Alice's Home – Early Morning
The smell of toast filled the air, but the peaceful morning didn't last long.
Mom (calling from the kitchen, urgency in her voice):
"Alice! Hurry up, you're going to be late! And remember, you have an important meeting today!"
Alice (half-bent, trying to put on her shoes):
"Yes, yes, Mom, I know… please don't annoy me right now!"
Mom (walking into the hallway, arms crossed):
"Why would I annoy you? You're the one making a scene! Now get out of your room—breakfast is ready."
Alice (grabbing her bag and rushing out):
"Coming! But if I'm late, it's on you!"
She dashed into the kitchen, hair slightly messy, eyes still sparkling with determination.
---
Alice rushed out of her room, clutching her bag.
"I'm not eating anything today, Mom! I'm leaving!"
From the kitchen, her mother's voice carried a sharp edge.
"You're not going anywhere without eating something first, understand?"
"But, but, Mom—"
"No buts!" Her mom quickly placed a plate in front of her — warm toast and perfectly cooked eggs.
Alice groaned but began eating in haste, her mind already on the meeting. Within minutes, she grabbed her important documents, hurried to her car, and slid into the driver's seat.
"Goodbye, Mommy! And please remember to have your own breakfast," she called out.
Her mom smiled from the doorway. "Okay, sweetheart. All the best for your meeting!"
Alice turned the key, and the engine roared to life. She sped off, the morning sun glinting on the windshield.
But just minutes later, on the highway, her car slightly grazed the side of a sleek black car ahead of her.
Her heart skipped a beat. "Oh no
…"
Alice's car screeched to a stop, the front bumper just grazing the side of the sleek black luxury car ahead. She winced, muttering under her breath, and stepped out.
But then — time seemed to slow.
From the other car emerged a man in a perfectly tailored black suit, black dress shirt underneath, and polished leather shoes that seemed to shine even in the soft daylight. A pair of dark sunglasses framed his sharp, chiseled features, and as he removed them, the world felt like it held its breath. Adrian — tall, commanding, easily 6'3", with a sculpted jawline, perfectly styled dark hair, and a quiet power in his stride. His presence was magnetic, the kind that made even the air feel warmer.
Alice froze, suddenly conscious of herself.
She stood at 5'7", dressed in fitted black jeans, a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled casually to her elbows, and a lightweight bomber jacket thrown over her shoulders. Her long, wavy chestnut hair caught the sunlight in copper and gold highlights. A small beauty mole rested just below her right eye, drawing attention to her piercing blue gaze — eyes so vivid, they could stop someone mid-sentence. A delicate butterfly tattoo peeked from the side of her neck, its wings seeming to flutter with every breath she took.
For a moment, they simply looked at each other.
Two strangers. Two worlds. And yet — the exact same thought slipped from both their lips at the same time, soft and involuntary:
"Wow…"
Realizing what she'd said, Alice quickly covered her mouth. "Uh—I mean… I'm so sorry for the scratch. I was rushing to an important meeting and—"
Adrian held up a hand, his lips curving into a warm, knowing smile. "Relax, beautiful lady. It happens. No harm done."
And just like that… something unspoken sparked between them, though neither of them dared name it yet.
"Relax, beautiful lady," Adrian interrupted with a calm smile. "Did I say I was upset?"
Alice shook her head shyly.
"Then why panic? It's fine. I understand—sometimes these things happen. You don't need to apologize. If you're late, you should go."
"But… the scratch—"
"It's just a scratch. If I took money for this, I'd be embarrassed." He gave a reassuring smile. "Really, don't worry about it."
Relieved, Alice smiled and gave him a polite bow before hurrying back into her car. But when she tried to start it, nothing happened.
She hit the steering wheel in frustration. "Damn it… why now? What did I do to deserve this?"
A shadow fell over her window. Adrian was standing there again.
"Any problem?"
Alice forced a smile. "No, I'm okay."
"Really?" he asked, leaning slightly closer.
Her fake smile crumbled, and she put on an exaggerated pout. "I'm already so late, and now my car decides to betray me…"
Adrian chuckled. "I get it. Well, where are you headed? I can drop you off."
Her heart skipped again. "Wh-what? You… you'd drop me off?"
"Yup," he replied casually, pointing forward. "You're going that way, right?"
She nodded.
"Well, I'm headed the same way. So, where exactly do you need to go?"
Alice stepped out of the car. "Actually… I work at NASA. Today I have a meeting with The Shinwa Corporation — the biggest one we've ever had — and now I'm already late—"
Adrian's smile widened. "You're not late, Miss…"
"Yes, I am! I'm already—"
"Nope. If I'm here, the meeting hasn't started yet."
She froze. "Wait… what? You mean you're… The Shinwa…?" Her eyes went wide as she rubbed them in disbelief.
"Yes," Adrian confirmed. "So if I'm here, you can relax. The meeting will wait."
Her jaw nearly dropped. "R-really?"
"Hmm, yes. And since our destination is the same, you can ride with me, Miss Panic."
She smiled shyly. "O-okay. And thank you."
"Please," he smirked, "don't say thank you again. It tickles."
She laughed softly. "Alright… let's go."
Adrian opened the car door for her. She slid inside, feeling strangely comfortable in the presence of this stranger who wasn't a stranger anymore.
As the car moved, Alice noticed a few black vehicles following them.
"Your team?" she asked.
"Right," he nodded. "By the way, what exactly do you do at NASA, Miss Panic? Oh wait— I didn't even ask your name."
"My name's Alice. Alice Collin. And yours?"
"I'm Adrian," he replied, before tilting his head. "And your job?"
"I'm an aeronautical engineer… and an astronaut."
Adrian's eyebrows lifted. "Really? That's impressive. You're quite the talented woman."
She smiled modestly. "Thanks. Actually, right now we're working on a satellite project, and for that—"
"You need the steel parts my company is providing," he finished for her. "Am I right?"
Her eyes widened. "Yes! And that's what today's meeting is for—"
Adrian chuckled. "Well, looks like our meeting just started here, huh?"
Alice laughed softly. "I guess… you're right …"
Scene shifts at the NASA's Headquarters.....
Alice stepped out of the car, and from the other side, Adrian did the same. The rest of Adrian's team soon joined him.
The NASA CEO approached with a warm smile.
"Ah, good morning, Mr. Shinwa. It's an honor to meet you."
Alice, standing beside her boss, couldn't help but glance at Adrian. The moment their eyes met, he gave her a faint smile, and just like that, her cheeks grew warm.
"Please, come with us," the CEO gestured.
"Of course," Adrian replied, following them inside.
---
A short while later, the meeting began. Alice confidently explained every technical detail — from which parts the satellite required, to the exact materials and precision needed. Her voice was clear, her mind sharp; every question found its answer with ease.
Adrian listened intently, a small, impressed smile tugging at his lips. She's not just beautiful… she's brilliant.
Next, the Shinwa Corporation's manager presented the parts they had developed, describing the craftsmanship and durability.
After detailed discussions, the room finally heard the words everyone had been waiting for:
"Deal closed," the CEO announced.
Adrian's smile widened. "I'm truly glad our company has the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with NASA."
"No," the CEO replied warmly. "We're the lucky ones, Mr. Shinwa, to have your corporation as our partner."
They shook hands, sealing the partnership.
---
The CEO placed a proud hand on Alice's shoulder, gently bringing her forward.
"This," he said to Adrian, "is our most intelligent and talented team member. Without her, our spacecrafts wouldn't be this precise — and our current satellite project might not even exist. She's been invaluable."
Alice's face flushed a deeper shade of pink, her gaze briefly darting to Adrian.
Adrian smiled knowingly. "Yes… I can see that. I've already had the pleasure of meeting your brilliant astronaut."
"Is that so?" the CEO chuckled. "That's wonderful."
Adrian turned to Alice. "Truly, Miss Alice, you're incredibly talented. I hope we meet again. And Mr. Norco," — he glanced at the CEO — "my grandfather and I will make sure every single part we supply meets the highest standards. Not a single flaw. You'll have your essential components delivered ahead of schedule."
"That's very reassuring," Mr. Norco said. "And thank you for supporting us so greatly."
Adrian gave a polite bow. "Goodbye, Mr. Norco." Then, his eyes softened as he looked at Alice. "Goodbye… sweet lady."
The words caught her off guard, and her face turned an even brighter red — hotter than fire.
"Go… good… goodbye, Mr. Shinwa," she stammered, her heart raced like a big McLaren car....