Boundaries and Business

Two days after the concert, Aria sat on her couch, absentmindedly scrolling through social media. The sun streamed through the apartment window, casting a warm glow on her as she watched a clip from Troy's performance the night before. The crowd was electric, chanting his name as he commanded the stage. His voice was powerful, his presence magnetic—he looked happy, confident, untouchable.

She sighed, setting her phone aside, lost in thought.Just then, Anastasia walked in, her presence filling the space with warmth. "Hi, my love," she greeted, walking over and pressing a soft peck on Aria's lips.

"Hey, Ana. What's up?" Aria asked, shifting slightly to make room for her.

Anastasia plopped down beside her, studying her face. "What's on your mind, Ria?"

Aria exhaled, rubbing her temples. "I'm just stressed. I've got a couple of things to take care of, that's all."

Anastasia smirked playfully. "You know, I could take the stress away," she murmured, moving closer. Her fingers traced the side of Aria's face, then down to her breast ,her touch slow and deliberate. Their lips were just about to meet when—

Aria's phone rang.

She groaned, pulling away as she glanced at the screen. Troy.

"Hey, Troy. Wassup?" she answered.

"Hey, Aria. I want us to have a meeting about my next project," Troy said. "I would've suggested my apartment, but it's been a while since we actually chilled. Let's grab a drink at The Violet Hour in Wicker Park. What do you think?"

Aria sat up, intrigued. The Violet Hour was a high-end cocktail bar known for its expertly crafted drinks and intimate atmosphere. "Wow, that's an amazing idea. I'll be there soon."

As she hung up, Anastasia's expression shifted.

"What's going on?" Ana asked.

"I'll be with Troy in a couple of minutes. We have a meeting."

Ana scoffed, crossing her arms. "Hmm. Okay."

Aria noticed the sadness in her voice.

"You've been working hard lately without looking at me," Ana murmured, her gaze dropping.

Guilt tugged at Aria's chest. She reached for Ana's hands, squeezing them gently. "I'm so sorry, my love. I promise, once I'm back, we'll spend time together. Just us."

Ana sighed but nodded. "You always say that."

Aria pressed a lingering kiss to her lips. "And I always mean it."

She then got up, heading to her room to freshen up. A fitted black dress, subtle yet elegant makeup, and a sleek pair of heels later, she emerged. "See you later, babe," she called, grabbing her purse.

Ana only hummed in response, watching her leave.

Aria stepped into a cab. "Good day. I'm heading to The Violet Hour," she said to the driver.

"At your service, ma'am," he responded, pulling into the street.

A few minutes later, she arrived at the stylish cocktail bar. The ambiance was intimate yet lively, the dim lighting casting a sultry glow over the patrons sipping their expensive drinks.

Troy was already there, seated at a booth in the corner. Dressed in what Aria internally dubbed his fuck-boy attractive outfit, he effortlessly commanded attention. Heads turned as he sat there, radiating effortless charm.

He spotted her from across the room and waved.

She walked toward him, taking in the ambiance. "Troy, this place is incredible," she said, impressed.

Just as he was about to respond, a group of young women, dressed like runway models, suddenly rushed over, squealing.

"Oh my God! Benjackson Troy!" they gushed.

Troy, ever the charmer, flashed them a dazzling grin. "Hey, ladies."

Aria sighed, already seeing where this was going.

"I'm Katy," one of the girls said, stepping forward with wide eyes. "One of your biggest fans! Can we take a picture?"

Aria finally lost her patience. She stood up, crossing her arms. "Hello, hoes."

The group froze, their excited energy shifting.

"This isn't just some local celebrity you can snap a cheap phone camera picture with," Aria continued coolly.

"Aria, relax, they're just fans," Troy muttered, though he didn't look too concerned.

Aria turned to them with a pointed stare. "If you want to talk to Troy, you come through me. I'm his manager. You can't just bring your skinny selves up here like this."

The girls exchanged glances, suddenly unsure.

One of them quickly mumbled, "We're so sorry for our manners."

But Katy wasn't backing down. She stepped closer, placing a bold hand on Troy's arm. "Well, I'm not sorry," she said, voice dripping with confidence. Leaning in, she whispered, can I have your number? .

Aria didn't even hesitate. She reached out and removed Katy's hand from his body.

"I'd advise you all to leave. Now. Before I call security for causing a nuisance."

The other girls immediately backed off, dragging Katy with them. But before leaving, Katy turned and blew Troy a kiss.

To Aria's horror, Troy caught it and winked back, the thoughts of fucking the hell outta Katy were running through his head.

Aria clenched her jaw.

"Troy. Troy. Troy."

Finally, he turned to her, blinking. "Yes, Aria?"

She exhaled sharply. "You shouldn't let your fans have that much access to you. It's wrong."

Troy smirked, leaning back in his seat as the waiter approached with the drink he had already ordered. "Relax. It's just a little harmless fun," he said, picking up his glass.

Aria narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "That's the problem. You think it's harmless."

He raised a brow, amused. "And what do you think it is?" he asked, taking a slow sip of his drink.

Aria didn't answer right away. Instead, she picked up her cocktail, swirling it in her glass. She took a small sip, letting the moment stretch before finally speaking.

"I'm your manager, Troy. But not just that—I'm your friend. We've known each other since college, and I really don't like how you're living your life just because of a mere heartbreak. I don't want it fucking up your career."

Troy's expression remained unreadable as he took another sip, his eyes laced with sarcasm.

"Take women off your list and focus," Aria continued firmly. "They just want your money. They don't love you. But I'll always be here for you, okay? As a friend."

Troy let out a small chuckle, swirling his glass. "Damn, Ria. That almost sounded like a love confession."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. After all your achievements, when you do decide to get a girlfriend, let me see her first. I need to scan her—make sure she's good for you."

Troy smirked. "Scan her? What, like airport security?"

Aria shot him a look. "Exactly."

Troy exhaled, shaking his head with amusement. "You really take this manager role seriously."

"Damn right I do."

He tapped his fingers against his glass for a moment, then leaned forward slightly. "Alright, manager, I've got something to tell you. I'm working on a new song—'Fuck Boy Anthem'."

Aria blinked, then let out a short laugh. "Wait, what?"

"You heard me," Troy grinned. "I'll be recording it tomorrow and launching it at my apartment the day after."

Aria's lips curled into a smirk. "You know, I should be worried about that title, but honestly? That's amazing news."

"I thought you'd say that."

"When you're done recording, send it to me. I'll review it, then pass it on to the team for upload, as usual."

Troy nodded, lifting his glass. "To more wins ."

Aria clinked her glass against his. "To success—and better decisions."

Fuck you, Troy said.

Fuck you too, Aria replied. And they both chuckled 

After their drinks, Troy and Aria left The Violet Hour together, stepping into the cool night air. The streets were still buzzing with life—groups of people laughing outside bars, taxis speeding by, and neon lights flickering against the pavement.

"You need a ride home?" Troy asked, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Aria shook her head. "I'll get a cab. You should head back too. Got a big day tomorrow."

Troy smirked. "Yeah, yeah, boss lady." He pulled out his phone, scrolling through his notifications. "Oh, damn. Looks like my 'fans' from earlier found my Instagram."

Aria rolled her eyes. "Let me guess—DMs filled with thirst traps and bad pickup lines?"

Troy laughed. "Absolutely."

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You need to start setting boundaries, Troy. You can't keep entertaining every woman who throws themselves at you."

"Why not?" he teased, winking.

Aria gave him a deadpan look. "Because one day, it's gonna bite you in the ass."

Troy's smirk faltered for a split second, but he covered it with a shrug. "I hear you. I do. But you know what, Ria? It's easier this way."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

Troy leaned against a street lamp, staring at the road. "Relationships? Love? All that shit? It's messy. It hurts. And I'm not doing that again."

Aria softened. She knew what he was talking about—her. The woman who broke him.

"Troy…" she started, but he cut her off with a small, bitter smile.

"You don't have to say anything. I already know what you're thinking." He exhaled, looking up at the sky. "But I'm fine, Ria. Really. I just wanna focus on my music, have fun, and not overthink shit."

Aria crossed her arms. "That's not fine, Troy. That's numbing yourself."

He turned to face her then, his green eyes locked onto hers. "Maybe numbing is better."

She didn't know what to say to that.

For a long moment, they just stood there, the noise of the city around them.

Finally, Troy cleared his throat. "Anyway. Thanks for tonight. And for, you know… looking out for me."

Aria nodded. "Always."

A cab pulled up, and she opened the door before glancing back at him. "Don't get into trouble before your recording session."

Troy smirked. "No promises."

She shook her head but smiled as she got in.

As the cab drove off, Aria leaned against the seat, staring out the window.

Troy was hurting more than he let on. And no matter how much she tried to help him, she knew—he was the only one who could pull himself out of it.

But would he? Or was he too far gone?

She wasn't sure. And that worried her.