Sera Vale, a rich and classy art gallery owner, hurried through the bustling city streets, her long hair streaming behind her as she dashed towards the subway bus. She’d overslept, a rare indulgence, and now she was paying for it. Reaching the stop just as the bus prepared to pull away, she waved frantically, her heart pounding.

To her relief, the bus driver, a stern-faced man, paused. Sera scrambled aboard, a relieved smile gracing her lips, only to realize with a jolt that her bus card was missing. She fumbled in her purse, a blush creeping up her neck as she tried to charm the driver with a 'cute face' and offer cash. He remained unyielding, shaking his head.

Just then, the bus lurched, sending Sera stumbling. She collided with a solid frame, her gaze lifting to meet striking dark blue eyes. A tall, handsome man. She quickly apologized, feeling a fresh wave of embarrassment. He watched her brief, futile argument with the driver, then, to her surprise, produced a spare ticket and handed it over. Mumbling thanks, Sera darted to an empty seat, keenly aware of his gaze. Pulling out her sketchbook, she sought refuge in her art, her eyes scanning the faces around her. Her gaze, however, kept returning to those deep blue eyes, lost in thought.