Meant to Collide

27. The Waiting Game

It's a big day for Unity Soft and Jules Parker, a day of anticipation and teamwork. Amidst the usual buzz of the morning, Jules and Sky sit together in a meeting room. "The world of idols has become part of their everyday lives, symbols of inspiration that drive them forward." With confidence radiating, Jules reads her latest content to Sky, who listens while sipping his morning coffee.

"Is my idea approved?" Jules asks with a trace of uncertainty.

Sky looks away, replying simply, "No."

"Why are you laughing?" he asks, noticing the glint in her eye.

"'Not approved' means it's approved." She smirks, watching his reaction.

Sky chuckles. "You know me a little too well."

Jules nods, then heads to her desk without another word, leaving Sky momentarily stunned. As she arrives, a crowd gathers around her desk, colleagues nodding in encouragement, their quiet support making the moment feel monumental. Music swells from somewhere, heightening the atmosphere. Jules prepares to click "post," counting down softly.."One, two..."Ryan interrupts.

"Mon, wait until it's exactly 10 a.m.," he says.

Stepping back, Jules decides to wait. Aunt Harper sighs, "Why am I so nervous?" Sophie adds with a laugh, "Feels like NASA's about to launch a rocket." Ava chimes in, "According to research, 10 a.m. is the best time to post content." Folding her hands together, she murmurs, "Please, let this post reach 10 million likes."

The countdown begins: "Ten... nine..." all the way to "...three, two, one." Applause breaks out as Jules uploads the post to Unity Soft's page. Sophie voices everyone's lingering question: "Will people share this?"

A voice from behind answers, "They will." They all turn to see the boss, his eyes alight. "Spread the word to every department. Share this post now!" he commands, and Sophie nods with a bright, "Roger that, sir!"

Jules, smiling at her post, catches Sky watching her. His expression softens until she meets his gaze, at which point he quickly looks away, his face unreadable.

"What about you, Mr. Boss? Aren't you going to share?" she teases, and he walks off, leaving her chuckling to herself. The office buzzes with excitement, Sky's rare enthusiasm adding to the atmosphere. Checking the page's followers, Jules notes the count, sighing, "Only 50k."

Sky appears beside her, surprising her. "You should say, 'as many as 50k,'" he says with his usual reserved expression. "It's a great first step."

"Thanks for your support," she replies, beaming.

"I'm just stating the facts," he replies stoically. After a pause, she asks, "Does this mean you finally trust me, I'm not the mole?"

Stepping closer, Sky meets her eyes, "If you notice anything suspicious, let me know immediately. Got it?"

With a cheerful nod, she responds. "What are you staring at?" he asks with a sidelong glance. "Do I look suspicious?"

"No, nothing like that." She looks at her phone as a new message from Jim appears: Don't tell Hon we created a new chatroom. He's not in it.

Sky notices her distraction. "Did someone text you?"

"Oh, it's just a friend," Jules answers, brushing off his question as Sky, suspicious but unbothered, walks away.

Later that night, Dianne is in Jules' room, Jules lending an ear as Dianne shares news of her breakup. Just then, Jules gets a notification from Fuzzy Gossip Group, and she reads it aloud without thinking.

"What's that?" Dianne asks, curious.

"Nothing," Jules says, laughing as she reads Jim's teasing messages: So, what did Hon say when you admitted you liked him? and Did he ask you to stay over?

Their friend banter makes Jules smile, but Dianne breaks the moment, mock-pouting. "I came to you for comfort, not to watch you laugh at your phone."

Jules turns to her, hugging her close. "There, there. Don't let it get you down."

"He took up so much space, I don't feel like myself anymore," Dianne sighs.

Jules nods. "You're right; never change yourself for anyone. If they love you, they'll accept you as you are."

They share a comforting embrace before Jules heads to the kitchen, preparing a warm glass of milk for her sister, a small gesture of love on a night that reminds them both of the strength they share.