A Little Too Bright

Rina practically floated back into the café.

She'd barely said anything on the elevator ride down. Just replayed the words over and over again:

"Because I don't know what this is… but I want to."

Her heart was a constant flutter. She didn't even notice the spilled milk near the register. Ava did, though.

"Okay, what happened," Ava said, pointing. "And don't say 'nothing' because your entire face is blushing."

Rina covered her cheeks. "It's just... she called me up again."

"She who?"

"You know who."

"Ah. The Ice Queen warms." Ava leaned in, mock-serious. "Did she smile?"

"I—I think? Maybe? She said my name."

"Girl."

Before Rina could respond, the café door swung open—and in walked a woman Rina hadn't seen before.

She was tall. Polished. Wore a navy suit like she was born in it. Not Syntek staff, clearly. Too relaxed. Too… intentional.

She stopped at the counter, smiling directly at Rina.

"One cortado," she said. "And your name?"

Rina blinked. "Oh—I'm Rina."

"Pretty name," the woman said. "Matches the smile."

Ava's eyes widened behind her.

Rina gave a polite laugh and took the order, pretending her hands weren't shaking.

As she worked the espresso machine, she could feel the woman watching her. Not creepy. Just… boldly. Like Rina was a puzzle she was already solving.

The woman took her drink and, before leaving, slid a business card across the counter.

"If you're ever looking for something… more exciting than coffee."

Then she winked—and left.

Rina stared at the card.

Helena Wu. Venture Capital. Vice President.

"What just happened," Rina whispered.

Ava grinned. "Girl. You got hit on. By a power lesbian in $900 heels."

"I'm gonna pass out."

🖥️ 59th Floor, Moments Later

Kira closed the security feed with a sharp click.

Her jaw tightened. Her fingers hovered over her keyboard, then slowly curled into a fist.

Helena Wu.

Of course it was her.

Old classmate. Tech elite. Flirted like breathing.

Kira had seen the whole thing. The smile. The wink. The card.

And the look on Rina's face—confused, flustered, but not entirely… displeased.

Something unfamiliar prickled beneath her ribs.

Not anger.

Not fear.

Something more dangerous.

Jealousy.

She hated the feeling. It was messy. Human. Weak.

And yet.

"She doesn't even know what you are to her," Kira muttered. "But you do."

She reached into her drawer.

Pulled out the napkin.

The bunny was still there, mid-squish, saying "Hang in there!"

Kira didn't smile.

But she didn't throw it away, either.