𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘆 ✎ 𝙙𝙖𝙯𝙖𝙞✘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧❪✘𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙪𝙮𝙖❫

𝟬𝟬𝟭

In the gentle stillness of early morning, you settled into the car's backseat. Beside you, a bouquet of your favorite flowers rested, their colors soothing to the eyes. Nestled among the blooms was a card from Chuuya and your son, its words adding a touch to the quiet scene. The soft fragrance of the flowers filled the air, blending with the hush of morning.

As the driver deftly maneuvered through the twisted streets, your body shifted gently with each turn, leaning right when the car veered left and vice versa. Seeking solace, you let your head rest against the plush headrest.

The sleek black car, a symbol of untouchable power, moved with a smooth, almost imperceptible grace through the morning mist. The city blurred into a gentle blend of gray and gold, as the morning light kissed the streets, making them glisten like a scattering of stars.

In the front seat, the driver clung to the organization's unspoken rule, their silence, and unspoken respect for the hierarchy: "Do not speak to executives unless spoken to." The stillness inside the car was punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine, each quiet moment a reminder of the world beyond the window, where power and protocol intertwined in a delicate dance.

Your foot tapped in sync with the rhythm pulsing through your headphones, a futile attempt against the growing wave of impatience and boredom. The music's beat tried to soothe the restlessness simmering beneath your calm exterior, but the minutes felt heavy and endless. Each moment stretches longer than the last. And, your heart raced, fluttering in your chest like a caged bird desperate for freedom.

Your hand rested anxiously on the door handle, with fingers against the cold metal. You leaned forward, each turn of the car amplifying your anticipation. You longed for the moment when the car would finally come to a halt, so you could swing open the door and escape into the fresh air. Every stoplight, every turn, seemed to stretch out in slow motion, as you waited, breath held, for the instant when you could burst free and leave the confines of the vehicle behind.

As the car glided steadily through the city's shifting panorama, you leaned forward slightly, breaking the silence with a question. "How much longer?"

"I'd say about three minutes." The driver, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, briefly met your eyes in the rearview mirror before returning to the task of navigating the winding streets. A faint sigh escaped your lips, barely audible over the hum of the engine. The driver, catching your unspoken impatience, adjusted his grip on the wheel and pressed a bit more firmly on the gas. "We should be there in just a minute."

With a practiced flick, you gently removed your headphones, the soft fabric sliding away from your ears. The immersive symphony of music, which had been your partner during the ride, began to dissipate. The final notes lingered a moment longer, a faint echo that slowly faded into the backdrop of your surroundings.

"When you drop me off," you said, leaning slightly forward, your gaze fixed on the driver's reflection in the rearview mirror, "please make sure my belongings are dispatched to my house."

He nodded, his hands steady on the wheel. "Of course," he replied, his voice calm and reassuring. "I'll ensure someone takes care of it promptly. You can count on it."

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four.

You gently reached for the door handle, your fingers curling around it with a tentative grip. You pulled it slowly, just enough to feel the latch give slightly, but you held back from swinging it open.