Unbreakable Duty

Breakfast and Paintball

The villa was still wrapped in the quiet hush of early daylight, golden sunlight pouring in through the open kitchen windows and living area. The cool breeze from the balcony is mixed with the smell of warm bread, sautéed garlic, simmering broth, and brewing coffee

Fahlada stood by the stove in an oversized t-shirt and loose joggers, her hair loosely tied up. She is stirring a pot of congee with one hand and reaching for seasoning with the other. Calm, focused, and moving with her usual quiet efficiency.

Beside her, Tan stood at the counter, expertly slicing ripe mangoes and dragon fruit with the precision of someone who can perform surgery.

"Color coordination matters," Tan muttered as he arranged the fruit slices like it was an art exhibit. "With this, I can be an artist."

Rossami checked the rice cooker while watching the timer on the eggs. She lined a few plates on the kitchen island, garnished with cherry tomatoes and avocado slices. The rice cooker clicked softly in the corner. She glanced at the sofa and smirked.

Bow was curled up under a blanket, limbs sprawled, mouth slightly open. Snoring gently. As dramatic in sleep as she was awake.

Rossami grabbed a sticky note on the counter, scribbled something down, and tipped over. With all grace of a mischievous mice, she pressed it squarely to Bow's forehead:

"Do not wake up, unless you want chaos in the morning."

Across the room, at the dining table, Earn sat with her laptop open. Her hair was slightly tousled from sleep, and the oversized sweater she wore gave her a softer, more relaxed look than the usual high-fashion composure she held in front of the media. Her fingers moved quickly across the trackpad as she clicked through emails and media statements.

"Yes, I'm fine," Earn assured them, sipping from her coffee mug.

Onscreen, Susie was already typing furiously on another phone while talking to her. "You better be fine. You disappeared after your show and left me to clean up every press question from every fashion editor in Southeast Asia. Do you know how many people think you eloped?!"

Earn laughed, sheepish. "Technically I didn't say no to that rumor."

Engfah leaned into the frame, grinning. "Honestly, I'm not even mad. The photos from the show are stunning. You and Fahlada were perfectly marvelous! Vogue Thailand's already asking if she's more than your bodyguard."

"Yes, Engfah, I've seen the write-ups. Vogue Thailand mentioned the collection as 'hauntingly romantic'," Earn glancing briefly toward the kitchen where Fahlada was plating congee with Rossami's help. "... I think that's in our favor."

"They were also asking if you're releasing bridal accessories next quarter." Engfah continued.

"I will," Earn said, still stealing glances to Fahlada. Her gaze lingered for a moment. "... But maybe after a little break."