Pia's eyes widened. "Wait—someone actually confessed?"
Zephany hesitated, then nodded.
"Holy—Zeph! That's big!" Pia leaned closer. "Wait, who? Is it Mr. Tall-and-Silent who always picks you up?!"
Zephany looked up. "Pia…"
Pia leaned back, whistling. "No way. That guy's totally into you. About time he said something."
Zephany shook her head with a smile. "It's not that simple."
Pia grinned. "It never is. But you're smiling. That's new."
---
Evening – Outside the Office
At exactly five, Kendrick stood by the black sedan, dressed in a button-up shirt and slacks, holding a single flower—white gardenia. His heart pounded when he saw her step outside, her hair softly curled, lips lightly tinted, and a hesitant expression on her face.
She froze briefly upon seeing him, then smiled.
"You're early," she said.
"You're beautiful," he said.
Her cheeks flushed.
He opened the car door for her and held out his hand. She took it.
