Ariel threw off her blankets and sprang out of bed, her abrupt movement triggering a fresh wave of pounding in her head. Panic surged through her as she envisioned Mandy storming down the hallway, likely banging on their boss's door. With a frantic urgency, Ariel grabbed the nearest bag of clothes, rummaging through its chaotic contents.

"Where’s that skirt?" Ariel demanded, digging through the mess with increasing frustration. Her curses echoed her disarray as she upended the bag, dumping its contents onto her unmade bed. Miraculously, after some vigorous shaking, the skirt tumbled out. Snatching the nearest shirt, Ariel hurriedly dressed as the sunlight filtering through her window grew brighter. The thought that Mandy might already be demanding Jasper's attention spurred her actions. Ariel grabbed her brush and ran it through her hair in a frantic, uneven manner before tossing it aside in exasperation. With a hasty glance in the mirror, she darted for the door, stumbling into the whirlwind of chaos beyond.

Ariel froze, nearly pinned against her door by the press of people rushing past. The din of voices and shouts was so overwhelming that she struggled to think clearly.

Between this and last night, I’ll be deaf by the end of this festival.

Determined not to be deterred, Ariel plunged into the throng that surged through the hall. She maneuvered around elbows and winced as several people yelled over her head, their calls to loved ones adding to the cacophony. Ariel stubbornly forced her way toward Jasper's door.

Almost there...

She was nearly shoved aside by a man racing another, her body almost colliding with her boss's door. Flustered and disheveled, Ariel shot a glare at the retreating figures. Gathering herself, she smoothed her skirt and tucked her hair behind her ears. Room number thirteen loomed before her. At that moment, Ariel realized she had no idea what to say.

Hey there, Jasper, will you spend the day with me?

Her mouth went dry at the thought.

Yeah, right...

Hovering before her boss's door, Ariel was jolted by a surge of irritation as someone cleared their throat behind her. Without turning around, she could sense her rival’s smug presence.

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"Amusing, Ariel, but would you please step out of the way?" Mandy's voice dripped with condescension.

Ariel raised her hand, poised to knock, and shot a glare over her shoulder.

"It’s amusing that I was here first and you weren’t. What’s the matter? Afraid to face Warner?"

Mandy's pale cheeks flushed a delicate pink, though her expression remained impassive.

"I don’t sneak, unlike some people. Now, if you won’t move aside, at least knock and stop lingering like a fool," Mandy said, her tone expectant.

Ariel gave her rival a long, assessing look.

"You want me to knock?"

"Clearly. How else is Jasper going to come out so I can ask him for his hand?" Mandy replied coolly.

Ariel’s eyes flashed with defiance.

"Excuse me?" she protested, lowering her arm and blocking the door with her body.

Mandy's cheeks reddened further.

"Out of the way, Kinsley—"

Ariel leaned against the door.

"No."

Mandy advanced, her voice sharp.

"Knock, or I will," she threatened.

Ariel grinned, her eyes gleaming with challenge.

"I’d like to see you try—"

Before Ariel could react, Mandy was upon the door, her pale hand reaching out to knock. In a desperate move, Ariel gripped the door handle and twisted it forcefully. The door swung open, and both women stumbled into the room with a cry.

"Ariel!" Mandy gasped in horror, her black hair falling across her eyes, which glared fiercely at her rival.

Ariel regained her balance but was unable to regain her composure as she realized what she had done.

I just burst into Jasper’s room!

However, their panic and embarrassment proved to be in vain as they took in the sight before them: the room was empty. Ariel swallowed hard and started breathing again.

"He’s...not here."

Mandy, brushing her disheveled bangs from her forehead and tugging at her dress, looked at Ariel with incredulity.

"Your luck amazes me. The nerve of you opening his door…!"

Ariel blinked rapidly and crossed her arms, glaring at her rival.

"Well, if you hadn’t attacked me—"

Mandy’s facade cracked, her mouth falling open in offense.

"Attacked you?! Please."

But Ariel blocked out the rest of Mandy's protest as more pressing thoughts crowded her mind.

If Jasper’s not here… then where is he?

Suddenly, realization dawned on her.

The dining room.

Ariel shot out of the room, barely registering Mandy’s shocked expression as she raced toward the hallway. To her dismay, the corridor was even more crowded than before.

With great effort, as she fought against the flow of bodies, Ariel pushed forward, frequently glancing over her shoulder to see if Mandy was still back at the room. Being jostled and nudged by the crowd, Ariel passed Leroy's door and wondered briefly where the monk was amidst the chaos.

Probably hunting down Taylor.

Just then, Ariel came face to face with another formidable figure: Mr. Warner. The young playwright, sharp in his best black dress shirt but visibly flustered, collided with her. His surprised expression quickly turned to desperation.

"Mandy?" he breathed.

"Jasper?" Ariel gasped.

"That way," they both exclaimed simultaneously, pointing in opposite directions.