The morning had started innocently enough—sunlight streaming through the office windows, the gentle hum of computers, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting from the break room.
Lila Moreno carefully carried her cup of coffee back to her desk, her heels clicking lightly against the floor. She had just navigated the treacherous path of scattered files and coworker traffic when—crash!
A figure collided into her.
Raven Hale.
Their bodies collided mid-step, and coffee sloshed dangerously close to disaster.
"Watch it!" Lila exclaimed, trying to maintain her composure as her papers slid across the floor.
Raven caught the cup just in time, the warm liquid brushing his hand. "Whoa! Careful there, demoness," he said, his usual smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
Lila's cheeks flushed—not entirely from embarrassment.
---
Awkward Proximity
The collision left them in close quarters, faces mere inches apart.
Raven's hand lingered on the cup for just a moment longer than necessary.
Lila instinctively stepped back but felt her sleeve brush his arm.
Both froze, a silent electricity buzzing between them.
"Uh… thanks," she muttered, trying to sound casual, though her voice betrayed her flustered state.
"Anytime," he replied, his eyes holding hers just a fraction too long.
---
Comedic Office Reactions
Of course, the collision didn't go unnoticed:
A coworker passing by whispered, "Oh my gosh, they're so close!"
Another tried to stifle a laugh, while secretly taking a photo with their phone.
The office chat erupted with teasing messages about the "angel and demoness" disaster.
Lila groaned inwardly. Why does it always have to be me?
Raven, however, seemed delighted. "Looks like I just made everyone's day," he whispered, leaning closer.
Her heart raced. Why does he make me feel like this?
---
Coffee Spill Chaos
Just as Lila thought the moment had ended, her elbow nudged the stack of papers again.
Raven reacted instantly, catching her hand and steadying her.
The coffee almost tipped over again, but he managed to save it.
Their faces were inches apart, their breaths mingling slightly.
"Careful," he said softly, his usual teasing tone replaced by something gentler.
"I… I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The office around them seemed to blur as the moment stretched longer than either expected.
---
Private Banter
Later, in the break room, they found themselves alone, sharing a quiet laugh over the morning's chaos.
"You really have a talent for creating dramatic moments," Lila said, shaking her head.
"Only for you," Raven replied, smirking. "I can't help it."
Her heart skipped, and she looked away, embarrassed but secretly pleased. Why does he have to be so infuriatingly charming?
Raven leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You know… I like seeing this side of you. The side that's flustered but still keeps your composure."
Lila's cheeks burned. "I—uh…" She struggled for words, and he simply smiled, clearly enjoying her flustered state.
---End of Chapter 13---