Meant to Collide

31. A Gentle Reset

In the bustling heart of New York City, Unity Corp. is already humming with energy as early morning optimism fills the air. Ava, grinning ear to ear, walks briskly with Jules into the office.

"Wow, Mon! Do you know we've hit 70,000 followers since posting our first content on Unity Soft's page?" she exclaims. Jules looks impressed as Sophie joins in with a delighted, "That's excellent!"

Ryan, passing by, nudges the conversation back on track. "Boss told Mon we need to hit 500k within a month. We're already over 70k—keep going!" he encourages. Just then, Emily appears, wide-eyed. "There are 25 more days till the deadline," she calculates. "With 20k new followers a day, Mon's got her work cut out for her!"

Sky enters, catching them off-guard with a sharp glance at Jules. "Do you all have enough time to work?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. All hands scatter back to their desks. Just as Ryan tries to slip away, Sky calls after him, "Ryan, change that red shirt. It's hurting my eyes." Ryan mutters to himself, "Guess even the color chart won't save me now," as he hurries off, leaving Jules shaking her head.

Moments later, Sky summons Aunt Harper with his usual demand. "Extra, extra hot coffee," he orders, glaring pointedly at Jules, making her feel the weight of his gaze. Once Sky's out of sight, Aunt Harper sighs, shaking her head at Jules. "Oh dear, he's in quite the mood this morning."

Back in his office, Sky shoves the scalding coffee aside. "Eek! Too hot!" he mutters, calling Aunt Harper to bring ice. Trying to distract himself, he scrolls through his phone and stops, frustrated. "You're a brave one—why aren't you texting me?" he murmurs, fighting the urge to check on Jules. Just then, his phone beeps. It's a message from Jules: Hungry.

Sky smirks. "What are you telling me that for?" he texts back.

I want river prawns, she replies.

Rolling his eyes, Sky types back, You'll turn into a river prawn at this rate. Jules chuckles, typing quickly, I want to have river prawns with Sir Sky! I want to see you turn into a river prawn too, but didn't you already have them with Miss Mia?

Then let's try something else. My treat! Jules insists, lightheartedly.

Curious, Sky picks up the phone. "Ava, tell Mon to come to my office." Ava nods and relays the message, "Boss wants you in the slaughter room." All eyes snap to Jules as she hurries toward Sky's office.

The door swings open, and Sky's voice cuts through the silence. "Who do you think you are to offer me a meal? Do you know how much a kilo of river prawns costs? You haven't even received your first salary," he chides. Jules steps closer, undeterred. "Are you bullying me again, Sir Sky?"

Sky folds his arms, maintaining a serious expression as he steps toward her. "If you insist on treating me, make it a cheap meal," he concedes. Jules' eyes brighten. "Are you asking me out for a meal?" she asks hopefully.

"River prawns," he clarifies, a slight smirk pulling at his lips. "And maybe a rice bowl. I'm making up for breaking our promise." Jules grins and holds out her pinky finger. "Let's make up, okay?"

Sky blinks, confused. "What?"

"Well, you were upset with me yesterday," she adds. Sky attempts to hold his ground, grumbling, "Don't wanna."

Jules, not one to back down, laughs and points her pinky at him. "If you won't make up, I'll shoot you!" she teases, forming her hand into a tiny finger heart. Sky eyes her in surprise. "You have a trigger finger?" he asks, trying to keep his composure as he faces her gesture with a bit of disbelief.

"It's my way of asking for forgiveness," she says, a small smile creeping across her face.

Sky turns away, hiding his slight amusement. "Geez, so childish," he mutters, but his face softens as he takes his seat. Jules leans closer, her tone gentler now. "Please don't be upset with me, my Sky," she says quietly. Sky's expression falters as he gulps, looking at her.

"If you keep making that face, no river prawns for you," he teases, trying to mask his embarrassment. Jules pouts dramatically. "Why?"

"Fine, I'll take you. Today," he answers, a hint of reluctance fading into resignation.