Kiss & Tell ( Asa and Chiquita)

2: Cold and Hot

Asa's POV

I can't believe I did that.

The kiss is still playing on repeat in my mind, and it's driving me insane. I told myself it would mean nothing — just a fleeting moment of curiosity, a harmless kiss to get her off my back. But it wasn't nothing. It wasn't harmless. It felt... good. Too good.

I stand in front of the mirror in my hotel suite, my eyes boring into my reflection. My heart is still beating a little faster than it should be. I take a deep breath, trying to regain some semblance of control over myself. But that kiss... that smile she gave me afterward... It's not like any other moment I've ever had with anyone.

Chiquita.

I don't even know why I'm still thinking about her. She's nothing like me. She's spontaneous, carefree, and completely unbothered by what anyone thinks. She's a flirt, a heartbreaker — the complete opposite of everything I stand for. I'm a businesswoman, a perfectionist, a woman who always has her life mapped out and under control. I don't do impulsive decisions. I don't do feelings.

And yet here I am, pacing the room, trying to shake off the lingering sensation of her lips on mine.

I glance down at my phone. There's a message from Ahyeon, my closest friend and business rival.

"Lunch tomorrow? I need to talk to you about the merger."

I type back quickly, using my usual professional tone.

"Sounds good. Noon at the usual place."

I need something to focus on. Work. Numbers. Something that doesn't make my head feel like it's going to explode every time I think of that damn kiss.

But then my phone buzzes again. This time it's from an unknown number. I glance at it, and my stomach drops when I see the message:

"Did you enjoy the kiss, Asa? ;)"

It's her. Of course, it's her.

I don't respond at first. My fingers hover over the keyboard, unsure of what to say. I should tell her to leave me alone. I should remind her that I don't do this. I don't kiss girls. But the words don't come. Instead, my thumb swipes across the screen, typing out a response before I can stop myself.

"It was just a kiss, Chiquita. Nothing more."

I hit send, immediately regretting it. What am I doing? Why am I letting her get to me like this?

Almost immediately, she replies:

"Sure it was. If you say so. ;)"

I don't even have time to process the message before my phone rings. I glance at the screen — it's her again.

I can't pick up. I won't pick up. But I do.

"Hello?" I say, trying to sound more composed than I feel.

"Hi there," Chiquita's voice comes through, playful and warm. "I was just wondering... if you'd like to join me for a drink tonight? You know, to talk about that kiss. Or, we could skip the talking part."

My heart skips a beat, but I don't let it show. "I don't have time for this," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

She laughs, the sound low and teasing. "You sure? I thought maybe you needed a little fun in your life. Just a drink. I promise, no more kisses... unless you want one."

I'm silent for a moment. My mind is screaming at me to hang up, to shut this down, to walk away before I lose all sense of control. But then there's that little voice inside me, the one that's whispering, What if it's not as bad as you think?

I hate that voice.

"I don't need fun," I say firmly, though it feels like I'm trying to convince myself more than her. "I'll see you tomorrow at the meeting."

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost hear her smile. "I'll be looking forward to it."

I end the call abruptly, dropping my phone onto the bed. I'm a fool.

Chiquita's POV

Oh, Asa.

I hang up the phone, a wide grin spreading across my face. She's so easy to tease. I knew she'd be the perfect challenge the moment I laid eyes on her. She's got that cool, collected vibe that screams untouchable, but there's something about her — something hidden underneath all that ice — that's itching to be uncovered.

I sip my wine, my mind replaying the kiss from earlier. I knew I was taking a gamble when I kissed her. I didn't think she'd kiss me back at first. But when she did, I could tell she was just as shaken by it as I was. It's that little crack in the armor, that tiny chink in her perfect, flawless façade that makes this so much fun.

I never expected Asa Enami to be this intriguing. I mean, sure, she's beautiful. Who wouldn't notice her? But it's more than that. There's something in the way she tries so hard to stay in control — but I can see the cracks. The way her breath hitched when I kissed her, the way she couldn't look me in the eye afterward. She's not as cold as she wants everyone to believe.

But the real question is — will she admit it to herself?

I lean back on the couch, my legs crossed comfortably beneath me. I text my cousin Pharita, asking her if she wants to meet up for dinner later, but I don't get a reply. I can't wait to see how this plays out tomorrow. I know Asa is going to show up at the meeting with that sharp businesswoman attitude, but part of me wonders — will she try to pretend it never happened? Or will she let herself feel something?

I laugh softly to myself. Either way, it's going to be fun.

Asa's POV

The next day, I walk into the restaurant where I've arranged to meet Ahyeon for lunch. I'm early, as usual, always on time, always prepared. I've already gone over the numbers for the merger a hundred times, and I know exactly what I'm going to say.

But as I take my seat, I can't shake the feeling that something is off. I glance up just in time to see Chiquita walk into the restaurant, her head held high, her smile wide and effortless.

And of course, she spots me instantly.

She walks over to my table, her gaze locking onto mine with that playful glint. I want to scold her for showing up uninvited, but instead, I just glare at her, trying to remain composed.

"I didn't expect to see you here," I say curtly. "This is a business meeting."

Chiquita shrugs, unbothered. "I'm sure it's important, but it doesn't mean I can't stop by and see my new favorite person."

I roll my eyes, but I can't deny that there's something about her presence that makes me feel... unsettled.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, trying to keep the edge out of my voice.

"Just passing by," she says, leaning in just a little too close for comfort. "But I think you and I should talk more. Don't you?"

I try to push her away with my icy stare, but instead, I feel that heat building in my chest again.

Before I can say anything, Ahyeon walks in, and I quickly straighten up, relieved to have a distraction.

But Chiquita doesn't move. She just gives me a teasing smile.

"Well, I'll let you get to your business. But I'll be thinking about you, Asa."

I watch her walk away, her hips swaying with every step.

And as much as I hate to admit it — I'll be thinking about her too.