Shibuya's vibrant central street was alive with energy, the hum of conversations, the click of hurried footsteps, and the occasional flash of neon. Nestled in this chaos, Blue Glow Cosmetics' newest branch stood tall—a beacon of elegance amidst the bustling crowd. Despite having just opened its doors, the brand's soaring reputation across Asia and Europe made conquering Japan's competitive market seem almost inevitable.
The store's design, sleek and contemporary, was impossible to ignore. Its massive floor-to-ceiling windows reflected not only Blue Glow's signature aesthetic but also the buzz of the surrounding district. It was more than a storefront; it was a spectacle—a seamless fusion of design and marketing that effortlessly drew in curious passersby.
Blaine Jackson, the man behind the operation, observed the scene with an air of measured satisfaction. The hard lines of tension that had etched themselves onto his face softened, though only slightly.
"Director, the first-floor layout has been finalized as per your instructions," Annie, his ever-efficient assistant, reported with a calm professionalism. "Each department is designed to facilitate smooth interactions."
"Good," Blaine replied. "Are my accommodations ready?"
"Yes, Director. As always, your residence is on the second floor, to the left of the building. I can escort you if you'd like."
"No need." He reached for the keys she offered, taking his luggage with a curt nod. "I'll manage."
As Blaine turned to leave, his gaze landed on Chloe Grace, who was pressed against the store's glass window, her face lit with childlike curiosity as she observed the bustling street outside.
"Lily's sister," he called, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation. "Are you coming up?"
Chloe turned with a grin that was equal parts mischief and charm. "Of course!" she chimed, darting ahead of him with an enthusiasm that seemed almost infectious.
Once inside his apartment, Chloe wasted no time claiming the couch. She sprawled across it dramatically, stretching out like a cat basking in the sun.
"I'm exhausted!" she declared, her voice carrying the weight of exaggerated complaint. "Do you even realize how long I wandered around the airport looking for you? My legs are killing me, my neck feels like it's been twisted into knots—and after all that, all I got was your icy glare and sarcastic remarks!"
Blaine sighed, sinking into the armchair opposite her. "You could've avoided all that by just telling me who you were from the beginning."
"And miss the look on your face? Never." Chloe smirked, sitting up with a twinkle in her eye. "I mean, come on, don't I look just like my sister? And didn't it strike you as odd that I spoke Mandarin to you right away? Honestly, a woman as stunning as me wouldn't just approach some random guy without a good reason!"
Blaine raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "How did you even know I was arriving today?"
Chloe leaned forward, her grin widening. "Sophie told me, of course. You're dying to know how I know Sophie, aren't you?"
"Not really," Blaine shot back, shifting slightly in his seat. "Lily and Sophie were close. It's not surprising you'd know her too."
"Then why bother asking how I found out?" Chloe countered, her large eyes narrowing in playful defiance. "But there's one thing you'll never guess."
"And what's that?"
"Why I decided to track you down."
Blaine sighed, his patience thinning. "Fine. I give up. Care to enlighten me?"
"Nope," Chloe replied with a sly grin, leaping to her feet and heading toward the bedroom.
"Hey! What are you doing in my room?" Blaine followed, his confusion quickly giving way to irritation.
"First of all," Chloe began, spinning around dramatically, "stop calling me 'Lily's sister.' My name is Chloe Grace, thank you very much." She flopped onto his bed without hesitation, kicking off her shoes as if she owned the place.
Blaine stared in disbelief. "What exactly are you trying to do?"
"Sleep," she replied matter-of-factly, pulling a silk blanket over herself.
"Here?! In my bed?" His voice rose, incredulous. "Don't you have your own place?"
"Blaine, it's winter. Japanese nights can be freezing—even with the heater on. But you know what fixes that? A warm bed," she said, her tone as casual as if she were discussing the weather.
"What?! Do you even realize what this looks like? An unmarried woman in a man's bed—"
"Oh, relax," Chloe interrupted, rolling her eyes. "My sister said you were uptight, and now I see she wasn't kidding."
"Uptight? What's that supposed to mean?"
Chloe opened one eye, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "It means you need to loosen up. I'm 23. I'm an adult. And I've heard so much about you from my sister that you don't feel like a stranger to me. So, here's the deal—I'm exhausted. I stayed up all night finishing my thesis, then spent the entire day chasing you down. Let me sleep, and I'll explain everything when I wake up."
Before Blaine could respond, she turned over, effectively ending the conversation.
"Unbelievable," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
"Hey!" He yanked the blanket off her, his frustration finally boiling over. But before he could get another word out, Chloe grabbed him by the collar and pulled him down—straight into a kiss.
The contact left him stunned, his mind reeling. Her lips were soft yet insistent, and before he could process what was happening, her playful boldness left him completely disarmed.
"Chloe Grace," he managed to gasp, his voice strained as he tried to regain his composure.
But Chloe, her eyes gleaming with amusement, only smiled. "Relax, Blaine. You'll survive."