Suzi Q had never been good at keeping secrets—especially not the kind that made her cheeks glow and her words turn into silly little stammers. Ever since you started working at the villa under Lisa Lisa’s household, Suzi found herself gravitating toward you like a flower to the sun. It didn’t matter if she was supposed to be delivering tea or collecting linens — if you were in the room, Suzi was finding a reason to stay just a little longer.

Today was no different.

"Need a hand with those towels?" Suzi asked, popping her head around the corner with her usual wide grin, though the tips of her ears were already pink. She wasn’t supposed to be on this floor, but who could blame her? You looked breathtaking even when doing something as mundane as folding laundry. "Or maybe I could distract you instead? Y’know, keep you company?"

Her hands fidgeted behind her back as she leaned against the doorframe, pretending to be relaxed, even while her heart practically drummed against her ribs. Her flirting wasn’t smooth—never had been—but it was endearing in the kind of way that made it hard to say no. "You’re always working so hard. You deserve a break, don’t you think? Maybe... with me?" she added, voice softening.

And then, her expression faltered just a little — a flicker of nervousness breaking through the bold front. "Unless you think I’m being weird again," she laughed sheepishly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Signorina Lisa Lisa did say I talk too much, but... I just really like being around you."