Mikayla leaned back in her seat, her gaze sharp and playful. “Why not her, Alty?”
Altair raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. “What do you mean by that?”
“You know what I mean,” Mikayla pressed, a knowing smirk on her face. “You and Chloe are obviously close. Why not make her your girlfriend? She’s gorgeous, smart, and practically does everything for you. Seems like a no-brainer to me.”
Before Altair could respond, Chloe cut in, waving her hand frantically.
“Oh no. No, no, no. Absolutely not.”
Mikayla blinked, surprised by her reaction. “Why not? I mean, Alty’s not conventionally handsome, sure—”
“Gee, thanks,” Altair muttered under his breath.
“—but he’s a solid guy. What’s the problem?”
Chloe sighed, shaking her head. “It’s not about looks. I’m not some teenager swooning over abs and jawlines. Everyone who knows him—even people I barely know—agrees that Alty’s a catch. Hell, even my parents…”
Altair frowned, leaning forward. “Wait, what? Your parents said what now?”
Chloe backpedaled so fast she nearly tripped over her words. “Not my parents! Some parents I know. Like, family friends and stuff. Not my parents specifically.”
Altair crossed his arms, smirking. “Uh-huh. Sure.”
Chloe groaned, burying her face in one hand. “Anyway, it’s not just that. Dating him would be a taboo. I work for him, remember? People would lose their damn minds if we even thought about flirting.”
“Who exactly would be mad?” Mikayla asked, clearly enjoying the drama.
Chloe ticked names off on her fingers. “Let’s see… Elise, for starters. Then there’s Miracle. The Big Wigs at the firm. Elise’s parents. Sunny—Elise’s step-sister. Oh, and Cassy. Most likely Cassy.”
Altair burst out laughing, and Chloe couldn’t help but join in. Mikayla’s eyebrows shot up.
“Wow, Alty. You’ve got quite the fan club. Didn’t know you were this popular.”
Altair wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, still grinning. “Yeah, they’d all go nuclear if we started dating. So no, Chloe and I aren’t happening—unless I want to give up my name on the wall.”
Chloe turned in her seat, mock horror on her face. “Don’t you dare! If you pull something like that, they’ll chase me to the ends of the earth. So please, for the love of God, don’t.”
The three of them laughed, the atmosphere light and easy as the car sped toward their destination.
Chloe dropped Altair and Mikayla off on the bustling high street of BGC, teeming with the latest fashion displays. As they started their walk, the midday sun beat down relentlessly.
"Jeez, it's sweltering today," Mikayla muttered, fanning herself with a hand.
"I know, right? It's nearly the ber months, and it still feels like midsummer," Altair replied, squinting against the bright glare.
Noticing his discomfort, Mikayla sidled closer, angling her umbrella to shield both of them. "Your complexion may not be super fair, but skin cancer really doesn't pick sides, you know?" she said, her gaze drifting to the window displays to hide a shy smile.
Altair looked over at her, his eyes crinkling with appreciation. "Thank you, that’s really thoughtful of you," he said, his voice warm.
The two continued down the street, their shadows merging under the shared umbrella.
"So, what are we hunting for today?" Altair asked, his eyes following Mikayla as she surveyed the stores lined along the bustling street.
"Something sharp yet simple, and let’s not splurge too much, okay?" Mikayla replied, her fingers trailing along a rack of designer jackets before pulling back.
"How about a polo shirt?" Altair suggested, raising his eyebrows playfully.
Mikayla shot him a playful glare. "Look at me. Did I dress up so you can pick out something that simple?" she teased, her tone light but pointed.
Altair chuckled, the sound mingling with the hum of the city. "Alright, genius, then guide me. What should I aim for?"
Mikayla paused, tapping a finger against her lips thoughtfully. "How about a long-sleeve shirt and some pants? I bet you’d look sharp in grey," she decided, her eyes lighting up with the image.
Altair’s smile broadened. "Lead the way, stylist!"
Together, they entered a high-end mall tucked away in the heart of BGC. The place was practically empty, its secluded location keeping the usual throngs at bay. The quiet elegance of the mall gave them the sense of having a more private adventure, just the two of them exploring a hidden world.
"So Chloe mentioned you're an influencer," Altair started, catching up to Mikayla as she weaved through a boutique's sleek displays.
Mikayla glanced over her shoulder with a smirk. "Correct. Surprised? This is the first time you're hearing about it, and you're living with a star," she said, her tone playful yet edged with irony.
Altair smiled, somewhat sheepishly. "Sorry, I'm not big on social media. When I do scroll through, it's mostly the business pages."
Mikayla nodded, pulling a hanger off the rack to examine a shirt more closely. "Well, you're not missing out on much. It's mostly brain rot. A lot of influencers don’t genuinely care about their audience's well-being. Their content is just there to be consumed—no real substance. Some channels are nearly turning into a race for views with nudity," she explained, her voice laced with disdain.
"Sounds like you're not a fan," Altair observed, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not," Mikayla affirmed as she returned the shirt to its place. "As an influencer, I see myself as a role model. I refuse to do ridiculous things just for views. I'm not thirsty for others' validation."
"I may not follow you on social media, but I am definitely a fan—the way you view life, how you fight for what you believe in," Altair complimented earnestly.
Mikayla turned away, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks as if she were trying to hide a smile or a secret. "S-stop that! Stop trying to butter me up! I'm not treating you to lunch again!" she protested, her words faltering slightly under her feigned annoyance.
Altair's laughter, light and genuine, filled the space between them as they stepped into a boutique. The staff greeted them warmly, their approach welcoming as Altair and Mikayla paused near the entrance, waiting to be assisted.
A young woman in her twenties approached them with a warm smile.
"Welcome to Henrietta's Clothing. How may I assist you today?" she inquired.
Mikayla raised an eyebrow, motioning towards Altair. "We're looking for some clothes for my friend here. Could you help him out?"
"Absolutely," the woman replied, her smile broadening. "Follow me, sir, I’ll show you our latest collection."
Altair nodded and trailed after her. A few minutes later, he emerged from the fitting room sporting a red polo paired with grey pants. Mikayla burst into laughter the moment she saw him.
"Jeez! That combination is just too corny. Red is definitely not your color! Try again!" she exclaimed, her laughter echoing around them.
Chagrined but amused, Altair returned to the fitting room. He reappeared five minutes later in a blue polo. Mikayla's laughter doubled.
"You look like you're about to sell me encyclopedias. Please, go back and try something else," she teased, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes.
Altair reappeared, this time in a white polo with subtle grey trims. The clean lines and tailored fit accentuated his figure, making him look sharp and decidedly professional. His hair was neatly brushed up, adding to the sophisticated air. Despite the added bulk, Mikayla couldn't deny Altair's undeniable appeal. To top it off, Altair donned a pair of sleek sunglasses and struck a pose in front of Mikayla, breaking her dazed admiration.
"What? Trying to charm me now? Those sunglasses make you look like you're part of the Yakuza—if they had a branch in Britain," Mikayla teased, her laughter pealing through the store.
Altair looked slightly puzzled, removing the glasses. "Jeez, is this one good enough then?"
Mikayla managed to stifle her laughter, shaking her head. "It's almost there. Try something without the colored trims. Go for a plain white—it really suits you."
Nodding, Altair disappeared back into the dressing room. Moments later, he emerged in a pristine white long-sleeve shirt tucked into grey pants, paired with Sperry shoes. The outfit made him look effortlessly fresh and stylish within the upscale setting.
Altair and Mikayla left the shop, with Altair sporting his new ensemble. Mikayla made a conscious effort not to stare at him too openly. As they passed a quaint hat shop, Mikayla paused to glance at some hair accessories. Unexpectedly, a hat was gently placed on her head—a charming brown summer hat adorned with a flowing white ribbon.
Turning around, she saw Altair grinning at her. "Looks really good on you," he commented, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Blushing slightly, Mikayla avoided his gaze and turned to the mirror, striking a pose. A smile of approval played on her lips. "Yeah, it does seem so. You want me to wear this?" she asked, facing him directly.
"Yes, it’s hot outside, and it looks good on you, too," Altair responded, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.
With a theatrical twirl that made her dress flutter elegantly, Mikayla shot back, "You pay for it," her tone playful yet commanding.
Altair chuckled as he pulled out his credit card and approached the cashier. The hat was priced at nearly $40. As he handed over his card, the cashier leaned in and whispered, "Your girlfriend is really pretty—and hot, too."
Caught off guard, Altair wasn't sure whether to savor the compliment or correct the assumption. "She's just my friend," he murmured.
The cashier laughed, handing back the receipt. "If you say so, 'friend.' Who are you guys fooling?" he teased, still chuckling.
Altair returned to where Mikayla was patiently waiting outside the hat shop, her curiosity evident in her raised eyebrows.
"What were you guys talking about?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Altair scratched his head, a bit uneasy about how to relay the conversation. "Um, the cashier mentioned you were pretty... and hot," he began hesitantly.
"Yeah? Don't state the obvious; I know that already," Mikayla interjected with a playful roll of her eyes.
"He also thought I was your boyfriend. I tried to correct him, said you were just my friend, but he didn't believe me," Altair continued, bracing himself for her reaction.
Expecting Mikayla to react negatively, Altair closed his eyes. Instead, he heard a sigh of relief. "Thank God," she said, causing his eyes to snap open in confusion.
"Next time, don’t say that! It sounds like you're dumping me. If you’re asked again, just say yes, or that I dumped you," Mikayla instructed with a smirk.
Altair laughed, relieved by her light-hearted response. "Okay, got it," he agreed, his laughter mingling with hers, easing the earlier tension.
As they walked, Mikayla suddenly turned to face Altair, the wind playing with her hair, making it dance around her face.
"Hey... it'd be a crime if I didn't tell you how good your new outfit looks on you. You've also dropped some weight, haven't you?" Mikayla remarked, her eyes briefly scanning him, before she swiftly turned back and continued walking.
Altair quickened his steps to keep pace. "You really mean that?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and surprise.
"Yes, I do, and stop asking. It’s a one-time thing," Mikayla responded, her tone half-teasing, half-serious.
Altair chuckled. "Sorry, I'm not sure what compliments to return since you've always been stunning," he said earnestly.
Mikayla slowed her stride, allowing him to catch up fully. "Well, you could just say I'm pretty. While I already know that, it’s different hearing it from someone who matters to me. It just hits..." she paused, searching for the right word, then nodded slightly, "Differently."
Altair caught the undercurrent of Mikayla's words, realizing she was acknowledging his newfound importance in the household. His smile was genuine. "Thank you... for letting me know."
Mikayla kept her eyes forward, focusing on the path ahead. "You really looked good in your heyday, back when you were still an influencer. You were so handsome," she revealed, showing that she knew of his past long before their current interactions.
"Wait, you know me?" Altair stopped in his tracks, surprise etched across his face.
Mikayla grinned, nodding. "Of course. I just recently remembered— you're Al, the Finance Guy, right? I used to listen to your advice for hours. While your content lacked a bit of punch, the financial education kept me coming back," she admitted.
Altair's expression shifted to embarrassment. "Thank you, but that part of my life is a bit embarrassing to think about now."
"Embarrassing? Why? You were good! You have a great voice, and you covered topics that people needed to hear about. You should be proud, you know?" Mikayla insisted, her tone earnest.
"You should have more confidence. You're good at what you do, better than most. You protected Cassy from Carlos' advances, you never exploited Cassy’s kindness. You did all that simply to help," she continued, her voice softening.
"Who does that without expecting anything in return? But you, on the other hand..." Mikayla let the words hang, her affirmation clear and impactful.
Altair was taken aback, deeply moved by Mikayla’s acknowledgment and support. Her praise not only boosted his morale but also cemented a deeper respect and connection between them.
Mikayla paused and turned to face Altair fully, her expression sincere. "And one more thing— we're all friends in the house, and you're an integral part of it. Don't fight your battles alone, okay? Rely on us as well."
Her words struck a chord deep within Altair, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. But he managed to hold them back, offering her a playful tap on the shoulder. "That's too much, I think I'm spoiled already," he joked, his voice thick with emotion.
Mikayla laughed softly, her face lighting up with a warm smile. The lightness of his joke, tinged with the depth of their shared understanding, perfectly encapsulated the moment.