She scented vanilla, a faint scent yet it harrassed my nose when she climbed on top of me. I chuckled, eyeing her suspiciously, Florescent gave me a toothed grin, flipping her wild wavy hair. "Don't you like this position?" I teased, mirroring her expression. I loved how bold Flo was, she shrugged her shoulders, feigning innocence which wasn't her forte. "I do." She hushed, laying soft kisses on my lips.

"I love you." I found myself saying absentmindedly. Florescent laughed, licking her lips. "You better."

"We're forever, right?" Flo asked, her intense gaze holding me in place. Forever...with Flo? That idea made my insides turn into joy. I didn't mind, I wanted it even. I knew right then, in such a sweet and intimate moment, I should have admitted putting my name on the enrollment list into the military. If I weren't so keen on finding the right moment, perhaps I wouldn't have waited until after I had popped the question, giving more room for my heart to be ripped out of my body. "Right, Simon?" She pressed, poking my chest. I chuckled, nodding.

"Darn right we are."

After so long, seeing her again made my chest clench in a way I did not understand. Questions filled my mind but none left my lips, I just stared. In disbelief, nostalgia rose an army of goosebumps on my skin. Florescent was here, in Abel's workshop, and she recognized me. An elbow nudged me, in an attempt to break the forsaken daze I was in. I hummed absentmindedly, still staring at the woman. She wore an orange-flair dress that barely brushed her mid-thigh, and a dark orange blazer hung against her shoulder. Florescent's dark brown wavy hair was packed up in a professional bun. Her porcelain skin made the orange outfit pop, no wonder the woman turned a few heads.

She seemed as shocked as I was.

Her wide eyes formed slits, her lips going up in a smirk. "You didn't die." Was the first thing Flo said, confidently walking towards me, her hips swaying. "Well, I'd be darned." Her arms were spread out, requesting a hug and without thinking, I did. My hands wrapped around her small waist, tightening the grip just to make sure she was really there. Florescent had a familiar scent; vanilla. "You big fool, I missed you so much." The woman whispered, her voice croaking. My heart ached.

I never humoured the thought that I'd ever see her again, and even if I did, what I expected was a slap. Not a warm hug. "Are you mute now, Simon?" Good Lord, she had really grown over the years, hearing the way she called me that, I broke in a chuckle.

"I-ah-no." My cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Still holding my neck, she grinned. "You work here?" I nodded, not trusting my voice.

"Welcome to the workshop, what can I do for you?" I recognized that voice, and the first thing which rang in my head was my little lady. Quickly, I stepped back, a hand going up to scratch my neck. A nervous action. Abel spared me a questioning glance before looking back at Florescent. As always, Flo caught on fast, eyeing the both of us suspiciously.

"It's my car. Bashed the hell out of the front. I need it fixed before the weekend."

Abel nodded. "Should we check it out?" Florescent pursed her lips. "Actually, I'd love it if Simon helped me out. He works here, no?" Ah...really? I didn't want Abel to have the wrong idea. It wasn't as though this was a reunion of long friends, it was much embarrassing as it was shocking. Abel rose his eyebrow, humming.

"You too are close?" He questioned smoothly. Flo shrugged her shoulder with a sly smile.

"Closer than you think." Was she teasing him? I didn't need uncertainty from him. Immediately, I pitched in. "We used to date. But, that's a long time ago." Did that make it better? Perhaps I shouldn't have said anything because the look on Abel's face wasn't so convincing. "Used to date? You proposed to me, loverboy." My heart skipped a when she said that. I felt darn flustered.

"Your car, let's go." Pulling her away from the scene, I made my way outside the workshop before things became tense. "Flo, I don't appreciate that." I rushed out when we were out of hearing. Florescent pouted mockingly, "Baby, why do you care what he thinks? He's just another worker, no?"

I sighed. "He's my boss."

"So?"

And also the brother of the lady I fancy. Keeping my lips pursed, I cock my head towards the busted-up car in front. It was a Jaguar 2022 model, sleek black. Who would bash up such a fine car? "It was Tom." Florescent deadpanned. Realizing I said that out loud, I tried covering it up with a dry chuckle. "Your boyfriend?" I asked, inquisitive. Florescent glanced at me, her expression unreadable.

"What if...he is?"

I shrug, "It was just a question, Flo. Don't read into it."

Florescent kissed her teeth, crossing her arms against her chest. "You've changed." Perhaps I would have let Abel take this one. Thinning my lips, my gaze reached hers and I realized she had shortened the distance between us. "Eight years would do that to you." My words were more sarcastic than intended. "You were counting?"

I don't answer. Instead, I continue to observe the damage, adding up the cost of materials that would be used to fix this. I'd still have to consult Abel for this one. When a slim hand caressed mine on the bonnet of the car, I paused. "You know...you never reached out to me." Flo worded lowly, her thumb rubbing circled over my palm. How she did it reminded me of how I did so to Amelia. Amelia...

I took my hand away from her light grasp, folding it. "You made it pretty clear on wanting nothing to do with me." This conversation made my heart pump faster than normal, I wasn't ready for this conversation. To admit how much her actions took a toll on me, to admit the mistake I sometimes wished I could change by turning the hand of the clock.

"Which was entirely justified. But you didn't look for me."

This made me scoff, what the hell was she on about? My once clear stance guarded up. "I'm not that shameless." Florescent's lips parted slightly before she shut them in a purse. "How-" She began but I didn't want to hear it. "It's in the past, let's leave it there. Understood?" Florescent chuckled a humourless sound.

"Don't treat me that way." Her cheeks were getting darker, the woman was agitated. "Treat you what way?"

"Like I'm a little girl." Huffing, Florescent ran her palm against the bun on her head. "The car." I began, deciding to end our conversation here. I still wondered why she came back to this place, this...town. It certainly didn't suit her anymore.

"What?" Florescent asked, scrunching up her face in confusion. "You can come to pick up your car by Thursday, latest Friday. The damage would be sent to you from Abel. You can give him your number. " I turned to leave but she stopped me, stepping in my way before stumbling over a rock on the ground. Florescent gasped, her eyes widening. With a harsh breath, I steadied her, "Be careful." Her face began getting red again.

"Everest...?" This time, Flo's voice was light, almost breathless.

"What?"

"Why do you have to be back...? Why...why do you have to torture me?" My eyebrows knitted together, how on this green earth was I torturing her with my presence? Speaking of, those were my lines to say, not hers. Her grip on my forearm was tighter. "Tom..." I arched a questioning eyebrow.

"Tom is my business partner." Her eyes failed to meet mine. "Not my boyfriend."

Silently, I let her go, digging my hands into my pocket; perhaps if I did this my hand wouldn't find its way around her waist too often. Walking back into the workshop, I go straight to Abel who's discussing with a client. "This is Flo...I mean, Florescent. You can take it from here, right?"

When I turned to leave, I saw Florescent crossing her arms while grimacing my way. "Ms Florescent?" Abel called out, drawing her attention away. With a deep breath, I made it back to my spot. From my peripherals, I saw Rasu staring. After polishing a few items, I turned to him. "What is it, Rasu?" He seemed almost shocked, clearing his throat. "Oh, it's..."

"I don't know, you guys seemed pretty cosy. I don't think Boss appreciates that." Rasu uttered while pumping a flattened tire. Pursing my lips, I decide not to say anything. Florescent made her departure noticed, her block heels clacking on the floor. "See you later, loverboy!" Her words caused the boy's attention to drop on me. Ah, the last thing I wanted was for them to think I was playing Abel's sister.

As though he read my mind, I heard my name being called and when I turned to see the person; it was Abel. The boy had a mean mug on his face, a bit intimidating if I hadn't gotten used to this kind of facial expression. Walking past a few cars, I made my way to him. He dropped his spanner, resting on the Hilux truck he was working on.

"I hate to pry, but this involves my little sister."

Great. Now he was probably thinking in the same line of thought. "It's not how it seems." Abel's forehead creased. "You were engaged?" He asked, sounding confused. I sigh, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "For barely a week."

"I...I don't even want to know. Just, don't hurt Amelia, man. I won't forgive you if you do." How could a man sound so sincere and threatening in one breath? Pursing my lips, I nod. "I don't plan on hurting her. So you can rest easy." My eyes narrowed at the thought, I hope he didn't see me as a potential man to watch out for, or a man Amelia needed to be protected from.

"Alright, that's all then."

I turned around, sighing out a breath of relief. 'Don't hurt her.' Honestly? I felt kind of offended that he would think that of me, but I couldn't blame him. As Rasu said, we seemed pretty cosy. Still, the question remained. What was she doing back in this town?

"Florescent? Like the one who dumped you when you entered the military?" Gabe asked, his eyes widening to show his shock. Perhaps that was how I looked when I first saw her. He relaxed on the brown couch, sinking in as his laughter got louder. After work, I decided to branch Pen's apartment where Gabe still stayed for the time being -- although I was sure they were pretty much living together now. I needed someone to unburden.

"How did you feel when you saw her again?"

"How could I feel? I was shocked, confused-" I was full of questions, questions I knew would remain unanswered until I saw Florescent again. But, was that really a good idea? Gabe huffed, playing with strands of his hair. "Will you tell your lady?" His question surprised me. Was there anything to tell? I shrugged. "Tell her what?"

"Uhm...that the woman you proposed to a while back is back in town and she's having her car fixed with you. Does she even know about Florescent?" I shook my head. There had been no occasion that called for a unravelment of my past relationship.

"So what if she finds out on her own? Better yet, she walks in on you being all familiar with each other?" He had a point. Would Amelia be mad at me if she found out first? I didn't want to disappoint her, or even seem to hide anything from her. She'd been nothing but honest with me.

I wanted her.

I wanted her to be mine, maybe being engaged once before was a piece of information worth telling.

He eventually straightened up and said "Ah...that's right. Guess what I heard." From Gabe's smirk, my suspicion grew. I arched an eyebrow, taking the glass cup to my lips, savouring the taste of the wine. He leaned in, his Cheshire smirk not leaving his lips.

"At Cas' wedding. Pen said she went up to the balcony to take a call but it was preoccupied. I see someone was lucky that night." He completed with a silly grin. My brain instantly clicked on what he was implying, narrowing my eyes, I smirk. "I see you and Pen share a lot of secrets." That was my response. Gabe cackled, throwing his head back. "A man of secrecy. I respect that."

Gabe continued to smile, his eyes far off.

"I'm happy for you." He finally said, our eyes meeting. I doubled back at his creepy smile. "Don't be weird." Gabe chuckled as I said this. "I mean it, you found someone to cherish."

"I could say the same for you. Pen's been in front of you the whole time." While he was obsessing over his ex-girlfriend, Penelope was there, waiting I presume. He chuckled nervously, covering his face. "You too? Pen gave me a earful of that." Gabe muttered, shaking his head. "I found my way in the end, that's what matters, right?" His poor attempt of justification had me rolling my eyes.

"If you say so."

I stayed for about an hour until the darkness began to settle into the atmosphere, it was a calm evening. Taking a deepbreath, I looked at my steering wheel,tightening my grip on it. Florescent. Why did she have to come back? I tried convincing myself that her reappearance didn't matter, but deep down, I knew it did. Or at least it wasn't as insignificant as I wished.

Staring down at my phone, I sighed loudly, the scent of wine filling my car. Amelia...I want to be serious with her. I do. So why the heck did I feel guilty wanting to hear her voice at such a time? Chewing the inside of my cheek, I sum up the courage to dial her number. It rang twice and she picked.

"Hey Evie!" As cheerful as always.

I pursed my lips, not knowing what to say. "Everest?" Amelia called out, lowly this time. Taking a deepbreath, I let it out with a sigh. "Baby." The line was quiet for a bit, I heard shuffling. "Are you okay, Evie?" Ah, so I sounded distraught even on the phone, sitting up, I nodded my head.

"I wanted to hear your voice, so I dialed." Was my confession. She awned.

"So, did you make it in time? Hopefully Abel didn't give you a scolding." Amelia said playfully, I loved the sound of her voice, it was comforting. "I arrived just in time actually."

"Really? That's a relief, I was starting to get worried when you left so late."

I smiled.

"I won't mind getting a scolding for spending more time with you though." Amelia teased me about being a smoothtalker which made me chuckle, was I one? I just fancied saying things that would make her blush, they were true anyways, so what was the harm? "So how was work in general? I was just talking about me all the time we spent together." She mumbled under her breath but I was able to make out what she said.

"It's fine, baby. And work was...eventful."

She listened, not interrupting me. "I...I met an old friend." The little lady hummed, "An old friend, really? You mean from the army?" I knew Amelia was the curious type, I found it adorable. "No, before that actually."

"Oh, so you guys go way back? You must have been overjoyed! I know I would." I chuckle, laying my head on the headrest attached to the seat of the car. "I wasn't, to be honest." She paused, "W-why not?"

"It--don't worry about it, okay? I'll tell you all this later." The best time to discuss my ex-fiancee wasn't in the car, where I couldn't see her reactions, or how her lips would slightly twitch if she didn't like a certain thing. Her voice alone gave some of it away, but I wanted to see her when talking about this.

"Oh." Amelia sounded disappointed. Dammit.

"I should probably leave you--"

"No." I stopped her words before she got any farther. "I don't want you to go. I...really want to talk to you." Amelia laughed, I could picture her fiddling with her fingers if she wasn't on the phone. "About what?"

"You." I started the engine, connecting my phone to a Bluetooth speaker so all I could hear was her sweet voice. "Me?" Amelia's hum filled my car, I smiled, starting the engine. "Don't restrain for my sake, I'm all ears baby." The cute lady hummed, I heard shuffling between the line before it stopped with her gasp. "What is it?" Did she fall off or something?

"Huh? Oh, I kind of...maybe fell off my bed."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You alright?" Amelia hummed a yes. Reversing out of the parking lot, I began driving back home.

"Oh I know what we can talk about! Did I ever tell you about the time I was chased by chickens in my neighbours poultry?" She brought up, the excitement practically bubbling out of her, her eagerness was contagious. With a goofy grin on my face, I hummed a no.

"Do tell."