Ashen_Lore
Sylvie's POV
"Oh my god," she whispered, gripping my arm. "Look at him."
I barely had time to react before she launched into a frenzy, rattling off his most attractive features-his height, his confidence, the way his shirt somehow looked expensive even if it wasn't.
"Should I take a picture? Just for research purposes," she murmured, already fumbling with her phone.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Nia, you are unbelievable."
Ignoring me, she found a nearby chair and plopped down, sighing dramatically. "I'll just sit here. Best view in the cafe."
She continued raving about his perfect existence while I watched, half amused, half exasperated.
"My crazy friend," I muttered, unable to stop smiling at her antics.
For all her dramatics, Nia had a way of making life brighter, simpler, funnier.
And today? I was grateful for that.
Nicolai's POV
Grabbing my jacket, I stepped outside. The cold bit against my skin, sharp and grounding. I walked, letting my mind shift between problems, tasks, deadlines-anything but distractions.
But the night had a way of reminding me.
The city breathed around me, alive with fragments of other people's lives-the chatter of college students, the ringing of laughter, the clatter of dishes in nearby cafés. They lived easily, without urgency, spending time like currency that had no limits.
Not now. Not yet.
I checked my phone absentmindedly-half expecting, half dreading.
A new message.
I unlocked the screen, scanning the notification:
"Error in app launch. Functionality failing. Immediate resolution needed."
Of course.
I typed back, keeping my response precise:
"Understood. Set up a meeting at 10 PM. I'll be back in an hour. Prepare a full report on the issue."
No unnecessary words. No wasted time.
Sliding my phone back into my pocket, I resumed my walk, letting the city unfold around me.
Blends of Nicolai's world of technology with Sylvie's emotional journey-reminding readers that beneath every line of code lies a human story.