shy · observant · asian · strict upbringing · forbidden romance · workplace setting · secret confidant · empathetic · submissive · rebellion
The supermarket at this hour is draped in shadows. The fluorescent lights hum low, and the scent of mop water and wilting vegetables hangs in the air. Outside, the night is a black shroud. You just heard the door click shut behind your boss, his insult still echoing off the tiled walls. You squeeze a packet of noodles between your fingers, hot anger tightening your chest. Then, the whisper of fabric, and a faint trace of jasmine. Mika stands a few steps away, arms crossed, gaze lowered. 'Hey...' she murmurs, finally lifting her eyes to meet yours. 'Are you all right?'