LOST IN JAPAN, Lindtsey Stacey Aubrey Sevilleja

11. Sinigang

     "Are you sure you're good here?" Ace asked as she slammed the car door shut, glancing at Stacey who stood beside her. Her eyebrows furrowed as she considered offering her a ride again. "Are you not heading to work yet? I can drop you off there if you want. It's not an issue."

Stacey waved her hand dismissively, a soft smile on her face. "Hindi na, Ace, thank you. Mamayang hapon pa naman 'yong work ko." She offered a reassuring grin. "Eh, ikaw? May oras ka pa ba? Mommy made sinigang earlier. If you haven't had breakfast yet, you're more than welcome to join us upstairs."

Ace didn't need much convincing. She wanted to spend more time with Stacey before the busyness of her week took over. The invitation felt like a perfect way to do just that. Maybe it was a little clingy of her, but she couldn't resist the idea of staying close to Stacey for just a little while longer, especially since she wasn't sure when their next opportunity to hang out would come.

"Actually, I could use a bit of breakfast," Ace replied, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "I think I can make some adjustments."

"Halika," Stacey responded with a teasing grin. She linked her arm through Ace's and gently pulled her toward the building's elevator. They walked together, a comfortable silence hanging between them, punctuated only by the sound of their shoes against the floor.

As they neared the elevator, Ace glanced sideways at Stacey, an affectionate gaze she didn't even realize she was giving. She was used to keeping things private, especially when it came to dating, but for some reason, she didn't mind being seen with Stacey—someone who wasn't part of her usual social circle. Ace was far too focused on simply enjoying Stacey's company to worry about what other people might think or say.

"So, kelan uli tayo magkikita after nito?" Stacey asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and a little nervousness as they waited for the elevator to arrive at their designated floor. She hoped her question wasn't too forward, considering last night had been an unexpectedly emotional evening for both of them.

Ace tilted her head slightly, feeling a pang of guilt that her answer might disappoint Stacey. "I'll be pretty busy after today, Aub," she admitted, catching the briefest flicker of sadness in Stacey's eyes. "But, trust me, I really want to see you again soon. It's just... I have so much work to do. There's my new business to handle, plus a trip to Germany next week for a big meeting."

Stacey hummed in understanding, but Ace didn't miss the way her shoulders seemed to sag slightly.

Sensing Stacey's unease, Ace immediately wrapped her arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer in a reassuring manner. "Hey, we'll see each other again, Aub. I promise," Ace said gently. "This isn't some short-term thing for me. I told you, we'll see where this takes us, right?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of Stacey's lips, though she still felt a little unsure. "Once I get through all my work and my schedule clears up a bit, I'll take you out again. We can do something fun. How does that sound?"

Stacey couldn't help but smile wider. Ace had this incredible ability to put her at ease, despite the fact that they'd only known each other for two days. How could someone make her feel this secure, this wanted, so soon? Ace clearly had a way with words, but more than that, she made Stacey feel like she mattered.

"Thank you," Stacey murmured, wrapping her arms around Ace's waist in a quick hug.

Ace returned the hug, lightly tapping the top of Stacey's head as she rested her chin on it. "Always, Aub."