At eight meters above the ground, Amir clung to the wall, his body tethered by a safety rope. His fingers dug into the holds, muscles taut as he pulled himself up, every inch of his frame alive with the familiar strain. This wall had been his silent companion for the past three years, one he could always count on to ground him.

But today, he was pushing his limits.


He had lost track of how many times he'd climbed. His fingers ached, his heart pounded loud enough to hear it in his ears, and his clothes clung to him, damp with sweat. Amir knew he needed to let go before his strength gave out completely.

With a deep breath, he released his grip and allowed himself to float downward, the harness taking his weight. He landed on the floor in a kneel, his body too drained to immediately stand. As he took a moment to catch his breath, a balled-up pair of socks smacked into his face.

Scowling, he looked up at his friends. Eko and Idzhar were laughing, while Yuli, with her half-shaved head, offered a wry smile.


'Out of juice, Amir?" Eko teased, already changed into fresh clothes and slinging his backpack over his shoulder.

'Come on, let's go up one more time. I'll treat you to some meatballs afterward," Idzhar chimed in, nudging Yuli for support.


'Don't push him, bro," Yuli warned, giving Idzhar a slight nudge back.

'I'm serious, Yul! So he can work off all that anxiety."

'Enough, you two!" Amir shot back, tossing the sock back at Idzhar, who ducked with an exaggerated look of shock.

'Sorry, guys, but I can't hang out tonight. My wife's expecting me. Gotta be the doting husband, you know?" Eko said, grinning as he gathered his things.

'Ugh, leave it to the married guy to bail on us," Idzhar groaned. 'What about Amir, though?"

'Eh, just hang him out to dry!" Eko laughed, and once again, he and Idzhar dissolved into snickers, with Yuli shaking her head at their antics.

She turned to Amir, noticing the blank look on his face as he absent-mindedly unlatched his safety rope. 'Don't just sit there staring off into space. Come on, hurry up so we can get pizza," she prodded, handing him his bag.

'Alright, Yul." Amir stretched, took his bag, and headed toward the restroom, leaving Eko and Idzhar to exchange uneasy glances. It was clear Amir was out of sorts tonight, not his usual self.

It was rare for Amir to agree to a weeknight hangout, but this time he found himself sitting with Yuli and Idzhar at Jokie Coffee Bar. They'd settled on the outdoor seating area on the second floor, lounging on plush single sofas around a round table. A half-eaten pizza and nachos lay between them, and each had their chosen drink in hand.

The scene felt like a familiar throwback to their college days when they'd end the night with drinks and music. But times had changed, and now Yuli—once the life of their drinking nights—had kidney issues, which meant she couldn't touch alcohol at all. As a show of solidarity, the group had swapped clubs and bars for a wall-climbing community. Over the years, they'd dabbled in various sports together, from futsal to muay thai, eventually settling on climbing, Yuli's sport of choice.

Tonight, though, was unusually quiet. They sat in silence, each lost in their phones. Occasionally, they exchanged looks, especially Yuli, who gave Idzhar a nudge with her elbow as she eyed Amir. Amir was smoking, blowing smoke rings into the night air, his drink untouched, and hadn't said a word since they'd arrived.

Yuli and Idzhar knew Amir well enough to sense when something was weighing on him. While he typically shared his troubles freely, this latest issue was different, deeply personal. After his marriage had hit a rough patch, they knew he'd been grappling with something heavy.

'Eat something, Amir." Idzhar nudged his knee, breaking the silence.

'You guys go ahead," Amir replied, his gaze distant.

'Hey, did you read my DM on Instagram?" Yuli asked, forcing some cheer into her voice. 'I sent you a job listing. It's with a multinational company. Perfect for you."

Amir shrugged, tapping ash from his cigarette. 'They want someone with a degree, Yul."

Yuli exchanged a worried look with Idzhar. 'Just try, Amir. Your experience might count for something."

'Sure, I'll give it a shot," Amir said, exhaling smoke into the cool air. 'Though I doubt my CV will make it past the system filter."

'You don't want to finish your degree?" Idzhar asked, attempting another angle. 'There are affordable online programs now. Flexible schedules and everything."

'I looked into it." Amir shook his head. 'The costs add up. I'd rather save that money for Sheyna's future. I'm not doing this for me anymore. I'm doing it for her."

And with a tired smile, Amir leaned back, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance, carrying a resignation that left his friends at a loss for words.

Amir's words left his two friends exchanging concerned glances. Among their group, Amir was the most steady—the one whose optimism always anchored them all. It was troubling to think of him struggling.

'Hey, don't think like that, bro," Idzhar said, leaning forward. 'If you graduate, you'll start bringing in more income. More for Sheyna, right, Yul?"

Yuli nodded, 'Yeah. Plus, it'd give you something to focus on. You wouldn't have so much on your mind all the time."

Amir's gaze stayed distant, but he flicked his cigarette onto the edge of the ashtray and shook his glass, watching as the layers of coffee and milk blended together. 'Alright. I'll think it over."

'Good," Idzhar nodded approvingly, pushing a slice of pizza toward him. 'Just make sure to eat, bro. An empty stomach won't help you out."

With a faint smile, Amir looked at the pizza before taking a sip of his coffee. He glanced up to find his friends looking somewhat awkward. 'Hey, sorry for being out of it tonight. My brain's completely shut off."

'Come on," Idzhar chuckled, trying to ease the tension. 'Think of us as the ship's crew. If the captain's upset, of course the crew will feel it too. We're on the same wavelength, alright? If one of us is down, then we're all down, no question."

Amir managed a small, grateful smile.

'So, you're signing the contract this Saturday?" Yuli's voice was gentle, her question cautious.

Amir tensed for a moment but shrugged off the sinking feeling. He didn't want her to feel bad for bringing it up. 'Yeah."

'And you're sure?"

'It's settled. I'm signing it."

'But… what about Erin?" Yuli pressed.

Amir exhaled, 'Steve spoke to me yesterday. He's encouraging me to keep seeing Erin, just as long as we keep things… professional. I think he just wants all this to reflect badly on Kia and keep his hands clean. It's… honestly exhausting."

'Why work with someone like that, bro?" Idzhar asked, frustration slipping into his tone. 'It's been five years of this."

'Because he's… honestly, he's good at what he does. Sharp, focused. Sure, he's got his faults—drama, favoritism, you name it—but he produces results. I'm just starting to question if I can keep doing this."

'Have you thought about leaving?" Yuli asked, her voice soft.

Amir's jaw tightened. 'Look, I'm making decent money here, Yul. It'd be hard to get half of it somewhere else."

'But you'd get to keep Erin," Idzhar pointed out.

'That's not guaranteed," Amir admitted, looking away. 'Erin's been keeping her distance. I can't expect her to accept me and Sheyna… and I don't blame her."

Yuli's voice was barely above a whisper. 'So, you think…?"

Amir's gaze was fixed ahead again, his hand absentmindedly swirling the ice in his glass as if to mark the seconds passing by. 'Sooner or later, she's going to end things."

The next morning, Amir's prediction seemed to come true, sending a chill down his spine. He woke to a message from Erin, asking him to meet her on the rooftop at eight that night.

Still lying on his bed, he found himself staring at the ceiling, the memories of his time with Erin flashing through his mind. Their relationship had been short, but her warmth had filled every empty corner of his heart. She had made him feel loved, and he had loved her in return. The garden they'd grown together in his heart had once felt vibrant, but now he could feel it wilting.

He was tempted to call in sick, to avoid the entire day just to avoid this inevitable heartbreak. But he knew he couldn't keep running. If he couldn't handle seeing her, then how would he face the world after she was gone?

Dragging himself through his morning routine, Amir put on a white polo shirt under a brown jacket. He glanced at his car parked in the garage, deciding it was too dangerous to drive with his mind all over the place. So, he opted for his motorbike, hoping the ride would keep him grounded.

When he arrived at work, he headed straight to the third floor, head down, as if trying to build a barrier between himself and the world. His entire body language was a signal—a quiet message that no one should disturb him today.

The day passed slowly. Amir's focus was pinned to his computer, ignoring the ache in his back and the stiffness in his legs. He barely moved during breaks, just popping into the restroom and grabbing a piece of bread from the free food counter on the second floor to keep his stomach from growling.

All around him, he heard the lively buzz of the office: chatter about the national team, excited whispers about the latest Korean drama, and occasionally, Ste's booming voice cutting through the noise.

The buzzing of Amir's phone cut through his scattered thoughts. He glanced at the screen to see a message from his mother:

Son, I took Sheyna to the salon earlier, and out of nowhere, someone offered her a casting for a commercial. Is this true? His name is Mars Ogsario.

Already feeling the weight of the day, Amir let out a long sigh. Now he had one more thing to think about. He opened the attached photo. Sheyna, dressed in a white gown, stood next to a man with porcelain skin and a chain fishing hat. Amir's eyes narrowed at the crocodile-textured boots the man wore.

Still, he felt a need to confirm. After a brief search on social media, he found Mars's profile. To Amir's surprise, Mars was a designer and casting director with eighty thousand followers, a verified Instagram account, and a following of big-name celebrities. His feed was filled with behind-the-scenes snippets from commercials, and his latest story post outlined casting details:

Looking for a 3–4-year-old girl with a local/oriental look for a milk ad (TV, online, billboard). Requirements: beautiful, adjustable, and experienced. Standard 3-hour shoot. Budget: 15-20 million IDR with potential for a long-term contract if approved by the client.

Strangely, Amir's eyes burned as he read the post. A wave of emotion hit him, as though he hadn't blinked in hours. His shoulders shook slightly as he fought back tears.

Sheyna. It was always her.

Just last night, he'd been gripped by worry about her future, about saving enough for her. Now, it felt as though the universe was giving him a nudge, a reminder that there were blessings he couldn't see yet. The opportunity for Sheyna to earn her own way came just as he considered sacrificing his integrity for a job contract—one built on manipulation and threats.

This wasn't a certainty; Sheyna might not even get the job. But it was a chance—a door opening, a sign.

What kind of sign? What was he supposed to do?

If Amir took this promotion, he'd be submitting to Steve and Kia, empowering them with unchecked authority. He'd be complicit in their power play. Especially after what Steve had tried to do to Erin. Amir knew he had the leverage to take down Steve, but he couldn't interfere if he stayed in this position.

Maybe it was time to take a stand. Even if it meant jeopardizing his career. Even if Steve would make every effort to push him out.

At least he'd stay honest with himself. And, if nothing else, he'd have a life lesson for Sheyna.

Amir nodded to himself. The decision was made—he would reject the promotion.

Finally, the moment arrived.

The office had emptied, with only the admin and production teams lingering, busy in the second-floor studios. Amir slipped on his brown jacket, each step heavy with the weight of what lay ahead.

He climbed to the top floor, halting in front of the iron door that separated him from the rooftop. Beyond it was Erin. This was it—the space where their relationship, hanging by a thread, would reach its resolution.

Amir steadied himself, letting his heart open to whatever might come. He loved her. Whatever happened next, he wanted her happiness.

The cold night air hit him as he opened the door. As it clicked shut, he surrendered himself to the moment.

He spotted Erin across the open rooftop, standing in the same place they'd met last time. She wore a white dress and a purple knit sweater that wrapped her arms tightly. She seemed awkward, as though struggling to ground herself. A bright, white light overhead, alongside scattered rooftop lights, illuminated her face, revealing a delicate pallor.

Amir approached, closing the distance until he stood just a meter away. Formal, reserved. It was as though they were strangers, as if they'd never shared late nights and whispered dreams.

Erin's eyes were pained, her face worn. If this was because of him, Amir knew he'd never forgive himself. Perhaps, he thought, letting her go was the only path forward.

Erin drew a deep breath, her heart pounding as she finally broke the silence. 'Amir…" she called gently.

'Yes, Erin?" Amir replied simply, meeting her gaze.

'Thank you for coming." Erin's voice was soft, almost too kind. She was even making small talk for their goodbye.

Amir managed a single nod, hands hanging awkwardly at his sides. He didn't want to seem arrogant by putting them in his pockets or crossing his arms.

"I… I came here to say that…" Erin trailed off.

Is she going to ask to end things? Maybe tell me she's disappointed that I'm a widower with a child? Amir's mind raced, trying to anticipate her words.

"I told you before, Amir," Erin finally said, her voice trembling. "But I swear, what happened with Steve… he forced me."

Amir's brow furrowed, surprise evident on his face. He'd known some of this, but why was she bringing it up now? Did she want him to help her confront Steve?

"I know you were forced," Amir replied, his voice calm. "I can help you report him."

'Really? How?" she asked, her tone a mix of desperation and hope.

Amir took a deep breath. 'I should apologize first. I was on duty as your IT that day, setting up your presentation needs… and a hidden camera. I meant it to just observe the presentation process, but I ended up recording something that… well, it shows what he tried to do to you."

Erin's hand shot to her mouth. 'You recorded it?"

'Yes."

'Did you watch it?"

'I saw enough to know he tried something inappropriate. But I was torn. Steve threatened to cancel my promotion if we stayed together, so I thought maybe it was best to keep the recording to myself. But now… I've decided. I'm rejecting the promotion. I won't let Steve have that hold over me, and I'll give you the recording so you can report him."

A rush of relief washed over Amir as he spoke, dispelling the tension in his chest. He knew there'd still be pain ahead, but at least he'd held true to himself.

'Steve threatened you over a promotion?" Erin asked, her anger rising. 'Who does he think he is?"

Amir hesitated, sensing her concern was shifting to him. 'Yes, because Steve and Kia have the power to evaluate my work. They want us separated."

'And you're rejecting the promotion?" she asked.

'Yes. I don't want them to feel like they own me, especially in such an unfair way."

Erin's surprise turned to something else—was it disappointment? 'Oh, so you're rejecting it… because you still want to be with me?"

The question threw Amir off-balance, sparking a deeper confusion within him. 'I… well, what makes you think that? I mean, we… you know our last problem… My status? My child?" He could hardly believe he'd brought it up.

Erin wrapped her hands tightly under the sleeves of her sweater. 'Do you really not love me anymore? Do you not want to give me a chance?"

Amir's heart lurched. 'What… what are you saying?" he asked, almost stumbling over his words.

'Well, you've been honest with me, Amir, about your past. Sheyna is a part of your life, so… does that mean your love for me has never been whole?"

'Not at all, Erin. I love you so much. You and Sheyna both hold my heart, in different ways. Every day without you… it's like torture." He couldn't hold back any longer, the pain of separation tearing through him.

Erin's eyes softened. 'Then… do you still love me?"

He nearly laughed. Here he was, heartbroken over their impending separation, and she was teasing him, playing coy. 'Oh, Erin… of course I do," he whispered, his voice trembling.

'Then… does this mean you'd give me a chance to get close to Sheyna? That you'd teach me to be a good stepmother for her?"

Amir felt as if the moon itself had just fallen from the sky and hit him over the head. Is this real? In front of him, Erin smiled, a shy, gentle smile that made his heart ache.

Looking skyward, Amir couldn't help but grin, as if checking the moon was still in its place.

'Why do I suddenly have a headache?" He rubbed his forehead, overwhelmed.

Erin stifled a laugh. 'Why? Come, sit down." She took his arm, leading him to an old, creaky bench where they sat together, side by side.

The girl's big eyes were fixed on his face. 'Have you eaten? Maybe you're dizzy because you haven't eaten."

'Erin, I'm dizzy, but it's not from hunger. It's…what you said earlier. Are you serious?" Amir massaged his forehead, his heart pounding even as he tried to keep calm.

With the same casual innocence, she nodded. 'Yes. You said you still love me. And if you love me, you should teach me to be a good mother. I've never had kids, you know. Oh, and if you and Sheyna call me ‘Mami,' that's fine, but I draw the line at ‘Mamam.' That sounds strange, right?"

That was the chatter Amir had missed so much. The chatter he thought he'd only relive in memories. He felt the air rush back into his lungs as his heart danced. He let himself feel it, that bubbling joy, and he laughed—a strange laugh mixed with bitterness and disbelief.

'Hey, what's wrong with you?" Erin punched his arm lightly, frowning. 'Are you possessed or something?"

Her playful punch only made him laugh harder. He stood up, spreading his arms and letting the cool air hit him, rubbing his face to ease away the tension he'd held for so long. Then he looked back at Erin, his beautiful girl, who now looked a little baffled by his reaction.

'Of course." Amir knelt in front of her, taking both of her hands. 'Of course I'll teach you. I'll help you get close to Sheyna, and I'll work to help you both love and care for each other."

Erin squeezed his hands back. 'But you have to promise me something. You need to love us equally. I don't want anything extra, just fairness. I want Sheyna to grow up happily, even if her mother isn't her birth mother."

'Of course, sweetheart," Amir replied, kissing her hand and breathing in her familiar scent, finally letting out all his pent-up longing.

'So…we're really together again?" Erin's question pulled Amir from his thoughts.

'Yes. We're together again," he replied, his voice filled with certainty.

'Even if it costs you the promotion?"

Yesterday, he would have thought that promotion was worth any sacrifice. But now, his heart felt so light and free. 'Yes. I don't mind."

'Hmm, but do you still want the promotion?" Erin's unexpected question knit his brows in confusion.

'Why?"

'Well, there's something you don't know yet." Erin hesitated, clearly preparing for his reaction. 'You can't be mad at me for this, okay?"

Amir waited, his expression still neutral.

'So, Mrs. Berta…she's my aunt. She's my father's sister. She wouldn't be thrilled if she knew an employee was using their position for personal gain and threatening others."

The words hit Amir like a punch in the gut. Erin hurriedly covered his gaping mouth with her hand, 'Remember, you can't be mad, honey."

Amir shook his head, laughing. 'I'm not mad, sweetheart. Now it all makes sense! Your strange job description, the way you're always isolated from everyone else, how you can take time off whenever you want. I was starting to think you were just being lazy."

'You're so mean!" She tried to slap him playfully, but he held her hands firmly, pulling her close. 'Anyway, I can guarantee you won't lose that promotion. And we can teach a lesson to those who tried to tear us apart. Isn't that right?"

Amir's knees nearly buckled with relief. The anxiety about his job, about losing her—it all melted away. He realized now there was no decision to make, no sacrifice too big to be with her.

Erin's eyes sparkled as they met his, reflecting the same love and passion. He realized how lucky he was to have this beautiful woman with a heart as pure as hers, loving him like she did.

Amir rose to his feet, guiding Erin up with him. Their eyes met, and Amir hoped she could feel every ounce of his love pouring out, unfiltered and full. Erin released his hands, instead holding his face, tracing the lines of his rugged skin. 'Amir, I thought I'd never get to hold you again," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion.

'I love you, Erin," he said firmly, voice thick with feeling. 'It's been so hard holding it all back. I love you more than you can imagine. Can you hear me?"

'Loud and clear," Erin replied, gently slapping his cheek, her own voice cracking. 'I love you too, ba—mmph…"

Before she could finish, Amir's lips were on hers, cutting her off. The sudden kiss caught Erin off guard, causing her to stumble, but Amir's arm was there, steadying her waist as he held her close.

Erin's mind was still catching up, trying to process it all.

Amir's kiss was anything but ordinary.

Gentle, wet kisses coaxed Erin's lips open, sending her pulse racing. Amir's fervent touch was unmistakable, his face so close she could see the texture of his beard—the ruggedness she'd always loved about him. This was her Amir, real and near.

Not wanting to miss a moment, Erin closed her eyes, surrendering to the warmth of his mouth. She welcomed his teasing tongue, dancing with hers, until his embrace grew so tight that her chest felt heavy. Reflexively, she tapped his forehead, causing him to pull back.

'Hold on, honey! Let me catch my breath first!" Erin laughed breathlessly.

Amir smirked. 'just catch it later," he murmured, diving back in with the same hungry intensity, as though he'd been starved of her for far too long. Each kiss seemed to revive the long-dormant feelings in her heart, reawakening her own goddess of love.

Once more, Erin tapped his forehead, breaking their kiss. But this time, they both burst into laughter, holding each other as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

***