Work Text:
Today is just another day at Amphoreus Cycles. The hum of printers, the clicking of keyboards, and the faint whirring of machines fill the office floor with its usual morning rhythm.
Aglaea sits in the lounge with one leg over the other, a steaming mug of coffee in hand. Her pen glides swiftly over her report, her focus unshakable, or so it seems.
The lounge door opens with a soft click. Anaxa strides in, his white shirt perfectly pressed and tie tucked neatly into place. His green hair catches the fluorescent light.
Their eyes meet across the room, only for a second, before both look away as if nothing happened.
Aglaea lowers her gaze back to her document, lips pressing into a thin line. Anaxa heads straight to the coffee machine, fiddling with the buttons while humming under his breath, clearly aware of her presence.
Once his cup is full, Anaxa takes a casual sip, then strolls past Aglaea’s table. Just as he passes her shoulder, his arm tilts ever so slightly, and hot coffee spills across her neatly written report, staining the ink into an ugly brown blur.
“Oops. My apologies.” He says smoothly, not sounding sorry in the slightest.
Aglaea stares at the ruined pages, her jaw tightening. Slowly, she lifts her gaze to him, eyes narrowing like daggers. “You jerk!”
In one swift motion, she grabs her own mug and tosses the remainder of her coffee across his pristine white shirt. Coffee splatters across the fabric in dark blotches. Without waiting for his response, she grabs her bag and storms out of the lounge.
“Hey!” Anaxa shouts after her, staring down at the mess spreading over his shirt. His jaw tightens, his brow furrows. “That woman’s unbelievable.” He mutters under his breath, grabbing tissues from the counter and dabbing furiously at the stain.
Aglaea marches to the printer room, mumbling. “Now I’ll have to rewrite the entire report thanks to that man.” She jams the print button with more force than necessary, the machine whirring to life.
Suddenly, a voice breaks through her frustration.
“Hey, Aglaea, you free tonight?”
She jumps slightly, then turns around. Cipher leans casually against the wall, hands in her pockets and a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.
Aglaea exhales sharply through her nose. “No. I have paperwork to finish before the deadline. Why?”
Cipher tilts her head, feigning innocence. “There’s a party tonight. You should come. You’ve been working yourself into the ground these past few weeks. Live a little. Not everything is about work, y’know.”
Aglaea folds her arms, tapping her foot against the floor. Her expression hardens into a glare. “Don’t you have work to do? There’s a meeting tomorrow.”
“Eh.” Cipher waves a hand dismissively. “I’ll get it done. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” She leans in closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “But seriously, when’s the last time you slept properly? You look like you’re about to pass out.”
Aglaea narrows her eyes, bristling. “Unnecessary details. I’ll get another cup of coffee later.”
Cipher smirks, unbothered. “Suit yourself. I’ll send you the details anyway. Just in case you change your mind.” She winks before sauntering off.
Aglaea rolls her eyes, snatching her freshly printed report from the tray. “I doubt it.” She mutters under her breath. Still, a tiny sigh escapes her lips as she heads back toward her desk, report clutched firmly in hand.
Throughout the day, Aglaea darts around the office, moving between meetings, checking on colleagues’ progress, and handling her own pile of never-ending paperwork. Her heels click against the polished floor as she navigates through the emptying workspace.
Soon, darkness falls outside, and the office grows quiet. The clacking of her keyboard echoes across the near-empty office as she types furiously, papers stacked haphazardly around her. Multiple empty coffee cups litter her desk, a testament to her usual overworking habits.
“Still working?” A smooth, familiar voice calls from behind her.
Aglaea freezes mid-typing, instantly recognizing the voice. Her shoulders stiffen as she straightens and spins around to face him.
“Anaxagoras.” She says, tone clipped but polite. “What can I do for you? It’s after work hours. Shouldn’t you be heading home?”
Anaxa steps closer, hands casually in his pockets, scanning the mess of coffee cups and scattered papers on her desk. “I could ask you the same thing.” He raises an eyebrow. “Don’t you think you’re overdosing on caffeine?”
“I’m perfectly fine.” Aglaea replies, crossing her arms, the slight edge in her voice betraying her irritation. “And for your information, I was planning to leave in a few minutes.”
“Uh-huh. Sure.” Anaxa says, clearly unconvinced. His eyes glint with amusement as he watches her.
Aglaea narrows her eyes, glaring at him but says nothing, focusing on shutting her laptop.
“You should really start taking care of yourself.” Anaxa continues, voice low but earnest. “Wouldn’t want you passing out from exhaustion.”
“If you’re done, please leave.” Aglaea snaps, exasperation lacing her words.
Anaxa straightens, giving her one last measured look before stepping back. “Fine. I’ll leave you alone. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” With that, he walks toward the exit, his footsteps echoing in the empty office.
As his footsteps fade into the hallway, Aglaea slumps back into her chair, letting out a long, frustrated sigh. “Ugh… that man is infuriating.” She mutters under her breath.
Glancing at the clock, she notices it’s already 7 p.m. Maybe I should actually go home… she thinks. With renewed determination, she shuts off her laptop, gathers her handbag, and stacks the coffee cups to carry to the sink. I’ll deal with these tomorrow, she decides. After a quick double-check to ensure nothing is left behind, she grabs her coat and heads for the door.
On her way home, she pulls out her phone, scrolling through notifications. One catches her eye, it was a message from Cipher.
Cipher
[10:00 a.m.]
Party at 8 p.m. at Okhema Bar. Forget about work and come join the party~
Aglaea rolls her eyes, her lips twitching with amusement. Who does Cipher think I have the time to go partying at a bar? She muses. But as she continues scrolling, she can’t help but feel a spark of temptation. Maybe… just maybe, a night off wouldn’t be so bad.
Everyone’s been telling her to relax, to let loose. And lately, the stress has been suffocating. Maybe a little fun, a little music, a little distraction… it could do her some good.
She pockets her phone, a small smile tugging at her lips, and quickens her pace toward home, already mulling over what to wear and how tonight could be just a tiny rebellion against the life she always controls so tightly.
An hour later.
Aglaea steps out of the cab in front of Okhema Bar, the neon lights painting the sidewalk in pinks and blues. She adjusts her golden off-shoulder bodycon dress, the fabric hugging her curves just right, and runs her fingers through her hair, which cascades down her back in elegant waves. Taking a deep breath, she pushes open the door.
The music thumps, heavy bass vibrating through the floor, and coloured lights pulse across the crowd. Aglaea’s gaze immediately finds Cipher, who is dancing and laughing with Castorice and Hyacine, each holding a champagne flute.
As soon as they spot her, they wave energetically.
“Hey, Aglaea!” Hyacine calls out, her smile wide and cheerful.
“Didn’t know you were into parties.” Castorice comments, raising an eyebrow.
Aglaea shrugs lightly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I could use a break from work.”
Cipher sidles up to her, elbowing her playfully. “See? What did I tell you? You’ve been working yourself to the bone. It’s time to stop thinking about deadlines and let loose a little.”
Castorice’s eyes flick down to her dress with a teasing grin. “Nice dress, by the way. It really shows off your figure.”
Hyacine nods, tilting her head. “Yeah, I’d never thought I’d see the day you wore something that wasn’t strictly formal.”
Aglaea laughs softly, a rare lightness in her voice. “Thank you. Your outfits are lovely as well, very party-appropriate.”
Cipher suddenly shoves a champagne flute into her hand. “Here, try some. It’s sparkling grape. Trust me, it’s sweet.”
Aglaea peers at the fizzy liquid, hesitant. “I don’t… really drink alcohol.”
“C’mon.” Cipher insists, nudging her gently. “It’s just a tiny sip. You’re not going to pass out from one sip.”
Hyacine laughs, rolling her eyes. “Don’t listen to Cipher. She’s probably already half-drunk herself.”
Aglaea smirks, raising an eyebrow. “She better be at the meeting tomorrow.”
Castorice chuckles. “Don’t worry. We’ll make sure she’s conscious and alive tomorrow.”
Aglaea shakes her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Not exactly what I meant, but that works, I guess.”
She lifts the flute and takes a tentative sip. The liquid fizzes on her tongue, sweet and lightly tangy. Her eyes widen slightly. Huh… that’s actually… not bad.
Cipher beams as Aglaea lowers the flute from her lips. “Good, right? They’ve got plenty of other flavors too.”
Aglaea narrows her eyes at her. “Just how much have you drunk already?”
Cipher taps her chin, counting on her fingers. “Five? Six? Eh… who knows.”
Aglaea rubs her temples with a sigh. “You’re truly hopeless.”
“Hopelessly fabulous.” Cipher winks, then bounces toward the bar. “Imma go get another flavor. Be right back!”
While waiting for Cipher to come back, Aglaea swirls the flute in her hand, but suddenly her stomach lurches. A wave of dizziness slams into her. The music, once just loud, now pounds violently in her ears. The flashing lights burn against her eyes, and her balance wavers. Her chest tightens as if the air itself has grown heavy.
“I… I’m going to get some fresh air.” She mutters, setting the flute hastily on a nearby table. Castorice and Hyacine exchange a worried glance as she stumbles toward the exit, her heels clicking unevenly against the floor.
Outside, the cool night air hits her face, but it brings no relief. Instead, the world tilts violently. She clutches a nearby lamp post, knuckles white, as her knees buckle. Her vision blurs, colors bleeding into each other. Her breaths grow shallow and frantic, chest tightening with panic.
No… not here…
Darkness creeps in at the edges of her vision. Her strength gives out, and she collapses.
Just before her body hits the concrete, strong arms catch her mid-fall, steady and sure.
“I told you this would happen if you didn’t take care of yourself.”
The last thing she registers is the warmth of his chest and the steadiness of his hold before darkness swallows her whole.
A few hours later.
Aglaea’s eyelids flutter open, she finds herself tucked beneath a soft blanket, the faint scent of clean linen surrounding her. She sits up slowly, the blanket pooling in her lap. Her head throbs faintly, her thoughts sluggish and scattered.
She scans the dimly lit room—walls painted forest green, a lamp glowing warmly in the corner. Then her gaze lands on a figure sitting quietly in a chair a few feet away, arms crossed, watching her carefully.
“You’re awake.” The figure says softly, setting down a book. “Would you like some porridge?”
Aglaea’s chest tightens at the familiarity of the voice. It takes a moment for her tired brain to piece it together. When he stands and steps into the light, a bowl in hand, her breath catches.
Anaxagoras.
Her rival. Her tormentor. The man who never failed to get under her skin.
And yet here he is, watching over her, concern etched across his usually smug features.
Anaxa holds out a steaming cup of water. His tone leaves no room for argument. “Drink.”
Aglaea accepts it, her fingers brushing his. The warmth seeps into her palms, grounding her. She sips slowly, the liquid soothing the dryness in her throat. Meanwhile, his sharp eyes scan her condition like he’s reading a report.
“You’ve been overworking yourself.” Anaxa states flatly. “Skipping meals. Surviving on caffeine.” His gaze flicks to the faint smell of alcohol lingering on her. “And now you’ve added liquor into the mix. Correct?”
Aglaea doesn’t answer. She simply passes the cup back, then slumps against the headboard, eyes half-lidded.
Anaxa exhales through his nose, clearly unimpressed. “No wonder you collapsed.” He mutters, setting the cup aside. “You’re weak. You should rest for the rest of the week.”
Rest? For a week? The word feels foreign to her. Aglaea can’t remember the last time she allowed herself more than a few hours without working. The thought makes her chest tighten.
“But the meeting…”
“Shh.” Anaxa presses a finger lightly against her lips. His voice softens but stays firm. “The meeting will be fine. You, however, are not. You’re staying here, and I’ll make sure you eat and rest.”
Aglaea’s brows furrow. “But… why? Why would you help your rival?”
Anaxa huffs, a dry laugh escaping him. “Because I’m not heartless. If I was, I would’ve let you crack your skull on the sidewalk and save myself the trouble.”
Aglaea groans softly, rubbing her temples. “Ugh…”
“I’ll get you some porridge.” Anaxa says, rising from the chair. His eyes linger on her pale face before he adds, low and serious. “And don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
The door clicks shut behind him. Aglaea exhales shakily, curling deeper under the blanket. The dizziness still lingers, and her head throbs with each pulse of her heartbeat. Maybe all those years of neglecting her health really had caught up at last.
Moments later, Anaxa returns with a steaming bowl of porridge. He sits on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight. Setting the bowl aside, he gently pats the lump of blanket shielding her.
“Come now. You need food in you before you sleep again.”
“I’m not hungry…” Her voice muffled, sulky, almost childlike.
Anaxa ignores her protest, setting the bowl aside, he leans down and carefully pulls the blanket away from her face. “Just a few bites. If not for your health…” His lips quirk upward. “…then for me?”
Aglaea’s resistance falters when he gently helps her upright, steadying her. Her head tips weakly against his shoulder. “Fine…”
With surprising patience, Anaxa feeds her small spoonfuls of porridge, waiting each time for her to chew. After the third, she pushes the spoon away with a frown.
“Last bite.” He coaxes, holding it just in front of her lips. “Then you can rest.”
Aglaea glares at him weakly, but opens her mouth anyway. He slips the spoon in, and she eats, muttering after swallowing. “No more.”
“Alright.” Anaxa sets the half-finished bowl down and brushes a stray lock of hair from her forehead. “You’ve done enough.”
Too tired to resist, Aglaea sinks back down, resting her head on his lap. He adjusts the blanket over her shoulders, and absentmindedly strokes her hair. “You really should take better care of yourself.”
“Shut up…” She mumbles, cheeks heating.
“You look cute like this.”
Aglaea’s eyes snap open, glaring up at him. “Like what?”
“Vulnerable. Not so guarded.” Anaxa’s gaze softens, his thumb grazes her temple with unexpected gentleness. “Human, even.”
Flustered, Aglaea yanks the blanket over her face. “You’re insufferable.”
Anaxa chuckles, tugging the blanket down just enough to see her flushed face. “Aglaea, dear Aglaea… what has caused your heart to soften? Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me just because I saved you tonight.”
Aglaea’s face burns, and she swats weakly at his chest. “You’re so annoying.”
“Cute.” Anaxa says again, clearly enjoying himself.
“Ugh.” Aglaea groans, covering her face again.
“Alright, alright. I’ll stop teasing you.” Anaxa lifts one hand in mock surrender, then bends down to press a feather-light kiss against her cheek. “Get some rest. I’ll take care of you until you recover.”
Aglaea closes her eyes, unable to fight the warmth curling in her chest. Despite herself, she snuggles closer, chasing the comfort of his presence. Anaxa’s fingers continue stroking gently through her hair, and in the quiet rhythm of his steady touch, they both drift off to sleep.