You Owe Me A Date

Kayla, wearied by the twists of her journey, finally returned to the comfort of a familiar place. As she approached, Kiara's voice emerged, a gentle disruption to the stillness that surrounded them.

In a tone laced with concern, Kiara asked, "What took you so long?"

The weariness in Kayla's eyes was evident as she replied, "Had a little bit of an issue there; someone got stuck in the bathroom, and I had to lend a helping hand."

"Oh, that's okay," Kiara responded, her understanding like a soothing balm to the atmosphere.

"By the way, there was an alarm ring." Startled, Kayla's response carried a sense of time slipping away, "3 pm."

"Oh, I have to be home now," urgency lacing her words. The two friends swiftly departed, heading homeward

—

The atmosphere in the conference room grew palpably tense as Darren's words hung in the air: "We have to start paying serious attention from now." The gravity of the statement settled over the assembled employees".

"Our studio is incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with EpicVerse Publishers on the release of their much-anticipated novel-movie, aptly titled "Twisted Fates." This exciting venture promises to bring together the creative prowess of both our studio and the esteemed EpicVerse Publishers, marking a significant milestone in our cinematic journey." He added.

"The CEO assigned I and Kiara into handling the business with the EpicVerse Publishers." Before another word could be spoken, a spontaneous applause erupted, punctuating the Monday morning with a mix of enthusiasm and curiosity.

As Darren took the center stage, Lora's discontent was palpable. The news that Darren and Kiara would be working together seemed to cast a shadow over her spirits.

"We have to work closely into making this a success, and harder too," Darren's voice resonated with determination. His words, a rallying cry for the challenges that lay ahead.

Darren's announcement took an unexpected turn as he introduced the director, creating a stir of excitement.

"Here is Director Kim"

"We hired him to work with us on this," he declared, prompting another interlude of applause, signaling the seriousness and ambition of the upcoming venture.

Amidst the applause, Darren addressed Kiara with a directive, "Kiara, meet me in my office after this," adding an air of mystery to the unfolding narrative as the meeting reached its conclusion.

Lora's eyes lit up as she approached Kiara, a heartwarming yet slightly suspicious smile playing on her lips. "Congratulations, Kiara," she expressed with genuine warmth.

"Thank you," Kiara replied, her voice reflecting both gratitude and a hint of modesty.

Lora continued, her words resonating with mentorship, "This is another testament to your abilities, ensuring you stand among the best workers we have. Feel free to ask me for any help when you're in need of it," she added, extending a supportive gesture.

Kiara, reciprocating with a gracious smile, responded, "Very well, thank you. I have to be off to the production manager's office now," her tone carrying a sense of urgency as she prepared to embark on her next endeavor.

Lora gracefully continued her journey to her workplace, showcasing a confident and elegant catwalk as she moved forward with purpose. Her every step exuded a sense of poise and style.

—

Darren, seated with Kiara and the director in the office, revealing the plans for the upcoming project. "Work starts tomorrow," he declared. "We'll have the casts and crews ready."

"The first step to be taken would be directing the screenwriter to curate a pool of contract workers for diverse projects – crafting original scripts and adapting existing material, and our goal is to capture the essence of the novel within the constraints of film storytelling."

Turning to the director, Darren conveyed confidence. "You'll bring the vision to life. Casting decisions and the production's initiation hinge on your involvement in creating sets, costumes, and defining the overall visual style before filming begins."

"Noted" They both said in accordance to what Darren said.

He elaborated on various points, and thereafter the meeting was concluded.

—-

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over downtown LA, Kiara, Nolan, and Darren strolled leisurely, enveloped in the afterglow of Kiara's recent success. Pride resonated in Nolan's voice as he remarked, "This is a good start for you, Kiara."

Darren's genuine joy echoed through his words, "You only started with us a few months ago, and already the CEO has noticed your efficiency."

The trio continued their walk with the city's energy palpable around them.l, Nolan admitted, "Didn't bring my car today,"

Kiara was prompted to suggest, "We could do a bit of exercise today," a proposal met with agreement from both Nolan and Darren.

As they weaved through the bustling streets, the trio's camaraderie was evident.

"My place is farther, I'm sorry I'd have to take a cab from here," Kayla acknowledged, as they reached a certain point, leaving Kiara and Nolan alone amidst the enchanting beauty of downtown LA.

With a gesture filled with warmth, Nolan offered to Kiara, "I'll walk you home since I live just two streets away."

The urban landscape served as a backdrop to Nolan's reminder, "You still owe me a date."

Kiara chuckled, "Oh yeah."

"Would you be free after the shooting tomorrow?" Nolan inquired.

"Yeah, I will."

"Then how about we do it tomorrow?"

"That's fine," Kiara agreed.

"But this time at my place," Nolan suggested.

"My house is not far from yours. How about we go to my place directly from work, and then I walk you over to your place after that?"

"Ok, that's cool with me."

Approaching the doorstep of Kiara's apartment, Nolan, with a hint of playfulness, remarked, "Ok, I guess it's time to say goodbye."

"Yeah," Kiara replied, a shared understanding lingering in the air.

"Ok, goodnight then. Make sure to sleep well," Nolan said, his words carrying a genuine concern for her well-being.

"Thank you," Kiara said, her smile radiating gratitude as she entered her house.