Falling at 30,000 feets

Norman scrambled away in panic, his shoes slipping on the smooth concrete as he nearly tripped over his own feet. He didn't look back once as he fled around the corner of the maintenance hangar, disappearing from sight in seconds.

Michael watched him go, then folded his arms across his chest with a satisfied grin. "Now that's the Jayden I know," he said, nodding approvingly. "Strict. Fair. Cold as an iceberg." He demonstrated with his fingers, sketching an imaginary block of ice in the air with exaggerated movements.

Jayden rolled his eyes, exhaling slowly as the last of the anger he'd been holding in dissipated. He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back from his forehead as he glanced toward the crew building-hoping Jane hadn't noticed him.

"The one in front of Jane..." Michael continued, shaking his head dramatically as he mimicked a soft, gentle expression. "That version of you? Embarrassing. Like watching a lion pretend to be a house cat."

Jayden glanced at his wristwatch-gold and sleek, a stark contrast to the "unemployed" persona he'd been maintaining. "Five minutes left until your meeting with the operations team," he said calmly, though his eyes glinted with mischief. "You're going to be late. I'll report it honestly-and dock your performance score. Maybe even recommend you for retraining."

He shot Michael a look that balanced perfectly between serious and teasing, making Michael's eyes widen in mock horror.

"Oh no, Jayden... you're really burning bridges now?" Michael protested, clutching his chest dramatically. "After I've covered for you so many times?"

"Let me help you, Mr. Torres-"

A voice cut in sharply, making both men freeze.

Jane appeared from behind Michael, gripping a thick wooden stick she'd grabbed from a nearby equipment rack-clearly ready to strike, assuming he was still dealing with Norman. Her hair was slightly windswept, her uniform jacket unbuttoned, her expression fierce and protective.

She raised the stick high-

-and froze mid-motion.

Her eyes landed on Jayden, standing just a few feet away. The stick slowly lowered, her grip loosening as confusion washed over her face.

"...Jayden?" she said, her voice quiet and confused. Her gaze moved between the two men-from Jayden's calm but slightly tense face to Michael's wide-eyed expression. "What are you doing here?"

Jayden stiffened. For once in his life, he had no immediate answer ready. His mind raced through a dozen possible lies, but none of them felt convincing enough. His eyes darted briefly, avoiding hers-

Then suddenly, he turned and smacked Michael's arm hard enough to make him yelp.

"Ow! What the-"

"He asked me to come find him," Jayden said quickly, his voice carrying just enough to sound concerned.

Michael stared at him in disbelief, rubbing his arm as he looked from Jayden's urgent face to Jane's questioning eyes. He could see the silent plea in Jayden's gaze-and knew he had no choice but to play along.

"...Fine," Michael said through clenched teeth, forcing a smile as he turned to Jane. "I... uh... was too scared to go to work alone."

"So I asked him to come get me," Michael continued weakly, scrambling for a better excuse. "Walk with me to my office-you know, for moral support"

Jane blinked, her confusion deepening as she looked between them. "Huh? You're scared?"

Jayden squeezed his shoulder subtly-a silent warning to make it more convincing.

"Actually-" Michael corrected himself quickly, wincing as Jayden's grip tightened. "He came here to apply for a security job. Asked me to help him with the application process."

This time, Jayden turned to him in genuine shock-he'd never mentioned anything about a security job. But he quickly masked it, nodding along as if this had been the plan all along.

Jane crossed her arms, giving Jayden a long, knowing look that made his stomach twist with guilt.

"Oh... really?" she said, her voice light but her eyes sharp as she studied him.

Jayden swallowed hard, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "...That's right. But opportunities are scarce right now. Thought I'd keep busy-maybe learn some new skills."

A few minutes later-

Michael stood with his phone held up like a professional camera, taking "professional" photos of Jayden for his supposed job application. He'd positioned him in front of a plain wall near the security office, adjusting his posture with exaggerated care.

"Stand up straight-no, straighter," Michael instructed, squinting at the screen. "Look serious. Like you mean business."

Jayden stood stiffly, his shoulders squared, his expression flat and unamused. He looked like a statue of a security guard-polite but completely lifeless.

Jane lingered nearby, watching with a small smile playing at her lips. She could tell Jayden was uncomfortable, but she appreciated that he was trying to find work-.

She stepped closer, her hands clasped in front of her. "Mr. Torres," she began, a bit hesitant as she addressed Michael. "About what happened last time...I'm sorry. I misunderstood you. I thought you were part of the problem, but it seems like you've been trying to help all along."

Michael didn't look up, still focused on editing the photos to make them look more "professional." "It's fine," he said casually, though his tone was warmer now. "Think of it as clearing the air. Misunderstandings happen-"

He glanced at Jayden out of the corner of his eye, making Jayden shift uncomfortably.

"And," he added, glancing at her with exaggerated seriousness, "I should be thanking you. If not for this whole job stuff, I'd never get to see Jayden like this."

Jayden shot him a warning look, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Ah-" Jane reacted, slightly confused as she looked from Michael to Jayden.

Michael quickly waved it off, tapping his phone screen. "What I mean is... you know how stubborn he is. He'd rather suffer in silence than let his best friend help. You've given him a reason to reach out-"

Jane turned to Jayden, her expression softening with understanding. She reached out and squeezed his arm lightly.

Michael sniffed dramatically, dabbing at his eyes with his sleeve. "I really feel for him."

Then he turned back to Jane, his expression brightening. "So thank you-for convincing him to take the job. it'll be good for him to stay busy."

"It's nothing," Jane said sincerely, her eyes warm as she looked at Jayden. "Next time you need anything-just come to me directly. I'll do what I can."

"Deal," Michael replied, patting her shoulder lightly. "I won't be polite about it either-you'll be hearing from me often."

He then turned to Jayden, tossing him a set of car keys"Hey, Jayden-remember to park the car properly later. No double-parking near the terminals, okay? Security has been cracking down."

Jayden caught the keys, stunned... But he quickly masked his surprise, nodding respectfully.

"...Got it, Mr. Torres," he said, bowing slightly-playing the part of a humble security perfectly.

Michael bit his lip, barely holding in his laughter as he turned and walked off, calling over his shoulder,

Jayden watched him leave, his eyes narrowing slightly as he muttered under his breath.

Just you wait... I'll make you pay for this.