The front door opened, and Ciara stumbled in like she'd just walked through a sandstorm. She kicked off her shoes, dropped her bag, and let out a long, tired sigh.
Pinky raised an eyebrow from the couch. "That bad?"
Ciara flopped beside her and pointed dramatically. "He said he still wants an apology."
Pinky blinked. "Still? I literally tried earlier."
Ciara threw a hand over her face. "I know. But he said it didn't count. He wants something that sounds... real."
Pinky sat up, confused. "He didn't even give me a chance. He opened the door, stared, and walked off before I said more than 'hello.' That was this morning, not last week."
"I told him you came with good intentions," Ciara said. "But he's stubborn."
"I was ready to apologize," Pinky said, her tone calm but firm. "I even rehearsed in my head. And then he walked off like I wasn't even standing there."
"I know how he is. Everything's a matter of pride."
Pinky huffed. "I admit I messed up. I shouldn't have been disrespectful while trying to help since he's your boss. That was on me."
Ciara gave a small nod. "Thanks for saying that."
"But still," Pinky added, "he didn't need to snub me like I crashed his wedding. That was just rude."
"So, no second apology?" Ciara asked gently.
"Nope. I'll take snacks. I'll take wine. I'll take your Netflix password. But that apology? Nah. He lost that privilege when he acted like I was the hallway."
Ciara laughed. "You're really standing on business today."
Pinky grinned. "On business and on a budget."
---
Later that night, Fuji leaned back in his chair, phone pressed to his ear. The balcony air was cool, but his mind was still heated.
"Of course you know she walked out on me," he said. "No fight, no words. Just said no and left."
Mikel chuckled softly. "And when she came back today?"
"She greeted me. I ignored her and walked off."
Mikel whistled. "Cold."
"She didn't look like she meant to apologize."
"You didn't give her the chance."
"I didn't want a fake one."
"She showed up at least, Fuji. That has to mean something."
Fuji exhaled. "She acted like she couldn't be bothered."
"You sure this isn't just about pride?"
"It's about respect."
"And possibly… feelings?" Mikel teased.
Fuji narrowed his eyes. "What?"
"I mean, is this some kind of love-at-first-sight situation? Because you're spending a lot of energy on someone you don't like."
Fuji scoffed. "Don't start."
"You're emotionally invested. Admit it."
"I'm annoyed. That's different."
"Sure it is," Mikel said with a laugh. "That's why she's still in your head."
Fuji didn't respond.
---
The next morning, Fuji adjusted his tie in the mirror. His shirt was crisp, his jaw freshly shaved. The routine calmed him. Order helped him think.
He stepped into his car and drove, letting the music play low. The world outside was quiet, and for the first time in days, so was his head.
Until he pulled into the parking lot.
She was there.
Lisa.
His ex.
Walking like she still owned the sidewalk. Hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, black skirt hugging her hips, white blouse tucked just enough to be graceful without being formal. Her skin glowed. Her eyes scanned the building like she belonged.
Still beautiful. Still sharp. Still the one person who had turned his confidence inside out.
She hadn't seen him yet.
But the second she turned—and spotted him—her smile bloomed like nothing had happened.
"Fuji?" she called, casual and sweet, like their past didn't sting.
He stood frozen.
Lisa was still smiling. Still walking toward him.
Why now?
And why here?
Fuji didn't move at first.
Lisa stood in front of him like she belonged there. Her smile was effortless—too easy for someone who had once shattered him.
"Didn't expect to run into you this morning," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "How long's it been?"
"Almost two years," he replied quietly, still not sure if this was real.
"Right," she said, as if remembering. "Time flies."
There was an awkward silence before she spoke again, her tone lighter. "I'm back to take over my dad's company. It's just a few blocks from here."
Fuji's jaw tightened slightly. "So you're here for work?"
Lisa nodded. "Mostly. He's not in the best shape, and someone needs to keep things afloat. I figured it was time to step up."
Fuji gave a small nod, but didn't say anything.
"I didn't know your office was this close," she added. "Guess I'll be seeing you around."
That was the part he didn't like—seeing her around.
Lisa tilted her head slightly, studying his face. "You look good, Fuji. Still quiet, still sharp."
"I'm not the same," he said.
She smiled again, but it didn't reach her eyes this time. "Neither am I."
He didn't know what she was fishing for—comfort, familiarity, or maybe a clean slate. But all he felt was tension in his chest. A tightness he hadn't expected to return.
"Anyway," she said, taking a small step back, "I didn't mean to interrupt your morning. Just… wanted to say hi."
Fuji gave a polite nod. "Have a good day."
"You too," Lisa replied, turning around and walking off like nothing had happened.
But something had. And he could feel it twisting in his gut the moment she disappeared from view.
---
Later that day, Fuji sat across from Mikel at their usual lunch spot. The place was casual, quiet—perfect for conversation.
"She's back," Fuji said flatly.
Mikel blinked. "Who?"
"Lisa."
Mikel paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. "You serious?"
Fuji nodded.
"Man... where?"
"She showed up outside my office this morning. Said she's back to run her father's company. It's nearby."
Mikel let out a low whistle. "That's wild."
"She acted like nothing happened," Fuji said, pushing food around his plate. "Like she didn't ghost me with a trail of lies and cheating."
Mikel leaned back in his chair. "And how did you act?"
"Like I was made of stone," Fuji said. "But inside? I was burning."
Mikel watched him for a second. "It's okay to still feel it. That breakup did damage."
Fuji clenched his jaw. "I thought I moved on. Then I saw her, and all that weight came back."
"Closure is a tricky thing," Mikel said. "Especially when the person who hurt you shows up acting brand new."
Fuji nodded slowly. "She said we'll be seeing each other often."
"You ready for that?"
"No."
"Then don't fake it," Mikel said. "Protect your peace. Say what needs to be said if she pushes too far."
Fuji sighed. "I just want to forget."
"Maybe now's the time to finally finish what she started."
---
That evening, Fuji walked into the house later than usual. He was quiet, lost in thought, his steps heavier than normal.
Ciara looked up from the living room. "Evening, sir."
"Evening," he replied, barely meeting her eyes.
She studied his face as he passed by—tired, detached, like someone carrying a lot he didn't want to share.
She hesitated before asking, "Is everything okay?"
He paused but didn't stop walking. "Just a long day."
Ciara watched him disappear into his room and exhaled.
She turned back to her phone and typed quickly:
CIARA: I think he's still mad about what happened with you.
PINKY: Damn. That bad?
CIARA: He's not shouting or anything… but he's different. Quiet. Closed off.
PINKY: Maybe he needs cake. Or therapy.
CIARA: Or both.
She smiled at the screen, but deep down, she wondered—Was it really just about Pinky?
She didn't know.
And Fuji wasn't talking.