Noah wakes up, not knowing that his fate has already been sealed. Still sleepy and tired, he reaches into his pocket for his phone. When he checks it, he sees many missed calls from Ron. Ron has also texted Noah to ask about his situation. Noah, still half-asleep, simply texts, "I am ok." He puts his phone down on the floor, still thinking about the attack.
He decides to check the internet, and unsurprisingly, the whole internet is filled with news about the Freedom Tower terrorist attack. News channels are debating, the president and other political leaders are talking about how they will catch the mastermind behind the attack, and influencers are giving their opinions.
Suddenly, Ron texts:
"You coming for a walk? I was thinking that if we roam around, our minds can be more relaxed, and we can also go to the new restaurant that opened."
Noah isn't in the mood for a walk, but free restaurant food? He can't let that slide. He texts back:
"I will come, but you have to pay the bills."
Noah thinks Ron will argue, but in the end, he'll just say yes. However, Ron replies:
"Of course. Just meet me at my place."
Noah is shocked but simply texts, "Yes." As he knows Ron, he is stubborn but kind. They have been good friends since childhood, and normally Ron wouldn't agree so quickly—they would argue for some time before he said yes. But Noah shrugs it off. After all, who would let a free treat slip away?
After getting fresh, he goes downstairs and starts walking silently toward Ron's house. He is looking at his phone while walking, his gaze fixed on the screen. He isn't paying attention to the road and doesn't notice someone running toward him.
A woman around the same age as Noah is running at full speed. She isn't paying much attention either, as her mind is lost in thought. Before she can notice the path ahead, it's too late. Noah, still glued to his phone, notices her too late as well.
CRASH!!!
Their heads collide. Noah is taken aback by the collision. He puts his hand on his forehead and looks at the woman. She is around the same age as him, dark-skinned, with curly hair reaching her shoulders. Noah is about to shout at her for not watching where she's going, but then she opens her eyes—and Noah becomes speechless.
Her eyes are like a tranquil sea—peaceful and beautiful. Noah feels submerged in them. He stays quiet, observing her idyllic gaze.
The silence is broken by the woman. She apologizes in a nervous, panicked tone:
"I am sorry!!! I didn't mean that!!! I am very—very sorry for running into you and… and annoying you!!! Please forgive me, I was running too fast!!!"
She is in such a hurry that she can't even form proper sentences. Suddenly, her phone buzzes. She checks it immediately, and her expression turns gloomy. She sighs and mutters to herself irritably:
"Great… it was the only cheap restaurant in the area. It's closed now, and where should I go?"
Noah is still rubbing his forehead.
"I should go. Ron must be waiting for me," he says to himself.
As he starts to leave, the woman stops him and asks curiously:
"Are you talking about Ron? Ron Smith? Is he a manager? I think I know him."
Noah, puzzled, replies, "Yeah, he is. How do you know?"
A smile appears on her face as she says in an optimistic tone:
"I'm one of his assistants! Are you going to meet him? Can I join you, please? I swear I know him, and he wouldn't be angry with you."
Noah checks his phone and sees that Ron is offline. Now the decision is his to make. After thinking for a moment, he hesitate but he still "Yes." After all Ron wouldn't be too angry about him bringing one of his colleagues.
As they walk, Noah asks out of curiosity:
"What's your name? And you said you're one of Ron's assistants—can you explain?"
Still cheerful, the woman replies:
"My name is Emma Watson, and I work as a data entry clerk. I mostly enter data that Manager Ron assigns to me."
Emma then asks Noah:
"What's your name, and how do you know Manager Ron?"
They continue talking and soon reach Ron's house. It is larger than an average home, with two floors. Noah approaches the door, but it is already unlocked. He pushes it open.
Inside, the house is far more luxurious—a big LED TV, neat and clean floors, walls made of pure oak timber, a carpet covering the entire floor, and a large double-seated sofa placed in front of the TV. It is completely opposite to Noah's home.
Noah is about to call Ron's name when he notices a large closet beside the TV making an unusual movement.
Noah approaches the closet. Seeing this, Emma follows him. Noah reaches for the handle, grips it, and pushes the door open….....