Only four people resided in this house. Yet, the expansive dining table was laden with a variety of dishes, leaving scant space for eating. This was a customary affair in Erin's family when her parents were not on business trips.

Appetizers consisted of either bruschetta or spring rolls. The main course offered a delectable selection: pan-seared salmon, lasagna, lamb curry, butter scallops, and tuna with ginger oil. Mille crepes graced the dessert table, while patbingsu and mango yogurt awaited in the refrigerator. All these culinary delights were the handiwork of Chef Harris, Rudolf's personal chef, who possessed an unparalleled understanding of his employer's taste. As a professional chef, Rudolf preferred to indulge his refined palate rather than toil in the kitchen.


No wonder the middle-aged man beamed at the day's menu. His wife shared his enthusiasm, as did their children, Erin and Nathan. "Don't forget to express gratitude for these blessings," he reminded them.

"Okay, Dad. Can I eat now?" Nathan's eyes darted impatiently toward the tuna. His father's eclectic taste was a source of amusement to him. The man always piled everything on the table instead of serving dishes sequentially.

"Not yet. First, give me an update on your work, Nate."


Nathan exchanged a glance with Erin, who shrugged. The siblings had once crafted ambitious plans for Nathan's future. Like Erin's rejection of her father's company, Nathan had also sought a year to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer. However, Erin's attempts to connect him with her modeling and photography friends had been thwarted by Nathan's penchant for rapid relationship changes.

"It's going... great," Nathan replied with a forced smile. "Yesterday, I met with two of Indonesia's largest pageant partner companies. They seemed interested."


Rudolf observed Nathan carefully, noting Erin's confirming nod. Erin was his stepdaughter, and Nathan was his biological son. Despite their different parentage, they were becoming increasingly alike, save for Nathan's fair complexion and Erin's fondness for tanning. Their mannerisms were strikingly similar.

"Erin is quite the guide, isn't she?" Rudolf remarked.

"Absolutely, Dad. Where else would Nathan find connections if not through me?"

Mama Christy caressed her daughter's long hair. "Good. You two should interact and share ideas more often," she suggested.

"Always," Erin and Nathan replied in unison.

"Let's eat," Mr. Rudolf began, selecting a spring roll.

Erin's room was a sanctuary of light. The king-sized bed dominated the space, facing a colossal television that seemed to have become a decorative piece. When she moved in, her father had granted her complete control over the room's aesthetic. Yearning for a perpetual staycation vibe, Erin had transformed the space into a dazzling display of LED lights. The ceiling, dressing table, and bedside table were adorned with luminous orbs, casting the room in a bright, almost blinding glow.

Nathan's arrival was met with a startled blink. "Are you crazy, bro? Why are all the lights on?"

Erin, wrapped in a satin kimono, sat cross-legged on her bed, unfazed by his question. "It's my room, my rules!"

Nathan perched on the edge of the bed, scrutinizing his sister's face. "What's got you all dolled up? Did you just send a sultry selfie?" He smirked, guessing the recipient. "To Amir?"

Erin's expression turned stern. "Don't mention that name! You promised to help me get closer to him."

"Patience, bro. I have an update," Nathan pulled out his phone. "I told you that guys usually respect a girl's appreciation. So, I asked Amir for his design services then you can show your support to him. But, get this, he's no longer taking orders."

"Why?" Erin asked, puzzled.

"No idea. I tried to find out, but no answer."

Disappointment crept into Erin's voice. "Your plan failed, Nate? Remember i were supposed to introduce you to my wedding organizer friend so you can get the job."

"Relax, bro. You said you wanted to influence public opinion. Keep praising Amir in front of everyone. He'll eventually notice. It'll pique his curiosity."

Erin pondered the idea. Gossip was a potent force in their workplace. If she could create enough buzz, Amir would undoubtedly be intrigued. The only obstacle was the possibility of Amir being gay.

"What makes you think he's not straight?" Nathan asked, noticing her hesitation.

"I don't know for sure."

"Is this all in vain?" Nathan crossed his arms, a skeptical look on his face. "I can't help you with that, bro." He crossed his index and middle fingers in a gesture of hope. "Let's pray he's straight."

Erin mirrored his gesture, her voice filled with mock piety. "Please, dear Lord, let Amir be straight and fall madly in love with Erin."

Nathan grinned. "And then Erin will graciously give me the contact of her wedding planner friend so I can quickly land a job."

"That's the easy part," Erin retorted. "The important thing is for you to support me, okay?"

"Deal. But don't drag it out, sis!"

"I won't. I promise." They sealed their pact with a fist bump.

*

Erin's prediction proved accurate. As she stepped out of her car, a group of male employees smoking outside erupted in laughter, teasing Amir. During her lunch break, Erin deliberately headed to the pantry, where everyone was engrossed in their meals. Amir sat at a distant table with a group of young male production workers who were stifling giggles.

Erin casually enjoyed a bowl of fruit salad, remaining alone until a tall, oriental man entered. He smiled warmly at Erin, grabbed his lunchbox, and sat down.

"Hi, Erin. Different menu today, huh?"

"Yeah i brought my own food, Steve," Erin replied. Koh Steve, the IT manager, was about Amir's age but already married. Erin had seen his wedding ring and Instagram photos of his wife and newborn child.

"Beauty comes at a price, they say. Do you agree?" Steve's small eyes held a mischievous glint as he ate his gudeg rice. A traditional Indonesian dish from Yogyakarta, made primarily from young jackfruit that's slowly stewed in coconut milk and a mixture of spices like garlic, coriander, and palm sugar.

"Not really. That's for people who feel obligated to be beautiful. But for me," Erin took a bite of sour strawberry without flinching, "it's a lifestyle choice. I enjoy it!"

"I admire your attitude. But how about a drink?"

"Occasionally," Erin replied.

Steve snapped his fingers and leaned forward. "I brought a bottle. Let's meet in the pantry at eight. Join us, okay?"

"Who else will be there?"

"Most of the IT guys from production. I'm not sure if any girls will come. I don't want to invite them; it might cause rumors."

"What's this for?" Erin asked.

"A team-building event to celebrate Amir's proposal, which has simplified our work. We're just relaxing."

"Is Amir coming?" Erin glanced at the end of the table.

Steve's smile faded. "Why?"

"Just asking," Erin said simply.

"It depends on his mood. He's unpredictable."

"You're his manager. Can't you confirm if he'll be there?"

"Maybe. I'll try to convince him. If he comes, you'll come too?"

Erin smiled. Steve seemed unable to resist her. "Okay. I'll make sure he attends. Don't go home early, Erin."

At eight, a loud knock sounded on Erin's door. "Rin, let's go!" Steve called out.

Erin sprayed vanilla perfume on her wrists and neck, then tucked the bottle away. After turning off her PC, she grabbed her black handbag and left the room.

The pantry was filled with about eleven men. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and the room had been transformed into a makeshift restaurant. The men greeted Erin enthusiastically, but she didn't see Amir.

"Our guest of honor has arrived!" Steve closed the door behind Erin.

"Where's Amir?" Erin asked, her enthusiasm waning.

"Why are you looking for him? It doesn't matter if he's here or not. Enjoy the grilled meat."

"But you promised he'd come," Erin insisted, feeling uncomfortable.

"I tried, but he declined. He said he was driving and wouldn't be home yet. He's on the rooftop."

The rooftop? Alone at night? Erin knew it was rarely used, except for the office boy's and office maids clothesline. Was Steve lying?

"Make way for Erin!" Steve pulled over two chairs and guided Erin to sit down.

Erin reluctantly complied, feeling like a piece of meat on display. The men's eyes were fixed on her.

"Special for Erin," Steve announced, pouring half a glass of red wine for her.

Erin knew she had to leave soon. One drink and she would go. She raised her glass with the others for a toast.

"To Erin!"

"Erin's admirers!"

Erin took a sip, her mind racing. Was the drink safe? Were they plotting against her? She dismissed the paranoid thoughts and finished the wine. The men applauded her.

Tonight, Erin felt lucky. She was lucky that everyone was still good.

Erin felt no adverse effects from the drinks. She even enjoyed three servings of meat and another glass of wine. The raucous atmosphere didn't bother her, but she felt excluded. Despite Steve's boisterous laughter and Ridwan's witty jokes, she couldn't connect with the group.

Her thoughts drifted to Amir. Was he really waiting on the rooftop? She knew he sometimes rode a motorcycle with a friend or drove his own car. So it make sense if he don't want to drink.

"More, Miss Erin?" Ridwan offered her more food.

"No, thank you," she declined.

"Erin must be full from eating bananas," a short, almost bald man blurted out, his voice slurred. Erin recognized him as someone Amir had reprimanded in the past.

She narrowed her eyes. If one person dared to make such a comment, others would undoubtedly follow suit.

"You must be an expert on Miss Erin," his friend chimed in.

Erin managed a small smile. She was outnumbered and knew better than to retaliate.

"I'm going to the restroom," she announced, grabbing her bag.

"Need company, Miss Erin? I'm free!" the short man offered.

"No, thanks. Just finish up," she replied, hurrying out of the pantry.

The relief of escaping the boisterous group was immediate. The elderly guard was watching TV with three middle-aged women.

"Sir, ma'am, have you seen Amir?" Erin asked.

"Mr. Amir is on the rooftop, ma'am. I haven't locked it yet," the guard replied.

So, it was true. Amir was alone on the rooftop. Erin hesitated. The walk up the stairs had been tiring, but she felt compelled to find Amir. It was a four-story climb.

Bracing herself, she unlocked the heavy iron door. A gust of wind hit her, chilling her to the bone. The rooftop was dark and vast. A dim light from the water tower illuminated the empty clothesline and a long wooden chair occupied by a man in a dark green shirt. Smoke curled from the cigarette in his hand.

He turned his back to the door, oblivious to Erin's entrance. The sound of the door creaking open alerted him. Erin struggled to close the door behind her.

How could Amir sit there so nonchalantly? He could have waited in the living room or at least in the parking lot. Erin cautiously navigated the darkness, her heels clicking on the rooftop. When the sound reached Amir, he turned, surprised to see her.

"What are you doing? Watch out for the wires!" he warned.

Erin froze. "Where are the wires?"

Amir turned on his phone flashlight, revealing a maze of sharp wires scattered around. She felt trapped.

"I'm scared!" Erin whined.

"What are you doing here? Turn around!"

"No way, I'm coming to you!"

"It's dangerous! Just go back!"

"No way!" Erin insisted, her open-toed heels vulnerable to the wire-strewn path.

Amir clicked his tongue, but extinguished his cigarette. He carefully maneuvered around the wires and offered Erin his arm.

Surprised by his gesture, Erin hesitated but accepted his help. She held his arm tightly as he guided her to a clear area.

"How can the office guards manage to walk here without getting hurt?"

"Have you ever looked at their feet?" Amir released her arm, took a drag of his cigarette, and exhaled the smoke.

"Why are you here?" Erin crossed her arms, ignoring the smoke.

"Waiting for the party to over. Solidarity, they call it," he replied nonchalantly.

"Put it out. It's rude to blow smoke in people's faces," Erin said.

"Who cares?"

"It's disrespectful!"

"Who are you telling that to me?"

"Come on! Show some respect to a woman!"

"Why are you here?" Amir countered again. Finally throw his cigarette to the floor and step his brown shoes on it.

"To make sure you don't die from smoking or freezing to death. Why don't you eat inside or wait in the parking lot?"

"Same question to you," Amir retorted, mirroring her tone.

"I'm worried about you! Out of all the places, why here? Are you having problems with your friends?" Erin blurted out her concern.

Amir softened his tone. "Whatever my reasons are, it's my business. This is where I choose to spend the night."

"You think my presence is odd? Haven't you heard the rumors about my feelings for you?" Erin confessed impulsively.

Their gazes met. In the dim light, Erin's face was partially obscured by loose strands of hair.

"Erin..." Amir began softly, "I don't date teenagers. You shouldn't have any misconceptions."

"How old do you think I am?" Erin demanded.

"Two or three? Maybe four?" he teased.

"I'm twenty-eight! I'm an adult! Do you think I'm immature?"

"Erin..." he said gently. "People still see you as young, so you must still have a childish side. I prefer mature women. You're not my type. It's better if you give up."

Erin felt a surge of anger. "How can you say that? What part of me looks like a teenager? I can make you regret those words if you want proof of my maturity," she threatened, grabbing his collar.

Amir was caught off guard but managed to regain his balance. Their faces were inches apart. "I don't date teenagers or women with teenage mentalities. I prefer mature women. You're not my type. So please, step back," he said firmly.

Erin felt a wave of disbelief wash over her. She remembered being hit in the head with a ball in middle school.

When her head was struck by the basketball, there was a loud thud followed by a prolonged, high-pitched ringing. The sensation was eerily similar to what she was experiencing now. A kind of madness.

Was this what rejection felt like? Every word from Amir felt like tiny thorns slowly piercing her heart. A mix of pain and anguish. In the desolate expanse of her heart, Erin silently screamed, "Nathan! Your beautiful and hot sister has been rejected!"

***