I better get going; I don't want to be late," I said, and Rachel nodded.

We walked outside, and I booked a cab. With a final wave, I left.

The cab ride seemed shorter than expected, and soon I stood outside Harry's house. I inhaled deeply, steeling myself, and entered the gate.

"Good afternoon," I greeted the security guard, who nodded in response.

Inside, I found Harry in the living room, lost in thought. His gaze was fixed on some invisible point, his expression unreadable.

I approached him, expecting acknowledgment, but he didn't flinch.

"Uhmm, Mr. Harry," I called, trying to rouse him.

He didn't respond.

"Mr. Harry," I repeated, gently placing my hands on his shoulders.

He shifted slightly, then looked up at me. Instead of surprise, curiosity filled his eyes as he stared at my hands on his shoulders. He gently shrugged, dismissing the moment.

"Good afternoon. Are you ready?" Harry asked calmly, as if nothing had happened.

"I'm talking to you," he said again, his voice low and smooth.

I smiled, nodding. "I'm ready for the trip."

Harry stood, his movements fluid, and gestured toward the door. "Let's go"

****

As the plane soared through the skies, I glanced at Harry, who had drifted off to sleep peacefully. His serene expression was a stark contrast to his usually composed demeanor.

With nothing else to do, I picked up my phone and decided to catch up on some long-downloaded movies. Immersed in the storyline, I didn't notice Harry's gaze on me until he spoke.

"What's that?" his cool voice interrupted my viewing.

I quickly removed my earpiece and turned to face him. "Oh, this?" I asked, referring to the movie.

Harry nodded quietly, his eyes fixed on my phone.

"It's a movie," I explained, hoping to spark conversation.

He nodded again, his focus still on the phone.

"Uhmm...Do you not watch movies?" I inquired.

Harry shook his head, redirecting his attention to the seat in front of him. I silently sighed.

But then, he spoke up. "It's been a long time since I watched a movie. Never seen a motivation to watch one." His professional tone slipped back into his voice. "And I don't have time for movies."

I smiled and nodded. "Maybe one day you'll find someone to watch a movie with."

Harry's gaze locked onto mine for a brief moment before he ignored me, focusing on the seat again.

Ouch! I regretted opening my mouth. My attempt at conversation had backfired.

I wondered if this trip would be more challenging than the last one.