Chapter I: Casual Weekend (Friday)
It was just another ordinary day. The streets bustled with people, each lost in their routines. Some hurried to meet end-of-month expenses, others were stuck in traffic, inching home after a long workweek.
Dusk was falling. The city began to shift — lights flickered on, night workers took their places, and others headed out to clubs or bars. Hookers lingered at corners, flashing early smiles though it was still too early to draw many customers. The night was still young.
John, a tall man about 180cm and 70kg, stepped out of the bank where he worked. He rubbed his eyes, dark circles revealing sleepless nights.
"Finally," he murmured with a tired smile. "This week has been hell. I can finally rest."
His voice was light, almost cheerful.
"Yes, it's December now. Monday and Friday off — a proper holiday."
He exhaled. "I can go home, visit my parents and my little brother... I hope he's doing okay."
He paused, thoughtful. "I still miss them," he said aloud, the words slipping through his lips.
"Miss who?" a soft voice said behind him.
Startled, John turned. It was Janet — the bank manager. She had also stayed late, as usual.
"Oh, you heard that," he chuckled awkwardly. "I meant... my sister."
He nodded toward a woman in the crowd. "She looked like someone I used to know."
Janet raised an eyebrow. "Beautiful," she teased. "She'd give you a run for your money."
Trying to steer away from the subject, John asked, "Are you taking a bus home?"
She nodded.
"I would — but it's already late. I might miss mine."
He hesitated, then asked, "If you're headed my way... could I ask for a ride?"
He added quickly, "If you're not doing anything after, maybe we could grab a meal?"
She smiled politely, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Sorry, John. I've got plans tonight. But I can drop you off on the way."
John nodded. "Thanks. That helps a lot."
---
As they drove…
This is like the tenth time I've asked her out.
Or maybe she's just being polite again.
John stared out the window, quietly berating himself.
"Even pro athletes stop when they're benched too long," he thought. "Maybe I'm just not worth it."
"Get in," she said as they reached her car.
"Right, sorry."
They drove in silence until John finally spoke.
"It's been rough these past few weeks," he said, not expecting a response.
Janet eventually replied, "Yeah. You've been working hard. You've... changed."
John raised an eyebrow. "Changed?"
"I mean, you've been distant. Or are you working on something... personal?"
He smiled faintly. "Been focusing on myself. Learning to love who I am. Realized you can't give love if you don't have it in yourself."
She glanced at him briefly, but said nothing.
"So where do you live?" she asked.
"At a residential estate downtown," he replied.
"Oh! Then I'll drop you off. We're heading the same direction."
That stung a little. John hadn't expected anything big — but now it felt like nothing would change at all. He sighed quietly, hiding it.
The car turned off the highway and onto a quieter road, avoiding traffic. Neither noticed they were slowly heading in the wrong direction — toward something unknown.