On The Edge

It's half an hour earlier than scheduled, yet Felix is already standing in front of the luxurious condominium building. It is situated in the heart of the city. Although the environment is bustling, the urban utopia garden that surrounds the building creates an exclusive and private vibe for the residents of the condominium.

The receptionist greets Felix once he steps into the lush foyer. He flashes the black gold card and immediately she ushers him to the private elevator. There's no button to press; only a small LED box is visible. Assuming the card belongs there, he taps it on the screen and the elevator ascends directly to Reis's floor.

Once the door opens, Felix steps out only to find two doors: left and right. As he flips the card, he notices the number written in golden: 15-1. It's the unit on his right, and that's the direction he chooses. He carefully swipes the card and opens the door, revealing a group of people, roaming around the unit freely.

And their eyes linger all over him.

"Are you Felix Harit?" a man in thick-framed glasses suddenly asks. Felix nods, standing awkwardly in the doorway, feeling the weight of scrutiny.

"Good! You're early!" The man grabs his hand and drags him inside. He is brought to a room where he finally sees Reis, dressed in a long, pale rose dress, standing in front of the mirror while stylist bustles around.

"Your PA is here, Miss Ratchana. He's early! I already like this boy!"

Reis glares at Felix, who stands at attention, eyes fixed on her. She forms a smile, slowly lowering her gaze to check her shoes. The gaze locks only momentarily, but the feeling lingers around in Felix's mind. He has met so many beauties in his life, but never has he met someone with regal aura that Reis possesses.

"Tawan, bring Felix to the changing room," Reis instructs Tawan with a soft, melodious tone. The man drops whatever he was doing without a question and pushes Felix into the changing room where his outfits await.

He soon emerges from the room, dressed in a sharp black suit that tailored him perfectly. By that time, the stylist team had left the room, leaving Reis alone. She checks her necklace in front of the mirror before her gaze lands on him.

"Did you feel comfortable in it, Felix?" Reis asks, her voice feels warm behind the professionalism. He answers with a slight nod, eyes still drawn to her.

"Should we go now, Miss Ratchana?" Felix asks, dropping his sight from her when their eyes accidentally lock through the mirror. Reis turns around, moving closer to him before gently grasping his sleeves to help him adjust the cuff link.

"First time with cuff links?" she whispers, her breath brushing against Felix. He nods, heart is racing as he watches her delicate fingers work with the cuff link. He is unaware that his face has turned crimson red. His breathing increases irregularity. Although he tries to mask the shy feeling, his eyes betray him, revealing the depth of his mixed emotions. Reis quickly steps back, sensing the intensity moment between them.

"We... We should go now," Reis utters, slowly turns around to grab her clutch bag, but Felix, fortified by the intimate moment, gently spins her around, facing him.

"May I...?" he asks softly, his voice barely above a whisper. His finger lands delicately on the pendant that Reis wears, flips and centers it between her collarbone. He takes a quick check before letting her go.

"We're good to go now..." says Felix. Reis fixes her throat as she leaves the room, flushing all over her cheeks.

***

The party is in full swing, with guests mingling and discussing topics that bore Reis. She slips away from the crowd, seeking solitude at the almost empty bar nearby.

"Trying to flee?" a voice startles her. She turns to see a tall man dressed in a grey suit with slicked-back hair framing his handsome face.

"My social battery is draining, Mr. Nitthitorn..." she replies, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

"What's with the formality, hmm? We're soon to be engaged..." he replies, offering her a drink, which she politely declines.

"I don't drink... "

"That's odd..." Jupe remarks, his gaze scrutinizing her. "You're... Unique..."

"Thanks for the remarks. It's not that odd when someone chooses this kind of lifestyle," Reis replies while creating a safe distance between them.

"What's with the reserved move now? You do realize we need to get close before the engagement-"

"About.. That..." Reis inhales deeply, gathering her thoughts. "I think the engagement plan is... Too soon. Should we take some time to get to know each other first?"

As those words slip from her, she notices Jupe's expression darkened, but he quickly masks it with a smile.

"Fine. Let's get to know each other. I need to know your preference, too..." Jupe's finger brushes against Reis's forearm, sending a shiver down her spine. "And.. You have to learn my PREFERENCE..."

Reis steps back, feeling the tension rise. Jupe is trying to advance, but just then, Felix appears out of nowhere, gently grabbing her from behind.

"Miss Ratchana, your father is waiting..." Felix whispers, loud enough for Jupe to hear. His irritation flares, although he tries to compose himself.

Reis excuse herself before escapes from the spot with a racing heart in fear, leaving the two face each other.

"What are you doing?!"

"Saving your face, Mr. Nitthitorn. If you act like your usual self, you'll lose your chance— or worse..." Felix replies. "You don't want her to slip away, don't you?"

Jupe sneers. "Fine, I'll trust your judgment. Do your part well to ensure I'll secure a spot as her future fiance. Got it?" he warns Felix. The man nods before excusing himself. As he leaves the bar, his heart races from the heated confrontation, well-aware that he just intervened a precarious situation.

He did save Reis from Jupe's questionable advances, which is good. But, somehow, he worries about what will happen in the future to her if the man manages to have her as his fiance.

It scares him, truly.