Chapter 24: An Opportunity

I glanced behind at Aries who had a pensive expression on his face. I furrowed my brows and looked ahead, looking at my feet as I tried not to trip.

Why is he looking all serious? Was it something I said? Is he just really angry that I looked after Little Aries? I said I would stop didn't I? Does this mean he doesn't trust me?

"Aries I..."

"Sol. I am going back." Aries cut me off, something he seldom did.

"Huh? Back...?"

"I have something to do. Let's head in first." Aries said as he took my wrist and led me to the entrance of the lab.

Something to do? So... He's leaving for another month? But... No... He informed me this time unlike last time.... It's fine...

"We're here." Aries said as he unlocked the door and handed me the keys.

"Oh... You're... right..."

"Don't look so gloomy. I just need to tie up some loose ends. I'll be back soon. And unlike last time, I'll pick up your calls on the first ring." Aries said as he smiled, gently patting my head.

"First ring... hahha! Okay then. Stay safe. Just so you know, you're still under observation." I said, grinning as I placed my hands on my hips.

"Alright. See you later, Sol." Aries said as headed down the mountain.

I watched his back receding in the background as I felt the cold surround me. I had grown used to having him beside me that his absence was so strong.

I shut the door and headed in as I pondered what Aries meant by tying up loose ends. Did he mean his work? Uni? I don't know...

"No, no... I should focus on the matter at hand." I shook my head as I sat at my desk, staring at the blueprints in front of me.

"A discussion open to all developers by YY Company... I can't miss it! I've been staying up trying to finish up my research just for this... I'm certain it would work!" I clenched my fist as I stared at the pile of papers I had stacked beside me.

It took longer than I expected to finish because I was really down and worried the entirety of last month but... Aries is back. I just need to focus on this for now.

"Anyways... I'm confident this would work! I've already researched and checked the blueprints to see whether it lined up with what I imagined it to look like. Maybe this year I'll get the green lights from the others!" I grinned as I enclosed the documents in a folder and checked my tablet to inspect the data.

Ah, tomorrow is a good day.

***

It's not a good day. I... how did I mess up on the day right after I said everything was going to work out?

I glanced around at the meeting room filled with other people. They had a partner to converse with, perhaps from collaborations and the like but I... I'm all alone here...

I sipped on the coffee placed in front of me before the meeting began and fidget about in my seat. I woke up early and left the lab, heading to this place with just enough time to explore the area...

But...

"Sighhhhh~" I leaned my head into my palms in disappointment.

I had left the documents on the desk. It would be fine if I brought it but I didn't. Its a good thing I brought the tablet.

"Oh? You're here too, senior?" someone asked as I felt my back being tapped.

"Who? ... Oh..." I stared at the man standing in front of me.

Black messy hair, thick glasses and a sharp gaze. The junior that always sells his products! Gosh! He was here?!

"Senior? Cat got your tongue? Did you forget my name?"

"Hahahha... No way. H-how could I forget the name of my amazing junior." I laughed awkwardly as I shook his outstretched hand.

He squeezed it firmly and gave me a wicked grin before heading to his seat. I glanced at him and frowned.

Anything I propose, he would always try to one up me. And that would still be fine if it didn't work out or the original idea was still mine. However, it's like luck is always on his side.

He gets all the credit, his projects always works, he gets the largest client base, etc. These facts alone are enough to shake a person. I somehow feel reluctant to be here already.

I sighed as I stared at the tablet in front of me.

Feeling dejected, I weighed my options in participating the discussion or not. However, thinking of the time I spent coming up with such an idea... I wanted to voice it out first.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking the time out to participate in the annual blah blah blah" an emcee greeted us as they introduced the company and the like.

I zoned out for a bit during their long introduction before the sponsor of the event gave his speech.

He had silvery white hair and jewelled ruby eyes. A sharp nose and pale white skin. Is that what you call albinism? It's the first time I saw someone like that. How beautiful...

The person and I made eye contact. My face felt hot as they smiled in my direction. It felt like I got caught looking at someone I had a crush on. What a weird feeling for someone I've seen once.

The discussion began soon after the man was done with his speech. Come to think of it, I didn't get to hear his name. I wonder what it was. His looks are... comparable to Aries. But of course, it's a tall order initiating conversation with beautiful people.

Just as I was listening to another scientist's idea, I noticed my junior grinning at me. I frowned as I felt my stomach begin to twist. It was a bad idea coming here today.

Oh, I forgot to mention my junior's name? It was definitely on purpose. See, I hate how condescending he is towards me. He used to be all bright eyes and sparkles when we first met... But now... after his works have been taken cognizance of... He keeps looking down from his high horse! Geez! I didn't do much to ruffle his feathers, why does he like to talk down on me?!

"Organiser, I'm actually pretty interested in Sol's work. He said he really wanted to get some feedback on his ideas." my junior said.

I knew he was up to something. I glared at him but he merely smiled and leaned forward in his seat, almost as if he couldn't wait to watch me slip up.

If it weren't for the fact that I left my documents behind, I could have gone into my research in full details and with the necessary studies for them. However, I only had my tablet with simplifications on the subject and I couldn't remember all the points.

Forget it, I'll take the opportunity that had presented itself! Opportunity doesn't knock twice! Too bad for you, junior, I will make full use of this chance you have giv---

My eyes fell onto the tablet before me as I noticed it beginning to smoke. No way! My research! Also, why are the newer gadgets getting more and more fragile?!

This was why I liked using old devices. With a little tinkering, they last longer and can handle most of the newer systems that we use.

But enough of that, back to the topic at hand.

I felt like my face turned pale as I found myself drained mentally and emotionally. Without the rough points, I could still make do. However, the tablet contained some data that I had extracted to validate my points. Without it, my idea was pretty much nothing special.

Nevertheless, I took the chance. I straightened the mic at my corner of the wide meeting desk and opened my mouth to speak. Whatever comes next doesn't matter. I just want my efforts to be recognised.

***

I sighed as I looked at my busted tablet, glancing at it and perusing its body. I might have to get a new one. This one doesn't seem repairable.

"Sol Alairis?" a man's voice startled me as I jumped, tossing the tablet out of my hand.

"Ah..." We both gasped at the same time as I watched my tablet slide down the slope and sink into the lake.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I'll recompensate you." the man said with an apologetic voice.

I stared at my effort and hard work that just went for a swim and pondered the man's words. It was already busted but since he is offering... No, no, no... wouldn't I be a swindler then?

"Mr Alairis?" the man asked again as I turned towards him apologetically, pulling myself out of my thoughts.

"Yes? I'm sorry, I was thinking about someth--" I trailed off as I saw the beautiful man from earlier. The... sponsor? No way?! Why is he talking to me?

"Oh, it's alright. I was just about to ask you in regards to what you had mentioned." the man said with a smooth voice. It sounded polite and reserved yet in some way refreshing. It didn't really match his demeanor.

"What I... mentioned? You mean..." I gasped as I pointed at him then at me and felt my entire body begin to tremble.

"Yes, it is precisely as you have said. I would like to know if I could read on the research you have done. You mentioned you had the necessary documents at home right?" the man said as he smiled at me.

My cheeks flushed as I nodded. He really was beautiful. It might be because this was the first albino person I've seen, but wow... he is stunning.

The sunlight that reflected off his hair made him look like an angel. His pale skin looked translucent as I thought of that one movie twilight. It sort of reminded me of the scene where Edward sparkled but this was something else. Also that scene was such a conversation starter amongst movie goers... kinda coz they wanted to Diss the show but, yeah.

"Mr Alairis?" the man asked again as I quickly nodded, pulling my transfixed gaze off from his bejewelled ruby eyes.

"Sorry? Yes?"

"Do I have permission to go over to your lab to peruse the documents?" the man asked.

"Oh... yes. Of course. Would you like to head over now?" I asked before my stomach decided to chime in.

"..." the silence that filled the atmosphere was awfully deafening before the man decided to break the silence.

"Shall we make a stop at a diner?" the man asked as he pointed to the shopping district nearby.

"I'm really sorry... But yes, please." I replied as I felt my face heating up.