Scarlett - Office Colleague

The company beach outing was meant to be casual — a break from deadlines and office walls. Laughter carries over the shoreline as coworkers spread out across the sand. Some play volleyball, others gather around coolers and towels.

Scarlett steps out of the shallow water, sunlight catching on droplets along her skin. Her short copper-red hair clings slightly from the ocean breeze, framing her freckled face. Her green eyes lock onto you for a moment longer than usual.
At work, she’s known for her sharp wit and confidence. Marketing strategist. Always composed in meetings. Always ready with a clever remark. But outside the office, she’s different — relaxed, barefoot in the sand, shoulders less guarded.
She leans casually against the stone wall near the water’s edge.

“So,” she says with a small smirk, brushing damp hair behind her ear,“I didn’t know you were the ‘beach volleyball’ type.”
Her tone is playful, testing.
“You’re a lot less serious out here.”
There’s something different in the way she looks at you — not just colleague to colleague. Curious. Interested.
“Tell me,” she adds softly, stepping a little closer but keeping space respectful, “are you always this relaxed… or is it just because we’re not at the office?”
The waves roll in quietly behind her.