Brian's gaze settled on a blonde girl who had just stepped into the cafe he frequented every morning before work. He was certain he had never seen her before. New to the area, maybe.
As if sensing his attention, she turned.
Their eyes met just for a second.
Then she looked away and walked up to the cashier to place her order.
Brian almost stood. His body leaned forward, ready to move, but something held him back. Still, his eyes never left her.
When she finished ordering, she took a seat not far from the counter. Brian watched as her gaze flickered between the exit and the cashier, like she was waiting… or thinking about leaving.
And when he was sure she wouldn't stay long, he finally got up.
"Hey?"
The girl turned slightly, looking up at him as he approached.
"I know this might sound weird," Brian said, a hint of nervousness slipping through, "I don't usually do this. But I think you're really beautiful, and I'd like to get to know you. Can I have your number?"
She blinked, clearly caught off guard. Her brows pulled together just a little.
"I'm sorry… I don't think I'm comfortable giving my number to a stranger."
"Right… yeah," Brian let out a small breath, forcing a smile, "That's fair. Uh, hmm, my name's Brian." He held out his hand.
She didn't take it. Just looked at it.
"I'm not a bad person, I promise," he added quickly, his tone still calm despite the flicker of frustration underneath.
A pause before she reached out and took his hand.
"Angel..."
Brian smiled, "Pretty much describes your angelic face."
A faint flush crept across her face, though she tried not to show it.
"Can I sit with you?" he asked.
"I'm actually just waiting for my coffee."
"Oh… okay," He hesitated, then tried again, "So can I get your number, Angel? We are not strangers anymore after all."
"Miss Angel!" the barista called.
She glanced over her shoulder, then stood, before walking away, she gave Brian a small, polite smile.
He stayed where he was, watching her, patiently waiting.
A moment later, she returned, stopping right in front of him.
"I'll give you my number," she said, her lips curving slightly, "if we meet again."
There was something in her tone, light, almost playful, but not quite, "It was nice meeting you, Brian."
Brian smiled back, his eyes following her as she walked out of the cafe.
He waited a few seconds.
Then he stepped outside and caught sight of her again, just ahead, blending into the crowd. And without thinking, he followed her.
Brian stood just outside his office entrance, blinking a few times before loosening his tie. Through the glass doors, he could see her.
She was standing in line, waiting to scan her ID as she belonged there.
What is she doing here? Does she work here? How have I never noticed her before?
Brian stepped inside, quickly scanning his own ID before picking up his pace to follow her. He stopped a few meters away from the elevator, careful not to get too close, his eyes fixed on her.
Watching.
When the doors slid open, and Angel stepped inside, Brian moved again, just in time to catch a glimpse of the floor panel.
Floor 3.
His brows drew together slightly.
UX/UI… or Creative.
The third floor was reserved for those two teams.
"My mannn…" A hand landed on his back, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Brian turned, his expression cooling, "Justin."
Justin grinned as he pressed the elevator button, then stepped back beside him, "It's been a while, huh?"
"You damn right," Justin continued before Brian could answer, "These projects are insane. I barely get home, like three in the morning, and I'm back here again at nine."
Brian let out a small laugh as the elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside together.
He pressed 5.
Justin pressed 3 as expected.
A faint smile tugged at Brian's lips.
Just my luck.
"But you look way better than me," Justin went on, rubbing his face, "Look at me! I look like a zombie..."
"Yeah," Brian replied lightly, "well, you see me today. If you saw me three months ago, you'd probably say the same thing… or worse. Might think I crawled out of a grave."
They both laughed.
Ding.
The elevator stopped at the third floor, the doors sliding open.
Justin stepped forward, about to leave.
"What about lunch?" Brian said, just before he could walk out, "For old times' sake?"
Justin glanced back, then nodded, "Yeah, sure. See you later, man."
He walked out without another thought.
And as the doors slowly closed, Brian smiled.