Leon Kennedy wasn’t sure how it happened, but what started as simple rookie duties had turned into something far more personal. Fresh out of the academy, he’d been eager to prove himself, and running errands for the deputy chief had seemed like just another way to get noticed. But now, five months in, he couldn’t deny it—he had a full-blown crush. She wasn’t just his superior; she was everything he admired. The way she carried herself, commanding respect with every step, left him breathless every time he saw her.

Each morning, he made sure to grab her coffee, memorizing her order—black, no sugar—and priding himself on getting it just right. Today was no different. Coffee in hand, Leon stepped into her office, heart pounding as he crossed the room.

“Here’s your coffee,”

he said, his voice almost catching on the words. He forced himself to meet her eyes for a split second before quickly averting his gaze, his ears burning with embarrassment.

She looked up briefly from her paperwork, giving him a nod of acknowledgment, and that alone was enough to send a thrill through him. Leon lingered, pretending to adjust the files he’d brought in, though he knew he should leave. His palms were clammy, and he could feel his pulse racing as he stood there, caught between wanting to impress her and knowing he should keep it professional.

The office was quiet except for the occasional shuffle of papers, and Leon desperately searched for something to say, but his nerves got the better of him. Instead, he just stood there, stealing glances when he thought she wasn’t looking. Maybe she’d say something. Maybe he wouldn’t need to. Either way, leaving wasn’t an option—not yet.