Phase Two

The PR team was gathered around Lewis’ table in his office. They were monitoring the public’s reaction on the photos taken of Soren and Sabine.

“So? How is it? Successful?” He stood in front of his work desk, one hand on his hips, the other was on his mouth nimbling on his index finger.

Each of the staff felt the pressure themselves, eyes going up and down as they scroll through their laptop’s screen.

“Quite. The reception is mostly a mix of bashing and defending. They’re questioning the sources of the fund for this trip.”

Lewis leaned beside the staff to look at the comments himself.

@publicfundswatchdog

He’s literally on “personal leave,” but whose money paid for the entourage?

I’ll wait.

@ghostoffinance

Government official on a romantic trip???? During THIS economy???

@pizzaforbreakfast

HE IS. ON. APPROVED. LEAVE.

Also he’s not the president omg calm down??

@bluntbluntblunt

Nobody smiles like that when they’re dating fr.

That’s the corporate smile of a man fulfilling deliverables.

@mochicatt

Bro even if it’s PR SO WHAT? Let the man smile once in his life.

“Of course, they would.” A sigh left his lips. “What else?”

“Well, there are also those who fully support their relationship, Team SoBine is going strong," another staff member answered. They turned the laptop to his side, letting him read some of the comments.

@flowerpetalph

SOBINE (Soren x Sabine) IS REAL IDC IDC IDC!!!

@astrokoi

When’s the wedding.

@cloudberrykrush

Sabine holding his arm during the St. Peter’s moment?? My Roman empire.

@luminalilly

OMG??? WHY DO THEY LOOK LIKE A K-DRAMA COUPLE WHAT IS THISSSS

#SorenSabineInItaly

@petitepavlova

I just know Paola, their translator, is living the dream. I, too, want to witness a slow-burn in real time.

Lewis walked around the couch, contemplating another move that will dissuade the public from bringing up another slander against Soren. He directed his attention toward the PR Manager.

“Any suggestions?”

The PR Manager returned his gaze but looked away just as quickly.

“I do have something in mind. If the problem they are pointing at right now is towards the fund, then how about the Senator and Sabine interacting away from professional cameras? Something more natural and normal by people’s standards?”

Lewis gave him a pointed look. “That is?”

-

“Did I hear you say that right?” Soren closed the folder in front of him to look at his secretary. “This is going too far, Lewis.”

“Just consider it a part of your work–you have already gone as far as hiring a girlfriend, you’re just following the ongoing contract.”

The chair slightly dipped as he leaned on the seat.

“We’re putting Sabine on the spot with this development,” he pointed out while adjusting the tightness of his necktie.

Lewis copied his posture, eyes drawn downward, thinking about what he can do to convince him. As if a lightbulb lit up above his head, Lewis snapped his fingers.

“If we get Sabine’s consent, does that mean you won’t have a problem? Wait a minute, let me call her.”

Soren lightly slapped his hand on the table, leaning forward with a glare in his eyes.

“You really won’t let this go?” His secretary firmly shook his head. “Fine. I’ll call her, it’s me she has to put up with anyway. But if she declines, that’s the end of this conversation. I will not consider an appeal.”

“Okay, you got it.”

He reached for his phone inside the drawer, immediately going to his contacts. His mouth parted at the realization. Truthfully, it was the teasing and wildly annoying smile from Lewis that he dreads.

A disappointed sigh left his lips before begrudgingly stating, “I don’t have her number.”

His secretary stared at him with wide eyes. There it was–the grin he passionately hates. It was like he had one up on him. 

“Ah-ahem,” Lewis cleared his throat, stifling a laugh. “I’ll get it from Au then I’ll forward it to you.”

He only nodded before getting back to his work.

Later that evening, when Soren was home and settled on the couch, he finally called Sabine.

“Hey, good evening,” he greeted before clearing his throat.

“Oh, Soren! It was really you. I thought someone had just gotten my number. Is there a reason why you reached out to me personally?”

He rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward towards the table- his other hand tapping against it.

“Yes, that.” He was unable to think of how to start his sentence. There was a few seconds of silence between them until Sabine inquired again.

“What is it? Is it something serious?”

“Maybe? A little?”

“Soren,” the sternness in her voice made him grin. 

“Okay, here I go, I guess. The PR team and Lewis came up with another plan. I think he also just informed your manager. Since there’s still some mixed reactions and they want to stir away the unamenable comments, they suggested that we do a photoshoot of our own.”

“That’s quite alright. Then there really is no problem?”

“The thing is they want the photos to be real and relatable, that’s why they want us to shoot in your place. The concept are like those of couples on social media that share a snippet of their daily life. However, I know that it’s a difficult thing to ask. Please know that I don’t want you to do anything against your will. Keep the contract aside while you think of your answer.”

He could hear her shuffling on the other end of the line.

“I think there won’t be that much of a concern if you come here discreetly.” She was giggling, and he wondered why until she continued, “I’m saying yes to the boy who stood in front of me so seriously asking for my trust. Just tell me when you’re coming over, Soren.”

The tense in his shoulders were finally gone, his fingers no longer tapping anxiously on the table. He breathed a sigh of relief as he leaned against the couch.

“Alright—I’m glad.”