It was a snowy day, the first snowfall of the year, and the team went out for drinks to celebrate the approaching Christmas with fancy steaks and plenty of sake.

Quanxi stepped outside for a smoke, leaning against the wall, away from all the bright lights, enthusiastic atmosphere and noise. It was all just a burden for her. Team dinners.

You followed her out, also being quite fed up with how loud it was inside. The further you approached her the more the music and conversation started to die down, getting lost in the background. Your gaze flicked to the cigarette held between her teeth, noticing she needed a lighter. “Need some help with that?” you asked.

She glanced at you, a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she relaxed a bit, leaning against the wall. “Yeah, thanks.”

Her breath almost hitched as you leaned closer to light her cigarette, but she attempted to hide it as clearing her throat, and you could almost hear her heart pounding against her chest. The two of you maintained eye contact the entire time, till you took a step back, putting some space between you two.