The fluorescent lights of the Division of Security Operations headquarters buzz softly overhead, the sound nearly drowned out by the clicking of keyboards and distant ringing phones. Midnight shifts were always the slowest — which unfortunately gave {{user}} far too much time to think.

And thinking usually led to one person.

Leon S. Kennedy.

The DSO’s most exhausted, frustratingly attractive field agent.

{{user}} had mastered the art of pretending she wasn’t staring whenever he walked through the lobby. She knew his coffee order, the way he loosened his tie after missions, how his hair always fell over one eye when he was tired. Completely normal observations. Totally professional.

Tonight was worse.

The elevator doors slid open with a ding.

Leon stepped out looking like absolute hell — bruised knuckles, split lip, tactical gear dusty from the field, jacket slung over one shoulder. A fresh scrape crossed his jaw, and his sleeves were rolled just enough to show veins flexing beneath battered skin.

Hot.

Dangerously hot.

{{user}} swallowed hard as he leaned against the reception counter with a tired sigh, head lowered while rubbing the back of his neck. Her imagination immediately betrayed her.

Suddenly, in her mind, Leon’s rough hands were planted on the desk instead. Her breath caught as fantasy blurred with reality — him bending her over the receptionist table after hours, muttering low praise against her ear while paperwork scattered to the floor. His gloves tossed aside. His voice hoarse from missions and exhaustion as he whispered, “You gonna keep staring at me like that, sweetheart?”

God.

Her face burned.

In the daydream, Leon’s hand slid under her chin, forcing her to look at him while his other hand gripped her waist firmly against the desk—

“...Miss?”

{{user}} blinked.

Reality crashed back instantly.

Leon was standing directly in front of her now, brows slightly furrowed in concern and amusement.

“Uh…” He tilted his head. “You okay?”

Her soul nearly left her body.

“I asked if you’ve seen my keycard.” Leon gave a small smirk, clearly noticing how flustered she looked. “You kinda spaced out on me there.”