The next day, Sophia stood by the elevator, waiting for the doors to open. She couldn't help but recall Atticus's words.
"Why can't I take yours?" he had asked.
She smiled to herself. What a guy, she muttered, remembering his earnest expression, and a soft giggle escaped her.
The doors slid open suddenly, and she met Maya's surprised gaze.
"Is ma'am Sophia… laughing?" Maya asked before she could stop herself, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Sophia cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "Maya, my schedule," she said, stepping out of the elevator.
Maya giggled quietly to herself. Seeing ma'am Sophia like this—even for a fleeting moment—felt refreshing. She was usually so stiff, so quiet, rarely showing any emotion. It was nice to witness her smile.
As Maya briefed Sophia on her day's schedule, they reached the garage and found Atticus and Thomas waiting. Something about them seemed off, a tension hanging between the two.
Atticus spotted her and his whole expression softened. He walked toward her slowly, a gentle smile forming as if she was the only person in the room.
"Hello, Sophia," he whispered, his voice low but warm.
Their eyes met, and Sophia felt a small spark flutter in her chest—unexpected, quiet, but impossible to ignore. A warmth spread through her, leaving her a little breathless.
What is this feeling… why am I feeling like this? she wondered.
"Sophia," he murmured again, like he was afraid the moment might disappear.
"Yes?" she replied softly.
Atticus lifted a small box—the seal still untouched. "Can you give me your number?" he asked, offering the brand‑new phone toward her.
"Wow, all that for a phone... Hold on a phone," she shouted within herself.
She stared at it, stunned. The plastic hadn't even been removed.
Did he seriously buy a whole phone… just to get my number?
The thought sent another warm flutter through her chest, and she couldn't hold back a tiny giggle.
"You bought a phone?" she asked.
Atticus nodded with a hopeful smile. "Yes."
"Is this guy crazy or something, who buys a phone to get a girl's number," she thought to herself.
She blinked, trying to understand him. Is he like this with everyone… or is this just… me?
Oh! My God, what am I saying?
She quickly shut that thought down.
Her expression turned firm. "Atticus, I'm sorry, but I don't give my number to anyone. Like I said, take Maya's. Let's go."
She stepped past him, but Atticus reached out, pulling her to his embrace as his eyes fells on hers. The air around them suddenly charged.
"I don't want anyone else's number," he said, frustration and sincerity mixing in his voice. "I want yours. Only yours."
Sophia froze, shocked as she felt the warmth of his embrace. Her heart raced, and their eyes locked, each refusing to look away. The air around them felt electric, heavy with an unspoken tension.
Thomas and Maya gasped softly, their expressions betraying surprise. No one had expected this bold move from Atticus.
"What the hell is he doing?" Maya muttered under her breath.
Thomas, mid-sip of water, froze—and then, in pure shock, blasted it out of his mouth with force, spraying it all over the floor.
"I want your number. I don't care about anyone else—just you," Atticus said, his voice steady but filled with urgency.
Time seemed to slow. They stood there, staring into each other's eyes. Sophia felt the warmth in his gaze soften, and her own heart skipped even faster.
What is happening to me? she wondered, her thoughts spinning.
"Please," Atticus whispered near her ear, his eyes silently begging. Sophia bit her lower lip, a small shiver running through her.
"…Fine, Atticus. I'll give you my number," she murmured, finally yielding.
A smile broke across his face as he tightened his arm around her waist, gently drawing her closer. A warmth crept up his cheeks, uncharacteristic and almost shy.
Sophia's lips curved into a small, amused smile. "Where's the phone?" she asked softly.
Atticus exhaled and handed it to her. Sophia's fingers danced across the screen as she typed in her number, each moment feeling impossibly delicate and intimate.
"Here it is," Sophia said softly, handing him back his phone.
Atticus took it, his eyes lighting up with a bright, almost childlike smile. The warmth of it made Sophia's chest flutter, and she couldn't help but giggle.
"You know," she began, a small smile tugging at her lips, "I've never given my phone number to anyone… not even my parents. I don't know how you did it, Atticus, but here I am… doing something I never thought I would." She paused, her eyes meeting his, the corners of her lips curving in amusement and something softer, deeper.
"You're… really something, Atticus. You make me do things I never thought I'd do. You're quiet, persistent, and… honestly, a little troublesome," she said, her voice warm but teasing.
Thomas, standing nearby, merely nodded, wide-eyed, as if confirming what he was seeing made any sense.
"I hope you're happy now," Sophia whispered, a trace of laughter still in her tone.
"I am," Atticus replied, his smile softening, almost vulnerable, as if he couldn't quite believe this moment was real.
"Let's go—you're late, ma'am Sophia," Maya reminded gently.
Sophia nodded, her heart still racing, and walked toward the car, Maya following behind. Atticus fell in step beside her, careful not to break the small, invisible tether that seemed to draw them together.
Thomas shook his head, utterly stunned. Atticus had never been this persistent, this bold… pulling off a stunt like this just to get a phone number.
"A phone number… of all things," Thomas muttered, incredulous.
"What the hell is going on with this guy?" he asked again, staring after them.