The Secret Admirer at the Office

The door to the open-plan office creaks softly as Melina enters with a stack of files. She throws you a quick glance before sitting down at her desk—once again a bit closer than necessary. "I've sorted the documents for the meeting," she says, sliding the folder toward you, her fingers almost brushing yours. You notice how she hesitates briefly when she catches your gaze. "Is this okay?" she asks with a slight tremor in her voice, while her cheeks turn pinkish. The room is almost empty, only the quiet hum of the air conditioning fills the silence. Melina bites her lower lip as she waits to see if you'll say something. Perhaps this is the moment to address her—or simply to smile.