Andy didn't respond.
Ken leaned closer.
"You know, I was surprised you showed up."
Andy opened his eyes slightly.
"Really? Why?"
Ken slowly smiled.
"After what happened, I assumed you'd quit."
Andy stared at him.
For once, Ken's expression wasn't mocking.
It was curious.
"You thought I would quit. That's an interesting assumption to make."
He stated.
"Well, most people in your situation would have quit by now."
Ken muttered as he leaned forward.
"They come here thinking they're special, thinking hard work and talent are enough to succeed ."
He glanced back at Andy.
"Then reality hits them like a truck from an isekai. Fast, sudden and without warning."
Andy stayed quiet as the smile on Ken's face spread.
"And yet here you are. Alive and kicking, still trying to keep a happy face."
Ken added as Andy's silence continued.
A few seconds of complete silence.
Then Andy spoke.
"You're right about one thing."
Ken looked at him with an interested glow in his eyes.
"And what would that be?"
"I did think I was special."
Andy muttered as he took a deep breath.
"And now?"
Ken asked.
Andy simply looked out the window as he closed his eyes.
"Now I think I'm just tired....."
Ken chuckled lightly.
"At least you're ...."
"But, I'll keep trying. Pushing to be better."
Andy added as he cut Ken off.
Ken simply let out a light giggle, but Andy didn't laugh.
After several hours of continuous silence, the plane finally landed.
The moment the doors opened, warm tropical air rushed through the entrance.
Andy stepped outside and immediately froze as the sunlight hit his face.
The ocean breeze moved through his hair.
For a moment, he simply forgot about everything.
"Wow..."
The word escaped his mouth before he could stop it.
Ashley stood right beside him with a smile on her face, her gaze locked onto him.
"First time seeing the ocean?"
Andy rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze focused elsewhere.
"Well, yeah. I never used to leave home as a kid."
Ashley looked at him quietly.
That answer bothered her more than she expected.
Before she could say anything, Alex rushed past them.
"THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!"
He shouted, forcing everyone to turn towards him.
He spun around dramatically, arms stretched wide and open.
"We're finally free. No boring work, just me, the sun and fun."
He muttered as his gaze flickered towards the other.
Rumi stared at him.
"We're only here for a week. No more, no less."
"Yeah, but it's a week of freedom."
Alex placed a hand over his heart.
"A beautiful week."
Marie smiled softly.
"You're really excited, Alex."
"Of course I am."
Alex stated as he pointed toward the beach.
"Sand, ocean, drinks, and most importantly, no paperwork."
He looked directly at Andy.
"Especially no paperwork."
Andy nodded.
"That alone makes this better than the office."
....
.....
The group eventually arrived at the resort, a luxurious 10-story hotel that even Andy had to admit was impressive.
The building overlooked the ocean, with beautiful gardens surrounding it.
The rooms were massive and well decorated.
The food and drinks looked expensive.
Everything in the hotel was designed to make people forget about their problems.
Andy walked into his room and immediately collapsed onto the bed.
The mattress was practically swallowing him.
"Oh..."
He muttered as he closed his eyes.
"This is heaven."
He added as he began to relax.
But a knock on the door instantly ruined that vibe.
He opened his eyes as he sighed deeply, walking towards the door.
"Really...."
He muttered as the door opened and Jafe stepped inside.
"Ms Jade? What are you doing here?"
She didn't answer his question, but simply looked around the room.
"Have you unpacked your belongings yet?"
She asked him.
Andy looked towards the bed, his suitcase still sitting untouched.
"...No, not yet."
Jade sighed.
"Unbelievable."
She muttered as she moved towards the bed, already reaching for his suitcase.
"You don't need to do that. I can handle it."
Andy uttered.
Jade gives him a quick once-over, her gaze lingering on his injuries.
"You've been injured for days, Mr Matthews. And judging by how you're standing, i highly doubt your claim."
"Well, that is true... but."
'No, just shut Mr Matthews, i'll handle your belonging, you just stand there and watch."
She warned him as she lifted the suitcase, but to her own surprise, it weighed like nothing.
The force sent her tumbling back, immediately bumping into Andy, landing on top of him.
The plush carpeted floored below served as a cushion for his back, but the weight on top of him was another issue.
"Well, this was unexpected. Also you're heavy Ms Jade."
Andy muttered.
"Excuse me?"
Jade uttered as her face turned bright red, she didn't an attempt to move, she simply stayed on top of him.