Few weeks later
– During class
The classroom buzzed with the scratching of pens and low murmurs as the teacher explained a new lesson. Hazel sat quietly, focused on her notes, scribbling down each word with care.
But suddenly… her hand paused. Her eyes shifted—something outside had caught her attention.
There they were.
Drake and his gang.
Joking with a student. Again.
Their laughter echoed faintly, and Hazel's expression slowly turned disapproving.
A moment later, the bell rang.
The teacher exited the class, and in seconds, the classroom turned into a stampede zone. Students poured out into the hallway.
Hazel shut her notebook, stood up, and calmly made her way out.
---
Outside in the ground
They were surrounding a timid student, tossing around casual insults masked as jokes. The poor guy stood frozen, unsure whether to laugh or run.
Hazel walked straight up to them.
Hazel (firmly):
Hey… didn't you guys have class this morning?
Caleb (grinning):
Come on, it's boring.
Hazel (folding her arms):
So this is your entertainment? Joking with random students?
Ben (laughing):
Of course! You should try it. Super fun.
Hazel (deadpan):
You guys are insane.
The boys exchanged amused looks, but their smiles faded when she continued.
Hazel (sharp):
Shame on you guys.
She turned to the anxious student who looked unsure whether it was safe to move.
Hazel:
You can go.
The student hesitated, glancing nervously at the gang.
Hazel stepped forward again, her tone more reassuring.
Hazel:
Ignore them. Just go.
Without another word, the student bolted like his life depended on it.
Hazel (to the gang):
You're playing with someone's feelings. That's not funny.
Levi (trying to defend):
We're just joking. It's not a big deal.
Hazel:
Oh yeah? Until someone jokes with you.
The gang went completely silent.
Even the breeze seemed to pause.
Drake slowly stood up and began walking away without saying a word.
Zayn (surprised):
Hey! Where are you going? You started this!
Drake (without looking back):
Now I'm not in.
Everyone stared at Hazel, a little stunned.
Lucas(quietly):
From now on… we'll never joke like that again. (Crying inside)
Caleb:
Yeah, seriously. We promise.
Hazel (smirking):
Good boys. Now, let's go to the cafeteria.
Zayn (cheering):
Whoo! It's Hazel's treat, guys!
They all whooped and followed behind her like ducklings.
Hazel (turning around):
Oh, come on. Actually, it's your treat!
Everyone (pointing at Zayn):
ZAYN'S TREAT!
Zayn sighed in defeat while the others burst into laughter, heading toward the cafeteria like a victorious parade.
________________________________________
Present
Morning
The golden morning sun spilled gently through the glass windows, casting soft glows along the wooden floor. Hazel stood before the mirror, fixing the sleeves of her crisp beige blazer. Underneath, a silk ivory blouse peeked through, tucked neatly into a pair of tailored high-waisted trousers. Her low block heels clicked softly as she walked, and a pair of minimalist pearl studs added an elegant finish to her look. She tied her hair into a sleek bun and picked up her tan leather tote bag, ready for the day ahead.
She descended the stairs, and her eyes immediately caught Zayn sitting casually at the dining table.
Hazel (surprised):
Oh? Didn't you guys leave yesterday?
Zayn (grinning):
Nope.
Hazel:
Hmm. I thought you guys left.
Just then, Lucas walked out of the kitchen with the last dish in hand.
Lucas:
Now it's breakfast time.
The three of them sat down together and began eating in comfortable silence, the aroma of toast, eggs, and fresh-cut fruit filling the room.
Zayn cleared his throat awkwardly.
Zayn:
Actually, Hazel… I'm sorry for yester—
Hazel (cutting him off smoothly):
Don't you have work today?
Zayn (blinking):
Yeah…
Hazel:
Don't be late.
Zayn sighed and glanced at Lucas, who gave him a silent shake of the head. Then Lucas turned to her.
Lucas (gently):
Hazel… did you move on from him?
Hazel's expression stiffened slightly. She placed her fork down, not looking at either of them.
Hazel:
Guys… please. Let's not talk about this.
They nodded silently.
Zayn:
Sorry.
The rest of breakfast passed in soft silence. Soon after, they all stepped out of the house and went their separate ways, heading into their respective worlds.
---
At Hazel's Company
Hazel stepped out of the car, her heels tapping confidently on the pavement. Her assistant was already waiting by the entrance.
Assistant (with a polite smile):
Good morning, ma'am.
Hazel (returning the smile):
Morning.
They walked through the sleek glass doors and entered the lobby. As the elevator doors opened, they stepped in, and her assistant handed her a file.
Assistant:
Here's the summary from yesterday's internal meeting.
Hazel flipped through the file quickly, her eyes scanning the notes and graphs with practiced precision. She nodded.
Hazel:
Set a meeting today at 3:00 PM. Make sure the strategy heads are present.
Assistant:
Understood, ma'am.
As the elevator doors opened, Hazel walked down the polished hallway toward her office — a spacious, modern room with soft lighting, a large desk, and two floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city skyline.
She sat at her desk, dropped her bag to the side, and powered on her laptop. Her inbox was flooded — client emails, partnership inquiries, design approval requests, and scheduling updates. Without missing a beat, she began replying, her fingers flying across the keyboard.
There were papers on her desk — mockups of the latest campaign visuals, budget spreadsheets, and market analysis reports. She reviewed each one, making sharp notes with a red pen and leaving sticky reminders for her team.
But underneath her composed focus… something else was stirring.
Today wasn't just about work.
There was more to come.
________________________________________
Drake's Side – Earlier That Day
Drake sat in his sleek, dark-toned office, the city skyline stretching behind him through the tall glass windows. His sleeves were rolled up, a pen twirling lazily between his fingers as he leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.
The door creaked open, and Kian stepped in holding a tablet.
Kian:
We have a meeting today at 3:00 PM.
Drake (without looking up):
For what?
Kian:
Yesterday's meeting… we didn't finish it.
Drake (nodding slowly):
Oh yeah. Remind me later.
Kian gave a short nod and exited the room.
3:00 PM – Meeting Room
The meeting room buzzed with quiet conversation as executives and department heads began filing in. The large table in the center was filled with notepads, laptops, and coffee cups. Hazel was already seated at the head of the table, composed and sharp in her tailored outfit. She had a folder open before her and was calmly reviewing the notes, her fingers resting lightly against her temple.
One by one, the seats filled. Finally, the glass door opened again — Drake walked in. He gave the room a brief glance, then his eyes rested on Hazel for a second longer than necessary.
Before anyone else could speak, Hazel stood up.
Hazel (meeting his gaze):
Sorry for yesterday. I didn't feel well then. Thank you all for your patience.
Drake gave a small nod, taking his seat across from her.
Hazel (turning to the others):
Now, let's get back to the discussion on the new product line — the eco-luxe skincare series. I've reviewed the prototypes and the market projections, and I must say… I'm genuinely impressed.
She placed a few sample visuals on the table and gestured to the mock packaging.
Hazel (professionally):
The packaging is sustainable, the ingredients are ethically sourced, and the brand positioning is spot-on for today's consumers — especially our core demographic of health- and environment-conscious young adults. I think we're not just launching a product; we're telling a story — and people will buy into it.
She looked around the room.
Hazel:
I'm in. I think we should move forward — but with a soft launch first. Gather early feedback, fine-tune the line, and then go all out. Let's not make this just a launch… let's make it a movement.
The team murmured in agreement, impressed by her clarity and direction.
Drake sat back, watching her. Whatever had shaken her yesterday… today, Hazel was back in control.
The meeting continued, but a silent tension quiet and unspoken still hung in the air between the two of them.