Transit, 49 (Patreon)

Lori sat quietly in the lounge, her hands folded neatly in her lap as the soft hum of conversation filled the room. Her coffee sat untouched on the table, the faint steam rising like a ghost of her thoughts. Three days ago, she would have rushed through this, avoiding every lingering gaze, every awkward exchange. She remembered that day clearly—the nervous shuffle to the counter, the barman’s stare lingering a little too long.

Sasha had been watching her then, his gaze unwavering, making her cheeks flush. She remembered mumbling her order, gripping her cup tightly, and escaping back to her room as quickly as she could, his eyes following her until the elevator doors closed. The memory had lingered uncomfortably, but now… now the feeling was different.

Present day Sasha moved with calm confidence, weaving through the lounge with an ease that spoke of routine. When he approached her table, he carried a coffee and a bowl of fruit, placing them down with deliberate precision. His lips curled into a small, playful smile, one that was impossible to ignore. He said nothing, but the weight of his presence lingered as he stepped back toward the bar.

Lori glanced down at the bowl. The apples gleamed under the soft light, but it was the banana, curved and prominently placed, that drew her attention. Her lips twitched into a subtle smirk as her fingers reached out, brushing along its smooth surface.

Lifting the banana, she turned it over in her hands, the weight of it familiar and deliberate. Her eyes flicked back to Sasha, who leaned casually behind the bar, his expression unreadable save for the faintest glint of mischief in his eyes.

Three days ago, she might have shrunk under his gaze, embarrassed and unsure. But today was different. She brought the banana closer, peeling it slowly, her movements exaggerated, deliberate. Her lips parted as she brushed the tip with a flick of her tongue, her eyes never leaving Sasha’s.

His playful smile deepened, the corner of his mouth twitching as if holding back a laugh. He didn’t move, didn’t say a word, but the unspoken game hung heavy in the air between them.

Lori leaned back in her seat, the banana still in her hand, and returned his gaze with an unflinching confidence. The roles had shifted. This time, she held all the cards.