Mess in my head

I slammed into my office chair.

"Why, Rose?!" I sighed at myself dramatically.

A chair rolled over to bump my side. Cleo popped up like a nosy cat.

"Hey, why do you look so beat up?"

"Agh, just work!" I scoffed.

She laughed. "This is nothing. We only need to design three dresses a day."

"I know but..." I looked straight into Cleo's eyes. "Have you ever been in love?"

Cleo froze. "What?"

"No, no, no have you ever kissed a man?" I pushed harder, nosey version of me unlocked.

Her eyes glinted wickedly.

"I always imagine kissing Boss Vincent."

"WHAT?! You're gross!" I shrieked at her.

We burst out laughing anyway.

"Well, he's always so serious and always yelling at people. But honestly? He's an awesome boss."

I squinted. "Hmm... have you ever seen him give someone a ride before?"

Cleo blinked at me. "Are you crazy? Of course not. No one's ever lucky enough for that."

We gossiped more, then went back to our desks. But my head... oh my poor head.

Vincent. Lucas.

Those two demons. Annoying + Evil + Hate = DEMONS.

Ugh. Focus, Rose!

Before I knew it bam—6PM.

"Hey, I'm heading home first!" Cleo called.

"Sure! I'll just return the sample to B1," I waved her off.

She grabbed her bag and skipped out. Right outside the door, I heard her squeak

"Eh! Sorry, I didn't see you there!"

Huh. Is someone lurking by the hallway walls again? Never mind. My brain is already fried from overthinking dumb stuff.

After I finished up, I grabbed my bag and headed down.

On Level 1, I spotted Miya.

"Miya!"

She froze like she'd seen a ghost.

"How's Vincent?" She asked suspiciously.

"Eh? Now the info broker is asking me for info?" I huffed. "He's fine... just a small injury, that's all."

"What happened, really?"

We gossiped about our terrifying boss, then said our goodbyes.

"See you tomorrow!"

Right my brain. Back on track. Return the sample. Go home. Done!

But then oh! My potential fabric buddy was there.

What's he doing here, taking photos?

I walked up behind him. "Hey! What are you doing?"

He turned, phone in hand, grinning at my three dresses from yesterday.

"Rose! Look at these absolutely wonderful. But this one" he pointed at the green dress, eyes glinting behind his glasses,

"Why did you add this detail?"

I puffed up with pride. "Isn't it nice? I added it last minute. Boss Vincent said it looked empty, so—"

He smiled gently, with a hint of mischief. Adjusted his glasses like an anime villain.

"Actually, Rose, I liked your original more. It was plain and simple more elegant. 

This version is balanced, but... maybe a bit too much for everyday wear."

I blinked. My mind blanked. Is he telling the truth?

"I... I..."

He chuckled. "It's just advice, Miss Montasia. 

You're the designer. You are talented trust your heart. Don't let anyone take that away from you. Understand?"

I nodded, cheeks flaming hot.

Wow. Did someone just call me talented?!

Uh oh... now I'm blushing.

"T-thank you..."

He checked his watch.

"I gotta run. See you tomorrow? Lunch?"

He waved and disappeared to B2.

Okay... what just happened?

Someone who doesn't look at me like they own me.

Someone who respects me sees me.

My heart felt... weird. A new kind of warm. A new kind of blush.

Yes!

I landed on my bed like a dead fish, all thoughts of Vincent and Lucas erased for tonight.

Video-called Zera. She pick up instantly. "Girls!"

I sat up, grinning so wide my cheeks hurt.

"Zera, guess what? My potential fabric partner... he gave me advice like no one ever does. Tomorrow I'm gonna have lunch with him—then I can finally kick Lucas and Vincent out of my life forever!"

Zera burst into laughter, flopping on her pillow.

"I didn't see you this happy for so long, Rose."

I squealed, hugging my blanket. "I KNOW, RIGHT?!"

We screamed and giggled for hours.

Yup! good day.

"Good night..."

Meanwhile at an abandoned building...

A woman's voice hummed through the shadows

"100... 101... 102... 103... This is a lot of money, Den."

She looked up at the man lounging on a ripped sofa. 

Broad shoulders, cigarette smoke curling around him like a villain's crown.

Let me give you a tour,

This gang's nest is an abandoned building, basically falling apart.

Level 2? Broken windows, only lit by tiny fires.

Inside? Rags. Trash chairs. One torn sofa, one shaky coffee table. 

And a sad excuse for a bedroom with one gross bed.

Moving on.

Den blew out a puff of smoke, voice deep and lazy.

"I gotta say this newbie Luke's got taste."

"I don't care either way. I only care about money." 

The woman kept counting again and again. Probably never seen so much cash in her life.

A third guy, Nic, sprawled on the bed, eyes half-closed. He snorted.

"Oh right, you love that Gi, huh?" He squinted at the girl counting.

Gi smiled sweetly. "Oh, Nic... yes. Very much."

Nic flipped off the bed and stalked to her, tossing his phone in her lap.

"Well, I have a plan. That red-haired chick she's his girlfriend. We'll get way more than what you're holding now."

Gi's grin turned sharp.

"Perfect..."