Tiger leaned against the doorframe, a hint of amusement on his face. "How about that? The president sings at a clubhouse." Ruby jolted at the unexpected voice, her eyes widening as she adjusted her hair and glasses.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to composed herself.
Tiger walked towards her calmly, retrieving a handkerchief from his pocket. "I forgot to return this," he said, dropping it on her desk before turning to leave.
Ruby's expression changed as she looked down, her voice laced with curiosity. "Aren't you going to criticize or threaten me with that?"
Tiger turned back, his eyes sincere. "And what would I gain from doing that? I mean, you didn't do me wrong." The tension in the room dissipated as Ruby raised her face to meet his gaze.
"Anyway, just be careful. Good luck," Tiger said, turning to leave.
"Hold on," Ruby called out, walking up to him. She raised the handkerchief to his face, her voice firm. "You haven't washed your stinky scent off this. Return it when you've washed it."
Tiger's expression turned nonchalant as he snatched the handkerchief back. "Excuse me? I didn't ask for your irritating handkerchief either. Keep your trash to yourself."
Ruby's eyes flashed with disgust. "I see my kindness gave you pride."
Tiger smirked, swinging the handkerchief to the floor. "Oh, is that so? Say the person who can't even read right – you're literally holding the book upside down."
Ruby adjusted her glasses, her voice steady. "It's a new tactic for reading."
As she stood to leave, Tiger grumbled, "Yeah, good luck with your studies." Not paying attention, Ruby stepped on the handkerchief and slipped, instinctively grabbing Tiger's clothes and pulling both of them to the floor.
"Ouch, if you're going to fall to hell, fall on your own," Tiger said, bent over Ruby.
As he tried to stand up, his button got caught on something inside her clothes. "Oh great," he muttered, turning to face her. Ruby couldn't meet his gaze, turning away with her eyes closed and fingers over her lips.
Time seemed to freeze as Tiger looked at Ruby with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "What kind of look is this?" he wondered to himself.
Ruby felt his breath on her face, her heart racing. "I don't need to overthink it – just get it over with," Tiger sighed, gently trying to move his hand towards his button.
"Don't touch it, okay?" Ruby whispered, still looking away.
Tiger's face flushed slightly as he turned away, his voice barely above a whisper. "What's going on here?"
With a quick snap, Tiger freed himself, and Ruby pushed him away, hugging herself tightly. Tiger placed his hand behind his head, his voice calm. "It's nothing – just be careful next time."
As he left, Ruby still held herself tightly, her face burning with embarrassment. A mysterious figure slipped out of the door, unnoticed by the two.