Mia stands near the edge of the studio, watching Kevin and Daisy. That strange feeling washes over Mia again—like déjà vu. Nostalgia, maybe. A memory from six years ago trying to replay itself right in front of her. Daisy clings to Kevin's arm, her smile radiant, easy. The familiarity between them is undeniable.
Then a voice slices through the fog.
"You planning to burn a hole through them with that stare?"
Startled, Mia turns. Ben stands a few feet away, one eyebrow raised.
"Ben?"
"You looked worried before leaving the office," he says, his tone light but laced with something firmer. "Made me nervous. Thought you might mess up again, and I'd get scolded as your senior—again."
Before she can respond, another voice joins them.
"Jack?" Mia blinks in surprise as he approaches.
"You're here too?"
"The CEO asked for updates on the shoot, so I came to check," Jack explains with a shrug. "And this guy"—he point a thumb toward Ben—"tagged along the second he found out I was heading here."
Ben's eyes return to the pair across the room. Kevin and Daisy still stand close, speaking in low tones, entirely at ease with each other.
"So… what's going on between those two?" he asks. The question sounds casual, but there's a tension under it.
"I've heard they're pretty close," Jack replies, arms folded. "There are rumors they're dating. Daisy's huge in marketing—every brand wants her. We're lucky she's close with Kevin. That's probably the only reason she said yes to this project."
Ben exhales, barely audibly. His eyes stay fixed on the pair.
"If they're dating… then why did he ask me that question that day?"
At that, Mia turns toward him. He's already looking at her. Their eyes meet, locked in mutual recognition. The question. The silence that followed. It lingers between them, heavier now.
"What question?" Jack asks, glancing between them.
"Huh? Oh, nothing," Ben replies quickly. "Just thinking out loud."
Kevin finally notices them. His expression shifts into something more polished as he walks over, posture composed.
"Secretary Dizon, you're here. The CEO mentioned you'd be coming," he greets smoothly.
"Just making sure things are running smoothly," Jack responds.
Kevin's attention flicks to Ben.
"You came too?"
"Yes, sir," Ben says, his tone halfway to joking. "I was worried Mia might mess something up again, and I'd have to clean it up later."
Then, without warning, Ben places an arm behind Mia, his hand resting lightly against her arm. The gesture is casual, but there's a quiet possessiveness in it that catches everyone off guard.
It's a subtle motion, but it sends electricity through Mia. Her body stiffens under his touch. Her mind races.
Kevin's gaze lands on Ben's hand, and his smile falters. His stare tightens, unreadable. Even Jack glances at them, surprise flickering across his face.
A soft voice breaks through the tension.
"Who are they?"
They turn. Daisy is looking at the group curiously.
Kevin steps aside to introduce them.
"This is Jack Dizon, the CEO's secretary. Ben Mercado, senior graphic designer. And…" His eyes land on Mia. "Mia Dela Cruz, assistant graphic designer."
They all give a small bow.
"Good morning, Ms. Daisy."
She waves it off with a laugh.
"Oh, no need to be so formal. I'm not used to that."
There's polite laughter, but the mood stays awkward, thick with things unspoken.
Kevin's phone buzzes. He checks it instinctively. Daisy leans in and reads the message over his shoulder without hesitation. He doesn't flinch. Doesn't stop her. Doesn't seem to mind.
They move like people who know each other's rhythms—comfortable in a way that doesn't need explanation.
"Oh, it's already lunchtime," Daisy says, tapping the screen. "Let's grab something to eat!" She turns to the group, inviting everyone.
"Yes," Kevin agrees. "We've got a long day ahead. We should recharge."
Jack and Ben nod along easily.
Mia's voice cuts through with effort.
"I actually have some errands to run during break."
Ben turns to her, curious."What errands?"
She hesitates.
"What errands?" he repeats, tilting his head.
"Personal errands," she says, jaw stiff.
"Oh right—the post office," Jack jumps in smoothly. "You asked me to come with you, didn't you?"
Her shoulders relax. "Yeah… right. That."
Kevin watches them. "Can't that wait until after work?"
She glance at Jack, silently pleading for backup. He looks at her, waiting for her response.
"I—"
"Jack, you can go after work, right?" Ben interrupts. "Let's just eat now."
Jack hesitates, then nods slowly.
"Yeah, I guess we can."
"Perfect!" Daisy beams. She grabs Kevin's arm with both hands and pulls him gently toward the door.
Kevin follows.
Jack trails behind them.
Mia doesn't move. Her feet stay rooted, her hands tense at her sides. Nothing about this feels natural. Not the lunch invitation. Not Daisy. Not the weight of Kevin's silence.
Then Ben nudges her gently from behind.
"Let's go," he says, voice softer. "I'm starving."
She looks at him. Something about the way he stands there—close, quiet, steady—feels different. Something in all of them has shifted. Not just since this morning, not just since Daisy appeared.
Something is changing. And none of them have quite figured out what it means yet.