Clash of Wills

"Hello, everyone. Meet Nivi. She'll be taking over ProjectC from now on. Feel free to reach out to her for anything," June announced, introducing Nivi to the team.

As Nivi returned, Huan leaned in to whisper to Sushi, "So, when she's back."

"I don't even know; I only saw her this morning," Sushi replied, casting a glance at June with a sigh.

"Nivi, meet Huan. He's overseeing the project," June said, directing Nivi's attention to Huan.

"Oh, I see. The mastermind behind all the drama and chaos. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Huan," Nivi said, sarcastically extending her hand for a handshake.

"What?" Huan asked, puzzled by her comment.

"I meant you're the reason for everything that is happening here. So, I'm more than thankful for your presence," Nivi said, offering a fake smile.

"Is that how they talk in America? Sorry, didn't quite catch your drift, even though I'm fluent in English," Huan retorted, shaking her hand firmly.

Their handshake lingered as they locked eyes, each sizing the other up.

"You have the audacity to come between a newlywed couple. I came specifically to deal with you, I will remove you from their life like a used tissue," Nivi smirked, her eyes gleaming with malice.

"At last, you're back. Make sure you steal June away this time. I've got your back," Huan said, glaring at her, unaware of her true intentions.

As they stood at odds, one seeking unity, the other aiming to sow discord, they unknowingly ignited a spark.

On the other side of the handshake, June and Sushi faced each other, their emotions unspoken. His ego prevented him from trusting her, while her heartache deepened with every glance.

Upon realizing, he gently shifted his attention towards Nivi, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And this is Sushi. She's the brains behind this project and the creative force behind all the characters," June introduced Sushi to Nivi.

Seeing June holding Nivi's shoulder made Sushi's heart broken.

"Hi, Sushi. Pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard plenty about you. I meant your work. I look forward to more meetings with you in the future," Nivi greeted warmly, extending her hand for a handshake.

But Sushi remained distant, her jealousy couldn't bring herself to shake hands, simply offering a curt greeting before quickly excusing herself, as if she had urgent matters to attend to.

After a while, there was a knock on Sushi's cabin door. She opened it to find Nivi standing there, looking stylish and somewhat surprised.

Sushi couldn't help but be taken aback by Nivi's charm. "How can she be so captivating?" she thought. "Her hair is longer than mine, her nose sharper, her eyes radiating beauty. But wait, Sushi, she's your rival. Why are you admiring her? Have you lost your mind?" Shaking off her thoughts, Sushi invited Nivi inside.

""Do you need something Nivi that you had to come all the way here to find me", Sushi asked, trying to maintain a composed demeanor.

"Since you ignored my friendly greeting, I had to come find you," Nivi remarked, a hint of provocation in her tone.

"I think you misunderstood. I left because I had urgent matters to attend to," Sushi explained calmly.

"Banging your head on the table, was that part of your urgent task?" Nivi quipped, as if she had witnessed the scene.

"When did she see me?" Sushi wondered silently before retorting, "Are you spying on me already, on your first day here? Or are you attempting micromanagement?"

Nivi realized Sushi wasn't going to back down easily, so she stepped closer, leaning in and placing both hands firmly on the table, her gaze intense. "Don't try to act tough. It doesn't suit you," she warned.

"I don't understand what you're implying," Sushi replied, her guard up.

"Well, I'll be honest with you, I don't like beating around the bush. I know that you married June by betraying him while I was away. Now that I am here, I hope you will stop playing your little games on him, because I will steal him away. Don't take it lightly, I am serious about it," Nivi looked straight into Sushi's eyes before leaving.

Sushi was left speechless, feeling as though she had just been threatened. She was too stunned to respond.

"You can never do that. If you think you can steal him from me, it's just a fantasy. I won't stop you from trying, though. Give it your best shot," Sushi asserted, her voice surprisingly resolute, tinged with desperation.

She marched towards Nivi, locking eyes with her. "I haven't even begun to play my real games, Nivi. Don't you dare challenge me, because you might not like where it leads," she warned, her gaze fierce.

"Are you challenging me?" Nivi countered, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't need to. Why? Because I know June doesn't love you. There's only one woman he's ever loved, and it's not you. If it were you, you'd already be in my place. So don't start a game you're destined to lose," Sushi fired back, her words sharp and cutting.

Nivi tried to maintain her composure. "Maybe. But it's not like he loved you either. We both know that," she retorted.

"Don't be so sure, Nivi. Don't comment on things you haven't witnessed firsthand," Sushi shot back, her tone laced with attitude.

Just then, June entered the room, standing behind Sushi.

"June," Nivi called out with smile on her face.

"Did he hear anything I said?" Sushi wondered, turning to see June standing so close behind her.

Startled, Sushi nearly stumbled, but June's firm grip on her waist prevented her fall. Their faces were inches apart as they locked eyes for a moment, until June deliberately released her, causing her to fall to the floor.

Upon falling, Sushi instinctively placed her hand on her stomach, a brief moment of panic gripping her heart. But as she realized she was unharmed, her fear turned to anger, and she shot a furious glare at June.

Nivi burst into laughter. "Looks like you need to learn to stand before you can challenge," she mocked.

Angry and embarrassed, Sushi glared at June as he paid her no mind, instead taking Nivi's hand. "Let's go grab lunch. I'm starving," he said, leading Nivi out of the room.

As they left, Nivi turned to June. "Can we go to Lizzas tonight, like we used to? I've been craving their food and drinks," she asked.

June's face was adorned with a wide smile as they exited Sushi's room. It wasn't quite a blush, nor was it a full-on laugh; rather, he was quietly chuckling to himself as he strolled alongside Nivi.