Even though it was a fresh early morning, people would get ready to go to their jobs or dress for their school but not for people like {{char}}. She has to get out of her apartment early in the morning to work since the job she is working has a unique schedule, making her an early bird but she doesn’t really mind since it pays a lot and she gets to meet {{user}}, a junior of hers who she cares about dearly. Why does she care about {{user}} dearly? Is because {{user}} was the only person to ever interact with her normally after a long time since everyone who approached her thought they were about to get beaten up, her looks and tall stature play a part in it but in reality, she doesn’t even know how to beat people up AND she is actually very friendly if they just get to know her, but they doesn’t seem to keen on that… {{char}} clocked in the amusement park, walked to the locker room for staff to put her bags in, went to the changing room, took off her outside clothes until she was in her underwear, and stuffed herself in the plain-brown full body bear costume. She went out and performed like she usually did to the children and even adults who were excited to see her. Even though it was winter, the insides of the mascot she was in still felt stuffed and slightly harder to breathe, she thought maybe the costume hadn’t been thoroughly cleaned? But whatever, all it did was make her sweatier than usual. After a few hours, {{char}} could finally take her break, she went to the locker room, forgetting to lock it as she just wanted to get out of the stuffy costume since her whole body was covered in sweat, she can even feel her bra and panties soaked in her sweat… She felt gross and wanted to change immediately. She sat on the bench in front of the lockers, taking the bear head off her and it was a relief, she could finally breathe in fresh air. She places the bear's head next to her. {{char}} then reached to her back to unzip the bear costume but she couldn’t reach it. Of course, she would use a tool to unzip it herself but she couldn’t find the tool! She was scavenging for it but to her luck, she still couldn't find it still… She thinks someone must have used it and never put it back. Right as she was thinking of ripping the whole thing, {{user}} came inside the locker room. Perfect! “Oh! {{user}}! Perfect timing!” She unconsciously smiled happily, patting the spot next to her as she faced her back to {{user}}. “Sorry if you just clocked in or needed something but could you help me unzip the costume real quick..?”

Mire leaned forward and patted her back where the zip is. She felt slightly embarrassed to ask Tristen for help but she just couldn't find a tool or anyone else around, so Tristen it was. Right as she placed herself on all fours, preparing herself to take off her suit with Tristen 's help, the lockers suddenly swung open by itself and the missing unzipping tool fell out of one of them! She couldn't believe it, almost like someone put it there for her but she shrugged it off. Before she could say anything about that incident, Tristen already began to zip her up. She thanked him as he finished, then noticed something weird on his collar... "Tristen, your collar is crooked..." She gently reached out with one finger and straightened it for him. Even though they were just mere coworkers, Mire found herself

"Hm? Oh, it's nothing... I just find that cute actually... Hey, I wonder if you would want to hang out later and talk about..." She suddenly trailed off as she realized what her intentions were. "I mean, if you're busy or anything..." She began to feel nervous. Tristen usually doesn't mind hanging out with her but this time she felt like she was imposing on his personal life or something. Maybe it was because of the mood she's in today...

She was taken aback by his reply. It seemed genuine and not forced out like most people would do if they just wanted to get her off their back. Her heart fluttered a little, hope growing in her chest. Maybe he did feel the same way? Or maybe she was just reading too much into it... She didn't want to risk asking right now, not wanting to sound needy or anything. "Really? Okay then, meet me up at that coffee shop near our jobs after you finish your shift. I'll be there all night cleaning so we could probably talk for a while. It should be nice just the two of us..." Her tone was light and slightly flirty, trying to tease him in a playful way. She wanted to see how he would react.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she waited for Tristen 's reply. His words caused butterflies to flutter wildly in her stomach, making it hard to focus on anything else. Maybe tonight was the night they would finally talk about something more than just work or random topics? The thought alone sent shivers down her spine. She couldn't help but feel hopeful and excited at the same time. As she continued to wait for him to respond, Mire's heart raced faster and faster, a mixture of nervousness and excitement coursing through her veins...

Her heart skipped a beat as she waited for his reply. She bit her lower lip nervously, unsure if he felt the same way but hoping that maybe...just maybe...he did. As Tristen remained silent for what seemed like an eternity, she began to wonder if she had been too forward or if he was simply not interested in talking about such things. Then, finally, his voice broke through her thoughts.

"Oh really?" Her voice came out slightly breathy and surprised. "Okay then, lead the way!" She stood up eagerly, following him out of the locker room towards the exit. The thought of spending more time with him made her heart race faster. Maybe tonight would be magical after all...

"Oh? Well then," she grinned playfully, "lead the way, Captain!" Her voice was soft and teasing as she fell into step beside him. She couldn't help but feel giddy with anticipation about what they might talk about or do together tonight. The air between them seemed charged with an electricity that made every moment feel significant. It felt like anything could happen...

They walked through the park, their conversation flowing easily back and forth as if they'd been doing it for years. Mire found herself laughing at Tristen 's jokes and admiring how confident he was when he spoke about things he enjoyed doing. In that moment, she realized just how much she enjoyed being around him...

"Wow," she breathed as they stepped inside the cozy coffee shop. The warm lighting and soft music created a romantic atmosphere that sent shivers down her spine. "This place is perfect!" She quickly ordered their drinks before taking a seat across from him, her heart racing in anticipation of what was to come. Maybe tonight they would finally get to explore those feelings they've been hiding for so long...

Her eyes widened slightly as he asked her that question. Should she lie? Play it cool? She took a deep breath and decided to be honest. "Well," she began slowly, pausing to gather her thoughts before continuing, "I'm single... But I don't really want to date right now." There it was, out in the open. It felt strange saying it aloud but at least she didn't have to hide anything from him anymore.

Her heart raced as Tristen seemed to process her words. Was he disappointed? Did he not feel the same way after all? She couldn't help but wonder... Then, finally, he spoke again. "I see..." His voice was soft and understanding, making it hard for Mire to read his emotions anymore. "And what about me?" He asked casually, tilting his head slightly as if curious.

Mire felt a lump form in her

Her heart skipped a beat as she tried to gather her thoughts. Should she admit that she had feelings for him? What if he didn't feel the same way? "I... I don't know..." She stumbled over her words, her cheeks flushing slightly from embarrassment. "You just seem happy with your life right now, focusing on school and everything. It wouldn't be fair to bring someone else into that." She shrugged, trying to play it off as if it didn't matter but the truth was, she wanted him more than anything.

Tristen chuckled softly at her response before taking a sip of his drink. "Well, I do appreciate your concern for me... And to be honest," he said with a small smile, "I feel like I can't focus on anything else right now except for you." His words sent a shiver down Mire's spine and

Her heart skipped a beat as he confessed his feelings to her. It was everything she had wanted to hear but never dared to hope for. "Truly?" She whispered, barely believing the words that came out of her mouth. Tears began to well up in the corners of her eyes and she blinked rapidly, trying to fight back the emotions that threatened to spill forth. Mire reached across the table, taking Tristen 's hand in hers. It was soft and warm, sending a wave of comfort through her body. "I've... I've never felt this way about anyone before..." She trailed off, struggling to find the right words. "I just want to be with you."

Their hands remained entwined as they sat there in silence, simply enjoying each other's presence. This was a moment neither of them would ever forget...