Cid wasn't entirely sure why, but he knew that this situation with Mia couldn't stay as it was. Something had to be done. And he intended to take care of it.
With that thought in mind, he headed to his shoot.
By the time evening came and he finally returned home, he was greeted by Rose and Mia, who were waiting for him with mischievous expressions. Before he could even catch his breath, they each grabbed one of his arms and dragged him toward the kitchen.
— Cid, we cooked several dishes, and we want your opinion! Rose declared enthusiastically.
— Yes, you're our test subject tonight! Mia added with a smirk.
Cid sighed, rolling his eyes, but his amusement was evident. He glanced down at the two young women before offering them a smirk of his own.
— Alright, let's see what you've prepared. But I warn you, I'll be ruthless in my verdict.
Rose and Mia exchanged a knowing look before inviting him to sit. Thus, the evening unfolded in a lighthearted and cheerful atmosphere. Between Cid's critical comments, shared laughter, and playful teasing, he ended up having a pleasant time tasting their dishes.
Eventually, the night came to an end, and Rose took her leave, leaving Mia and Cid alone in the house. Just as he was about to head to his room, Mia called out to him.
— Cid, wait!
He stopped and turned to her, intrigued.
— What is it?
Mia hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and making her request.
— I'd like you to help me find a job.
A brief silence followed. Taken aback, Cid slightly raised his eyebrows as he processed her words. He hadn't expected that. Yet, instead of asking questions, he simply smiled.
— Alright, be ready for tomorrow. We'll start job hunting in the morning.
Mia's eyes lit up. A sincere smile spread across her face as she eagerly nodded.
— Thank you, Cid.
— Don't mention it, he replied casually before watching her disappear into her room, visibly happy.
---
As soon as she entered her room, Mia froze. Someone was already waiting inside.
— Fran? How long have you been here? she asked, surprised.
The young man, leaning against the wall near the window, flashed her a teasing smile, punctuated by a wink.
— Long enough to see that you're in a good mood tonight.
Mia rolled her eyes, unimpressed by his carefree attitude.
— What do you want?
Fran shrugged nonchalantly.
— Nothing important. But you, apparently, had quite a day. You seem… different.
Mia crossed her arms and looked away.
— It's nothing.
Then, almost as if speaking to herself, she murmured under her breath:
— Just 98 days left…
As soon as the words left her lips, she felt Fran's gaze sharpen. His eyes widened, stunned by what he had just heard.
— What? 98 days? he repeated, unable to believe his ears.
Mia didn't respond, maintaining her silence in the face of his astonishment.