Sofa

- You can't possibly be here to see the CEO.

- ... Not this again.

- They don't have any appointments today. Please leave.

- I don't have the energy for this, - the teen huffed, popping numbers on her phone and holding it up to her ear. The receptionist rolled his eyes, ready to call the guards to show her out.

- Karl, you hired someone new at the door? He doesn't let me pass and I'm too tired to argue.

The receptionist blinked at the nonchalant tone, then blinked at the message on his screen, stating in no uncertain words to let the girl through.

- Finally, my love! - the girl exclaimed, dramatically falling down on the sofa cushions in the office and stretching her limbs like a cat in sunshine.

- If my sofa ever goes missing, you'll be the prime suspect.

- It's heavenly! One of your best inventions to date!

- It must be, if you keep coming back to it.

- And you keep letting me in. I must be a great conversationalist.

Karliel snorted, and Shinjiko went on describing her last week, cookies in the two-story cafe two streets away from her house, newspaper article on the recent magic anomalies in Darmstar, latest music academy rehearsals she snuck on to, the funniest replies from the dating apps.

The skies were turning dark by the time she decided to take a pause. Karliel's spacious office was dotted with magi- and bioluminescent things, and the shine they gave off at night was mesmerizing. Most collectors would kill for any one item from arrays upon arrays of crystals, runes, feathers and floating geoshapes in the corners. Karliel themself wasn't yet used to the sight, spending too much time walking in the labs and relegating the paperwork to stay in late. Shinjiko has a gift for catching rare moments like today and they can enjoy the glinting lights together. Beauty's prettier when there's someone to share it with.

- You're old, - the girl said randomly, staring at the ceiling.

- You're the one drowning in pillows.

- These are your pillows.

- I'm not using them.

- You should. Test your products.

- And spare you the luxury of coming here to sit on my sofa?

- Don't you dare, - she chuckled, hugging the super-soft pillow tighter.