Adrian was in the middle of a phone call when a soft knock echoed against the glass door of his cabin.
"May I come in, sir?" the secretary asked politely.
Adrian ended the call and lifted his gaze toward the door.
"Yes, come in."
"Good morning, sir," she greeted with a professional smile.
"Oh, good morning," Adrian replied warmly.
"Sir, Mr. William has invited you for breakfast," she said. "He asked me to remind you personally."
Adrian let out a soft laugh, leaning back slightly in his chair.
"So Grandpa already knows I skipped breakfast again," he said, amused. "How sweet of him."
The secretary smiled, clearly used to his gentle humor.
"Alright," Adrian added as he stood up. "You may go. I'll be there shortly."
"Okay, sir. Have a nice day."
"You too, dear. Have a wonderful day," Adrian replied kindly.
That was Adrian—gentle, respectful, and warm with everyone around him. From senior executives to junior staff, he treated everyone the same, which was exactly why the entire office admired him.
Scene Shifts — Drawing Room
Adrian stopped at the doorway and smiled.
"May I come in, Grandpa?"
"Oh, come in, my child," Sir William said affectionately. "Sit."
Adrian took the seat in front of him.
"So," Sir William said knowingly, "you didn't have breakfast again today, did you?"
Adrian chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I guess it slipped my mind, Grandpa."
"No worries," Sir William replied warmly. "You'll eat with me now."
Adrian laughed softly, the comfort of his grandfather's presence instantly easing him.
Scene Shifts — NASA Headquarters...
The atmosphere changed completely as the story moved toward a place of science, ambition, and unspoken emotions…
Alice was inside her cabin, deeply focused on a detailed sketch of a rocket engine. Fine lines filled the page as her pencil moved with precision, every curve reflecting her brilliance and dedication.
That morning, she looked effortlessly beautiful. She wore loose denim baggy jeans paired with a light brown top that complemented her warm complexion. A delicate locket rested against her collarbone, its pendant engraved with a single letter—"A." Her hair flowed freely over her shoulders, framing her face perfectly, and a gentle smile played on her lips as she worked.
Just then, Lina stepped into the cabin.
She paused at the doorway, her eyes slowly scanning Alice from head to toe before a playful smirk appeared on her lips.
"Well, well, well," Lina said teasingly. "Someone's looking damn hot and gorgeous today."
She folded her arms. "Any special reason behind this special look, huh?"
Alice glanced up from her sketch and raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.
"No," she replied calmly. "There's no special reason. I'm just dressed normally. Nothing special."
Lina walked closer and leaned casually against Alice's desk, clearly enjoying the moment.
"Okay, fine," she said with a grin. "If you won't tell me, then I guess I'll give you a reason to get excited."
Alice narrowed her eyes slightly.
"How exactly?" she asked.
Lina leaned in closer, lowering her voice near Alice's ear.
"Adrian is coming today."
Alice froze.
She stood up so suddenly that her chair slid back with a soft sound.
"What?" she blurted out. "Are you kidding me?"
Lina straightened up, shaking her head confidently.
"Nope, darling. I'm serious."
Alice's heart skipped a beat—though she would never admit it.
About Lina (Narrative Insight)
Lina was known around the office for her bold personality. She openly flirted with female employees and never shied away from expressing herself. Confident, playful, and fearless—she carried herself like she owned every room she walked into.
But what no one truly knew was that behind her teasing smiles and flirtatious remarks, Lina harbored a quiet, secret affection for Alice—one she never dared to speak out loud.
Alice's thoughts whispered softly inside her mind.
Oh God… if Adrian is really coming today, what better news could there possibly be?
The thought had barely settled when Alice suddenly pulled Lina into a warm hug.
For a brief second, Lina's world stopped.
Her heartbeat raced wildly, pounding against her chest, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks. Startled yet secretly thrilled, she hugged Alice back, her arms tightening instinctively.
"Oh… it's okay, sweetheart," Lina murmured, trying to sound casual.
Alice pulled away gently, smiling. Without thinking, she leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on Lina's cheek.
"Thank you," Alice said softly before turning and walking away to call her boss.
Lina stood frozen.
She lifted a hand to her chest, feeling her heart still racing.
"Ah… darling," she whispered to herself, eyes closing for a moment.
If only that kiss had landed on my lips…
Aghhhhhh.....
Alice on Call
Alice stepped aside and dialed her boss.
"Sir," she asked politely, "have you announced any meeting for today?"
Her boss chuckled warmly.
"Oh, Alice, my child. There's no formal meeting today. But Mr. Shinwa is coming with his grandson, Adrian, for a private meet. He couldn't attend the last scheduled meeting, so this is a follow-up."
Alice listened carefully.
"I want you to be ready," he continued. "As soon as they arrive, you'll host them. Understood?"
For a single heartbeat, Alice froze.
"O–okay, sir," she replied quickly, steadying herself. "I won't give you any reason to complain."
Scene Shift — Shinwa Company...
Mr. William settled into his car, adjusting his coat.
"Adrian," he said calmly, "you remember—reach NASA headquarters on time."
Adrian nodded with a smile.
"Alright, Grandpa. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, my grandson."
The car pulled away, heading toward NASA headquarters.
Scene Shift — NASA Headquarters
Alice stood at the entrance as Mr. Shinwa arrived. She welcomed him with grace and warmth.
"Good evening, Mr. Shinwa. Welcome to NASA headquarters."
Mr. Shinwa smiled, clearly impressed. He placed a gentle hand on her head.
"Aww… thank you, my daughter. Such a warm greeting."
With that, he walked toward the meeting area alongside his managers.
But Alice stayed behind.
Her eyes searched the entrance anxiously.
She was waiting.
Please, Adrian… come today. Please come… just once, she prayed silently.
Her vision blurred as her eyes filled with tears.
"So… you're not coming, huh?" she whispered, disappointment settling in her heart.
Turning away, she took a step inside—
When suddenly—
"So… you won't welcome me, Miss Alice?"
Alice froze.
She turned around instantly.
Adrian stood right there.
Smiling.
Her breath caught—and then her face lit up with an uncontrollable smile. Without thinking, she walked straight toward him.
"G–good evening, sir!" she said nervously.
Adrian chuckled.
"Nope," he said gently. "Not sir. Just Adrian."
Alice hesitated.
"But—"
"I'm your friend," he interrupted softly, "not your boss. That's clear?"
Alice felt her cheeks warm. She lowered her gaze, blushing deeply.
Adrian laughed, amused.
"Aww… cute."
He gestured toward the hallway.
"So… shall we go inside now?"
Alice took a small breath, trying to steady herself.
"Yes… thank you for the reminder," she said softly. "Let's go inside. Mr. Shinwa must be at the meeting spot."
Adrian nodded lightly.
"Okay. Let's go."
He stepped forward, walking ahead with calm confidence, while Alice followed just behind him—
But her eyes… they never left him.
Her gaze lingered on his back, his posture, the effortless way he carried himself.
What is happening to me? her thoughts whispered.
Am I… starting to like Adrian?
Her steps slowed slightly.
But what if there's already someone in his life…?
No… no, I can't do this…
Lost in her thoughts, she absentmindedly brought her pinky finger to her lips, gently biting it—a habit she had when she was nervous.
Adrian suddenly paused.
Alice, still distracted, walked straight into him.
"Oh—!" she gasped softly. "I'm so sorry, sir… I wasn't paying attention."
Adrian turned to face her, crossing his arms with a playful expression.
"So, Miss Alice," he said teasingly, "you're not going to listen to me now, hmm?"
Alice immediately corrected herself, flustered.
"Oh—I'm sorry, Ad—Adrian."
A small smile appeared on his lips.
"Now that's better," he said gently. "But why are you apologizing?"
"I bumped into you… so—"
"Hey," Adrian interrupted softly, shaking his head. "It's not your fault. I stopped suddenly."
There was a brief pause before he stepped aside slightly.
"Well, Miss Alice," he added, "you walk ahead now, okay?"
Alice nodded quietly and walked forward, trying to hide her blush.
This time, Adrian followed behind her.
A soft smile played on his lips as he watched her.
Oh God… this girl is truly adorable, he thought.
Sofie would really like her…
Scene Shift — Meeting Room
Inside the meeting room, the atmosphere was formal yet welcoming.
NASA's in-charge spoke warmly, a proud smile on his face.
"We are truly delighted that you came. We hope this partnership will be successful in the future."
Mr. Shinwa nodded with confidence.
"Of course. I strongly believe it will be. Working with your organization is truly an honor."
Their conversation continued—
When suddenly, the door opened.
Alice and Adrian stepped inside.
"Hi, everyone," Adrian greeted casually.
Mr. Shinwa's face lit up instantly.
"Oh! My grandson!"
NASA's in-charge turned toward him with enthusiasm.
"Welcome, welcome… Junior Williams!"
Adrian chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"Wow… I like that name."
A wave of soft laughter filled the room.
And just like that—
The atmosphere shifted, becoming lighter… warmer… and unknowingly, a little more personal.