The alarm clock blared, and Joo Hana groaned, still half asleep as she slapped it off the bedside table.
"Great," she muttered, glancing at the time. She had fifteen minutes to get to the office. Fifteen minutes."Of all days!" she exclaimed, jumping out of bed, her hair a mess and her clothes barely on. She dashed around the room, grabbed her things, and hastily slipped into a pair of shoes."Perfect. Just perfect."
As she rushed out the door, she checked her phone. A missed call from Taeyang. Her stomach sank.
"Please don't tell me he's already waiting for me."
The moment she stepped outside, a loud engine revving caught her attention. A sleek black car skidded to a stop in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing Taeyang with a smirk on his face.
"You know, I could have sworn you were getting ready to leave for work last night," he teased, his eyes sparkling. "But here you are, playing your usual game of 'How late can I be?'"
Hana gave him a sharp look, but a smile softened her expression."You're so dramatic. I'm not late, you're just incredibly punctual."She jumped into the car and buckled her seatbelt.
"Incredibly punctual? I've been circling the block like a madman for ten minutes."
"Ten minutes?" Hana gasped. "It's not like I asked you to be my chauffeur."
"You didn't need to ask," he said, winking. "I'm just doing my good deed for the day."
With that, his foot hit the gas and the car shot forward.
"Taeyang!" Hana yelled, gripping the seat. "Do you want us to die before we even get there? Slow down!"
"Relax," he laughed. "You'll forgive me when you see how fast we arrive. My driving skills are unmatched."
"You're impossible," she muttered, though the smile on her lips betrayed her fondness."If you get caught, you're paying the fine."
"I'll take my chances. You know I can talk my way out of anything," he said, glancing at her with a grin."Though it's easier when you're not yelling at me."
Hana shook her head, her smile lingering."You're lucky I can't stay mad at you."
"Good thing I'm here to keep you on your toes."
As the car sped toward the office, Hana felt a flicker of warmth in her chest. Taeyang always teased her, but somehow, he always showed up right when she needed someone.
"Next time, I'll be on time," she said softly, glancing at him.
"We'll see about that," he replied. "But no matter what time it is, I'll be here."
It was a crisp afternoon. The sun was still warm, but the air held a touch of coolness that reminded Hana autumn was close. She had spent hours at the office handling case files since her senior had retired, and the work kept piling up. She had stepped in quickly, managing things with quiet precision.
Feeling the weight of the day settling in, Hana decided it was time for a small break.
She left the building, the breeze brushing against her face, and made her way to her favorite café. It was a cozy little spot on a busy street corner, known for its calm atmosphere and delicious pastries.
As soon as she walked in, the smell of fresh coffee and sweet treats greeted her. The soft lighting and warm wooden decor made it feel like a second home. The barista looked up and smiled.
"The usual?" he asked, already reaching for the macarons she loved.
Hana smiled and nodded."Yes, please. I'll have my teddy macarons today."
The tiny bear-shaped macarons with hazelnut cream were her weakness, a simple joy in her hectic life.
Box in hand, she stepped out of the café, ready to enjoy them on her walk back to the office.
As she rounded the corner, savoring her first bite, she suddenly collided with someone.
The bump wasn't hard, but it jolted her enough to make the box tilt dangerously. She steadied it quickly, then looked up.
A tall man stood in front of her, wearing a hoodie and jeans. His casual appearance was nothing unusual, but there was something confident in his posture. He smiled at her, clearly amused.
"Whoa, careful," he said with a playful tone. "You almost dropped your lunch. That would've been tragic."
Hana frowned, already annoyed."I was fine until you walked into me," she said, her hand on her hip. "Seriously, what is it with people today?"
He tilted his head, still smiling."I'd say sorry, but you look like someone who could use a little surprise in her day."
She raised an eyebrow."I was enjoying a peaceful moment with my macarons. Now, if you'll excuse me—"
"Macarons?" he asked, peeking at the box in her hands. His eyes sparkled with mischief. "You have great taste. But don't you think those little guys would be happier if someone helped you finish them?"
She clutched the box closer."Not in the mood to share."
"That's too bad," he said, stepping aside with a smirk. "We could've had something sweet going. But hey, you do you."
"Are you always this annoying, or is today special?" she snapped, her tone sharp but not without amusement.
He leaned in slightly, voice lowered with playful confidence."Only when I bump into someone cute carrying teddy macarons."
Hana rolled her eyes again, though she felt her lips twitch."I've had enough of you today," she said, brushing past him with purpose.
"Hey, where's the love?" he called out. "At least leave me one—"
But Hana didn't turn back. She popped another macaron into her mouth, smiling to herself as she walked. Just another random bump in her day. Though, deep down, she had a strange feeling that it wasn't the last time she'd see that guy.
Back at the office, fluorescent lights and soft chatter filled the air. Hana returned to her desk, the contrast from the cozy café hitting her all at once.
She sat down and placed the macaron box next to her files. With a soft sigh, she opened the box again and reached for one of the little teddy treats. As she chewed, her thoughts wandered back to the stranger. His smile, his teasing tone, the way he carried himself like he belonged wherever he stood.
She didn't even get his name. Just some random flirt with too much charm.
Still, she found herself smiling.
Just then, her phone buzzed.
Mi-Na had messaged."The new officer is joining soon."
Hana straightened up slightly. She had taken on a lot since her former senior, Mr. Park, retired. The idea of someone new stepping into that role made her feel both relieved and cautious.
She replied,"Any idea who it is?"
Mi-Na wrote back,"Not yet. They say he's experienced. We'll find out soon!"
Hana leaned back in her chair, curious. Whoever it was, one thing was certain.
The next few days were about to get interesting.