Chapter Text
Ding
Another one. How many numbers has he used at this point? I sigh, hesitant to read the text sent by my ex-boyfriend.
"Stop leaving me on read and stop blocking me"
"You should be grateful I even decided to give you another chance so you better take it"
Tsk. Second chance my ass! Acting all high and mighty when in reality he was the one who got dumped!
I had given up blocking him—it’s not like he’ll magically stop trying anyway. Besides, it’s good to be wary of where he’s at. After all, keep your friends close but your enemies closer.
My alarm went off, signaling the end of my lunch break.
The rest of the workday went by like a breeze. However, just as I was about to get out of my seat to clock out, Captain Jenna entered the room. “Sorry for the last minute notice, but something urgent came up, and I require everyone to work overtime today. Please check the file I sent you guys.”
Grumbles rippled across the room. I let out a sigh and opened my email.
Twenty minutes into the project, my phone buzzed.
Ding
I jolted.
What could he possibly want this time? I slowly reached for my phone and let out a sigh of relief upon seeing it’s from Thomas.
"Miss [Y/N], could you please tell Rafayel to finalize the painting for his auction in a few days? He’s blocked me and I have been unable to reach him."
"Thank you."
____________
"Of course! I’ll tell him after I clock out."
I typed back.
For the next few hours, I resumed my project, but couldn’t focus. All I could think about was my ex-boyfriend. What if he finds out where I live? He hasn’t followed me home yet—but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t eventually.
Seeing my anxious face, Tara peeked over.
“Everything alright?” She asked.
“Yeah!” I answered quickly. “I just want to go home.”
“Me too. This is tedious, who files a report at this hour?”
I nod in agreement, forcing a smile to hide my anxiety.
By the time the clock struck 1 AM, most people had already clocked out. However, I stayed behind, using this project as an excuse to delay going outside and potentially exposing myself to my ex.
“Everything alright?” Captain Jenna asked, approaching me. “Why haven’t you left?”
“I’m almost done. I just need to perfect this.”
She nodded, though her expression made it obvious she didn't believe me. She stood watching me for a moment, before speaking again.
“You know, if you have something on your mind, you can tell me.”
“I’m fine, really!” I respond, trying to sound enthusiastic.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes!”
“Alright then…don’t overwork yourself.” She turned to leave. “I know I threw this at you last minute but your health still comes first.”
“Mhm.”
I worked until there is literally nothing to perfect anymore, before clocking out at 1:46 AM.
I speed-walked to the subway station and boarded the train. At this hour, it was mostly empty—just me and a few scattered passengers.
As the subway began to move, I couldn’t help but feel as though someone was watching me. At the far end of the cart sat a hooded man with his head down.
It couldn’t be him, right? I’m just paranoid, right? I thought to myself. After much contemplation, I decided it was best to stop at Rafayel’s place and figure out what to do then.
As I got off the subway, the hooded man remained seated, putting my heart at ease. I walked to Mo Art Studio and opened his door using the passcode Rafayel had given me.
“[Y/N]?” He said, surprised. “What are you doing here at this hour?”
“Ah...” I hadn’t thought of an excuse.
“Well since you’re here, I’m not complaining." He stretched. "I need inspiration, wanna come take a walk with me at the beach?”
“Sure!”