Kazu glances at the station clock for the fifth time now. Once in a while, she looks out for the oncoming train from San Berken, neck stretched, arm crossed. Not that she can see anything behind the dimmed glass door. Kazu sighs in frustration. Kay has a habit of being late to every appointment they have planned. She probably misses the 2 o'clock train.

Kazu looks around, wishing for a chance for small talk. People are either chatting with their friends or swiping their smartphones. She knows most of the people there but nobody bothers to say hi to her. Kazu taps her heels on the screed, subconsciously playing the beats to her hum. Waiting is agony. Her mind shouts. The platform edge door slams open as the train arrives. Lesser and lesser passenger is coming off from the train. Again, Kazu fails to catch any sign of her friend. God damn it Kay. What takes you so long?

The phone rings in her hand. The caller ID is Kay.

Kazu: Where are you?

No hello, no hi. She is fuming with rage. She tries not to show it that much but having to wait for her friend for two weeks in a row has taking a toll on her. Kay never fails to be late each time. One can only guess how long would it take to make Kazu flip a switch.

Kay: Sorry. I can't make it today. I'm still at work. I'll be there first in the morning.
Kazu: Why are you at work?  It's Saturday.. You don't work on Saturdays!

Kazu sighs in frustration.

Kay: I just had to do something today.

A busy rustle fills the other side of the phone. Kazu sighs.

Kazu: I thought you're quitting the job.
Kay: I am. But it's really important... and complicated.

Kay must have dropped her files because Kazu swears she heard her cussing under her breath with a thud.

Kazu: You could have told me earlier.
Kay: I'm sorry. It was really hectic and I didn't get to call you prior.
Kazu: God, you know I hate waiting.
Kay: I didn't ask you to wait for me.

Kay's unapologetic tone comes like a slap of cold water. It is true. She did not ask for Kazu to fetch her. Kazu decides that on her own, thinking that it would be better than having her to take the taxi. They could grab a coffee together. Maybe stroll around a bit. You know, best friends' stuff. Somehow it pains her that Kay does not want the same thing.

Kay: I've got to go. I'll meet you at the bridal tomorrow. Bye.
Kazu: Bye.


The phone call ends with Kazu clenching her teeth. If it were someone else, she would have them running to Larkins this very minute. But that's her friend. Kay is not some stranger she's be pulling her classic fighter treatment on. Pay no mind to it. Kazu kicks herself up. No point getting mad over the things she can't control. A session at the dojo might help clear her mind.

~~~

With a click, the connection is lost. Kay stares at phone like she's expecting another call. But it doesn't come so she chucks the phone in her pocket. Kay bites the corner of her lips. Mixture of annoyance and regret fills up her head. It is annoying having to follow other's rule, having to rush for anything. But she also regrets her blatant discomfort over Kazu's pressing concern. Life suffocates her. She hates confrontation. Why should she care about anyone? She wants to be selfish. And to be honest, she doesn't quite care about hurting anyone any longer.

She sighs. Too much to handle right now and friends are catching up on her, asking for childish attention of which she couldn't afford to give. Why can't they just leave her out of this?

God damn it Kay! What are you thinking. Listen to yourself. You are talking about Kazu and Valerie. They are your friends. Why are you pushing them away at times like these?

Sudden knocking on her door snaps Kay out of her inner turmoil. She glares at the door. The man stands there, eyes drawn down. He is awkwardly massaging his neck. Why is this guy here on a Saturday?

Kay: Yes?

She tries hard not to sound surprised, but she is.

"I know you'd be here. Do you have some time to spare?" he asks. Kay turns her gaze back onto the documents in her hand.

Kay: Sure.

He enters her room, grabbing the empty chair in front of Kay. Kay looks at him, almost jumping to his jugular with her raging stare. He smirks at Kay's defensive look. She's so feisty. Attractively feisty. If it's not for him getting caught spreading his secretary's leg when Kay came knocking on his door, he might have gotten away with it. But it's Kay we're talking about. She'll find out about it sooner or later. To be honest, he's not that sorry he got caught.

Kay: How may I help you, sir?

Ben tries hard not to laugh out loud at Kay's formal response. Really Karyn? Formality between us two? That's adorable. So adorable that Ben stops being nervous. He is nervous before. The thought of Kay uninterested in his disloyalty is scarier than seeing her in her jealous fit. It's something long gone. She's too chic to get jealous anymore. But now she is. Ben could see it from her shaky fingers, her chapped lips and those glorious eye bags she wears. She has been crying from the moment he left. And it makes he feels a bit giddy.

Ben: The billing report..

He plays along. Ben grabs one of the files spread across the table, probing it with his keen eyes.

Kay: I'll make sure to submit it by Monday.

Kay interjects. She snatches the file away from him. He flat out giggles at her.

Ben: To me?

Kay glares at him but quickly softens her looks with a curt smile. Ben backs down but the smirk does not go away.

Kay: Yes..

She goes back to punching her calculator. Not really calculating anything significant but his voice suffocates her that she needs the clicking sound to occupy the space instead.

Ben: Is there anything in there that I should be worry about?

Kay pauses. She hates to be seem concerned so she goes back to punching calculator.

Kay: I don't know, Ben. Is stealing money from the company's account warrant you danger? Probably.

There it is. She's over playing employee it seems. Ben moves closer to her.

Ben: Baby, please..
Kay: Save it.
Ben: Baby.. -eyebrow arches in naught

That nickname earns Ben a sharp stare from his estranged ex. Kay resumes her work, jotting down notes on the claim application in her hand. She ignores Ben's attempt to joke. Ben slides on her desk, stopping just next to her. He stares her down softly, tugging her by the chin. She loves that. Oh she does. But Kay remains stoic, shooting lasers from her hazel orbs.

Ben: Kay, despite our misunderstanding, I hope you'll help me this time. Just this once. Please..
Kay: Fuck off.

Ben huffs at Kay's unchanging anger at him. That girl.. They have been in a relationship for over 3 years and it was not easy to get through when she's angry. He moves closer to Kay, hand slowly reaching her inner thighs. There's a jolt running up Kay's spine when he slips his hand there. Kay keeps an unhinged look on her face but Ben knows her body like nobody else. He moves further up.

Kay pushes his hand away and Ben quickly catches her wrist. A piece of red string is hanging from her wrist. Ben softly rubs it against her skin. Faint old scars are littering her skin. Ben sighs, almost with a tone of relief. He gets up and leaves without even a single comment.

Kay continues her work. She's determine to finish all her work before leaving for San Berkens. She's not coming back to this hell hole. Not with Ben being there. She loves him which makes it more unbearable to stay. All those stacks of billing reports and claim application need to be push out by today even if it means she had to sell her soul to satan. If only for some magical reason, something could just whiff her off the surface of the earth.

***

It was past 4 in the morning when she finally retreated from her desk. She stayed back the whole Saturday for that damned billing report. Everything was completed to the very last report but took a strain on her sanity. She packs what ever she can reach into her purse. She says goodbye to the midnight guard before leaving as she always does.

No train was running so she took the cab to her favorite bar just to lose some steam off. After a few pint of Guinness she caught the attention of a group of college kid who were more than eager to buy her a drink or two. Who do you think I am, kids? Don't make me finish your tuition fees on beer.

Regardless, she took the challenge. No kid that age can top her drinking game. Or so she thought. But when the new bartender served her Aunt Roberta, she was knocked out cold. Somebody must have spiked her drink. Even as she plopped to her subconscious it was still bizarre since she is very familiar with the cocktail. For a moment then, Kay was almost certain she's gonna wake up dirty the next morning. She remembers nothing else.

Kazu loses track of how many hours she's been sitting in the bridal shop. Neither Valerie nor Kay is there as promised. She checks up on the group chat for the umpteenth times now. None of them is online which add to her burning anger. The timid staff comes by to serve her 3rd iced coffee only to quickly go back to her hiding place - but not quick enough.

Kazu: You -

She stops mid way, hair stands on her neck as she turns around to meet the stabbing glare.

Staff: Y-yes, Miss.
Kazu: Did you get Miss Becker on the line?
Staff: No, Miss.
Kazu: The Lady Romanov?
Staff: N-no, miss.

The staff stutters. Her fingers clasps to the tray so hard as if she's trying to punch trough the metal with her perfectly manicured nails. Kazu relaxes her shoulder. She should not be angry at the errand girl. It's not her fault. She sighs in regret.

Kazu: Please try again and bring out the designs.
Staff: N-now?

There's a string of annoyance tugging inside Kazu as she watches the girl stumbles with her words. How unprofessional. She stands up, takes a few steps closer to the poor girl- making her shrinks even smaller.

Kazu: Yes, now -glancing at her name tag - Katya. Do you think you can do that for me, dear?
Staff: Yes! Right away, Miss..

Kazu plops back to the seat, massaging her temple. Ah, so much time wasted on waiting. Why can't people just stick to appointment. She turns her attention to the phone she left on the desk. Quickly tapping her tone down rant to the chat group.

To: KKV

Guys, I swear to God I would fly a chopper myself and drag your royal asses here if I have to wait for another hour. Whether you like it or not, I'm going through the design on my own. istg i might as well read the vow on your behalf, Val.

There!
She hasn't even forgiven Kay for standing her up yesterday and now both of her friends are ditching their appointment. They're supposed to get the measurement today, for goodness sake. And wedding is due in fall. Do they even have time to waste on waiting and bickering? Honestly, who is getting married now? Why is she the only one who's freaking out about the dresses?

The earlier girl comes back with a stack of drawing boards and fabric samples. Her face is flustered, cheeks obviously wet from crying. Was she that scary? Kazu ponders for a second. Kazu takes the drawing boards from her, sipping the cold coffee to soothe her nerve.

She goes through the board, nodding in agreement on the wedding dress. Yes, something floral and golden would suit the heiress. She is golden and anything beneath that is unacceptable. Kazu runs her finger on the fabric sample. Very delicate things. Italian organza lined with silk. Pieces of pure gold is to be sewn in the tails of the dress to weigh it down and to adorn the princess cut dress. But what really makes the dress hike in price is the platinum thread that will be used to sew the fabric together. Romanov doesn't play with wedding. She wonders if they can get all the fabric in time for the wedding. And sewing would take one hell of coordination.

She finally makes it to the bridesmaid dress and the only thing that flashes through her mind is 'holy shit this is ugly'. Olives?? Really? The ugliest shade on earth is to be the bridesmaids dress? Not in a thousand years. It doesn't even match with Valerie's theme.

Kazu throws her head backwards, laughing hysterically, ignoring the nervous eyes around her. Ahh.. That takes off a load from her mind. How ridiculous. The dress is ridiculous, her friends are even more. Though it does give Kazu a sense of satisfaction to imagine Kay's discomfort in the olive dress which makes it almost tempting to just settle for the absurd colour palette. However this is not how Valerie envisions her wedding, she explains it so many times.. And as her bridesmaid, Kazu takes some pride in her sense of fashion. Nobody is going to ruin this wedding. Not even Valerie. Gold and red.. Just gold and red. Kazu wipes the remaining smirk on her face as she calls the cowardly errand girl closer.

Kazu: Do change the colour for the bridesmaid. Red900. And could you send the lace samples to the Romanov's Mansion by tomorrow?
Staff: We have three more samples coming on Thursday. Would you like us to send those too?
Kazu: Thursday..

Kazu flips through her smart organizer. Thursday should be okay. She sends in her appointment with Valerie at the mansion on Thursday. That would certainly pisses her off but at least she can't run from it.

Kazu: Thursday it is. Just send them all on Thursday. Thank you, Katya.

Kazu gets up, smiling a bit more genuine this time around. As soon as the other staff hands her jacket, she struts out of the boutique. She should have done that hours ago instead of relying on her friends to come. You just have to trust my fashion sense on this one, Val. As you always did.

Kay wakes up with a terrible headache. Kay takes time to register her situation. She is in her own bed; everything is normal. Her body is aching but not that type of ache that screams RAPE. No force "entry". She is in her clean clothes and tucked under a new sheet of blanket. All her jewelries are still on her body including the gold necklace she got from Ben for their anniversary. She makes a mental note to send it back to him.

She must have walked home on her own, unharmed. I guess the kids were not trying to do any harm on here after all. The missing details of last night drinking is not new to Kay. She sometimes do that when she's hurting. But lucky for her, she knew how to take care of herself even when she's piss drunk.

She gets up on her feet, stumbling around book cases just to reach the kitchen counter. Ooff the thumping in her head is unbearable. Kay is very familiar with hangovers but this one is a charm. It's almost 4pm in the evening which means she's passed out for almost a day but she is surprisingly not hungry. So weird. She shakes it off, chugging few glasses of water. She notices a note on the fridge she misses before.

Change the lock. -neighbor

She stretches her neck to the front door and she notices the door knob is missing. Did someone break into her apartment? Panic rides through her. Kay jumps on her feet, grabbing a knife while she's at it. She tips to her bed, searching for her phone. She later sneaks around the small apartment looking for anyone who might still be hiding inside just to throw her a bloody surprise - literally.

A few minutes of roaming around, Kay is convinced that she's alone. She looks down on her phone. Lot's of calls from Kazu, Two from Ben. She taps on the notification for the group chat and could only slaps her forehead in disbelieve of her failure to show up for the boutique date with her friends. Apparently Valerie also failed to show up. They're gonna get a whole lot of nagging from Kazu, that's for sure. There's no point rushing to Larkins at this moment. She would drop Kazu a call to apologize but first, she needs to go to the store for a lock replacement and aspirin.

Valerie wakes up to a ring in her head. Everything is blurry. Slowly her senses come back to her and she realizes that her body is pinned between the seat and the steering, her rib is punching her innards making it hard to breathe. Shiver is running in her spine as she registers the pain in her lower limbs. The floor is pooled with her own blood. Her phone, still alight from the incoming messages from Kazu is sitting in the pool of blood. She couldn't possibly reach it without further injuring herself. She's helpless, she can't move. She knocks weakly on the horn trying to get anyone in vicinity to rescue her but she know it would only attracts the bastard that was chasing her a while ago. And it does.