aOS v.2.16

Back at the penthouse, the city lights cast a dim glow through the wide windows, illuminating the quiet space. Jack headed straight for the study room, muttering something about a last-minute email he had to send, while Jin disappeared into his room with a casual wave, already winding down for the night. Alex lingered in the main area, stretching out on the couch, though his mind wasn't nearly as calm.

"Really? You gave in just like that?" Kofi's voice buzzed in Alex's ear, each word sharpened with disapproval.

Alex grimaced. "You heard everything, huh?"

"Oh, trust me, I heard all of it," Kofi shot back, "and you couldn't have tried harder to sound like some genius schemer if you wanted to."

"Look, she's an old friend. I thought I'd throw her a bone, keep it casual," Alex muttered, hoping to brush it off.

"Right, right. 'Keeping it casual' by saying you're some mastermind behind the scenes. Real subtle, Alex." Kofi's voice was thick with sarcasm. "What's next? Telling her you secretly run the city?"

Alex shifted uncomfortably, glancing toward Jack's closed study door and Jin's room, making sure they couldn't overhear him. "I get it, alright? I'll play it cooler next time."

"Cooler? You could try playing it smarter," Kofi retorted. "Just because she's your friend doesn't mean you have to flash your résumé every time she gives you a look."

Alex rubbed his temples, his cheeks flushing. "Noted. Just…give me a break, alright?"

"Fine, fine," Kofi replied, a hint of amusement creeping into his tone. "But next time, maybe keep your cards to yourself, 'Mastermind.'"

Jack's voice cut through as he turned toward Alex. "Who you mumbling to over there?"

"Just, uh…going over the night," Alex replied quickly, plastering on a casual smile.

Alex sighed, watching the cityscape and wondering what he might've let slip. For now, he'd take Kofi's advice—play it closer to the chest, one step at a time.

—--

The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the penthouse, casting long streaks of light across the floor. Alex adjusted the cuffs of his jacket, feeling a mix of anticipation and unease as he prepared for the day ahead. Jack waited by the door, tapping his phone and glancing up as Alex approached.

"You ready for this?" Jack asked, a faint smile hinting at his amusement.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Alex replied, exhaling. Today marked his first official day at Taylor, Wright, and Co., and he knew that even though he'd be walking in with Jack, he was stepping into a different world.

Yeah, the same world that once treated you like wallpaper, Kofi chimed in, his voice laced with sarcasm. Hope you're ready to be everyone's favorite doormat again.

Ignoring the jab, Alex followed Jack out of the penthouse. But as they left, a strange déjà vu swept over him, tugging at a memory that felt both distant and near. He'd once known the routines, the labyrinthine halls, and the unspoken hierarchy of Taylor, Wright, and Co.—back in a future he'd left behind with Kofi's help.

How many late nights had he spent there, poring over reports and analyzing figures for people who barely knew his name? He recalled the feeling of invisibility, the grueling hours that had amounted to little more than an anonymous pat on the back. And now, he thought with a flicker of irony, I'm going back as an unknown again, but with more control this time.

Control? Kofi snickered. Let's hope you remember where you stashed it. This place chewed you up and spat you out once. Don't go overestimating yourself now.

Outside, Jack's car waited by the curb, and as they slipped inside, the city's familiar chaos surrounded them. Jack glanced over at him. "Taylor, Wright, and Co. isn't just any firm," he said. "They handle some of the biggest clients in the region. Keep your head down, follow the rules…at least until you know which ones you can bend."

Alex nodded, listening, but his mind drifted back to his memories of the firm—hours spent proving himself to people who hadn't seen him as anything more than another cog in the machine. This time, he wasn't here to just survive the grind. He was here to make an impact, even if no one knew who he was.

Oh yeah, Kofi taunted, big plans from the guy who needed a cosmic intervention to leave the building last time.

As they pulled up in front of the sleek glass building, Alex took a steadying breath. Today was a chance to rewrite things, to navigate Taylor, Wright, and Co. with a sense of purpose he hadn't had in the past. Maybe this is my second chance—to make sure I'm never invisible again.

Dream big, kid, Kofi drawled. Just try not to vanish by lunch.

As Jack and Alex approached Taylor, Wright, and Co.'s sleek lobby, Alex's heart pounded with a strange mix of nostalgia and trepidation. In the future, this was the firm he'd spent countless hours working at, back when ambition felt like the only compass he had.

Now, with Kofi's intervention and a lifetime of different choices looming, he was stepping back into familiar territory with a fresh perspective—and a deeper purpose.

They entered the conference room where three familiar faces waited: his former professor and the man who once saw potential in him, Joe Taylor, and the senior partners, Lawrence Wright and Vance Kim.

Alex composed himself, grateful for the knowledge he had tucked away from his previous timeline. He greeted each with an assuredness that only familiarity with the future could bring, shaking their hands with a poised confidence that seemed to pleasantly surprise the trio.

Look at you, Kofi sneered. So professional. Too bad they have no idea you're basically Nostradamus in a fancy jacket.

"Well, Alex," Prof. Taylor said, his tone filled with warmth and pride. "You've come a long way since I last saw you. I wasn't sure I'd get this moment."

Alex smiled, doing his best to act as if this reunion was just as unexpected for him. He recalled some key insights from the future, subtly guiding the discussion with sharp observations and timely suggestions that left the partners visibly impressed.

Vance and Lawrence exchanged intrigued glances, and Prof. Taylor's expression softened, filled with admiration for his former student-protégé.

At the end of their conversation, Prof. Taylor surprised Alex by pulling him into a fatherly hug, a move that caught Alex off guard.

"I thought we lost you after your dad passed, Alex," Taylor murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "But I was wrong. It's clear you're doing well—really well."

The moment hit Alex deeper than he anticipated, pulling at memories he usually kept locked away. He returned the embrace, feeling a glimmer of the respect and support he'd once craved.

Aw, heartwarming, Kofi mocked, but don't go getting soft on me.

With Jack at his side, he followed Prof. Taylor down the hall to another room where several people were gathered. Alex's mind, flush with the success of his recent meeting, assumed the assembly was a welcoming party in his honor. He straightened, already prepared with a confident smile.

Yet as he scanned the room, his smile froze. The banners on the wall and the bittersweet expressions of those around him told a different story. This wasn't his welcoming party; this was Prof. Taylor's retirement celebration.

The realization struck him with the same intensity as Master Kenjiro's surprise punches, leaving him with an ache in his gut. He winced, grappling with the forgotten detail. Of course, this was the day his professor retired.

Oops, Kofi sneered, looks like somebody skipped that chapter.

In the future timeline, it had been the turning point that stagnated Alex's career, marking the end of an era of guidance and growth he hadn't fully appreciated at the time.

Prof. Taylor must have seen the flicker of emotion in his eyes, because he gave Alex a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Don't worry about it, Alex," he said with a warm smile. "You'll be just fine. This is your moment now."

As applause rang out in the room, Alex managed a smile, though his thoughts whirled. Even with everything he knew about the future, he had somehow overlooked this pivotal moment. Prof. Taylor was leaving, and it was up to him to navigate the road ahead. This time, he promised himself, he wouldn't make the same mistakes.

Bold words, Kofi added dryly, for a guy who nearly just crashed and burned.