FIVE

The night was colder than it had any right to be. With her shoulder exposed by how lightly the gown was covering her, Hana was freezing. But she didn't drive home right away.

The Callister Hotel disappeared behind her in the rearview mirror, its gilded lights shrinking into nothing, swallowed by the late-night city blur. The heels she kicked off before driving off lay forgotten on the passenger seat. The dress clung uncomfortably to her skin, like a costume she couldn't wait to take off.

But she didn't go home. Not yet.

Not with Rowan Everard's veiled words echoing in her skull. How those words are like million needles pricking her whole body. Instead, Hana drove past the familiar turns that would've led her back to her apartment, past the convenience store she always stopped by after a long night at the bar, past the quiet intersections that reminded her of too many things she tried not to name.

Hana drove until the buildings thinned out and the roads stretched longer between headlights. She didn't know where she was going until her fingers turned the wheel on instinct, pulling into a quiet roadside rest stop, where only the hum of insects and the distant wind filled the air, and she turned off the engine before darkness settled in.

For a moment, she did nothing. Then she leaned forward, forehead pressed to the steering wheel.

Her phone buzzed for the nth time. There was a short silence before it buzzed again.

Hana didn't want to look, but she did.

15 missed calls. Six from Thristan, four from Veronica, and five from Dad.

5 unopened messages;

Thristan:

Where'd you go?

You okay?

I saved the cake for you.

Call me?

Veronica:

A week of your favourite cake, as promised.

Text me when you're safe, okay?

Dad:

Hana. Come home.

You haven't been home for three years. 

Come home.

And pick up your phone, please...

Theresa:

I saw you earlier.

You looked beautiful.

Dad didn't notice you, though. 

I really wish you'd visit for my birthday. Even if it's just an hour.

I miss you...

Julian: 

Text me when you're home.

Hana stared at the screen until the words blurred. Her hand trembled just a little as she locked the phone again and dropped it onto the passenger seat beside her heels. The silence inside the car was a different kind of loud. Her throat felt tight, her chest ached in that quiet, aching way she never let anyone see.

This was the part no one ever witnessed.

Not Thristan. Not Veronica. Not even Julian.

Just her. Just Hana.

Just the unbearable weight of being Hana Quinn.

Hana tilted her head back against the seat and closed her eyes, letting the tension seep out in pieces. A shallow breath escaped her lips, it was bitter.

She wanted to cry.

But she didn't.

*** *

It was way past midnight when the ballroom had gone quiet.

Where just hours ago there was music and laughter and clinking glasses, now there was only the distant hum of air conditioning and the faint echo of a room catching its breath. The chandeliers above had dimmed to a warm gold. The tables were cleared, centerpieces still glowing faintly under soft light. The scent of champagne and vanilla orchids lingered in the air, a ghost of celebration.

Veronica stood near the stage, heels in one hand, her other hand brushing over a linen tablecloth to smooth out an invisible wrinkle. Her hair had started to fall slightly from its earlier elegance, loose curls slipping down her shoulders. But she didn't seem to mind. She looked content, and tired, in a good way.

Julian approached from the far side of the room, loosening his tie as he walked. His jacket was gone, sleeves rolled up, his steps slower now.

"There you are," he said, voice low, soft from the echo. "Hiding from the applause?"

Veronica looked over her shoulder. "Just soaking it in."

He nodded, coming to stand beside her. "We did it."

She smiled. "We really did."

They stood in silence for a beat — not awkward, just full. The kind of silence that only follows something they poured themselves into. That entire night, they had played their parts as partners, professionals, they were surprisingly always in sync. Every guest left with praises on their lips.

But now? Now it was just them.

Veronica finally broke the quiet. "The guests loved the wine pairing."

"Your menu sold it," Julian said. "And the way you commanded that floor… I should've hired you as the hotel director instead of a partner."

She let out a laugh. "I got help from our professional bartender for the wine. And please, I'd fire myself in a week."

He laughed, but his gaze lingered on her. The curls falling. The soft flush on her cheeks. The curve of her smile. Then he cleared his throat. "Hey."

She turned to look at him fully now. His posture shifted, now less casual and less composed. His hands slid into his pockets, shoulders pulling slightly tighter, like his suit had suddenly become too fitted.

But his eyes, they were steady. "Veronica." He said her name carefully, like it carried weight.

Rubbing his nape, "I know I've asked before. Half-joking. Half-serious. But this time…" He swallowed. "No jokes. No games. Just me asking you plainly."

She tilted her head, expression unreadable.

"Will you go on a date with me?" There it was.

No frills. No shields. Just Julian, standing in a dim ballroom with his tie undone and his heart in his hands.

And though his voice was confident, his fingers tapped nervously against his thigh. His weight shifted slightly from foot to foot. He was trying so hard not to look nervous, and that made it more obvious.

Veronica stared at him for a moment, surprised by the sudden quiet tension in the air. And then Hana's voice echoed in her head: "Maybe it's time you stopped hiding. Maybe it's time you tried." 

She smiled. Her smile was soft, it was real. And then she said, voice barely heard, but loud enough for Julian to hear. "Okay."

His eyes widened. "Wait— seriously?"

"Yes," she said, nodding. "Let's go on that date you've wanted so desperately."

And for a half-second, Julian froze. Then he lit up.

"Oh my God," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "You said yes. You actually said—"

He grinned too wide. Spun in a slow, dramatic circle. Pumped a fist like a teenager who just got his crush to agree to prom. "Veronica Carlisle just agreed to a date. Somebody better write this down—"

"You're acting like a high schooler," Veronica laughed, shaking her head.

"I feel like a high schooler," he said, breathless. "My heart's doing this weird… galloping thing—should I sit down?" He looked around for a place to sit, before settling down to lean against on of the table. "Is this what victory-induced cardiac arrest feels like?"

Veronica rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't falter. "Hey Julian"

He straightened, still grinning. "Yes?"

"Don't ruin it."

He held up both hands. "I'll try my best. Don't want Hana to kill me on our first date." He said jokingly; Though there are some truth in his words. 

Veronica chuckled. Then, he added, this time quieter, calmer: "Thank you. For trusting me with a yes."

She stepped a little closer, toes just brushing his shoes. "Don't make me regret it."

"I wouldn't dare," he whispered, reaching out his hand to hold hers. He stayed still for a while, as if waiting for Veronica's permission. And she did, by clasping their fingers together. 

The ballroom was still, lit like the afterglow of a dream.

And for a moment with no guests, no pressure, no titles. Just Julian and Veronica, standing together in the middle of something new, looking at each other. Both smiling wide. 

Tonight was great... 

*** *

As promised, a week later, Julian arrived at Vee'spresso ten minutes before 10 a.m.

Veronica stepped out from behind the counter, still tying a ribbon into her half-up hair. She wore a soft, long-sleeved blouse and flowy skirt that brushed just below her knees, not her usual café uniform, but something she'd clearly chosen for herself, not practicality. She blinked at him through her glasses, lips parted like she meant to say something but decided against it.

"You're early," she said instead.

Julian offered a small smile. "A little hamster told me that you don't like people who are tardy. I'm trying to give a good impression." He said, opening the car door for her, and Veronica rolled her eyes, but got in without argument. There was a silence in the car, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Just quiet. Like two people breathing at the same pace.

Their first stop was a book café tucked between a flower shop and a vintage record store. It was all wood and velvet and sun — the kind of place that smelled like cinnamon and old paper. Julian had never seen Veronica so alive and relaxed at the same time. She floated from shelf to shelf, fingers brushing worn spines, eyes darting between titles like she was solving a mystery only she could see.

He watched her from behind his cup of coffee, not saying much, just watching. At one point, she returned to their table with a book clutched to her chest. "This one," she said. "This one's been following me for years. I think I'll finally buy it."

Julian didn't tell her that he had already asked the barista to hold it under his name. He only smiled. "Good choice."

They sat at the corner end of the café where it was quiet and less people. Veronica glanced at Julian and noticed that he had too a comic book and squint her eyes. "I never thought you'd be into comics." She remarked. 

Julian chuckled. "I don't only read letters and emails." He said, raising the comic to his face level. "Thrist kept reading them back in college. At first I was just curious, but then I got addicted. Now, these are part of what makes me happy after a long day." Veronica just nodded. It's true. While Veronica is more of a novel and philosophy, Thristan and Hana are more into comics and anime. 

"What is that about?" Veronica said, leaning forward to look at the comic held by Julian. 

"It's about a boy who gets revenge for his best friend who got hurt by gangster." Julian explained, and stared at Veronica's expecting eyes. "The friend is a Taekwondo athlete, and he's a chubby guy who often gets bullied by their other classmates or seniors. She once helped him from the bullies, but the next day, she gets badly hurt by the bullies — they ganged up her." 

"They killed her?" Julian chuckled at how interested Veronica was. 

He shook his head. "No." He added. "But she was badly hurt. Broken limbs, her face ruined. It was really bad." Pause. "And then he started exercising and finds each of the guys who did that to her. I haven't read it all, but that's the plot." 

"Oh. He did the right thing. I'd probably go berserk too, if anything happens to Hana." Veronica said in the end, sipping her drink. 

"You can fight?" He asked, surprised. Veronica didn't seem like she can throw a punch. 

Veronica rolled her eyes. "Not with fists of course, I'm not Hana. I may be a barista now, but I did study law, you know. I have my own way of punishing people." She said. "I'd just lock them in jail and let Thrist torture them there." 

Julian was stunned. Veronica unexpectedly have a cruel side to her. But then again, it's not really surprising, considering how protective she is towards Hana. But then; "Does that mean Hana can fight?"

Veronica nodded, fixing her glasses. "She practice boxing with Thrist..."

"Oh wow, never expected that from that little hamster..."

"She's gonna bite you if she hear you call her that." Veronica said and they both laugh lightly. Veronica sipped her drink and put down the glass. "Apparently she practiced boxing when she worked at the previous club, said that place was shit at protecting their employee." 

There was a short silence before Julian hummed, noticing that Veronica don't really want to talk about that matter. She didn't say it, but she always felt sad every time she remembers about Hana working at that place. And she thought she hid it pretty well, but it always shows, the way her body stiffened, how her smile doesn't reach her eyes, and the way she faked her smile every time that issue regarding Hana is brought up. Not that she disliked what Hana did. Heck, no. It's the fact that she wasn't there when Hana was desperate enough to survive that she had to do everything just to survive. Including ruining her own reputation.

"Lustre Noir and its employee exploitation." Julian said, shaking his head while Veronica looked up to meet his eyes immediately. 

"You knew?" She said, almost a whisper. Will he treat Hana any differently now? 

"What? About Hana used to work for Lustre Noir as a stripper? Yeah, I knew." Julian nodded, shrugging his shoulder. And before Veronica could say anything, he continues; "She told me before, when I asked for advice for today's date."

"....Why?" Veronica was trying not to panic. Why would Hana tell that to someone... 

"To make sure my feelings for you are genuine." Julian said, putting down the comic he was holding and reached out to hold Veronica's hand. "She said, if I really do like you, just go for it. Her past mistakes was hers to own, you don't bear any responsibility on it. She didn't want to get in your way of being happy." He added, patting Veronica's trembling hand. "Hana's a good friend, you're lucky." He smiled. 

Veronica let out the breath she didn't realise she was holding. "Are you fine with it?"

"Why wouldn't I be? What she did wasn't a crime," A pause. "In fact, I think she's amazing, imagine that shy girl dancing in front of a crowd when she can't even order a coffee." A light laugh was heard from the CEO, and Veronica finally let out a deep breath of relief. 

"Thank you..." She said, the tight grip she has on her own fingers loosening. "I was just about to slap you and leave if you were just like the other people..." 

"I love you, Veronica." He started. "And I wouldn't judge your friends, especially the one that is the most precious to you, whom, I know is in a higher position than me in your heart..." Veronica nodded and smiled. 

"Speaking of, how did you know Hana and Thrist?" Julian asked, curious.

"Our moms were childhood friends, but Thrist's mom had to move after she got married, that left my mom and Hana's mom who decided to live as neighbours. I was three months old when Hana was born, so I've known her since birth. Thrist only came into the picture during high school, when his mom came back from oversea. He moved to our high school and that's how the trio was formed." Veronica explained.

Julian hummed. "You said you go to college together. I was in the same college with Thristan but I never saw you?"

Veronica chuckled. "I went to a different college."

Julian hummed again; "That make sense. No wonder we've never crossed path..."

"We did, though a little late..." Veronica said, smiling. 

Julian chuckled, nodding. "That's true."

Stretching his body, Julian said again; "It's funny how we always ended up talking about Hana in most of our conversation." Veronica looked up to meet his eyes, but Julian shook his head, in case she gets the wrong idea. "And no, I'm not saying it's a bad thing. It actually helps me understand you more. And Hana's kind enough to help me to know you more, that's why I like her. She's a good friend." 

There was a short pause before Julian added again. "Now that I think about it, can you just give her to me? I'm really jealous that you have such friend. I'll give you Thrist for free — ouch! Hey, that hurts!" Julian rubbed his arm that stung after getting a smack from Veronica. Soon they both laugh and continue their date. The café was peaceful, and they both continue reading their books, smiling, sharing laughter and discussed about the books they were both reading. They shared a slice of lemon tart between them, then another cup of coffee. Neither noticed lunch slipping past.

Their second stop was a movie theater. A small one — the kind that still used curtains and projected trailers off a reel.

"Here," Julian said, handing Veronica the ticket. "You mentioned you've been wanting to see it two weeks ago."

Veronica turned the ticket over in her hand. "You remembered?"

"I remember the things that matter." Julian said with a wink and Veronica rolled her eyes, looking away to hide the blush on her face.

They sat in the middle row, surrounded by other quiet watchers. The movie wasn't overly romantic — it was sad, strange, poetic — but during the quieter scenes, Julian felt her shoulder leaning closer to his. She didn't pull away. Not even when their hands accidentally brushed while reaching for the popcorn. She didn't flinch. And by the time the credits rolled, she whispered, "That was… really good."

He turned toward her. "Good enough for a rewatch?"

She tilted her head. "Maybe. But only if the popcorn is better next time." And they both laugh.

They didn't really plan the walk around the city, it just happened. The air was breezy, the streets half-alive with weekend energy. They passed by street performers, bookstores, florists, and countless shops. At one point, Julian stopped in front of a claw machine filled with plush frogs and said, "Bet I can win you one."

"You're not serious," she laughed.

But he was.

Five tries and two eye-rolls from Veronica later, Julian pulled out a green frog with a wonky smile and presented it like a medal.

"I'm naming him Sir Constantine," she declared, hugging the toy.

Julian chuckled. "Noble. A fitting name for someone rescued from captivity."

They took photos in a vintage photo booth, and Veronica, unexpectedly, stuck her tongue out in the second frame, catching Julian by surprise and making him burst out laughing. It was the kind of laughter that stayed in the chest, long after the moment passed. 

They were planning to visit the aquarium next, but it was closed for renovation. Julian was bummed out, and they went to the closest location from the aquarium. And it was the art museum. Nevertheless, he was glad their date wasn't ruined. 

They walked around inside for a few minutes before stopping to stare at the paintings that looked interesting. Veronica tilted her head at a painting titled Blue Landscape with Whispering Fireflies and mumbled, "I don't get it."

"That makes two of us," Julian said beside her.

She gave him a look. "You brought me here."

He grinned. "And you agreed to it. But at least it isn't boring with you..." 

She didn't smile at that — not right away. But he caught the blush coloring her cheeks, even as she turned away. Later, she stood longer at one abstract painting than she thought she would, just because Julian was beside her, talking softly about light and color like he actually believed it meant something. And Veronica found herself nodding, not because she understood, but because he did.

And somehow, that was enough.

By evening, Julian drove her out to a quieter part of the city — where the streetlights dimmed and the skyline became a soft, glowing outline. A rooftop restaurant waited, elegant and quiet, with candlelit tables and jazz drifting in the background.

Julian pulled out the chair for her, and Veronica narrowed her eyes, amused. "Is this really necessary?"

He shrugged, suddenly awkward for the first time all day. "Hana said you wouldn't mind even if we eat at a roadside shop. But she said I should at least show some effort."

Veronica raised a brow. Julian cleared his throat. "And I want you to have a good impression of me."

That made her pause. Just long enough. Then she smiled. Not her usual polite one, but the soft, rare kind that curled up slowly from her chest to her lips.

"You're doing alright so far," she said.

Dinner was warm, slow, delicious. They talked more easily now — about nothing and everything. She told him stories from law school she rarely shared. And how she felt so guilty after her first 'loss' case. He told her about the first mistake he made as CEO and how it almost tanked a partnership. They laughed and didn't rush. The world outside their little bubble faded. Dinner was nice. In fact, the whole day was fun. 

And at one point, Veronica leaned her chin on her hand, watching Julian as he talked animatedly about his latest hotel renovations.

And for a moment — just one — she wondered what it would be like to do this again. To keep doing this.

To keep choosing him.

*** *

They were still seated at the restaurant's candlelit table when Veronica glanced down at the screen of her phone. Blank — no new message from Hana. Not even the usual one-liner she sometimes sent when Veronica disappeared for hours. No teasing, no emojis, no check-ins.

Just silence. And lately, it was always like that.

Veronica swirled what remained of her drink in its glass, her mind half-present, half-drifting. The buzz of the date, the sweetness of the walk, the glow of Julian's quiet attention, all of it shimmered like a warm aftertaste in her chest. And yet, beneath it, something else pulsed. A different kind of ache. She lets out a sigh as she set the glass down. "Hey," she said softly.

Julian looked up immediately.

"Would you mind… if we made a quick stop before going back?" Veronica said, her voice timid. 

Julian's brow lifted just slightly. "Where to?"

"Nightless Sky."

He blinked once, then nodded without hesitation. "You want to see Hana?"

"Yes." A pause. "She's been… off. Since your hotel's anniversary. I mean, she's still Hana, technically. Still working, still showing up, still saying all the right things. But…" Veronica sighed, her voice low. "It's like she's here, but somewhere else entirely."

Julian's gaze softened. "You're worried."

"I am." Her voice was barely above a whisper now. "She said she's fine, but I know she's not. She's just good at pretending to be fine."

Julian didn't press her. He just stood, pulled out her chair, and said, "Then let's go. I was about to ask you to go there anyway. But you just had to ask first."

Veronica was surprised. "....Really?" She looked at the tall man. "Why?"

Julian just shrugged. "I wanted Hana to see." 

"See what?"

Patting Veronica's shoulder, Julian gave her a sweet smile. Leaning towards her ears, he whispered; "You'll see." 

They both get inside Julian's car and the drive was silent for a few minutes. Veronica leaned against the window, fingers laced on her lap. Glancing at Julian, Veronica let out a soft; "Thank you."

Julian gave Veronica a short glance before going back to the road. "For what?"

"For today. The date was great, I really love everything that we've done today. Thank you for listening, and... for not asking too many questions about why I wanted to see Hana."

Julian gave her a small smile, eyes still on the road. "You don't have to thank me. I meant it when I said I want to understand the people you care about. And it's really true that I wanted to bring you there. Nightless Sky is supposed to be our last destination for today's date." 

"Thank you..." Julian smiled again, reaching out to hold Veronica's hands, patting the slightly trembling hands, hoping it could comfort her even just a little. Then the ride was quiet again — a comfortable one. 

In that comfortable silence granted by Julian, Veronica felt her chest ached, quietly. Tenderly. She looked away. Deep inside she felt guilty towards Julian for worrying about Hana during their date. But right now, she just wanted to see her, the person she cared about the most — the one she needed to reach. But Hana wasn't with her inside this car. 

She was standing under neon lights somewhere behind a bar, pretending to be untouchable again.

And Veronica wasn't about to let her fall back into silence.

Not this time.