Ashen_Lore
Sylvie's POV
"Oh my god," she whispered, gripping my arm. "Look at him."
I barely had time to react before she launched into a frenzy, rattling off his most attractive features-his height, his confidence, the way his shirt somehow looked expensive even if it wasn't.
"Should I take a picture? Just for research purposes," she murmured, already fumbling with her phone.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Nia, you are unbelievable."
Ignoring me, she found a nearby chair and plopped down, sighing dramatically. "I'll just sit here. Best view in the cafe."
She continued raving about his perfect existence while I watched, half amused, half exasperated.
"My crazy friend," I muttered, unable to stop smiling at her antics.
For all her dramatics, Nia had a way of making life brighter, simpler, funnier.
And today? I was grateful for that.
Nicolai's POV
Grabbing my jacket, I stepped outside. The cold bit against my skin, sharp and grounding. I walked, letting my mind shift between problems, tasks, deadlines-anything but distractions.
But the night had a way of reminding me.
The city breathed around me, alive with fragments of other people's lives-the chatter of college students, the ringing of laughter, the clatter of dishes in nearby cafΓ©s. They lived easily, without urgency, spending time like currency that had no limits.
Not now. Not yet.
I checked my phone absentmindedly-half expecting, half dreading.
A new message.
I unlocked the screen, scanning the notification:
"Error in app launch. Functionality failing. Immediate resolution needed."
Of course.
I typed back, keeping my response precise:
"Understood. Set up a meeting at 10 PM. I'll be back in an hour. Prepare a full report on the issue."
No unnecessary words. No wasted time.
Sliding my phone back into my pocket, I resumed my walk, letting the city unfold around me.
Blends of Nicolai's world of technology with Sylvie's emotional journey-reminding readers that beneath every line of code lies a human story.