"Kill me."

An insult to injury.

"I will!"

Yet the one who spoke didn't graze the woman one bit. Instead, he was the one who dropped on the cold ground. Tzuyu hopes he isn't dead.

"You can't." She spat out. Tzuyu clicks her tongue and releases a sigh of relief. Her eyes skim the area where multiple bodies of thugs lay across the narrow street.

Blood drips from her hands to the tip of the broken beer bottle. It was a dark and stormy night, rain pouring its tears like gushing down on Tzuyu's face. As the bluster of the wind pricks her ears, street lights struggled to challenge the darkness. Her breath steamed up against the frigid surroundings.

"You good?" Tzuyu asks as she picks up her discarded checkered from earlier, now wet from the rain. She didn't plan on having a street fight, but even the bad guys need to punch other bad guys sometimes. She runs her hand down her hair, frizzy, wet, and glossy.

Her drunk ass was just strolling down the street, wishing to go home to her humble abode and to pass out. But then she catches some ugly dudes trying to impose themselves on this woman. She beat the hell out of them, remembering that some of them were from her previous street fights.

"I should be the one asking you that! Are you okay?" The voice shakes with concern as they clutch Tzuyu's hand, bleeding from an open wound. Tzuyu felt a piece of cloth covering her hand with a little pressure. She couldn't see her face because of the non-existent light from the street lamp.

"Is this okay? Not too hard?" The soft voice asks again. Tzuyu almost chuckles at how the person was troubled for someone like her.

"It's rather very light, miss. Maybe a bit more pressure would be better. But we should find a dry place rather than standing here. The rain won't stop anytime sooner," Tzuyu said.

"My apartment is in this building, we can dry off there."

"Oh, It's fine I can just-"

As much as Tzuyu wanted to retire home, she can discern the other person's concern. The small press on her hand was enough for her to stop talking and reconsider.

"I mean, yeah? Sure, uh, we can go to your apartment now."

That leads her to follow them to their apartment at midnight. She never considered she would do such a thing. As they moved inside, soaked and cold from the rain, the apartment light switch opened.

Light to Dark.

Dark to Light.

Their eyes met.

That was the first time they saw each other's faces. Tzuyu just stopped shuddering, stopped moving, ceased breathing. They stare at each other's eyes, and she felt her knees give out and nearly collapse. Damn, maybe she's still drunk.

"H-hi..." the woman Tzuyu saved shyly breathes out, smiling as drops of water fell from her red locks. That damn smile nearly killed Tzuyu. She did not, no, she couldn't look away. The color of her eyes was warmer than fire. And her voice keeps replaying on Tzuyu's mind. Somehow, Tzuyu forgot she was feeling cold. She won't lie. The woman in front of her just opened something passionate in Tzuyu.

They stare at each other for a few seconds, both mesmerized and stunned at what they felt inside. Tzuyu snaps out of her trance first, seeing the small gap in the stranger's mouth in amazement.

"We should probably take a bath now. Catching a cold won't be good for you." Tzuyu said, chuckling as the woman immediately closes their mouth, a blush crept on her face.

The other seemed startled at Tzuyu's comment and rushed inside, not before welcoming the tall savior inside of the warm apartment. Tzuyu looked around, noticing that it was clean and organized, unlike her suite. But that wasn't important right now. The feeling of her heart racing was bothering her as every second passes by.

"Here's a towel. I started heating up the bath so you could go first." The woman said. Tzuyu shakes her head, taking the white towel to dry off her hair.

"Thank you for your generosity, but I can wait for you to finish first. I have warmed up just by staying here." That was obviously a lie, but Tzuyu smiled kindly, somehow convincing the stranger to go first.

Let's now forget that you are soaked and cold, Chou Tzuyu.

Tzuyu was suddenly in a stranger's apartment after beating up some street thugs trying to rob the innocent woman. Now that she thinks about it, the fight didn't sober her up after drinking with Jeongyeon. Her vision was still spinning around.

"I honestly think you should go first. Your wound can get infected if we don't clean it up. The bath is ready, and I have prepared spare clothes for you." The woman said, drying themselves with a separate towel while smiling at Tzuyu.

Now Tzuyu can't object to that. Holding a handkerchief wet from her blood isn't the most comfortable thing. She studies the woman's face, who showed sincerity.

Those light brown eyes don't lie.

She nodded and muttered a polite thank you before heading to the bathroom.

Tzuyu unbuttons her polo shirt and unbuckles her belt, losing her jeans, slowly removing them before folding them neatly on top of the washer. Tzuyu needed to hurry up, as she didn't want to keep the girl waiting.

She immediately soaks herself, the warm water reaches her pointy nose. Tzuyu was glad that the bathtub was big enough to cover her tall stick figure, as she lets her stiff torso relax. It was supposed to be a cold and lonely night after Sana stood her up, having Jeongyeon get drunk with her. She was supposed to be at her suite right now, crying herself to sleep, but here she was. Inside a stranger's apartment, warm and comforting, like she came home after being gone for a while.

I'll be okay...
____

Ugh, my head hurts like hell.

A common thought for someone like Tzuyu, who frequently gets hangovers. She shifts her body to the side, swinging her legs to the edge of the bed. A bed that is not hers, apparently. Did she accidentally break into someone's room last night? It doesn't look like someone slept with her. Or maybe they left. But needless to say, Tzuyu wasn't concerned about whatever her situation may be. Just make a quick exit and leave the place as soon as possible.

Tzuyu stands up, feeling her legs wobble as they hit the heated wooden floor and accidentally hitting the wall with a loud thud.

"Ow! Fuck this hangover." She grumbles to herself, before leaning on the wall for support as she tries to stand up again. The bedroom door creaks open. A woman coming in immediately rushed to Tzuyu's side, supporting her to the bed.

"Are you okay?" The woman asked, her arms wrapped around Tzuyu's back as they trudge back to the bed.

"Yeah, I'm great--," Tzuyu hisses, when she sat down, pain hitting her head. "Or not."

Tzuyu felt a hand feel her forehead, her eyes still droopy from the alcohol in her body.

"Sit down for now. I'll just get you water and some painkillers." The woman said, her face scrunched up in concern before she rushes out to leave an embarrassed Tzuyu. Her just woken-up self made her lay back down and close her eyes.

That was so uncool, Tzuyu. So embarrassing, geez...

Who was that beautiful lady, anyway? Even though Tzuyu's vision was still messed up, the warmth of the woman's hand was enough to make Tzuyu feel safe.

Warmth.

Something she had missed for so long. It was the feeling of the first days of spring, the same season when she first met Sana. That was a few years ago before this winter finally came when her fiancee finally broke it off.

Now, she remembers last night. She was supposed to meet Sana, but the night passed away with only Tzuyu waiting alone at her own bar. Jeongyeon, her bartender, was there to accompany her all night, but she had sent the woman home to her own kids and wife.

Darn, I kinda wish to have a family of my own, too. Too bad I got dumped before getting married.

The door clicks open again, with the stranger holding a glass of water, a small Advil on hand, and a first aid kit hanging from her arm. Tzuyu sits up, feeling the warmth cover her all over again.

"Here..."

Tzuyu reaches out for the glass and painkiller, chugging everything in. She saw the woman's eyes travel down to her left hand; It colored the bandage red from the dried blood that was drawn out from her cut.

"May I? We need to clean it again."

Tzuyu watches as the space beside her sinks. A hesitant hand was hovering over her injury. The woman had sat down beside her, the same concerned look on her face.

"Oh, yeah. I didn't notice that till you pointed it out. But I can do it myself."

"I can do it. It's my fault you got injured."

"O-okay," Tzuyu said. Slightly nodding her head before a soft touch lifts her hand, the bandage being unwrapped. The movements were slow and careful, as she finally sees her palm with a cut in the middle.

The woman prepares the antiseptic, dabbing the clean cotton around the area. Tzuyu narrows her eyes and hisses, a slight sting on her hand made her jolt a little that made her hand move.

"S-sorry..." they both mumbled. The woman looked away, cheeks flushed, and felt awkward. Tzuyu's eyes remained at the stranger but also felt awkward, who cradled her hand, now trying to apply Betadine.

God, the woman was just so hot. Tzuyu couldn't help but stare at the curves and the way her clothes hugged her body. Her red hair looked good in that ponytail, displaying her light brown eyes more. And Tzuyu can't forget that smile. It almost stopped her heart. Unconsciously, she licked her lips.

Nope, stop your dirty thoughts, please.

Snapping herself back to reality, she looks away from the woman's face down to her now newly bandage hand. She really needs to think straight right now.

"Thank you, uh..."

"Mina. My name is Mina," Mina said. She smiles, making Tzuyu's heart bang out of its cage. She blushes but still managed to blurt out her name.

"Tzuyu." Tzuyu shows a loop-sided smile, eyes almost disappearing. She reaches out her right hand to shake, and Mina shook it back gently. Tzuyu held on just a little longer, Mina's touch lingering in her mind.

"Is toast okay for breakfast?" Mina asks, now letting go of the handshake. She stands up from the bed, followed by Tzuyu, who grins at her.

"Toast?! That's literally the best."
____

The two were in Mina's kitchen, tall Tzuyu chomping down on a piece of bread with a smile on her face. She was sitting down at the dining table, devouring almost a loaf as Mina watches from the counter.

"Hehe, you seem so happy with a piece of toast," Mina said. She hears the toaster ding before putting them on another plate since Tzuyu wasn't done finishing her food. She smiles at the tall savior who kept munching.

"I just love bread," Tzuyu spoke through her bread-filled mouth, crumbs all over her. This made Mina chuckle, before placing another batch of bread in front of Tzuyu, and sits down in front of the taller woman.

Tzuyu's face lits up, and immediately grin at Mina widely as another piece of bread was now traveling to her stomach. Mina's cheeks turned red, still unused to how Tzuyu beamed at her. The taller woman was undeniably beautiful, with her face structured sharply. From her eyebrows and shaped nose, even plastic surgery cannot make, down to her defined jawline that attracted Mina so much. Tzuyu may look cold, but she was so warm, making Mina surprised at how Tzuyu beat up nine guys last night just to save her.

Mina kept staring, slowly sipping her coffee as she watches how Tzuyu licks her lips to clean all the crumbs.

"Hot." Mina accidentally blurts out, biting her lower lip. Tzuyu looks at her and tilts her head as she finishes licking all the crumbs.

"What? Did you say something?" Tzuyu asks. Now wiping her mouth with her arm, not minding how messy she's acting. Because to Mina, it still looked attractive.

"Ah! Nothing! I said my coffee is hot," Mina said, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Calm down your gayness, Mina. You don't even know her!

Tzuyu looks around the apartment and her eyes land on the wall clock hanging near the sliding door.

8:30 AM

Her eyes widen. She stands up immediately from the dining area, reaching for her phone that was placed conveniently near her. Tzuyu looks at Mina before she nervously smiles.

"Can I make a call on your balcony? I'm late for work," Tzuyu said.

"Yeah, go ahead."

Tzuyu hurriedly made her way to the closed balcony, sliding the door open with ease. The railings were still wet from the rain. Some droplets fell onto the ground as she runs her hand against the railings. Her other hand was scrolling through her contacts, pressing the call button. Tzuyu raises the phone to her ears. Her phone rang three times before she heard the other line pick up.

"Hi, um. I'm your CEO. You are my new secretary, right? I think I'll arrive late at the office."

"Good morning, ma'am. I'll also arrive late at your office since I had an emergency with someone who is on my balcony right now."

Tzuyu's eyes widen as she heard a small giggle coming from the inside. She turns around, seeing Mina who was waving at her with a phone in her ear.

"M-mina?" Tzuyu asks. She steps closer to the shut balcony door, smiling awkwardly with a hand on her behind her neck.

"Tzuyu, how do you not know who are your employees?"

"I'm sorry. I'd like to get to know you, but seem's like I'm stuck outside your balcony. It's freezing cold out here." Tzuyu traps the small between her shoulder and cheek, pulling on the door handle, but it won't budge. The rain started pouring again, wind was blowing against her tall body.

Mina laughs at how Tzuyu's face turned into a pout, annoyed at the stupid door. Tzuyu struggled to slide it open as her other hand was still bandaged from the fight last night. Mina opens it for the young CEO before ending their phone call.

"Good morning, Tzuyu. Or should I call you ma'am?" Mina asks, earning the deadpanned face of her now new boss, aka Tzuyu. The same person who saved her and who ate almost two loaves of bread because of toast.

"Please don't. I don't want to feel old yet."

The two walk over back to the table, sitting down across from each other. Tzuyu was back on munching toast, while Mina got one, eating it with elegance.

"So what do I have to do as your secretary?" Mina asks. She grabs a bottle of Heinz ketchup, spreading it all over the toast.

"Not a lot, just some papers and reading. One thing you can do is..."

"Is?"

"Bring me toast every morning."

"Eh?" Mina's face scrunches up in confusion, her eyes slightly widen. She didn't expect that.

"You make great toast. I wish I could eat it every day for breakfast. But I can't marry you yet, so that's bummer," Tzuyu said, slumping on her seat.

Mina almost chokes on her food, a red streak appearing on her face, just like the color of the ketchup she spread over her toast. She stays quiet, trying to process what she just heard, eyes watching how Tzuyu gasps.

"Aha! Maybe we can date so that I can just visit you here. That can be an option." Tzuyu grins brightly at Mina, not minding the crazy words that were coming out of her mouth. She wasn't sure if her hangover was cured or the alcohol in her system came back to give a boost of confidence.

"W-why are you calm about this?"

"I'm not, really. So what do you say-Wait, why are you hiding your face behind a piece of toast?" Tzuyu chuckles at how Mina was hiding behind a half-eaten ketchup toast. The other woman closes her eyes and felt her face like it was boiling.

"I-it's embarrassing! And I, I didn't expect you to suddenly ask me out even if we just met."

"Uh... So should I just ask your hand for marriage?"

"No! It's not that. I'll bring you toast every morning. And with that time, we can move from there and maybe even date in the future."

A smirk crept on the young CEO's face, as she reaches for the last toast on the plate and bites into it while wiggling her eyebrows at the embarrassed penguin. Mina just wanted to run away from embarrassment.

"So you do like me? Since you're considering the possibility of dating me."

"You know what, just please finish your last piece of toast."

"I'll take that as a yes."