The Safety Upgrade

Episode 2: The "Safety" Upgrade

The chime on Y/N’s door hadn't even finished ringing before she was already checking her reflection in a nearby silver tray. She quickly ruffled her hair to make it look "naturally" messy—the kind of messy that screamed, I’m just a tiny, clumsy artist who doesn't even know how pretty she is.

When she opened the door, she wasn't greeted by Alex, but by a delivery drone hovering at eye level. Attached to its underside was a sleek, silver briefcase with a note taped to the top.

“I noticed your studio floor is quite slippery. I couldn’t sleep thinking you might trip again. Here is a little something to keep you safe. — Alex.”

Y/N giggled to herself, biting her lip. "Oh, Alex," she whispered to the empty room, "you’re so dramatic. I'm just a clumsy little thing, I don't need all this attention! But... I guess I'll look."

She opened the case to find a pair of "Grav-Boots"—high-tech sneakers designed by QuirkyCorp that used magnets to prevent slips. They were expensive, cutting-edge, and totally unnecessary for a 200-square-foot studio.

Y/N immediately pulled out her phone. She didn't just send a text; she took a selfie. She pouted her paint-smudged lips, held the heavy boots near her face to make herself look even smaller, and hit send.

Y/N: Alex! These are so big and high-tech! I feel like a tiny astronaut. 👩‍🚀 I’m way too simple for these fancy things... I usually just wear mismatched socks and hope for the best. Are you sure you want to waste these on a dork like me?

Her phone buzzed almost instantly.

Alex: Waste? Y/N, I’ve already diverted the QuirkyCorp satellite to prioritize your studio’s GPS coordinates. I need to know you're upright. Also, you aren't a 'dork.' You're a masterpiece. What are you doing right now?

Y/N smirked. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Y/N: Just trying to fix my sink... I know, I know, I should call a plumber, but I like doing 'guy stuff' myself. Even if I’m totally failing at it and covered in grease. Most girls would be at the spa, but here I am! 🔧✨

The response was immediate.

Alex: DON'T TOUCH THE PLUMBING. I am three minutes away. I’m bringing the QuirkyCorp Engineering Task Force and some artisan lattes. Please don't hurt your artistic hands!

Y/N set her phone down and quickly rubbed a tiny bit of charcoal on her cheek—just enough to look "hardworking" but still cute. She sat on the floor next to her perfectly functional sink and waited.

True to his word, Alex burst through the door in less than three minutes, still wearing his suit, his glowing tie now pulsing a frantic, protective red. Behind him were three men in lab coats carrying high-tech wrenches.

"Y/N! Are you alright?" Alex rushed to her side, hovering over her. He didn't just check the sink; he hovered his hand behind her back as if she might break. "You’re so brave for trying to fix this yourself, but you really shouldn't have to."

Y/N looked up at him through her lashes, acting surprised. "Alex! You actually came? I'm so embarrassed. I’m such a tomboy, I forget that normal girls don't try to wrestle with pipes. I must look like a total mess compared to the models you probably work with."

Alex gripped her shoulders, his eyes wide and intense. "Models? They don't have paint in their hair or the grit to tackle a U-bend! You're... you're incredible, Y/N. I’m installing a smart-sensor leak detector immediately. I can’t have you getting wet or cold."

He was standing so close she could smell his expensive cologne. He was being incredibly clingy, his eyes scanning her face for any sign of "trauma" from the sink, and Y/N loved every second of it.

"You're so sweet," she cooed, leaning slightly into his expensive blazer. "I don't know why you're so obsessed with a plain girl like me, but I guess I'm stuck with you, huh?"

"You have no idea," Alex whispered, his tie turning a deep, lovestruck pink. "I’ve already canceled my afternoon meetings just to watch the paint dry on your mural. To make sure no flies land on it, of course."

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