Fragments Of Us

The shimmering facade of Horizon Biotech's headquarters reflected the orange hues of the setting sun. The words HORIZON BIOTECH stretched boldly across the glass panels, catching the fading daylight. Elara, a young researcher with red hair tied neatly into a ponytail, hurried through the revolving doors. Her cheeks were flushed, a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead. Her brown eyes, tinged with exhaustion, darted to the elevators as she muttered to herself, why did Alexis call me? I was on my way home. What could it possibly be this time?

She pressed the button for the 8th floor and leaned against the elevator wall, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. As the elevator ascended, she stared at her reflection in the steel doors, a tired yet determined woman looking back at her.

When the doors slid open, she stepped into the hallway. The expansive windows framed the sprawling city below, bathed in the golden glow of the dipping sun. She paused for a moment, her gaze lingering on the view. "I'm so tired," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just want to go home."

But she couldn't ignore Alexis's summons. He was her superior, after all. With a reluctant sigh, she continued down the corridor, finally stopping in front of a door.

Pushing it open, she stepped into a large room buzzing with activity. Rows of desks were cluttered with high-tech equipment, holographic displays flickering above them. A group of researchers huddled near a central station, their faces illuminated by a massive holographic screen.

"You're finally here, Elara," Ken's voice rang out, filled with excitement. His green eyes sparkled, contrasting starkly with Elara's weary expression.

Her lips twitched upward in a faint, tired smile. "Yeah, I'm here," she murmured, her voice low.

Ken, Alexis, and the others were gathered around the display, which showed a looping video. The footage captured Victor and Kieran ruthlessly eliminating Mangus, followed by a chilling time-lapse of his body dissolving into liquid inside a laboratory chamber.

Elara's eyes widened in shock. The scene was grotesque, yet she couldn't look away. For the first time in weeks, she felt a spark of intrigue. Something big was happening.

Ken gestured to the screen, his excitement unabated. "Look, Elara! Those bacteria they used are incredible—they completely destroy flesh, bone, and even DNA within hours. They've surpassed us in every conceivable way."

Elara crossed her arms, her voice cautious. "Yeah… it definitely looks that way."

Alexis adjusted his glasses, his sharp gaze landing on her. "You look dead on your feet, Elara. You can go now."

Ken chimed in, stretching. "I'm heading out too. See you tomorrow!"

As they left the room together, Ken grabbed her hand, his touch warm and steady. "Let's go home," he said with a smile.

Walking down the hallway, Ken's tone grew reflective. "Looks like it's finally happening," he said, his voice tinged with both excitement and unease.

Elara glanced at him, her expression somber. "Yeah… but it's not what we've been looking for, is it?"

Ken's grip on her hand tightened slightly. "If this can happen… then what we've been looking for can happen too."

The elevator doors opened, and they descended to the lobby. Stepping outside, Elara stretched her arms. "You're so energetic after a long day of work," she teased.

Ken chuckled, ruffling his red hair. "What can I say? I'm naturally energetic."

They got into the car, and after a short drive, they arrived at Elara's apartment building. As they rode the elevator to the 17th floor, Ken shifted nervously beside her.

She raised an eyebrow, giving him a suspicious look. "You seem more nervous than usual. What's going on?"

"Oh, it's nothing," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, a sheepish grin on his face.

When they reached her door, Elara unlocked it and stepped inside. The apartment was pitch black. She frowned. "I didn't turn off all the lights before leaving… What's going on?"

She flipped the switch, and her breath caught. The room was transformed—balloons filled the corners, streamers hung from the ceiling, and a beautiful birthday cake sat in the center of the table.

"Happy birthday, Elara!" Ken exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth.

She stood frozen, confusion flashing across her face. Then, pulling out her phone, she checked the date: 6:12 PM, 15 September 2056. A soft gasp escaped her lips as realization dawned.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to Ken. "I… I forgot it was my birthday," she whispered. "Even my family didn't remember…" Her voice cracked, the weight of her emotions spilling over.

Ken scratched his head, laughing nervously. Inwardly, he thought, well, I had help. The decorators did most of it, and Alexis kept you at work longer to buy me time.

A tear rolled down her cheek as she flung her arms around him. "Thank you, Ken… This means so much to me."

After the celebration, they sat on the sofa. Elara had changed into a comfortable t-shirt, her hair loose around her shoulders. She leaned back, her face glowing with happiness.

"You haven't been here all day," she said with a teasing tone. "How did you manage all this?"

Ken smirked. "You don't need to know that."

Elara chuckled and rested her head on his shoulder.

Ken's expression shifted, growing serious. He gently took her hand in his. "Elara, I've been wanting to ask you something…"

She looked up at him, her brow furrowing. "What is it?"

He took a deep breath. "We've been together for a while now. And… I can't imagine my life without you. Elara, will you marry me?"

Her cheeks flushed red, and she blinked rapidly, processing his words. "W-what? Where's that coming from?"

Ken blushed too but held her gaze. "I'm serious. Will you marry me?"

Her lips quivered as tears filled her eyes again, this time from overwhelming joy. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Ken grinned, pulling her into a tight embrace. As they held each other, Elara gently pushed him back onto the sofa, straddling him. Her hands cupped his face as she leaned closer, her breath mingling with his.

"Thank you, Ken," she murmured, her voice soft and full of emotion. "For everything."

Her lips brushed his in a tender kiss, slow and lingering, filled with the depth of her gratitude and love. The world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their connection in that perfect, intimate moment.