The Red String Between Us Part II: Frayed Threads

第41章Aya's Stirring

      Aya had always been perceptive — too perceptive, sometimes. She had a way of noticing what others worked hard to hide, then testing how much pressure it took before the mask cracked.

That morning in the office lounge, as Eden poured herself a coffee, Aya leaned against the counter with her usual poise, a glint of amusement in her eyes.

"So," Aya began casually, "how are you adjusting to having Mallory around? She seems... rather comfortable already."

Eden kept her tone even, her smile polite. "She's professional. I think she'll adjust quickly."

Aya tilted her head, as if studying her. "Professional, yes. But you're not worried?"

"Worried about what?" Eden asked, though she already had an inkling of where Aya might steer the conversation.

Aya's smile widened, deceptively sweet. "Well, aren't you and Kenji dating?"

The words landed like a stone in Eden's chest. She hid it well, lifting her mug with steady hands. "No," she said, her voice calm. "where did you get such an idea?"

Aya gave a small shrug, as though she had only been making idle conversation. But her eyes lingered a moment too long, sharp and knowing, before she turned and walked away. 'O, i just thought- Never mind. I'd glad she is settling in" 

Eden stood still, her coffee untouched, the weight of Aya's remark pressing against her ribs. She told herself it was meaningless — just Aya doing what Aya did best: probing, pushing. Yet the seed had been planted, and no matter how hard she tried to brush it off, it stirred something uneasy inside her.

That evening, back at Kenji's home, the silence between them felt heavier than usual. He noticed. He always noticed.

"You're quiet," Kenji said, his voice low as he joined her on the sofa, his hand brushing hers. "Too quiet. Talk to me."

Eden forced a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm just... tired."

"I think I'm going to head home tonight," I said softly as I rose, gathering my things with deliberate slowness.

Kenji's brow furrowed. "Right now?" he glanced at his watch, his tone tinged with surprise. "It's pretty late."

"I know," I murmured, avoiding his eyes. "I just... need to check on a few things. My mail, the apartment. Straighten up."

He studied me, the quiet suspicion in his gaze clear—like he wasn't sure if he believed me, or if he just didn't want to press.

While I ordered a rideshare, he offered to drive me himself. I shook my head gently, managing a faint smile. "It's okay. Really."

When the car pulled up, he insisted on walking me out. He carried my work bag, loaded it carefully into the trunk, then held the door open for me. I leaned in, wrapping one arm around his neck in a brief, almost fragile hug, my suit jacket draped over my other arm. His lips brushed mine in a lingering goodbye before I slipped into the car, the distance between us suddenly feeling larger than the ride ahead.