Author's Note: Thank you so much for reviewing. I will try to update it up to speed with the one on AO3. If you read it from there, you will be able to enjoy some fanart I drew there. So have a look and also review is welcome. It brings me joy to see my work read by people and they enjoy it.

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Chapter 2

Closet Affair

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When she agreed on doing all those commercials, she did not realize that she will end up doing more. One thing led to another, she ended up filming 5 commercials in the span of a few weeks. Tifa kept nudging her to take more and she was reluctant to turn it down since it pays well.

When the first few commercials were a hit, requests kept pouring in. Soon, she and her mom will be able to afford a house in the better part of the neighborhood. No more worries about being rob or getting assaulted in the middle of the night when walking home. It will be worth it.

She can already see it now. Picket fences and a bigger garden for her flowers. And maybe someday, she will be able to open her very own boutique. Filming all these commercials is fine and all but she will appreciate it if she can dictate her own life and she still can't get used to seeing her face on TV and billboards.

Aerith chocked on her drink. 'Oh, Shiva...' She slid deeper into her seat.

Her commercial was displaying on the TV. Tifa smiled at her. "Still not use to seeing yourself on TV?"

"I'm fine. Just caught off guard, that's all." And she silently thought... 'When will I stop cringing every time I see myself on TV.'

Tifa grinned. "And there was a time I remembered you as the most bubbly, outgoing extroverted girl on campus and me being the shy, more reserved introvert."

"I guess I just don't like how cringy those commercials are. And I don't feel comfortable being ordered to do something that is out of my control. And how can I lie about a product which I know isn't like what they advertised. Like the Banoran Apple Juice."

"What's wrong with the Banoran Apple Juice. It's tasty."

"It's too sweet, Tifa! It's all watered down and sweetened with artificial sugar. Taste nothing like the real thing."

"I guessed you are right. It is too commercialized."

"And don't get me started on those slogans."

They both started laughing at the silliness of it all when the TV started showing news of the passing of a model. The news has been going on for weeks now and it was quite controversial because the model was due to appear on Fashion Week. People have been whispering and gossiping about how the stress of the whole thing has pushed her to overdose herself.

Tifa sighed and rubbed her temples. "The loss of Renee Monique put us in a dire situation. Fashion week is coming soon and we can't find a replacement for her who fits the size that Antoine intended. You won't believe how many models were turned down because of the too-small size of the dresses."

"Sorry to hear about that, Tifa. It must have been hard for you to scout for anyone in such short notice."

"Well then, I better get back to work. If I don't find a model for Antoine soon, I'm doom."

Aerith reached over the table and squeezed her hand. "I'm sure you will be able to find someone soon."

Tifa looked at her closely and then it hit her. "Aerith, come with me." She got up and dragged her dazed friend out of the diner and into her car. "I think I found another job for you."

"Wait, hold on a second. Don't tell me you are thinking what I'm thinking you are thinking right now."

Tifa grinned. "You studied fashion designing back then too so you will know a little about modeling. Besides, I can be your assistant and look after you. Isn't that great? We could be working together every day and who knows, if this event got you noticed by more people maybe you will be able to have your very own fashion line like the one you dreamed of."

"But...But I don't have any experience as a runway model. I'll have you know studying fashion design has nothing to do with modeling. For now, I only have experience in making commercials and that is entirely a different ballpark." Aerith protested.

"Everyone can be a model nowadays if you got the right training." Tifa winked at her. "And with proper training, I know you can do it. Look, if you think you can't do it, you can quit and I'll find another person. How's that?"

The pink-clad girl began to ponder on the idea of being a model and things that all models have to do. She shuddered slightly at the hardship that will come along with it but the prospect of getting higher pay and recognition is tempting. "A-Alright, I will do it. I just hope I know what I'm doing."

"Don't worry 'Rith, I will get you tutors and give you extra training myself. We will be the unstoppable duo." Tifa giggled and smiled at Aerith who smiled back.

'Well, I just hope that everything will be smooth sailing from now on.' Aerith thought.

"Oh thank the Planet you finally found someone who fits. I was beginning to worry that my design won't be able to make it out on the stage. You look gorgeous, darling." He shooed his assistant away after getting Aerith's measuring.

Tifa gave Aerith a thumbs up. "Thank you, Antoine. I knew Aerith will be able to meet your requirement."

"Aerith...That's a lovely name, sweety." Antoine smiled. "But I don't recall seeing you around. Are you new to modeling?"

Aerith fidgeted under the man's gaze. "Y-Yeah, sort of."

"Well, you are a real angel. You wouldn't believe how desperate I am, darling. Why if a beggar on the street has the right measurement, I will even take her in." He chuckled and waved his hand for his assistant. "Please get us some wine. This calls for a celebration."

"Oh, I don't drink sir." Aerith refused.

Antoine chuckled and nodded. "Alright. We will be meeting each other soon. I'm looking forward to the fitting and please keep your figure in shape as well. That means you have to take care of what you eat, honey." He stood up and shook her hand and walked out of the room with his assistant in tow.

Tifa walked over to Aerith and clasped her back. "I knew you will be able to fit into his designs. He makes dresses way too small for most of our models to fit but his dresses are one of a kind and the best. Oh Aerith, I can't wait to get you ready for everything. Now let me make the required arrangement and I will contact you as soon as I get it all done."

Aerith nodded, thinking about the foods she has to restrict herself from. "Thank you so much, Tifa. I just hope I can..."

Tifa cut her off before she can doubt herself. "Hush dear, I know you can. Give yourself some credit. All you have to do is pose, catwalk, and look pretty. Just leave the rest to me. So, on Wednesday, we will meet with your coach and after that, we will try out the outfits."

"Coach? You managed to find a coach for me?"

Tifa grinned. "When you know the right person, all doors are open. It's all about connection."

"Alright. Wednesday it is then. Where shall I meet you?"

"I will come and pick you up. I will text you regarding the time later. Now let's get you back home, shall we?"

Aerith nodded and hugged her friend. "Thanks for everything Teef. What will I do without you?"

"Well, I kind of misses your delicious homemade apple pie."

"Got it. Will buy some fresh apples for you tomorrow and get it started."

"Walk straight girl...No, keep your head up...Leg out...No, the other leg."

Aerith grumbled under her breath and do as her coach instructed. "Yes, Miss Miller..."

"Alright, Miss Gainsborough, that's enough training for the day. I expected more from you and I have you know that I'm one of the best coaches around and if you don't show me any satisfactory result, I will stop this training at once. I have trained the best models there is and I will not have you ruin my reputation." She sneered.

Aerith bowed her head low and apologized. "Yes, Miss Miller. I will do my best. I'm so sorry but I will make it up to you the next time we meet."

"See that you do." The woman in black huffed and strode out of the room leaving Tifa who sat at the corner dumbfounded.

Tifa stood. "Well, that's Miss Miller for you. Don't mind her. She is the best coach around here but she is also the worst people to have around." Tifa chuckled suddenly.

"What's so funny Teef?" Aerith was intrigued now.

"Well, there's only one model out there that drives her nut. She has asked him to be under her tutelage but he refused her every time. The look on her face was priceless but everyone knows what she was really up to. She just wanted to get close to him."

"Huh?"

"Oh sorry, Aerith. Couldn't help picturing her pulling her hair out that one time. Oh, such memories. Come on 'Rith, let's go. We need to meet Antoine to get you fitted into those dresses." She pulled the confused brunette to their next destination.

Sephiroth was twirling his penknife out of boredom as he and Zack waited for Lucrecia. Both of them went to Midgar Avenue where Fashion Week is going to be held to have a look around the stage. Sephiroth needed to try on the clothes by the designer and see how it looks on the stage. However, they have been waiting for two hours and there is still no sign of her. Zack called numerous times but it went to voicemail.

'What is taking her so long? I've got better things to do.' Sephiroth thought. It is not like her to be tardy. She was always punctual and that's what Sephiroth liked about her besides her oddity. 'That means, Zack has to cancel my yoga class.' He smiled at the thought. Zack has been adamant that he joins yoga, claiming that it works wonder for anyone who is suffering from insomnia. That was the last time he is telling Zack he has trouble sleeping. He knows the kid means well but he doesn't see the point of it.

"Well Seph, guess you have to cancel your yoga session." Zack clicked on his PHS and rescheduled everything. "That doesn't mean you are getting away with it. I will just reschedule it."

"Yes, sir." The silver-haired man mock saluted and gave his knife one last twirl before pocketing it back. "If she is not coming soon, I will ca..."

"Sorry, I'm so sorry. I brought your clothes right here." Lucrecia bowed apologetically and ushered her assistants to bring out her designs. She gave a nervous smile to Sephiroth and bowed to him again. "I'm so sorry, Mister Sephiroth. I promise you it will never happen again."

Sephiroth nodded and stood up from his chair. "See that you do. My time is precious and it is best if you remember that." He ran a hand through his hair and turned around when his clothes were brought in. Suddenly sensing something amiss, he turned back to her to see her falling forward. He grabbed her out of reflex, cradling her in his arms.

Having the woman this close to him, he felt something odd blossom in his chest. He couldn't put it but it felt really warm and comforting. Never had he experienced it. He shook his head, getting rid of those weird feelings and examined her.

She opened her eyes and quickly shot out of his arms. "Oh, I'm sorry. So sorry."

Zack snapped out of his initial shock and moved towards them. "Are you alright, Miss Crescent?"

"Yes, I'm alright. Thanks for your concern." She smiled at them and then Sephiroth noticed something. He took her right hand and pulled up her sleeve. Lucrecia's eyes widened and snatched her hand away.

"Why is there a tag stating that you were admitted to the hospital 3 hours ago?" Sephiroth asked her.

She shook her head and waved her hands around. "It's nothing. Don't worry. It's been hectic these past few days and I haven't been getting the proper rest, that's all. Nothing a little rest can't fix. P-Please, just try the clothes on and see if it fits. After that, I will have to take y-your measurement again."

Sephiroth felt reluctant to turn away from her, fearing that she will faint again if he turned his back on her. Finally seeing that she will be alright, he walked to the rack of clothes the assistants pulled out and glanced over his shoulder to her.

"Promise me that you will return to the hospital for a thorough check-up after this. I wouldn't want to exhaust you further."

Lucrecia's head snapped up when she heard him say those words. Her eyes twinkle with happiness and she couldn't help but smile. "I will. Don't worry."

Sephiroth nodded and picked out a long, black sleeved shirt, tight leather black pants, and a white faux fur coat. He took the clothes and went to the makeshift room to change. Lucrecia took a seat after that and rubbed her temple. Zack moved his seat next to her with a worried frown on his handsome face.

"Mind telling me what's all this about?" He asked, gesturing to the hospital identity tag on her wrist. The woman next to him jumped a bit, not expecting him to talk to her.

"Oh, I'm so sorry to trouble both of you like this. It... it was nothing. I...I just overworked myself that's all."

"Being a designer must be tough on you but you did a great job. I have you know that Sephiroth likes your design very much. You must have put your heart into it." Zack gave her his famous grin.

Lucrecia blushed. "Really? I...I'm glad that he likes it. It is the least I can do for him." Suddenly, her expression saddened as if something troubled her. She quickly pushes it away when Sephiroth stepped out of the room. He twirled around a bit in front of the mirror and gave a satisfactory nod.

"Not bad. It looks stunning on you." Zack got up and moved behind his friend to examine the work. He then moved closer and whispered to him "Though it makes you look like a lady with that feminine-looking fur coat."

The taller man pushed his friend playfully at the comment. "I think it looks nice." Sephiroth adjusted the coat and gave himself one last look in the mirror.

"Andrea will be happy to hear this. He asked me if you will like to model one or two of his design again." Zack began to reminisce about the time when Seph modeled for Andrea. The world went wild. Who knows he can rock it off with his build though Andrea did have a knack for this.

Sephiroth chuckled before smirking mischievously at him. "If you think I look good in those dresses, Zack..." He put both his arms around the black-haired man's shoulders and gave him a seductive smile. "You just have to say the word..."

Zack blushed and pushed his friend away. "Stop it. You just love making me squirm, don't you? "

"I only aim to please." Sephiroth mock bowed.

Zack rolled his eyes, thinking about how a certain red-head who also find it fun in teasing the daylight out of him. He remembered how he became the subject of a bet between the trio to see who can enervate him the most. He was just shocked that Angeal was in on the prank as well.

Lucrecia got up after they finished their little friendly bickering and moved to them with a smile. "It's not supposed to button all the way. Here..." She went to Sephiroth and unbutton some buttons until it showed his chest. Her hands rested on his chest for a moment before retreating to her side. She looked him up and down and then to them. "Girls will love it if you showed a little."

Zack snickered. "Oh yeah, I better make sure to put more security around him to make sure none of them tried to make a human pile on top of him."

Sephiroth elbowed Zack earning him a glare from the man. "Thank you for your work. I think you should get my measurement to make adjustments while I tried out the others later. I wouldn't want to keep you here too long."

The woman with soft brown hair nodded. "Alright. Thanks for your concern, Mister Sephiroth. I appreciate it."

"Let's do it in the room then." He walked back into the room he just got out a moment ago. When they got into the room, he began to strip out of the clothes and stand there, with his arms extended. Lucrecia took her measuring tape and notebook out of her pocket. She began her work at measuring his arms, jotting down the size. She then pulled the measuring tape around his chest, her arms brushing him in the process. At that moment, she couldn't help but wrap her arms around him from behind, resting her head on his shoulder.

'Sephiroth...'

The silver-haired man jerked away from the sudden skin to skin contact. He wrapped his arms around himself and looked at her questioningly. "What are you doing?"

Lucrecia couldn't help but bow and apologized profusely. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I..."

Sephiroth rubbed his bare arm and sighed, trying to come up with ways to calm her down. "Please, the last thing I want to know is that my designer was one of my fans." He tried to joke.

"Oh, no. no. Nothing like that I..."

He raised his hand to silence her. "Good, I will let this little incident slide. I just…I don't like anyone touching me." He gave her a look and then moved back to her. "If…you can keep your hands to yourself, we can continue."

"O-of course. I'm so sorry for not respecting your boundary." She began to measure his hips and legs, fretting even more.

Sephiroth couldn't help but wrap his arms around himself. He hasn't been this self-conscious since that incident. He thought he got over it but clearly, it still bothers him to have people touching him when he least expects it. Trying to draw himself back from those thoughts, he inhaled sharply and looked ahead. 'It will be over soon.'

Aerith moved behind Tifa as she followed her, showing her the stage she will be modeling on. "Antoine will be coming soon and it will be best if we are the one that waits for him."

"Alright, Tifa." Aerith smiled and looked around the area. She was awed by the stage and the crew. There were models everywhere and all of them were giving her looks. She shrunk back a bit and hurried away from those eyes. She then bumped onto someone and landed on her butt. "Oh, I'm so sorry." When she glanced up, she gasped as she saw who it was.

'Oh my Goddess, it's Lucrecia Crescent!' She was floored. She was one of the fashion designers that Aerith admired during college. She remembered looking up her design and getting inspiration from it for her final year project. And now, she was finally meeting her in person.

"It's alright." Lucrecia got up and helped her up as well. "Are you one of the crew?"

Shaking out of her reverie and held out her hand. "No, I'm one of the models. My name is Aerith."

"Lucrecia Crescent. Nice to meet you." She shook her hand. "You look, lovely dear. Who are you modeling for?"

"I'm modeling for Antoine's design." She answered, still giddy about meeting one of her idols.

Lucrecia's eyes sparkled and clasp her hands together. "His design is one of the best. It will look great on you. I'm sure."

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Then I can't wait to see you on the runway with his design. See you on Fashion Week." She bowed and leave with her assistants trailing behind her.

Aerith smiled and walked over to where Tifa was waiting for her. "Sorry for the wait. You wouldn't believe it but I met Lucrecia Crescent. Oh, Tifa, she is lovely and nice. I can't wait to see her work. Who is modeling for her?"

"You didn't know? It's all over the news who she manages to get to model her design this year."

Aerith cocked her head and stared blankly at Tifa, waiting for her to tell her.

"Seriously? It's Sephiroth."

Immediately, her face changed. "Oh gosh, this means I will have to see him again."

"Yep."

"Will he ever forgive me?"

"I'm sure it's alright as long as it's a misunderstanding."

Remembering the look he has given her before leaving that day, she doubted that he will forgive her that easily. She had heard rumors of how he enjoyed bringing down someone's peg or two if he so chooses or when someone displeases him. To top it off, he did it in such a way that no one can confirm if it was even him. They can't exactly nail him to it.

Tifa sighed and took Aerith's hands in her. "It will be alright. I promise."

"Yea, you are right. I shouldn't think too much about it. I have to look at the positive side of things. Thanks, Tifa." She hugged the other girl.

"Alright, alright. Everyone is looking, Aerith. We better hurry or else Antoine will already be there waiting for us."

"Before that, may I excuse myself. I needed to go to the loo."

"Sure, Aerith. It's better that you go now since it will take quite long when you started trying out those dresses."

"Thanks. I will be right back."

"Well, that's done." Zack walked into the room seeing Sephiroth on the chair in deep thought. "Is there something wrong?"

"She hugged me." Was all he said.

"Say what? So, she is a fan of yours?" Zack pulled out a chair and sat beside his friend.

"No, she's not but when she hugged me, I felt...comfortable and secure. My body wanted to just sink into her arms and stay there." He began to voice what he felt.

"Uh-huh and I'm sure you just want to get her into your bed."

Sephiroth whacked his head. "Pull your mind out of the gutter, Zack. I'm not planning on doing that. It felt wrong somehow."

"Alright, alright. Geez, you don't have to hit me this hard." He rubbed his head. "Better get change. I brought your bag here already." He stood and move onto the couch at the corner of the room, taking out his PHS to check on the schedule again. "Once you are done, meet me outside. I will bring the car over."

Sephiroth nodded and proceeded to rummage for a change of clothes.

Once she got out of the restroom, she found herself lost in the maze of this new place. She thought she will be able to recognize the way back but clearly, her mind was not in the right state today. Just then, out of the corner of her eyes, she saw a glimpse of silver hair.

'Could it be?' There is only one person in the world with that shade. She turned her head and there he is, walking towards her. He was glancing down on his phone and haven't noticed her yet. Her mind was pulling her in different directions, whether to walk up to him and apologize once and for all or hide before he notices her. Thinking that she was not prepared yet to deliver her apology, she chose the latter and got into a room next to her, and closed it.

She breathed out a sigh of relief. Now she just needed to wait for a while for him to leave.

He glanced up from his phone when he saw the door in front of him snapped shut. He blinked twice to see if his eyes were playing tricks on him but then he caught sight of a woman in a scandalous red dress walking towards his direction.

'Scarlet…' He groaned, seeing that he did not have the mood to entertain this lady just yet. She has been getting on his nerve and can't stop flirting with him whenever the two of them meet. She was still talking to her entourage and haven't noticed him yet. Glancing around, he saw the door in front of him and proceeded to do the most ridiculous thing he will ever do, retreat and hide in a broom closet.

When he shut the door, he realized he was not the only one in the closet, as his back collided with someone. It was definitely 'a someone' as that said person gasped.

"Sorry, I just needed to hide here for a while." He said, trying to calm the person before she screams and alert everyone.

"Oh…It's ok. I'm hiding from someone too. We can wait it out together."

'What are the odds?' He thought as he tried to see who is this girl over his shoulder. It was dark and the only thing he can make out is her silhouette and that she only reached up to his shoulder. The closet was getting crowded as he tried to fit his bag and body around the spaces available without cramping up on the girl. No matter how he arranged himself, his body still comes into contact with her. He can practically feel her body heat radiating through his clothing.

'Peachy.' He tried to close his eyes and relax. He just needed to wait for a while. The awkwardness of the situation was bearing down on them heavily. They can hear each other's breath as if they are breathing down each other's ears.

Trying to break the awkwardness, Aerith cleared her throat, much to the dismay of Sephiroth since he was not in the mood to talk at all.

"So, you come here often…I-I mean…oh gosh. Let me rephrase that. I mean…urgh."

He can't help but chuckle at the antics and he seemed to relax a bit around her, finding amusement from her blunder. "Yes. Believe me. It seemed like a pattern now, me hiding in places to avoid people. Sometimes, it is easier that way."

Aerith can't help but be intrigued by who this person is. The way he said it sounds like there is a hidden meaning behind his words. It sounds melancholic and she can't help but feel sorry for him.

'He must be quite famous if he needed to do this often.' She thought and began screening every possible model in her head to find out who he might be. What she can picture of the guy with her now is that he is tall, muscular, has long and very soft hair that is tickling her face every time he moves or breathes.

And then it hits her. Who else in this place fits those criteria other than 'him'. She began to sweat profusely, lamenting on what are the odds to be stuck in here with him.

'Oh gosh, oh gosh…'

"Are you alright?" He asked when he felt her breathing heavily.

"I'm fine. It's just getting hard to breathe in this confined space."

"Agreed. I think it is safe to head out now." He reached for the doorknob and turned. When the door didn't open, he tried again and again only to realize that the door is stuck. "You have got to be kidding me."

"What's the matter?" She asked trying to peer over him to where the door is.

"It's stuck!"

"WHAT!" She can't help but exclaim loudly.

"Shhh, keep it down."

She put her hands over her mouth and nodded in apology. "Sorry."

He tried to knock the door down but it just wouldn't budge. Aerith tried to help out as well by helping him push.

On the other side of the door, Zack was walking around trying to find Sephiroth since he has been waiting in the car for some time now, knowing that it wouldn't take him that long to change. Fearing the worst, he got out of his car and began to walk towards his changing room to find it empty.

'Where could he be?' He took out his phone and called but it didn't manage to connect. 'That's odd.'

He walked around the area again and then he spotted Tifa in front of him who was also looking around for someone.

"Hey, Tifa. Are you looking for someone?"

Tifa ran over to him and nodded. "Yea, I'm looking for my model. She has been gone for a very long time. I have checked everywhere and couldn't find her."

"Me too. I'm looking for Sephiroth. I can't find him either."

That got a reaction out of Tifa as she stood there, thinking about all the possible scenarios. 'What are the chances that both of them have gone missing?'

Just then they heard banging coming from the closet door. They moved towards it and the banging continued. Zack glanced at Tifa and nodded to her. Taking it as a cue for her to step aside, Zack proceeded to turn the doorknob.

Zack sidestepped out of reflex to avoid being crush as two people came spilling out of the closet. Tifa gasped and when Zack looked over to who it was, he gasped as well.

"Aerith?"

"Sephiroth?"

Aerith groaned and tried to blink a few times to get her eyes adjusted to the bright light. When she heard her name being called, the fog around her mind began to clear and she realized that she was lying right on top of something soft. She glanced down and saw Sephiroth, staring at her wide-eyed, recognition clear on his face.

'Oh no, he recognized me.'

Panicking, she tried to scramble away from him but her limbs were uncoordinated. She fell back on him, her knee landing right on his groin.

That knocked the air right out of him as he moaned in pain. Tifa pulled her away from him and Zack got to Sephiroth's side to access the injury.

Peering out of his tear-filled eyes, he can see a crowd beginning to gather around them. 'Not again.' Sephiroth thought as he hunched in on himself, trying to alleviate the pain.

Aerith was red-faced, embarrassed by her action yet again. "I-I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it."

Zack tried to pull Sephiroth up. "Come on, let's get you somewhere private."

The taller man groaned and leaned on Zack, standing on wobbly feet. Aerith tried to follow them but Tifa stopped her.

"Aerith! What happened?" Tifa asked. "What are you doing in the closet with him?"

"It's a long story, Tifa. Perhaps another time. Not now."

"Wait. You should let him cool off first. Besides, Antoine is waiting for you."

"You are right! I'm so sorry, Tifa. Let me go over there to apologize and I will be right with you."

Zack deposited him on the couch and went over to the minibar to get something cold.

The black-haired man handed an ice pack for Sephiroth and walked out of the room to give the man some privacy. Once he was outside, Aerith began to ask if Sephiroth is going to be alright.

"He is gonna be fine. I'll check in on him later but what happened? How did the two of you end up in the closet?"

Aerith tried to come up with a cover story and told him that they were hiding from someone and that the door was stuck. It was the truth but it's just that Aerith has failed to mention that the person she was hiding from has ended up being in the same closet as her.

Zack gave her his signature smile and crossed his arms, as he began to recognize the girl in front of him. "You are that girl who strikes Sephiroth with a staff that day."

Aerith's face was red with shame. "Yes. Not my proudest moment."

"Oh boy, you did him in this time."

Aerith slapped his arm to stop him from laughing. "I know alright. I'm sorry."

"Geez, you do pack a punch." As he rubbed his arm from the sting of the slap. "My name is Zack Fair. Nice to meet you." He reached out his hand.

Aerith smiled and took his hand. "I'm Aerith Gainsborough. Nice to meet you too and I'm truly sorry. Can you tell him for me? I have to go now."

"Sure. I need to check on him and see if he needs any help."

"Is it ok if you message me and tell me how he is doing? I feel really bad and I don't think I can ever confront him ever after these incidents." She took out a paper and began scribbling her number on it.

Zack took it and pocketed it. "No problem. Maybe I can bill you for his medical fee." Aerith blanched at the mention of the medical bill but then Zack began to wave it off. "I'm just kidding. Don't worry. I will tell you how he is doing later. See ya."

"Well, that's settled. How are you holding up?" The black-haired man couldn't help but smile.

"Why is she here?" He asked when Zack closed the door. The pain was subsiding and he can bear to sit on the chair properly, with the ice pack situated between his thigh.

"She's a new model." Looking at his friend closely, he realized that he looked a bit peeved. "Don't tell me you are mad because she managed to knock you down twice?" The younger man quirked an eyebrow in question.

Sephiroth grunted to himself. What a small world after all. He couldn't believe that he will meet her again. Isn't the incident in the park enough? He shook his head and began dumping the ice pack onto the table. It seems that nothing good happens whenever they are in close proximity. He should avoid her like the plague.

"Let's go. I need to sleep this off."

~To be continued~