Vonessia kept a close eye on Assad, her smile growing just a bit as she noticed that subtle change in his expression the moment when confusion gives way to understanding. He wasn't entirely composed, but he was definitely grasping things better than before.
She leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other with an effortless elegance.
"Well then, that was your second question, if I'm not mistaken," she said softly, her voice carrying a soothing melody.
Assad swallowed hard; just her tone made the atmosphere feel thicker. Vonessia tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Now… you still have one more question, don't you?"
Assad froze for a bit, looking at Vonessia. But she was right there is still one more question in his mind that has been flowing rent free ever since he heard and saw it.
"I do have a question ma'am." Assad said.
Vonessia looked at Assad waiting for the next question. Assad cleared his throat and was ready to speak.
"May I ask, what is a true failure?I heard Shuren talk about it when Mya suddenly went on an outburst and she said that."
"A true failure, huh? I'm sorry but that's a question that can't be answered." Vonessia said.
"May I ask the reason why?"
Vonessia looked down for a second and took a deep sigh.
"There is no reason, the existence of a true failure cannot be explained and also should not be explained. If the one who is curious about a true failure must explore and find the truth about it themselves, not with the assistance of others." Vonessia said.
"Is there a reason why?" Assad asked.
Vonessia just shook her head and then her finger. That should already signal that there is something that will happen if you ask for the assistance of others. Assad looked at Vonessia with a slight disappointment as he really wanted to know about the concept of true failures. What are they? What is the meaning for them and everything else. But that's for another day.
"Well I don't have any other questions ma'am." Assad said.
"That's okay you were curious about true failures but I just could not answer your question about it." Vonessia said.
Assad bows and then says," If that was all I will get going now."
"Wait for a second."
Assad froze then looked back at Vonessia wondering what does she want now? Vonessia stands up from her chair and moves closer to a set of drawers next to her tall bookshelf. Reaching inside, she pulled out a jacket. It was a sleek black-and-red piece, boasting a sharp, modern design with crisp stitching and a bold silhouette.
Embroidered across the back in jagged, metallic thread was a single word:
SWEEPERS
On the right sleeve, the agency's emblem a stylized broom slicing through smoke seemed to soar forward with incredible speed. Vonessia held the jacket up with both hands, allowing the soft office lights to dance across its surface.
She turned her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Assad.
"Come here, this is yours," she said softly.
Assad couldn't take his eyes off the jacket Vonessia was holding, his disbelief evident as he took in the bold yet elegant design sleek black with striking blood-red streaks. It had that unmistakable Chinatown street-style vibe, the kind of jacket that screamed confidence, worn by someone who strides forward without a second thought.
He swallowed hard, still in shock.
"Why… why are you giving me this?" he finally managed to ask.
Vonessia's smile was soft, radiating both warmth and authority.
"Isn't it obvious? You're part of the agency now. Or… are you not?" Her eyes sparkled with playful mischief.
Assad froze for a heartbeat, unsure of how to respond; his throat felt tight, and his thoughts were a jumbled mess. But then he found his voice and nodded.
"Yeah. I am."
"Well then, it's settled. Try it on." Vonessia stepped closer, lifting the jacket slightly.
Assad nodded again, this time with more confidence. He slipped his arms into the sleeves, adjusted the collar, and smoothed out the front. The fabric felt sturdy yet surprisingly comfortable, as if it had been tailored just for him he blinked and caught a glimpse of himself in the polished surface of a nearby shelf.
"Whoa…" he breathed.
The jacket looked fantastic on him he couldn't deny it. Vonessia chuckled softly.
"It looks amazing on you. Just make sure you wear it with pride. The others in the agency rarely wear theirs; they say it looks 'cringe' and stick to their casual clothes," she said, nodding in approval.
With a hand on her hip, she smiled.
"But you… I want you to wear it all the time."
Assad beamed, a genuine, bright smile spreading across his face. "Of course. I will."
It was a perfect moment until something suddenly stung the back of his neck.
"OW!" Assad slapped his neck, the sharp pain catching him off guard.
Vonessia's eyes widened slightly. "What's wrong?"
"I… something bit me." Assad rubbed his neck, wincing. "Must've been the tag or something."
He tugged at the inside collar.
"Can I take it out?"
Vonessia nodded casually. "Go ahead."
Assad reached behind his neck to pull at the tag, and it came out,his neck getting the deep freedom it needed from being scratched every time.But it still leaves a smile on his face on how the boss of the agency gave him a jacket that well could be taken as the uniform, making him truly part of the agency now.
"With that now you may take your leave and go find out your next job." Vonessia said.
Assad nodded and went out the door.