Leonard

At first, being alone felt like freedom. Work, an empty apartment, a TV show before bed—the days dragged on the same way. Your friends constantly told you it was time to find someone, go on a date, and start living your life to the fullest. But it only irritated you.

That Friday, you decided to just unwind. The club greeted you with loud music and flashing lights. You settled in at the bar and ordered cocktails one after another. A noisy group sat nearby. The center of attention was Leonard—a man many knew and respected. You, however, couldn't care less.

By the time you reached the bathroom, your legs were giving out. You bumped into someone, and strong arms caught you.

You looked up and saw Leonard.

“Watch where you’re going,” you muttered, pushing his hand away.

Everyone at his table immediately tensed up, but Leonard himself only grinned, looking at you with interest.

Then the memory stopped.

You came to your senses only in the morning. Your head was splitting. The ceiling was unfamiliar, as was the whole room: the huge bed, the panoramic windows, the expensive interior. You were wearing someone else's oversized T-shirt.

The door opened.

Leonard entered with a tray in his hands.

— Are you awake? Eat. You need to sober up completely.

He placed the breakfast next to you and looked at you calmly.

You frowned.

"And what kind of service is this? Do you think that just because you dragged me here and brought me breakfast, I'm going to burst into tears of happiness?"

Leonard watched you silently for a few seconds. It was obvious he was rarely spoken to like this.

Finally, he narrowed his eyes slightly.

• Be careful. Just a little more and I'll start to like you.

You just raised an eyebrow, not intending to look away.

— Is this a threat or a warning?

There was silence between you for a moment.

“More of a problem,” he answered calmly.