After that night of revelations, my mind raced with thoughts of Lena. I found myself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, the darkness surrounding me filled with possibilities. I tried to shake off the fantasies that danced around my head, but they lingered like a sweet perfume I couldn't escape.

In my imagination, Lena transformed into someone breathtaking—a stunning, confident woman, her tattoos telling stories I longed to know. I pictured her with her hair slightly tousled, wearing something a bit more daring than her usual oversized hoodies. Maybe she'd be in a fitted dress that clung to her curves, or maybe a suit that would define her gorgeous features.

"God, she would look amazing," I sighed to myself, feeling heat rise in my cheeks. I imagined her laughing softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. In my daydreams, we leaned closer, and suddenly, our lips met in a tentative kiss. I felt my heart race, a rush of warmth flooding my entire being.

But just as the moment deepened, my phone's alarm blared, jolting me out of my fantasy. "Ugh, not now!" I groaned, sitting up in bed, the reality of my part-time job sinking in.

I rubbed my eyes, still dazed by the remnants of my thoughts. After getting ready, I rushed out of my room, glancing at the clock. I was running late. As I opened the door, I froze.

Lena stood there, I could tell that she's just returning from The Velvet Rose. She looked the same as always—her shoulders slouched, her gaze focused on the floor as she shuffled past me. For a split second, our eyes met, and my heart raced.

"Hey, uh, good morning!" I blurted out, my voice coming out shakier than I intended.

She glanced up, surprise flickering across her face. "Good morning," she replied softly, almost too quietly.

A small, shy smile graced her lips, and I felt a surge of hope. Maybe she wasn't as distant as I thought. But before I could say anything more, she turned away, hurrying down the hallway toward her room.

"Wait, Lena—" I started, but the words caught in my throat as she disappeared behind her door, leaving me standing there, flustered and bewildered.

With a sigh, I brushed a hand through my hair, trying to ignore the blush creeping up my cheeks. What was it about her that made my heart flutter? It was just a simple exchange, but it felt charged, as if something unsaid hung in the air between us.

I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on the day ahead. But as I stepped out the door, the thought of Lena lingered like a beautiful melody in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath her quiet exterior.