At some point—
Kaia didn't remember when—
she drifted off too.
Still on the couch.
Phone in her hand.
The TV playing softly in the background.
The next morning—
Kaia woke up first.
The apartment was quiet.
Too quiet.
She blinked slowly—
then glanced to the side.
Mira was still asleep.
Curled up.
Completely knocked out.
Kaia smiled faintly.
"…Lightweight," she muttered.
She moved carefully, slowly and quietly making sure she would not wake her.
Kaia stood up, stretching lightly.
She looked around the apartment—
then reached for her phone.
A few taps, she placed a breakfast order, all Mira's favorites.
Kaia walked over to her bag.
Pulled out the gifts she had brought from Paris.
Carefully—
she placed them on the table.
Neatly.
Then paused.
She looked at Mira again.
Still asleep.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
"…You better like these," she whispered.
She grabbed a pen.
Tore a small piece of paper.
Wrote quickly—
Eat. Hydrate. Stop crying over men.
—K
She placed it beside the gifts.
Kaia headed to the bathroom.
Quick shower.
Efficient.
When she stepped out—
she was no longer "sleepover Kaia."
She was back.
Sharp.
Controlled.
She changed into her suit.
Clean lines.
Perfect fit.
Hair tied neatly.
Makeup minimal—
but precise.
She stood in front of the mirror.
For a second—
she just looked at herself.
Then—
"…Back to reality."
By the time the food arrived—
she had already set everything up.
Table ready.
Gifts placed.
Note waiting.
Kaia grabbed her bag.
Walked toward the door—
then paused.
She looked back one last time.
Mira still asleep.
Peaceful.
"…Take care," she murmured softly.
Then—
she left.
Outside—
the morning air was crisp.
Kaia stepped into the car.
Started the engine.
A pause.
Her phone lit up.
A message.
From Lucian.
[You're late.]
Kaia stared at the screen.
Then smirked slightly.
[Relax. I'm on my way.]
She hit send.
Then drove off.