Ramya arrives outside Thiya's place around 8.30. Her plan is to have breakfast together with her best buddy and catch up. Thiya opens the door, following the first ring of the bell. She is dressed for work.

"Ramz? What brings you here?"

Ramya takes off her blazer and neatly lines up her shoes at the shoe stand in the foyer. Stepping inside after her friend, she sniffs the aroma of caramel pancakes and sandwiches.

"What, I can't arrive to check on my best friend? You didn't answer my calls yesterday. I figured you could be moping about Seyon."

"Huh?" Thiya pulls a face even as she steps aside and allows her friend inside. She snorts while preparing an extra batch of pancakes for her friend.

"Sorry about not answering your calls. My device just fell dead. BTW, I don't mope about Seyon. My world doesn't revolve around him."

"Who does it revolve around?"

"Nobody. Why should it? I'm an independent woman."

Ramya feels relieved. The prime reason she's here is to check on her friend. She didn't know how Thiya was coping, working alongside Seyon. But now it seems like things aren't bad. Unlike herself, Thiya doesn't have a family who cares about her. Thiya too must be aware of this. She serves pancakes drizzled with extra honey. Extra love for an extra special friend.

***

All the time spent with Ramya, Thiya is surprised she's arrived at the office right on time. Thiya allows herself to smile before turning serious. Seated at her desk chair alone in hall 57, she flips open her notebook and plunges into work. Her priorities are straight today. Work and work. And when Seyon arrives, apologise.

At sharp 9, she flies out of her seat, putting her plan into action. By the time Seyon, Soham and Mira arrive, she's already brewed everyone their morning coffee. She's also brought some sandwiches as an apology. She hopes they will accept.

Seyon keeps his sharp gaze trained on his computer the entire time, going over the data and notes he made. He looks at Thiya when she whispers his name. The awkwardness has come straight to him. Well, neither of them can't escape when their desks are juxtaposed.

"Seyon, I apologise. I was unprofessional yesterday. It won't happen again."

If this is a Japanese manga, here is when the female lead bows. Thiya doesn't bow but stands tall. Placing a paper cup filled to the brim with coffee on Seyon's desk, she meets his eyes, though she's nervous.

"Apology accepted."

She heaves a sigh of relief. Seyon took a moment, but it felt like an eternity. "Thank you, Seyon."

Seyon releases a weary sigh after Thiya returns to her desk. She's still practically next to him. He usually is unperturbed when people snap at him. He dealt with snippy people, but what Thiya said got to him. Does she hate him? If not hatred, she has some bitter feelings regarding him. Eight years passed. He thought... what did he think? Nothing.

He doesn't fake forgiveness and hopes one day she can be free from her burdens and be her chirpy self again.

***

That afternoon, the officers assemble for a succinct rundown of issues post lunch, courtesy of Thiya's. Their morning was hectic. The ACP made all of them volunteer to assist with the National Security Symposium preparations. The sandwiches she brought for breakfast came in as lunch.

They have no fresh evidence to discuss. No twists in the case. Soham breaks the air.

"So guys, this is about guarding Kavya Krishnan. I've always had my doubts. Does she even need a bodyguard at night? Does she need us? She's a film star. Film stars rarely stay home at night, right?"

Thiya appears extremely disgruntled. The rest of the SIT understands Kavya Krishnan is a sore topic for her. "She is on a filming break, Soham. She is a party animal who likes to party at her home. Luckily, there were no parties when we went there. She lives alone, you know. With her parents staying in the US with permanent citizenship, she has all the freedom she wants."

"They must be worried for her if they pulled a thing like this. Got the CID SIT to babysit her at night," says Mira.

Thiya hums in response. "Yep. Political influence goes a long way."

"Let's not forget the ACP's way of exacting his revenge. I sometimes feel you're all suffering because of me," says Seyon.

"You're not the reason, Seyon." Displeasure is evident on Soham's face. He clenches his fingers so tightly, Mira has to loosen them.

"I agree with Soham," says Mira, brushing back a lock of hair that's come loose from her bun, conscious of what she did. "Besides, I don't think Kavya is bothered about this slasher. They say she's a rebel. I wonder why she agreed to her parent's whim. Having the SIT to babysit her."

Thiya rolls her eyes. Displeasure bleeds into her voice. "Of course, she's not. This is all just entertainment to her. She clearly has eyes for somebody. Or maybe it's because somebody has made himself an interesting target. Maybe it's a mutual arrangement."

Seyon's pointed gaze finds its target in Thiya. Despite its intensity, the lady cop doesn't flinch or look his way. "Thiya, you're bringing me into the conversation without saying my name."

His tone is that of slight warning, which she disregards.

"Well..." she folds her arms and sends him a scathing look. "Well, I will bring you into the conversation by saying your name." Her voice is deathly quiet. She peers into his face. "Seyon Harith, the next time she's all over you, you'll put her in place. Or I will..."

She shuffles her chair, paddling her legs, launching into a mini vroom that takes her to her desk. Seyon looks on, dumbfounded. The meeting ended. There's nothing to discuss. Unsure what to say, Mira pulls her chair back to her desk as a person should. Soham remains seated next to Seyon.

Seyon keeps his eyes trained on Thiya. He can't look away if he wants to. "She apologised, and is back to her normal bossy self? I'm the leader here. Why is she acting like the boss?"

Soham heaves a sigh. "What else can she do besides apologise? What do you want her to do?"

"Why would I want her to do anything, Soham? I wonder what's going on in her head, though. I don't get her."

Soham says he has an idea. But when Seyon presses, he avoids sharing his ideas. "I'm not gonna tell. Not gonna step in between two clashing titans."

No amount of pleading budges him. Seyon's shoulders droop, and he shrugs, giving up. Soham drapes an arm over his friend's shoulder. "I don't know if I'm right, Sey. I will tell you when I'm confident."
***

Thiya is prepared for her second night shift with Seyon - a sweater as a defence against the cold, earmuffs - extra defence tucked in her trouser pockets. Summer's on the rise. And she dresses this way!

The night passes uneventfully. Kavya arrives with her PA and others from a party. Maybe it's the lethargy. She doesn't get too close to Seyon, or go beyond basic greetings before hopping onto the staircase.

Of course, she doesn't forget to glare at me. Thiya collapses into the luxurious L sofa, feeling like sinking into the softness. Too soft, she feels she might drown.

Seyon is at ease. Today is Thursday. A few days passed following the coffee argument. The awkwardness between them is non-existent, but the air is slightly stilted. She still hates she's stuck with Seyon.

The hours pass slowly. Thiya's clothes are warm, but the memory of wearing Seyon's blazer resurfaces in her mind. The said cop continues to read Sherry Maran's recent novel, blissfully oblivious. When the clock strikes twelve, he closes it with a snap.

Just then, a chef pushes a cart loaded with refreshments and tea. Orders from Kavya ma'am, he says, while sweeping into an elegant bow. Kavya Madam forbade the good inspector from working too hard in the kitchen.

Thiya snorts but is pleased there are two cups. They must be for Seyon. She mustn't drool or pine for it like a kid. But a warm drink would be nice. Disregarding her thoughts, she stares at the opposite wall.

Seyon approaches her with a steaming cup. The scent of ginger mint and his cologne alert her of his presence on her radar.

"Midnight oil to keep our souls' lamps burning all night," Seyon shows a soft smile while offering the cup. The oddly phrased imagery conjures a smile to Thiya's lips. Immediately she's conflicted.

Turning him down would be rude. She'd already been rude, acting on impulses. Summoning a business smile, she takes the cup, making a flat joke - this isn't oil but tea. His cup is tea too - oolong by the smell of it. Looks like Kavya hasn't caught on Seyon's obsession with hazelnut coffee. Or Seyon didn't tell her. Does it mean he's being professional?

Thiya takes a sip of her tea, watching him take a seat. One sip, her head feels funny as if she drank alcohol. She feels like asking Seyon if his tea is funny. But he's not brought his cup to his perfectly shaped lips yet. The cup is held midair now, anytime ready to kiss his lips. Ugh... I'm thinking this way cause my head feels funny. Funny like a fish. Are fishes funny?

Oh god... nothing makes sense. She feels like choking on these thoughts. Seyon still hasn't taken his first sip, readying his book in another hand.

"Seyon, don't!" Thiya shrieks, placing the cup on the coffee table with shaky hands. Her knees buckle as she tries to stand. She collapses back into the sofa. "Don't drink it!"

Her thoughts are suddenly clear. She suspects her tea is spiked. Seyon's too, maybe.

Seyon is on his feet. Like an arrow shot, he's next to her. His novel slips from his hands, cup clattering to the floor. Its liquid stains Kavya's expensive designer carpet, but he cares less. At least the chinaware isn't broken.

"Thiya?" He kneels before the woman who's clutching her head. "Thiya, what's wrong?"

"Seyu, something feels off about this."

"The tea?" He glares at her teacup. Picking it up, he sniffs it while she cautions him against doing that, too. By the time he returns his attention to her, he notices her eyes clouding over. She's losing consciousness! He grabs her hand like a desperate man, not a cop on duty worrying for a coworker.

"Thiya!! Are you okay? Are you sick? Tell me how you feel. Are you in pain?"

Thiya fights against the darkness enclosing her. She's not in pain. "Just drowsy." She wants to fight it, whatever it is, but can't. The desperation causes her to writhe. Her subconscious registers Seyon's worried demeanour. She tries to explain, but all she can manage is just one word. His name.

"Seyon..."

Seyon calms himself. For a second he lost it, but he's the steadfast cop again. "Thi, stay with me. Tell me what's wrong. It's okay. Take calming breaths. Keep your eyes open."

"Seyon, I can't... don't think... I'm afraid."

"You're fine."

Her pulse is slightly racing. There's no sweat beading on her forehead or anything drastic. Seyon thinks she's fine. But he still must call for backup. "You're fine. I'm here for..."

Thiya falls asleep before he can complete that sentence. She fell asleep, yes. As he supports her limp body, pulls his phone out to call Soham and Mira, that's what he likes to believe.

Looking at her face, he's about to slip into panic mode, but she looks strangely at peace. Her temperature is fine. She looks peaceful.

His relief is short-lived as there's a blackout. He trained himself to see things in the dark without night vision goggles. He keeps them handy, of course. Putting on those, he gathers Thiya into his arms. How can he leave her here? Something is going on in the house. If Thiya hadn't alerted him, he'd have been asleep too. Asleep, yes...

He enfolds Thiya's arms tight around his neck. She feels frail. Has she lost weight? She wasn't this frail when they were together. When he had the privilege of lifting her into his arms whenever he pleased... Oh god, Seyon, what's wrong with you, dude? Eight years passed. Haven't you forgotten those memories?

He rewinds Thiya's arms around his neck. They fall limp on either side. This time, he binds her wrists with his kerchief and loops them around his neck. Ugh. This feels like a disservice. He will apologise to her later.

"I hope you stay safe until I figure out whatever this is, Thiya."

His murmur echoes in the quiet. Still holding Thiya, he somehow moves his hands to his trouser pockets where his gun sits. He grabs the weapon when a sound like a gunshot going off pierces the stillness. And then a high-pitched shriek.

***

Update after so long!

Please vote and comment guys. I need to know if anyone's reading my story. I write for myself but I'm seriously considering discontinuing this story if no one's interested in reading this!

Thanks! I hope this story earns at least a reader or two! <3

RuVineet Thanks for all the love you've given this story dear! <3 I appreciate it ^^ xoxo