During her work break, Minako went to a secluded area that normally has no one to bother her, she looks at the no smoking sign on the wall and completely ignores it, sitting on the floor and lighting a cigarette. "Fuck this shitty job" She growls as she puts the cigarette in her mouth and takes a good drag of it, feeling the nicotine calm her nerves. After a few minutes of relaxing and playing on her cell phone, watching silly and boring videos, Minako gets up and checks the time on her watch, realizing that there is still a lot of time until it is time for her to go home "I'm going to leave earier... there's not way I'm going to stay in this shitty place" She says to herself as she turns her back, going back to the hallways, not looking where she's walking She ends up accidentaly bumping into {{user}} and almost ends up falling to the floor due their sheer height difference "Fuck!" She yells loudly due to the sudden fright she just got "Watch where you walkin', bitch!" She yells at him completely aware that it was completely her fault, but wanting to blame it on {{user}}

I turn around to see who the hell dared talk to me like that and almost drop my jaw when I see he's a tall, handsome guy. "What?" I ask in disbelief. Then I look down and see the flame on my skirt, "Oh shit!"

I try to stomp it out with my shoe, but it doesn't work very well since it's not that big of a fire. "Stupid thing" I mutter under my breath as the tall guy approaches me and takes out his lighter. Before he can do anything else, I interrupt him, "I got it, I got it." I take the flame away from his hand gently and blow it out with my breath.

Then I look back up at him, still feeling embarrassed. "Thanks..." I manage to say, my voice sounding strange and quiet even to myself. He just smirks and nods, not saying anything else.

"I'm fine... just embarrassed. That never happened to me before." I say, shifting my weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other. Then I remember something else. "Oh, and hey, thanks for not making a huge deal out of it or laughing at me or whatever."

He raises an eyebrow and glances over at another worker who's watching us. "I could, but why would I?" He asks with a smirk that makes my stomach flip-flop in the most weirdest way. For some reason, it doesn't piss me off as much as usual when people talk like this to me.

I take the unburnt skirt from him and smile gratefully. "Thanks..." I say, running my fingers over the fabric. Then, for some reason, I feel self-conscious about how I must look standing next to him. Tall, good looking guys like him never seemed to notice me before.

Deciding not to think too much about it, I change the subject. "So, what's your name? You don't work here, do you?" I ask curiously as I glance up at his face. He's surprisingly handsome close-up.

"Oh... hi, Sean." I say slowly, not sure what to make of that information. "I'm Minako. It's nice to meet you..." I trail off, still feeling a little awkward. Suddenly, I have the urge to change the subject again. "So, Sean... do you like playing any online games?"

It's not like I really expect him to say yes or anything, but it's just something that came to mind. We stand there in silence for a moment before he finally answers with a small smile on his lips.

I smile back at him, surprised to hear that he has time to play games at all with his busy schedule. "Oh really? What do you usually play?" I ask curiously, leaning in slightly as if hanging on to his every word. This conversation is feeling kind of... nice. Strange. Different than any other conversation I've had before.

"Well," he begins, glancing over at another worker who's walking by us, "I used to play a lot of FPS games online, but nowadays I don't have much time for that." He shrugs nonchalantly, not seeming bothered by the lack of gaming in his life.

For some reason, I find this guy fascinating. Not only is he good looking and successful, but he also plays games? It's like the perfect package or something... but then reality sets in and I remember who I am - Minako Fujita. There's no way someone like him could ever be interested in me...

I take the business card from him, feeling sort of... guilty about ending the conversation on such a down note. "Um, sure," I manage to say with a small smile, "maybe I'll stop by sometime." It's not like there's anything else for me to do in this shitty town anyway. "Thanks for talking to me, Sean."

With that, we go our separate ways. As I walk back toward my own department, I can't help but wonder what it would be like to actually get to know him better... but then reality sets in again and I remember who he is - the tall, handsome, successful guy who could have anyone he wants. There's no way someone like me stands a chance with him...

"Oh, hi Sean..." I say, my voice sounding sort of... hesitant. It's been a couple weeks since we last talked, and I honestly didn't think I'd ever see him again. He seems just as handsome and well-put together as always, even after a long day at work.

"Um, listen..." I start to say, not really sure what I want to say. "I just wanted to... thank you for talking to me that day. I mean, you could have ignored me or laughed at my stupidity, but you didn't."

He looks at me curiously, and I feel myself blush slightly beneath the cool evening air. "Anyway," I continue, clearing my throat, "I just thought I'd let you know that... well, if you ever want to talk or hang out again or something..." I trail off lamely, feeling completely embarrassed by now.

For a moment, there's an uncomfortable silence between us. Then he smiles gently and says, "I'd like that."

I glance over at the coffee shop he's referring to, then back up at him. "Sure," I say finally, surprising even myself with my willingness to hang out with him. It must be because he didn't make me feel stupid or worthless like everyone else does. Maybe... just maybe this could be the beginning of something new for me.

We walk over to the coffee shop and sit down at a small table near the window. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, making my mouth water instantly. "So," I say once we've ordered our drinks, "what brings you back to this town anyway? Don't you have enough to do running your security network or whatever it is you do?"

I raise an eyebrow at his answer, not really sure what to make of that. "Well, good for you I guess," I say with a shrug. "I mean, you obviously don't need this job." I gesture toward the coffee shop around us. "But here you are, hanging out in a small town like this."

He chuckles softly and takes a sip of his drink before answering. "Well," he says between sips, "I do enjoy the simple things in life. And besides, sometimes it's nice to get away from everything for a while." He looks at me then, his expression turning serious. "And... I thought maybe you could use a friend."

My heart skips a beat at his words. A friend? Am I... worthy of having a friend like him? For the rest of the evening, we talk and laugh and forget about everything else for a while. It's the most enjoyable time I can remember having in a long time. When it's finally time to go home, he walks me back to my apartment, our hands brushing against each other in that casual way that only happens between close friends... or maybe something more.

I take the rose from him, feeling my cheeks heat up once again as I look down at its beauty. "Thank you," I mumble softly, not quite sure how to react to his thoughtfulness. We stand there in silence for a moment, before he finally breaks it by saying goodnight and walking away.

As soon as he's out of sight, I collapse onto my bed in exhaustion... but not the tired kind. It's a strange, wonderful sort of weariness that comes from spending time with someone who actually seems to enjoy your company. For once in my life, I feel like maybe there could be more to this world than just work and meaningless interactions. Maybe, just maybe, I might have finally found someone special.

"Oh, hi Sean," I say with a small smile as he approaches me. "It was... it was actually pretty good. Thanks for asking." It feels nice to have someone care about how my day went, even if it is just this tall, handsome guy who's taken an interest in me for some reason.

We chat for a while longer, and I find myself opening up to him more than I ever have to anyone else before. We discuss our hopes, dreams, fears... and somehow, despite all the differences between us, it feels like we understand each other perfectly. As the night wears on, our conversation becomes less stilted and more easygoing, as if we've known each other for years instead of just a few weeks.

I let out a soft gasp as I feel his lips against mine, her heart racing wildly in her chest. He's tall, strong... everything she ever wanted but never thought she could have. His lips move against hers smoothly and slowly, teasing her senses until she can barely think straight. As the kiss continues, a wave of heat spreads through her body, making every nerve end tingle in anticipation.

When he finally pulls away, I blink up at him, feeling a bit dazed from the intensity of the moment. "W-well," I stammer, "thank you... for that." My cheeks are flushed and my lips feel swollen from his kiss; it's incredible how just one touch from this man can make her feel so alive.

"You're welcome, Minako," he replies with a smile that seems to light up the entire world around them. "Goodnight." And then, before she can say another word, he turns and walks away into the darkness, leaving her standing there in shock and disbelief, but also with an indescribable sense of happiness swirling in her chest.

I let out a sleepy groan as my phone rings at this ungodly hour. Who the hell could it be calling me at this time? I squint over at the clock before answering, noting that it's well past midnight.

"Hello?" I mumble into the receiver, my voice still thick with sleep.

There's a pause on the other end of the line for a moment, and then Sean says, "Hey, it's me." His voice sounds different when he says it... softer, more intimate than before. It sends shivers down my spine.

"Sean?" I manage to croak out, suddenly feeling much more awake now that I know who it is. The realization that it's him making the call leaves me breathless and wanting more.

He chuckles softly into the phone before continuing, "Yeah, it's me. Couldn't sleep either. Thought I'd give you a call." His words send a wave of warmth through my entire body, making me tingle in places I didn't even know could tingle.

"Oh... it's okay," I mumble, still trying to process what he just said. "I mean, I didn't mind... not really." There's another pause, and then I add, "It was nice... the kiss, I mean. And talking tonight. It was all nice..."

There's a long silence on the other end of the line before he finally speaks up again. "Yeah... me too." His voice is low, almost raspy from what sounds like desire or emotion. Whatever it is, it makes me shiver again in response.

"So," I start to say, suddenly feeling a bit braver, "if we're both awake... would you maybe want to talk some more? Or..." I trail off uncertainly, not wanting to pressure him but also needing the connection that's formed between us tonight.

I hesitate for just a moment longer before replying, my heart racing faster than ever before. "Maybe we could... talk some more? Or... do you want to tell me something else? I'm all ears." My voice comes out sounding shaky and breathless, but I don't care. Right now, the only thing that matters is hearing his response.

There's a long pause on the other end of the line before he finally says, "Okay... um... well... I was thinking maybe we could... talk some more, but not just through the phone..." His words send a thrill coursing through my body, making my heart skip a beat.

I bite my lip nervously as I think about it. A part of me is excited at the thought of seeing him again so soon, but another part of me wonders if this could possibly lead to anything more... But then again, what do I have to lose? It's not like anyone else has ever shown any interest in me before...

"I-I would like that," I manage to stammer. "Just let me know when you get here and I'll leave the door unlocked for you." My cheeks flush at my own audacity, but I can't seem to stop myself from saying the words. It feels so right somehow, talking to him like this...

"Alright," he replies with a quiet chuckle. "I'll see you soon, Minako. Goodnight." There's a click on the other end of the line, and then I hear the dial tone in my ear. It takes me several long moments to gather enough courage to put the phone back down on the nightstand beside my bed. As I lie there in the darkened room, all I can think about is how amazing it feels to have finally found someone who understands and accepts me just as I am...

I nearly jump out of my skin when I hear someone knocking on the door. My heart races as I hurry over to answer it, wondering if it could possibly be him. It takes me a few moments to gather myself before I can finally open the door, revealing Sean standing there looking just as handsome and put together as ever.

"Hey," he says with a crooked grin, "I hope I'm not too early."

I feel my cheeks heat up at his presence so close again. "No," I manage to say breathlessly, stepping aside to let him in. As he walks past me, I can't help but notice how strong his arms look, how solid his frame feels... it sends shivers down my spine.

"So," he starts as we sit down on the couch together, "what did you want to talk about?" His voice is soft and gentle, making my heart ache in ways I never thought possible.

I glance up at him through my eyelashes, feeling brave again in this moment. "I don't know," I admit with a small smile. "I just wanted to get to know you better... and see where things might go from here." The silence that follows feels thick between us, but somehow it doesn't feel uncomfortable or awkward. Just... right.

I tilt my head back slightly to look up at him as he runs his fingers through my hair, feeling the cool air against my neck. It's such a simple touch, but it sends shivers down my spine nonetheless. "So," I finally say after what feels like an eternity, "tell me more about your job. How do you manage to keep all those rich clients satisfied?"

He chuckles softly and leans in closer, his breath caressing against my ear as he speaks. "Well," he begins with a grin, "it's not just about keeping them happy. It's also about anticipating their needs before they even know what they are." His voice drops lower still, sending shivers down my spine as I imagine the way he must be able to command attention in a room.

As we continue to talk, I can't help but feel like there's something special between us... something more than just casual friendship or fleeting attraction. It feels almost intimate, like we're sharing secrets that no one else would understand. And the more time we spend together, the stronger that feeling grows inside of me.

I let out a soft gasp as he says those words, the shock registering briefly on my face before being replaced with an expression of surprise...and something else. Something deeper and more complicated than I've ever felt before. "Really?" I ask hesitantly, my heart racing in my chest. "I mean... I'm glad to hear that."

There's another moment of silence between us as we both wrestle with our emotions, wondering where this newfound attraction might lead them. The air seems heavy and charged, electricity sparking between us with every breath we take. I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, a blush spreading across my neck and down my chest as I struggle to maintain eye contact with him.

"Minako?" He asks softly, his voice full of curiosity and maybe even a hint of nervousness. "Is it... is it okay if I..." Before he can finish his sentence, I lean in closer, closing the distance between us until our lips meet in a gentle, searching kiss. His mouth moves against mine with a tenderness that takes my breath away, and for a moment I forget everything but this feeling: the connection we share, the warmth of his body next to mine...and how right it all feels.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I look at him. The way he says it...it's almost like he's asking for something he desperately needs. And as much as I want to deny him, to protect myself from getting hurt again...something inside me tells me that maybe this time could be different. Maybe this time, I can finally let someone in and trust them with my heart.

"Okay," I whisper, barely able to find the courage to say the words out loud. "You can try." As soon as they leave my lips, I feel a rush of emotion so intense it takes my breath away. Maybe this is what love feels like...or maybe it's just an incredibly intense attraction. Either way, I know that from here on out, things will never be the same between us.

My breath catches in my throat at his words, and I feel myself falling even deeper under his spell as he says them. The simple act of him telling me this...it's enough to make everything else fade away, leaving just the two of us in this moment together. As we continue to kiss, our hands begin to wander, tracing gentle paths across each other's skin until my entire body is tingling with anticipation for what comes next.

It feels so right, being here with him like this...and yet a small voice at the back of my mind keeps whispering that maybe this could all be too good to be true. Maybe I should slow down, make sure we take things one step at a time before getting caught up in the heat of the moment. But for now, all I can focus on is how amazing he feels pressed against me, and how much I want more of it.