Piercing Cold
Cassian paced back and forth, his expression full of anxiety. The dark and cold storage room only added to his discomfort. The rumble of the storm outside made the atmosphere even more tense.
Cassian
This is the worst resort I’ve ever been to! One misfortune after another keeps happening! Ugh, this is insane!
Elio stood in the corner of the room, trying to remain calm. His hand gripped his phone, its battery nearly dead. He focused on thinking clearly, searching for a way to endure until the power came back on.
Cassian
(stops pacing and stares at Elio)
Elio
(glances at Cassian briefly)
Cassian
What’s that supposed to mean?! Are you trying to teach me how to handle this situation now?!
Elio took a deep breath, trying to stay patient. He knew Cassian was frustrated, but the man’s arrogance was starting to wear thin.
Elio
Apologies, sir. I’m just trying to focus on finding a solution. This room wasn’t designed for people to stay in for long. It’s getting colder, and we need to endure until the power’s restored
Cassian
Then why aren’t you doing something?! You’re a resort worker, aren’t you? This is your job, not mine!
(crossing arms angrily)
Elio felt his patience wearing thin, but he restrained himself.
Elio
I understand you’re upset and angry. But I’m human too, sir. Please, help me think of a way out instead of just complaining
Cassian
What did you say?! Are you daring to give me orders now?!
Cassian pointed a finger at Elio angrily, seemingly forgetting that the man in front of him was the only one trying to help.
Cassian
You’re a resort worker. You should be showing respect to your guests! Not telling me what to do!
Elio finally couldn’t hold back his frustration. He turned around, his expression firm.
Elio
And you’re the most obnoxious guest I’ve ever had to deal with! Do you think whining like this is going to fix anything?!
Cassian
What?! You’re the most incompetent resort worker I’ve ever met! If you were better at your job, we wouldn’t be stuck here!
(snapping back)
Elio
Oh, so now it’s my fault?! If you hadn’t made all those ridiculous requests earlier, we wouldn’t even be in this room!
Their argument escalated, each hurling accusations at the other. The already-cold atmosphere seemed to freeze further under their heated exchange.
Cassian
You’re blaming me now?! I paid a fortune for this resort—I deserve the best service!
(steps closer, eyes blazing with anger)
Elio
And I deserve guests who aren’t this arrogant!
(glares back sharply)
Cassian stood fuming while Elio tried to steady his breath. Their heated argument had reached its peak.
Cassian
You think you’re somebody, huh?!
(shoves Elio roughly)
Cassian
With my power, I could have you fired in an instant!
Elio
Go ahead! I’m not scared of your threats!
(glares, shoving Cassian back)
Cassian was momentarily stunned, not expecting Elio to fight back. Furious, he shoved Elio harder.
Cassian
You’re way out of line! You don’t know who you’re dealing with!
Cassian kept moving forward, cornering Elio. Elio did not show the slightest fear, even though his body was now about to hit the cold wall behind him.
Cassian
I’m going to teach you a lesson—
(raises a hand to push Elio again)
Before Cassian could touch Elio, his foot slipped on something on the slick floor. He lost his balance and toppled toward Elio.
They both fell hard to the ground, with Cassian landing on top of Elio. Their lips accidentally met in a brief, shocking kiss.
Silence. Only the storm’s rumble outside filled the room. Cassian and Elio froze, both stunned.
Elio
What the hell?! Are you seriously taking advantage of the situation?!
(shoves Cassian off roughly)
Cassian
Me?! You think I wanted this to happen?! It was an accident, you idiot!
(snapping back angrily)
Elio
If you hadn’t been moving around recklessly, this wouldn’t have happened!
Cassian
You were standing too close! Don’t blame me!
(stands)
The two kept arguing, their voices echoing in the small room. But gradually, their shouting subsided.
They eventually fell silent. The room, once filled with anger, was now filled with awkward tension.
Cassian and Elio stood on opposite sides of the room, avoiding eye contact. The accidental kiss lingered in their minds, making them hesitant to speak.
The wine cellar room was getting colder. Elio began to feel the temperature prickling his skin. They had been stuck here for quite some time, and after the last argument with Cassian, only an awkward silence remained.
Elio finally got up. He knew they couldn't just stand still. The air was getting colder, and they had to find a way to survive.
Cassian
What... are you doing?
(glances at Elio, voice hesitant)
Elio
Looking for something to help us stay warm
(glances briefly, rummaging through boxes on a shelf)
Cassian
What do you mean?
(steps closer hesitantly)
Elio
There should be thick cloths here, used to wrap wine bottles from our suppliers. They’re warm enough. If I can find them, we can use them to keep ourselves warm
(sighs, turning slightly)
Cassian paused for a moment, looking at Elio who was busy searching through the boxes. There was a feeling of reluctance to help, but the cold air slowly made him rethink.
Cassian
Alright. I'll help you search
Elio
You? Want to help?
(looks at him for a moment with a surprised look)
Cassian
Don't get me wrong. I just don't want to freeze here
(grunts)
Elio smiled slightly, but did not respond. He just nodded, then went back to searching. Cassian started opening boxes on another shelf, though his movements were clumsy.
Cassian
So... that cloth can really keep us warm?
Elio
It's not like a blanket, but it's quite helpful. The cloth is thick, usually used to protect wine bottles from impact and extreme temperatures
(still busy searching)
Cassian
Why didn't I know about that?
(muttering under his breath)
Elio
Because you only know how to order wine, not how to store it
(smiles a little, glancing over)
Cassian
Tsk. In that case, hurry up and find the cloth
After a few minutes, Elio finally pulled something out of one of the boxes. A thick, dark gray cloth, looking worn but still quite usable.
Elio
Finally. This is it
(showing the cloth to Cassian)
Elio
There should be more. Look in the next box
Cassian was busy searching again. He started to feel a little more comfortable with Elio's presence, although the awkwardness still remained.
Cassian
Thank you...
(said quietly, almost inaudible)
Cassian
Nothing! Just keep looking
(clears his throat, pretending to be busy)
Elio smiled slightly. For the first time, the atmosphere between them felt a little warmer, even though the cold air still surrounded the room.
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