Kira hated weekends.
They were inefficient.
Unstructured.
Full of people doing "normal" things like brunch and hiking and feelings.
So it made no sense—absolutely none—that she'd spent thirty-two minutes choosing a jacket for a date she didn't even label as a "date."
And yet.
Here she was. At a bookstore café downtown. Waiting.
For Rina.
📚 Books, Blushes, and Bold Moves
Rina arrived wearing a hoodie three sizes too big and jeans with paint on them. Her hair was in a messy bun. She looked nothing like Syntek's most beloved barista.
Kira couldn't look away.
"You came," Rina beamed.
Kira stood, cleared her throat. "You invited me."
"Still. You said yes."
They walked through the aisles, surrounded by paper and possibility.
Rina picked up a graphic novel and flipped it open.
Kira, to her own surprise, asked, "Do you like that kind of thing?"
"Yeah," Rina said. "Stories that are loud with color. Silly. Soft."
"You're not silly."
Rina grinned. "You don't know me that well yet."
"I'm trying to," Kira said, honestly.
That made Rina freeze.
"I'm trying to."
Not for business. Not for control.
Just… to know her.
🍴 Brunch With a Glitch
They ended up at a quiet rooftop restaurant. Kira had reserved it hours before. (Technically, she'd booked the entire top floor.)
"I didn't expect this," Rina said, eyes wide. "There's… a view."
"I like views. I don't like noise."
"So you planned all this?"
Kira nodded. "I thought you deserved something quiet. Beautiful. Safe."
Rina stared at her. "Are you flirting with me?"
"No," Kira said, completely serious. Then, a beat later:"…But I could try."
Rina laughed, and Kira's heart did something absolutely unacceptable: it skipped.
📱 Meanwhile – Elsewhere at Syntek
Helena wasn't done.
She stood in front of the HR department, sliding a file across the table.
"I have a formal concern," she said smoothly."Conflict of interest. The CEO and an employee. Romantic entanglement. Possibly unreported."
The assistant blinked. "Do you have proof?"
Helena's smile sharpened.
"I will."
🌙 End of Night
As they walked back toward the station, Kira held the door open for Rina, who paused.
"Today was…" she bit her lip. "Perfect."
"I still don't know what I'm doing," Kira admitted.
"Neither do I," Rina said. "But we're doing it."
They stood in the cool night air, too close, too unsure.
Then—just as Rina started to step away—Kira reached out.
Not to pull her in.
Not to take.
But to ask.
Her hand brushed Rina's gently, fingers curling around hers.
"If I asked to kiss you," Kira said, low, "would you say yes?"
Rina blushed.
Then nodded.
"Yes."