It was late evening.
Most employees had already gone home.
But Lina was still there, finishing up.
"Hm…" she murmured, struggling to reach the top shelf of a cabinet.
She stood on her tiptoes.
Still not enough.
"Why is everything here so tall…"
"You're too short."
She jumped.
"Ah—!"
Adrian stood behind her.
Calm. Silent. As always.
"Sir! You scared me!"
"You're easily startled."
"You appeared out of nowhere!"
"I walked normally."
"…Like a ghost," she muttered.
A pause.
Then—
Adrian reached up effortlessly and grabbed what she needed.
"Here."
"Thank you," Lina smiled.
She looked tired.
But still smiling.
"…Why are you still here?" he asked.
"Finishing work."
"That can wait until tomorrow."
She shook her head.
"I want to do it properly."
He studied her.
"You don't complain."
"About what?"
"Your situation."
Lina was quiet for a moment.
Then—
"I do," she said softly. "Just not out loud."
That caught him off guard.
"But complaining doesn't change anything," she continued. "Working does."
Silence filled the space between them.
Then—
"Besides…" she added, looking up at him, "things aren't that bad anymore."
"…Why?"
She smiled.
And this time—
It was softer.
Warmer.
"Because I met a strange CEO who gave me a chance."
Something in Adrian's chest shifted.
Quietly.
Unexpectedly.
And before he could stop himself—
He smiled.
Not just a slight curve.
Not almost.
A real one.
Lina froze.
"…Sir."
"What?"
"…You're smiling."
He blinked.
As if realizing it himself.
Then—
The smile faded slightly.
But not completely.
"…Don't mention it," he said.
Lina grinned.
"Too late. I already saw it."
And somehow—
That moment stayed with both of them long after the night ended.