t e n

Aurora let out a soft groan.

She was exhausted.

Getting up from her chair, she stretched her arms upward and twisted her back. Sitting back down, she moved her head from left to right, letting out another groan as she heard a crack.

It was Tuesday and she had been sitting in front of the computer reviewing boards since the moment she stepped foot into her office.

As she continued to stare at her screen, Aurora couldn't help her mind wander back to Friday night.

After Aurora had demanded him to make a wish, Xavier suggesting that it was time he take go home since the wind was beginning to pick up. As they neared the entrance of the pier, a man selling roses had stopped them, claiming that they made a beautiful couple.

Before she could deny the man's claims about them being a couple, Xavier had taken out a twenty and paid the man for a beautiful red rose. He gave her a small smile and quietly handed it to her.

Somehow Xavier had let Jackson know that they had gone to the pier as he was already waiting for them at the entrance. Aurora quickly gave Jackson her address, sliding into the backseat with Xavier sitting next to her.

The ride was only 30 minutes without traffic and was filled with light conversation. Aurora even began to converse with Jackson as Xavier had to check his emails on his phone. She was unaware that Xavier had been subtly glancing at her throughout the car ride.

When they arrived at her place, Xavier volunteered to walk her up to her apartment. He had noticed that there was no security, which didn't quite sit well with him. The stairs from the small parking lot led directly to the apartments, making him quite insistent on walking her in.

Before he left, Xavier asked for her number, saying that it was so he could contact her about the hotel, to which Aurora had believed.

He made sure she was safely inside before he left with Jackson. Aurora could feel a smile make its way to her face at his thoughtfulness. That night he sent a good night text, causing her heart to flutter.

And of course, she couldn't keep it a secret from Maddie because the two told each other everything. During their meeting on Saturday, Aurora vaguely explained that she had met a guy from work, purposely leaving his identity out. She didn't want to get her hopes up in case he was just being friendly for the sake of business.

"Aurora, your 12PM is here," Grace announced, knocking on the door, bringing Aurora back to reality. Confused, she looked towards the open door to see nobody behind Grace. She didn't remember seeing an appointment scheduled for 12PM on her calendar.

"I didn't know I had a-"

Aurora froze, her eyes widening as a figure suddenly appeared next to Grace. A small smirk appeared on his face as he stared at Aurora's confused state.

"I'll leave you two to it then," Grace gave Aurora a not so subtle wink before she closed the door behind her, leaving the two alone.

"Xavier," Her voice coming out breathlessly since she was still in shock. "I wasn't aware we were scheduled to meet."

"I know, I just wanted to see you."

A smile appeared on her face as he cleared his throat.

"Did you eat lunch yet?"

"No, I haven't," answered Aurora. Like usual, she had completely forgotten about lunch. "At least, not yet."

Xavier let out a sigh of relief. He knew he should've texted her before he came to her office, but it was a spontaneous decision. He just wanted to see her.

"Then can I take you out on that lunch date you promised me?"

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"You've never had bubble tea before?"

Aurora and Xavier sat across from each other as they finished lunch at a small French restaurant just a 5 minute walk from the firm.

As they were leaving her office, they had passed by a very surprised Grace sitting at her desk.

Xavier, walking slightly behind her, had his hand on the small of her back guiding her towards the elevator doors. This, of course, did not go unnoticed by Grace as she immediately texted Aurora about it, adding a winking emoji at the end.

Now the two were sitting at their table discussing how Xavier had never—according to Aurora— had the most amazing drink to ever be created.

Xavier shook his head, not entirely sure what she was talking about besides the fact that it was obviously a drink. "I'm not really sure I know what that is."

Aurora gasped. "You seriously don't know what bubble tea is?"

And thus began Aurora's frantic explanation of what bubble tea was.

"It's the most amazing drink in the world," explained Aurora. She began to describe what types of drinks there were and what the "bubbles" were. Even when the waiter came to give them their check, to which Xavier quickly paid, Aurora did not stop explaining. She even began to pull up pictures on her phone, showing him animately.

Of course, Xavier paid attention to every word she said. Xavier was sure he saw a sparkle in Aurora's eyes as he listened to her ramble on about which bubble tea places were deemed Aurora worthy. It seemed like she had gone to every single one in the area, maybe even all of LA.

And to be honest, Xavier wasn't a big fan of sweets, while Aurora seemed to have a sweet tooth. But he would try them if it meant bringing a smile to her face.

"Can we get bubble tea before we go back?," asked Aurora right as soon as they stepped out of the restaurant. "I know a really good place just a couple minutes walk from here."

Of course, he couldn't say no and immediately agreed.

"Do I want to know how often you go?" Teased Xavier, causing Aurora to nudge his side playfully. They were walking side by side towards the direction of the cafe.

"I don't go that often."

Xavier raised his eyebrow, not believing her words.

"Okay fine, I may have gone a couple times just last week," admitted Aurora sheepishly.

Before Xavier could reply, Aurora began to walk faster with excitement. "Come on Xavier, we're here!"

Aurora practically ran towards the entrance of a small cafe.

AU79

What an odd name for a bubble tea cafe.

Xavier skeptically trailed after Aurora, who had opened the door, beckoning him to hurry up.

As soon as Xavier stepped into the cafe, he was immediate hit with a sweet smell. The white walls contrasted the wooden floors and had lights hanging from the ceiling. Big windows surrounded the place, giving the shop an open modern feel. There were only a couple people sitting around in the shop.

"Hello Aurora, it's good to see you again," said the cashier politely. "What can I get you today?"

Xavier turned to look at Aurora amusingly. She was here so often that even the cashier knew her by name.

"We'll take two bitches," ordered Aurora, causing Xavier to widen his eyes in surprise. Two bitches? "Normal sugar, easy on the ice please."

Joanne, the cashier, gave them their total. Aurora saw that Xavier had begun to reach into his pocket for his wallet and immediate grabbed his arm to stop him. She gave him a pointed look as she dug through her purse, looking for her wallet. Paying quickly, Aurora led Xavier to a table.

"Two Bitches?" Asked Xavier, giving her a questioning look. This was the first time he had heard Aurora curse. Aurora opened her wallet and placed her credit card back into its slots.

"It's their secret menu," grinned Aurora, placing her purse on her lap. "It's a passion fruit peach green tea."

Xavier's eyebrows were scrunched together. Although, he was still surprised that it was the name of a drink, he was't sure if he would enjoy a fruit tea.

"It's really good," added Aurora, giving Xavier a reassuring smile. "Trust me."

Xavier nodded before a small smirk began to form on his face.

"So, you're on first name basis with the cashier," Xavier's eyes danced with playfulness.

Rolling her eyes, Aurora muttered, "I swear I don't come here that often."

Xavier let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "I'm sure you don't."

"I don't!" Defended Aurora.

Xavier raise his hands in defeat. He knew better than to argue with a woman. He grew up in a household with 4 women who were all very keen on winning arguments.

"Sometimes when I'm not at Massie's, I'll come here to work," explained Aurora. "Their snacks are to die for, especially their popcorn chicken."

"What's popcorn chicken?"

"You don't know what popcorn chicken is?" Aurora let out another dramatic sigh. She raise her hand up to touch her nose bridge, shaking her head. "It's like—I don't really know how to explain it—but it's a Taiwanese dish, kind of like fried chicken but cut into small pieces. They toss it with salt and pepper and sometimes you can get it spicy. You've really never had it before?"

"I have not," answered Xavier. "But I'm sure it's delicious based on what you're describing."

"It's delicious," Aurora was starting to get excited thinking about food even though she had just eaten. "I'm going to have to show you a whole new world of food, desserts, and drinks."

Aurora was determined. Not that Xavier was complaining. This just meant he would be able to see her more often.

"Then you'll just have to go out with me more often," Xavier said smoothly.

Just then, Joanne approached their table with their drinks and two straws.

He was confused. Where were the bubbles?

After voicing his confusion, Aurora had explained that she wasn't a big fan of chewing the bubbles or boba as some would call it. She typically only enjoyed the teas which only added to Xavier's amusement.

Xavier continued to stare at the drink sitting in front him while Aurora just stared at Xavier. Knowing she was probably waiting for him to try it, he pushed the straw in and took a sip.

Aurora stared at him with anticipation. "How is it?"

"It's...actually pretty good," admitted Xavier, taking another sip. He wasn't a big fan of sweet drinks, but the Bitch was pretty good. He could see why Aurora loved it.

Aurora let out a small cheer before pushing her straw in and taking a sip of her own drink. Xavier watched her amusingly, enjoying how lighthearted and happy she seemed to be.

Closing her eyes, she savored the drink. "This is my childhood."

"You grew up drinking this?" Asked Xavier, taking his third sip. It was starting to get addicting.

Aurora nodded. "There was an AU79 near my high school and everyday after school, my friends and I would get bubble tea. There were so many bubble tea places in the area I lived in. Every time a new place opened, my friends and I would go try it and see if it's worthy or not."

"And they all get customers?"

Xavier wasn't quite sure why so many shops would open the same thing in the same area. As a business man, this was definitely not a smart tactic.

"Only the good ones," Aurora took another sip, mentally reminding herself to slow down. If she didn't pace herself, she would end up going to the bathroom every 5 minutes. "I should take you one day! We can go on a bubble tea tour."

Xavier shook his head amusingly. "I know I can handle my caffeine, but I'm not so sure you will be able to. You'll be jumping off walls by the end of the tour."

"Hey!" Aurora gave him a playful glare and leaned over to flick Xavier's nose.

Only staying another 5 minutes, Aurora and Xavier left the cafe with content hearts and drinks in their hands.

Despite her declines, he walked Aurora back to her firm.

"Thank you for inviting me to lunch," Aurora shyly brushed a loose piece of hair behind her ear. "I had fun."

They stood in front of her firm towards the side of the entrance where nobody seemed to be paying them much attention.

"I did too," Xavier held a soft gaze, peering gently down at Aurora. "I hope we can do this more often."

"I hope so too," Before she could think twice about what she was about to do, Aurora quickly leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you soon, Xavier."

Giving him one last smile, Aurora quickly made her way inside with her cheeks flushed. Xavier remained in his position, seemingly unable to comprehend what had just happened.

She had kissed him.

On the cheek.

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Haha, I'm having way too much fun writing this story.