Tag ~finding the 'it'

4.

Chiara was in the editing room with her editor, going through clips for the show, when her phone started ringing.
The screen flashed her and Davide's childhood picture along with his number. She picked it up, eyes still glued to the computer screen.

"Yeah, tell me," she said, sounding distracted.

"Where are you?" he asked quickly.

"Office," she replied nonchalantly.

"Free after work? Wanna grab something to eat with me and Serena?" he asked, hesitation clear in his tone.

"Yeah, sure. Tell me where to go?"

"No need. I'll pick you up," he said, ending the call before she could respond.

Flashback

Davide was at the university, chatting with his students, when his phone buzzed in his jogger's pocket. He took it out mid-conversation and read a message from Fabio.

"Hello, Fabio here. I know you're busy, but could you maybe take Chiara out somewhere? She's been feeling a bit left out lately, and I can't get away from work. Would really appreciate it. Thanks."

Davide sighed, pocketing his phone.

That evening, he waited in his car outside Chiara's office. About ten minutes later, he spotted her walking out, chatting with a junior. She waved goodbye to the colleague, then waved at him with a smile that said I missed you, buddy.

She got in, and they drove off toward Serena's workplace - Daesang Corp. The two had plenty to catch up on, and their chatter filled the ride, making time fly by before Chiara realized where they had arrived.

When they stopped, she looked around in surprise.

"Why are we here?" she asked.

"Serena works here now...permanent employee," he said with a hint of pride as he texted her.

Within a minute, Serena came out. Something about her seemed off her eyes darted, her expression unfocused. Both friends noticed immediately.

"What's wrong?" they asked in unison.

"I overheard something... someone said a worker died at the factory," Serena blurted out, fear and frustration in her trembling voice. "Why did I even hear that? I shouldn't have"

Davide gently tried to calm her down, but after a long pause, Chiara suddenly asked, "Do you know anything about him?"

Both turned toward her, puzzled by the question. Serena hesitated, then replied, "Not much, just that he was a boy in his early"

"Twenties?" Chiara interrupted.

Serena blinked. "How did you?"

But Chiara cut her off again. "Right. Sorry. I forgot, I've got some work at the office. You two have fun, okay? Next time."

She opened the car door and stepped out, ignoring Davide's attempts to stop her. He remembered Fabio had asked him to distract her, but his duty as a friend tugged harder.

She leaned toward his window and said, "By the way, tell Fabio I'm not feeling lonely. I'm fine. Actually, forget it — I'll tell him myself. Bye. Bye, Serena."

Then she walked off and got into a cab.

Inside the car, Davide sat speechless until he realized Serena was still there, quietly watching him.

He turned, guilt in his eyes. "I'm sorry. Shall we go?"

"Only if you want to," she said softly, staring down at her hands as her thumbs fidgeted.