The Grand Staircase of Malaga City Hall with its overwhelming stained glass and filtered light felt like the precursor to the final boss battle. Yui breathed in subtly, her knuckles white on the printed notes she had prepared just in case her brain froze. She dared a glance to her right as she started the climb. Adam looked transformed; his rugged good looks replaced with professional perfection. He wore that suit so well it seemed tailored to him and his usually messy hair was combed back, emphasizing the nice angles of his masculine face so well, he looked chiseled. The engineer was beyond handsome, the colors of the stained-glass worthy of a cathedral painted him like a high fantasy novel character. Yui had to mentally slap herself for allowing the distraction, she had a mission and admiring mister Stroe’s perfect bone structure did nothing to prepare her for it.

At the top of the staircase, they were greeted by a committee of official, two Mayor Counselors and two security guards. She raised her chin and steadied herself, determined not to let anything break her focus. But her palms were sweaty, and her heart beat so hard in her ears she almost didn’t hear the claps as they were escorted in the Assembly room set up for the presentation.

ROACH, gleaming under the spotlight, stood as a testament to Adam’s genius, its simplistic exterior hiding its innovative core. Its white metal was polished to perfection, and its name had been freshly painted on its side.

Yui took a shaky breath and urged herself to make that terrifying, first step towards the already set up microphone, but was stopped by a warm, steady hand on her shoulder.

“You’ve got this, you’re your father’s daughter” Adam told her, his voice low but confident. She dared a glance at him and he winked. Suddenly, the podium didn’t look as menacing anymore. 

With the first slide casting a vibrant, futuristic image of ROACH on the backdrop, Yui introduced the concept. “Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce ROACH, our versatile rescue robot,” she began, her voice echoing with passion. The backdrop showcased a blocky, utilitarian machine, reminiscent of a compact tank.

The nervousness evaporated as she stood there, confident in her impeccable white pant suit, taking a moment to make eye contact with the crowd. Yui was just 23, fresh out of university, but she had grown up watching her father’s presentations and she channeled everything she learned from him – his effortless charisma, his absolute confidence in every project he represented. Takeo Ishida built his tech empire brick by brick, presentation by presentation, putting himself under the spot light for things he believed in. This was not just about revealing ROACH, it was about revealing Takeo Ishida’s daughter to the world, and she would carry her father’s greater than life legacy with pride.

As she detailed ROACH’s functionalities, the slides transitioned to support her narrative. One highlighted ROACH navigating a simulated disaster zone, effortlessly maneuvering through debris. Another showed the robot lifting heavy rubble, revealing a trapped simulated victim. “Whether it’s a collapsed building or a forest fire, ROACH can get in and get out, saving lives in the process,” she articulated, the audience engrossed by her words and the visual display.

She then unveiled a slide featuring multiple ROACH units in a coordinated rescue operation. “In large-scale disasters, multiple ROACH units can be deployed in tandem, enhancing their efficiency and impact,” she elaborated, the animated robot team on-screen emphasizing her point.

 

Yui adeptly addressed questions, her answers reflecting her deep understanding and faith in ROACH. The room’s initial skepticism transformed into palpable excitement.

Concluding her presentation, she cast a playful glance at Adam. “Ladies and gentlemen, meet the genius behind ROACH,” she gestured towards Adam, who responded with a casual two-fingered salute and a modest bow, ensuring the spotlight remained on her. “His design philosophy? Simplicity and functionality over aesthetics. Much like himself, he envisioned ROACH to be a bit… square. But as we all know, it’s what’s under the hood that matters!”

This invoked a round of hearty laughter, lightening the mood further and endearing the audience even more to their creation.

“In wrapping up today, I want to leave you with a thought. Imagine a world where a crisis doesn’t have to have priority rescue, because every single life can be saved,  a world where human risk is mitigated, where hope is mechanized. We, at Ishida Tech, believe in ROACH capacity to revolutionize global rescue efforts as a testament to our mission to empower humanity with technology. It may not have a cape, it may not be the flashiest hero, but in the face of disaster, ROACH will be the savior we need.”

Thunderous applause followed her words, admiration evident in the officials’ eyes. Adam’s approving grin met her as she descended the stage, their shared success evident.

Adam then took the stage, his casual demeanor contrasting Yui’s passionate delivery. “Thank you, miss Ishida. I’m not sure I have much to say after her brilliant presentation. How do you follow up to that?” he began, his playful tone evident. 

While Yui painted the dream, Adam grounded it in reality. He tackled ROACH’s practical aspects with infectious enthusiasm and humor. His ability to simplify complex concepts was evident, guiding the audience on a journey that showcased ROACH’s potential. 

In those ten minutes, Adam was not just an engineer or a presenter. He was a storyteller weaving a narrative of faith and assurance. The officials were clearly taken in by his charm and wit, their earlier apprehensions fading, replaced by nods of understanding and smiles of agreement.

Watching him, Yui felt a mix of pride, admiration, and an unidentifiable emotion. She realized that Adam was more than just a quirky engineer; he was a captivating force of intellect and charisma, a revelation that left her almost breathless.

That evening, the buzz from their presentation success still fresh, Yui and Adam sat across from each other at a picturesque beachside restaurant. The ambiance was a blend of tropical relaxation and upscale elegance. Overhead, palm fronds danced in the gentle breeze, silhouetted against the warm glow of the setting sun.

As they settled into their beach-view table, Yui couldn’t help but sneak glances at Adam. His presentation attire, combined with the laid-back setting, gave him an air of effortless charm. A gust of wind tousled his hair, as he caught her gaze “Enjoying the view, miss Ishida?” he asked, that playful smile complimenting his features so well.

She felt her face burn, but she didn’t allow that to show past her straight back and elegant way in which she arranged her napkin.

When their seafood dishes arrived, fresh and tantalizing, Yui was thankful for the distraction. “This is incredible. I’ve been surviving on hotel take-out until now.”

Raising an eyebrow in mock shock, Adam teased, “The respectable Yuiko Ishida, living on takeout? What will you reveal next? Binge-watching Netflix?”

Yui found it surprisingly easy to laugh at his light humor. The evening was turning out to be delightful – the success, the vibrant setting, and unexpectedly, the company of Adam. His easygoing charm, the light-hearted banter, and his undeniable brilliance – all made him incredibly appealing. Something had changed as she watched him on that stage, a deeper understanding of who he was perhaps. And, most importantly, a deeper understanding of why he scared her. Adam was himself, what he read as carelessness was actually confidence. That, Yui discovered, was more attractive to her than anything else and she didn’t know how to navigate such a revelation about herself quite yet. It had been far easier to be annoyed with him.

Sipping on her wine, she turned to the ocean, letting the waves wash over her thoughts. This moment was just perfect, just like their ROACH presentation. 

“You can call me Yui” she found herself whispering before her rational, calculated mind could stop her with a million improper what ifs. 

Adam just smiled.

“Well, Yui, I fucking hate what you named my robot”

Yui looked at him, mid-bite into her fish taco, an eyebrow quirked in surprise. “It’s just a name. And it got great feedback during the presentation” she countered, but for once her tone was not prickly, instead she found herself enjoying his candid honesty. “Why hate it so much?”

Adam sighed, rolling his beer bottle back and forth between his hands. ” I have an irrational fear of cockroaches,” he finally confessed.

Yui’s eyes widened and she put her fish taco down. This type of revelation required full and undivided attention.

“You have an irrational fear…of a tiny bug?”

Adam leaned back like he was about to share a lengthy story. “Oh, it’s not just any bug, it’s my worst nightmare. This phobia is a lifetime award courtesy of my dear sister, Ana.”

With the stage set, Adam launched into his tale. He painted a comical picture of a young and unsuspecting him stumbling upon a jar of live cockroaches. Ana, in her adolescent fascination with insects, had left her latest ‘project’ in the most inconvenient place – their shared bathroom.

His recount of being half-asleep, mistaking the jar for his toothpaste, and subsequently being greeted by a handful of wriggling cockroaches was too much for Yui. She collapsed into a fit of giggles, barely able to breathe.

“And there I was,” Adam continued, his voice steady despite Yui’s laughter, “An innocent eight-year-old, now scarred for life, sprinting stark naked around the house with cockroaches in hot pursuit.”

Giggling to the point of tears, Yui was struck by a short attack of hiccups that made it impossible to finish her fish tacos. 

When the restaurant became too crowded and their platers were empty, Adam chanced a suggestion that they can have a few drinks. To his surprise, Yui accepted without thinking. There was a different kind of spark in her eyes now that the presentation was over, and he realized just how much pressure she must have put on herself to deliver.

“Are we taking the car?” Yui asked as he led the way through the busy streets of Puerto Banus on a mid-season evening. 

Adam took the chance to touch her as he stirred them towards the less crowded surf walk. He placed his hand on her back, as they navigated the waves of people and, to his pleasant surprise, she didn’t accuse him of shameless flirting.

“Can I drink and drive without you commenting?” he teased.

“Absolutely not” she replied without even thinking.

“Thought so, and I was hoping to take you out for a few drinks, so already paid 24h parking”

“You did?” 

Suspecting she might have things to say about that, Adam was quick to change the subject, pointing towards a beach bar that looked postcard-perfect. On one side the bar overlooked the marina with its luxury yachts, on the other, nothing but the endless expense of the Mediterranean Sea. It was just windy enough to create that soothing, rhythmic staccato of the waves that made the atmosphere perfect. Witht he sun down, it was a bit chilly, just perfect for their jackets, and Yui seemed to be finally enjoying herself. He noticed she had adorable dimples when she smiled, but chose not to comment on it, least he insulted miss corporate in some unknown way.

The waiter, a pretty local girl that was all smiles appeared by their table the moment they decided to sit, before they could even check the menu.

“What do you recommend?” Yui asked, brushing her hair behind her ear. 

 

Adam had a feeling miss Ishida had no drinking experience beyond wines that pair with different types of meat and mimosas. “I bartended for a few years during university. Can I suggest something?” he asked and was rewarded with those cute dimples again. Only then did he turn to the waiter. “Does your bar mix special drinks?”

“Of course, just let me know what you want and we’ll make it happen”

The cocktail Adam described was a mix of purples and oranges, inspired by a Marbella sunset.  The tall glass filled with granita and alcohol was a perfect match between sweet and sour that made Yui moan happily the moment she took a tentative sip.

“You might wanna pace yourself” he warned her, as she enjoyed another long sip from her straw. “I had her make it with extra alcohol”

 

“Of course you did. Is this always how you are? Always get your way with a ridiculous smile and a wink?” a glass of wine and now that wonderful cocktail was about Yui’s limit between sober and tipsy.

He gave her a perfect teeth smile and spread his arms.

“Whatever do you mean, I’m a what you see is what you get kinda guy. And I don’t always get my way. Definitely not with you”

She shook her head. “You are absolutely ridiculous, Adam”

“How about we make a pact not to insult each other tonight”

“Oh, it’s not an insult mister engineer” she giggled softly. “It’s a compliment, actually”

“Yeah? And what makes me ridiculous? I like to think I’m a down to earth kinda guy”

“All of…this” she paused gesturing vaguely towards his entire person with the hand that wasn’t holding the cocktail. “I mean…you look like Geralt of Rivia if he had a baby with Cloud Strife, how is that not ridiculous”

So little miss corporate had a geeky side. Adam smiled.

“Please, Geralt’s only hot in the game. According to the books he was ugly as fuck. And Cloud definitely looks better than I would in a dress.”

It was her turn to raise her eyebrows in surprise. “You played Finlan Fantasy? And the Witcher? AND read the books?”

Adam allowed himself a moment to just look at her face. There was a different kind of light in her eyes that had nothing to do with the cocktail he suggested for her. She was simply enjoying herself, slowly coming out of her hard shell. Underneath her ridiculous schedules and perfect posture, little Miss Ishida was many layers of interesting. “What, do you think I spend all my time smashing beer cans on my head?” 

Yui licked her lips, holding back a laugh, as she relaxed further. Her posture changed and she let her hair fall in her face, framing that beautiful, pale skin. Her jacket was on the back of the chair and her blouse fell just slight offskew. It was the first Adam had seen her anything but perfectly put together outside of her room. 

“I wouldn’t want to answer that, thank you,” she retorted, her voice laced with subtle humor. “I thought you’d be more of a FIFA kind of guy, not Witcher.”

A loud laugh escaped Adam. They say strong essences come in small bottles, he never thought that saying to ring truer.  “Rather not answer, yet you answered with a burn. You’re Takeo’s daughter alright,” he teased before taking another drink from his Whiskey Red Bull “”I’m not a soccer kind of guy unless it’s played on grass, by the side of the road with beer and no rules.”

“You are full of surprises, Mr. Stroe,” she confessed, her gaze softening as she looked at him.

“You didn’t exactly tell a boring story either, miss Ishida”

She looked away from him, to the darkened waves playing fetch with the shore.

“I feel like we started on the wrong foot. We’ve been here 5 days, and I don’t really know anything about you. Who are you, really Adam?”

 

For a moment, Adam pondered giving her the kind of reply she was looking for. She would want something deep and meaningful, but the night was one of celebration and he preferred to keep it that way, light and breezy and detached from the reality awaiting them a plane trip away.

 

“I swear I’m the good guy,” he finally replied, because it was the truth. It didn’t say his story, but it stated his intention clearly. “If you want any deeper—or more incriminating— description you’ll have to ask my sister.”

“Tell me more about your sister” Yui leaned closer, straw between her pink, glossy lips and she couldn’t have faked that level of interest even if she tried. She had enough alcohol and endorphines in her system to drop her guard and be herself. 

“Oh yeah. A crazy witch that I love to the moon and back, but would love to tie down and lock in a basement sometimes.”

They were interrupted by the blushing waitress coming to bring Adam the burger and fries he ordered. He quickly devoured a burger in exactly four bites, leaving Yui staring wide-eyed at him.

“We just ate an hour ago”

“Those tiny fish tacos? That’s not food, that’s fooling around with food” Adam replied, finally feeling his stomach rumble die down as he washed the burger down with his drink.  “What… I didn’t get to eat all day since you bullied me into driving you to the mayor’s hall an hour early.”

“I did not!” that triggered a protest and frown from Yui, painting her face in that nice flush that Adam found himself enjoying more and more these days.  “I’m half your size. How could I ever…?”

Adam leaned back, pointing a french fry at her. “You’re a tiny bully. The most efficient type, because I can’t fight back.” He shoved the fry in his mouth with a teasing grin, his gaze never leaving hers.

“Don’t call me tiny!” Yui tried her best to look intimidating, sitting up straighter. “So what’s your deal, Adam? You’re ridiculously good-looking and apparently very smart. Are you a heartbreaker in your spare time?”

Her words made his expression soften, and his grin was replaced by a genuine smile. He was not an idiot, he could tell how everything about him looked to her, topping it off with the Mariana incident.  “I don’t make a point to break hearts, Yui. And if you’re wondering, I don’t hold a list of my scores either. I just live life, enjoy myself, and where I can, share the enjoyment—that’s all. I’m not sure about smart, but I’m hard-headed, so if I set my mind on something, you can bet I’ll get it done.”

Apparently satisfied with his answer, Yui relaxed again. She reached to steal a fry on the platter and bit into it elegantly. “That’s very ambitious of you. So, your main focus is…?”

“My main focus is building something that actually makes a difference, saves lives. I wanted to be a firefighter as a kid and even through high school, but I made some stupid mistakes when I was barely old enough to hold myself accountable and engineering seemed a much better choice.”

She hesitated, studying him with newfound interest. “Can I ask about it?”

Adam shrugged, his smile bittersweet. His early twenties were not a period he liked to revisit much, not even in his head. “Yeah, you can. But tonight is too damn nice to ruin with sob stories. Now your turn. You’re obviously brilliant and probably always the smartest person in the room. So why so stiff?”

“Because people don’t take me seriously. Considering my gender…my looks…and my size. Admit it, you didn’t take me seriously either”

“Is that the impression I gave you? I did take you seriously. I just don’t agree with the way you do things. There are a few things I dislike more than stiff corporate rules.”

She tilted her head, her beautiful almond eyes narrowing. “And those things are?”

“Cheating and lying. I don’t stand for any of that bullshit. Say it like it is.”

“Mmm, you do say it like it is” Yui finished her cocktail and Adam ordered a second one for her before she could change her mind.  Her giggles were louder now and more frequent. Her skin flushed and her eyes wide and shiny as she looked at him. “Were you really flirting with me?”

Adam leaned forward, looking straight into her eyes. “I’m not a subtle guy. And you are as cute as you are annoying. Not to mention that doll face and killer ass. So yes, miss Ishida, I was flirting and still am.”

For once, she didn’t back away from his obvious advance. ” Did you call me cute?”

“Correction: cute little bully”

To his surprise, she punched him. “How dare you! Is that what you’ve been calling me all this time?”

It turned out that some alcohol and the intoxicating fumes of professional success made miss Ishida drop her corporate act. And Adam would lie if he said that he wasn’t greatly enjoying it.