The sky sent cold thrills down the Earth as everywhere looked darker. Jade took Sapphire home and packed his car at the front of her apartment, by the corner of her street the way he does. Sapphire jumped down of his car without saying anything. She had a lot to say but she didn't want to say anything. Thinking about all of it would bring her more harm than good and make her feel unhappy. Jade came down too but she walked pass him without mouthing a goodbye.
Worried about her, he quickly held her arm by the elbow and pulled her forward, swiftly.

"Don't believe anything that didn't come out of my mouth. Trust only me... Okay?" Sincerity laced Jade's eyes as he spoke but Sapphire jerked off his touch as if she was tired if hearing his lies.

“Well then, make me trust you!" She mouthed as her gaze fell on his. "I don't know what has gotten into me. Why should I care when the contract period will be over soon, anyway. Then, it won't matter if you're engaged to that lady or married to her. I can't compete with her, eith—”

Jade pulled her into a tight hug as his arms wrapped around her tiny body.
Sapphire wasn't expecting his hug but tears clouded in her eyes knowing she would be left, heartbroken at the end.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, fire." He magical fingers gently caress her head as it tapped her back like a young child.

Jade then pulled away from the hug and watch her closely. Despite being sad, she still looked like an angel. Cute and admirable. Jade felt emotional knowing she's not happy. He placed both hands on her shoulders in between her neck and head, admiring her Auburn hair that reminded him of beautiful mable trees during summer.

Sapphire's skin was soft but her lips were chapped and weathered. As Jade ran his hand across her cheek he felt an irregularity, a scar of some kind. In his opinion it made her more beautiful and unique, like a gorgeous butterfly. She was new, yet felt oddly familiar. She fit perfectly into his arms, her lips seemed moulded to the shape of his and his hands curled around hers so perfectly he felt they had been made for him. Close up, she smelt familiar, somehow: wine, roses, honey… she reminded him of his home. She felt like anything amorous. She felt like tenderness, warmth and intimacy – he imagined holding her by a bonfire, watching the reflection of the flames dancing across her skin but rather, Jade stared intensely into her sparkling blue eyes as they shared an eye contact.

"You sure have a lot of thoughts running through your small head. Sapphire frowned at his last words as her lips coiled up into a whatever smirk.

"Trust only me and think about only me." He added. "I won't ever hurt you until the contract period is over, okay?"

Sapphire nodded her head in agreement to his words.

"Also, please pick up your phone whenever I call. Even if you can't pick up, reply my messages." Saying this made Jade look like adorable teenager.

Sapphire burst into laughter hearing this from him. It sounded more like a confession and he was actually pleading with her.

"Why are you laughing?" Jade asked, a little puzzled at to what was funny.

"Go now. It's late." She pressed. "You must be tired. Hurry and go home."

"Okay, bye." He said as Sapphire turned towards her apartment, not knowing Zoey is watching them from the bungalow. She gently chucked while watching the little romance between her bestie and Jade.

"Are you sure you don't need me to come up with you?" Sapphire sniggered into her apartment as she walked into the distance with a good night and a board smile on her lips.

"See you tomorrow!" Jade muttered with a smile too, before leaving.

Walking upstairs and smiling to herself like someone who has been guaranteed to make paradise. Sapphire tugged her hair by the side of her ear and walked towards her room when she suddenly saw Zoey. A shock expression ran through her face as she scratched her neck, nervously.

Zoey who was enjoying a glass of red wine raised it towards her and raised the glass up as if she was giving toasts with invisible creatures. Well, Zoey blushed at her which felt really awkward and gross but Sapphire walked towards the bench outside, where she was seated.

Sapphire took a seat beside her bestie as a shy smile worked it's way through her small lips.
"Did you see... everything?"

"Yes. It looked so beautiful. You two might as well have been shooting a romance movie especially with that hug. Too bad a kiss wasn't involved but... I'm jealous, Fire!" Zoey revealed with a bright smile on her dimples cheeks which made her look even prettier.

An awkward silence reigned between then for a while as Sapphire thought about everything.

"Zoey." Sapphire started.

"Hmm?" She replied her with a sincere glance.

"It looks like... I've developed a type of love-hate feeling for him. Sometimes, I want to hit him hard on the head while other times, I just want to give him a warm cuddle. I'm confused about all of these, Zoey. What do I do?"

"What else? Date your heart out during the time you have left. You too deserve happiness, you know?"

"What if I can't get to break him up, afterwards. Won't I feel guilty of leaving him when this contract comes to an end? What would I do, then?"

"What are you worried about, exactly?" Zoey leaned forward while asking. "Are you worried about breaking up with him or not breaking up with him?"

Sapphire looked so emotional but Zoey continued...
"I mean, it's not like you're commiting adultery. You two are both young and charming. And it's not like you'll get married, and then get divorced right? Why are you even worrying about what would happen after the contract now?"

"Yeah, you're right."  Sapphire replied but it sounded like a whisper.

"Also, don't worry sweety. Big sis here knows what she's talking about since she's more experienced." Zoey muttered sadly and placed her harms around her as a smile followed.
"Too bad I haven't been good with relationships but I know what true love looks and feels like. Breaking up with someone isn't really a big deal, though. Out of sight, out of mind. The end.

"Really?" Sapphire asked.

"Yes, really." Zoey assured.

"Oh my! Sapphire took out a soft sigh as if an heavy weight has been lifted off her shoulders. That'll be really nice."

"Awwwwn... my innocent and sweet Sapphire." Zoey meowed while her fingers gently brushed through Sapphire's hair.  Come here.

She opened her arms wide a little as Sapphire cuddled her in a warm hug. Anyone watching them would have seen the sisterly love they both shared. Although, Zoey is older than Sapphire with only three years, they've grown to be close friends and sisters. They've been helpful and supportive towards each other ever since childhood and they've also shared lots of memories together... Just like how most blood-related sister, do.

Going home, Jade couldn't help but to remember how sad Sapphire sounded.

“I don't know what has gotten into me. Why should I care when the contract period will be over soon, anyway. Then, it won't matter if you're engaged to that lady or married to her. I can't compete with her, eith—”

A sad expression clouded his face as he drove to the direction of his hotel. Unsettled, Jade worked overnight as he does this to take way stress.