A Peaceful Mess

Today's work was surprisingly peaceful.

No Vincent breathing down my neck, no bossy orders echoing in my brain.

Just me, my sketches, and Cleo giggling beside me.

We brainstormed ideas, compared doodles, and turned our shared desk into a tornado until.

"Cleo! I'm gonna check out some fabric for my new design!"

"Alright! I'll be heading home in a minute anyway. See you tomorrow, genius!"

I stretched dramatically and trotted off to B1.

"Hmmm... what color should I pick? Pastel feels right for this one..."

I mumbled to myself, oblivious as always.

and BAM!

I rammed right into someone in the aisle.

A tall guy. Black suit. Glasses. Light blue eyes so piercing they probably saw my entire life story.

His black hair fell softly around his shoulders, like a shampoo commercial come to life.

"Hey! Watch it!" I snapped, rubbing my forehead.

He just smiled, eyes scanning me like he was reading a fun little novel.

"Oh, my apologies. My mistake. Who might you be?"

Well! I stood up straighter than a ruler.

"I'm Rose à Montasia! Remember that name. I'm gonna be the next big thing!"

He chuckled, a low, polite laugh.

"I believe you, Miss Montasia."

A giggle escaped me too. Okay, he was cute. And polite. Approved!

New fabric buddy, unlocked.

Then he leaned closer, glancing at the sketches peeking out of my folder.

"What are you working on?"

I showed him my design with all the pride in the world.

"I'm trying to find the perfect fabric for this one. Got any ideas?"

He adjusted his glasses, studying it like a pro.

"Hmm... impressive. Where'd you get the inspiration?"

I grinned like a smug cat.

"It's just in my blood. Born designer, you know?"

For the next thirty minutes, we rummaged through rolls of fabric like treasure hunters.

Pastel after pastel until I found the one.

An elegant, soft blush tone. Perfect.

Then he checked his watch.

"Well, I should get going. And you too working hours are over."

He paused, a gentle smirk playing at his lips.

"Want me to drop you home?"

"Ehhhhhh?! Does everyone here have a car except me?!"

I panicked, stammering, "N-no, my boss— I have to check on my boss! Gotta go, bye!"

I bolted to Level 3 before my brain could stop me.

Why did I suddenly want to see Vincent?

He hadn't checked on me once today. Not in B1, not in the design room, nowhere.

On my way up, I spotted Miya packing up for the day.

"Miya! Hey— where's Vincent?"

"Oh, Rose! Boss Vincent should still be in his office. He hasn't left yet."

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Why?"

I pouted. "Miya, do you know why he's acting so weird today?"

She tilted her head. "Weird? Oh, maybe because he's transferring to another branch soon."

"WHAT?!"

"Yeah... I overheard the Lady Boss. Apparently, another branch needs him to settle some things."

Why did my heart just slam against my ribs?

So that's why he kept his distance?

So he could just leave without a word?

"Miya I need to see him!"

"Good luck!" she called after me as I sprinted away.

But wait I couldn't barge in empty-handed.

Coffee!

The café was closed.

Fine. I'd make it myself.

Let him suffer my coffee if he dared abandon me.

I stirred my... masterpiece.

One suspicious cup of mystery coffee later, I knocked on his door.

"Boss... I brought you coffee..."

Silence.

I knocked again, louder.

"Enter."

Why did his voice make my heart trip over itself?

I peeked in.

"Boss, I brought you coffee."

He gestured vaguely at his table, eyes glued to the giant screen, 

fingers dancing over his keyboard.

He looked... terrifyingly serious. Like he was planning a hit list on someone.

I stood there like a ghost for a moment.

Then I gathered my courage.

"I-I'm going home now. Anything else you want me to do?"

He froze.

Slowly, he turned his head those golden eyes catching me and the cup in my trembling hands.

"Oh, Rose à Montasia... have a seat. Do you need something?"

EH?! Who are you and what have you done with my boss?!

"Um... you've been working so hard, so... I made you coffee."

He eyed the cup like it might explode.

"Hmm. Pantry cup? Did you make this?"

I smiled, dying inside. "Maybe... if it's good, yes. If it's bad, blame YouTube."

He let out the tiniest laugh.

Alright. My Vincent might still be in there somewhere.

I watched, holding my breath, as he lifted the cup to his lips.

My heart pounded so loud I swear he could hear it too.

He took a sip.

Paused. Swallowed.

Then his eyes twitched.

His lips pressed together like he was debating his life choices.

I squeaked, "Is it that bad...?"

He coughed into his fist, hiding a laugh. An actual, real laugh.

Oh. My. God. Vincent LeClair just laughed because of me.

He put the cup down carefully, as if it was radioactive.

"It's... unique," he said, voice husky from trying not to burst out laughing.

"Next time, Rose à Montasia... please stick to café coffee."

I pouted dramatically.

"Come on! It's my masterpiece!"

He smirked that warm, dangerous smirk I secretly adored.

"Then I'll treasure your masterpiece... and find a doctor tomorrow if I survive tonight."

We burst out laughing too, my nerves melting like butter on toast.

For a moment, everything felt normal again.

I didn't care about branches or transfers or him leaving.

I just wanted him to keep smiling like that.

"Alright, boss. I'm really going home now. Need anything else?" I asked.

He let out a deep, relieved sigh.

"I'm done too. Let's go home."

My face burned immediately.

"W-we?" I stammered.

He stared at me. "Yeah. Into my car. Right now. Let's go."

"Yes, sir!"

Wait— why am I so excited?!

On the ride home, I snuck a glance at him.

"Um... boss..."

His eyes stayed on the road. "Don't call me 'boss' here. Call me Vincent."

Is that legal?! I whispered, "So... are you really transferring soon?"

Vincent's eyes flicked to me. His brows furrowed.

"Who told you that?"

Alright. Good job, Rose. Ruined his mood again.

Great.