the first love

Steve Morris :~ Across the city, I returned to my home—a sleek, modern apartment that overlooked the glittering Seoul skyline. I loosened my tie, poured myself a glass of whiskey, and sat in the leather chair by the window.

But my thoughts weren’t on the day’s reports or the mistakes in the meeting. They were on her.

Liza Pollad.

I remembered the first time I saw her—almost a year ago. It was in a small café on a quiet street, far from the corporate towers. I had been waiting for a client when an elderly woman at the next table began coughing violently, gasping for air.

Most people froze. But she(though I didn’t know her name then)rushed over without hesitation. She calmed the woman, called for help, and stayed by her side until the paramedics arrived.

I had been… impressed. No, more than that. Something about the way she moved—focused, gentle, fearless—stirred something in me I hadn’t felt in years.

I went after her that day, hoping to at least thank her. But when I reached the café door, I saw her outside, holding hands with a young man and laughing.

I stepped back.

If she was happy, I had no right to interfere.

But fate had a strange way of circling back. Now she was working under my roof, her desk only steps away from my office.

And that is why I’m different with her. Why my voice softens when I speak to her, why my praise comes more easily than for anyone else.

Because the truth is simple.

I had already fallen in love with Liza Pollad—long ago before she even knew my name. And long sleep takes me away with her.                                                  The next morning…

The alarm buzzed at 6:00 a.m., but I was already awake. I had been lying there for a while, staring at the ceiling, thinking about her again.

I pushed myself out of bed and walked into the bathroom. The cold water on my face helped me clear my head, though it didn’t erase the image of Liza’s smile from my mind.

After shaving and showering, I chose my usual—tailored black suit, crisp white shirt, silk tie. My wardrobe was full of identical choices; I preferred efficiency over indecision. But this morning, I paused for a moment, wondering if she’d notice the subtle change in the deep blue tie I picked instead.

In the kitchen, I made myself a black coffee. No sugar, no milk—just strong and sharp, the way I liked it. As I sipped, I glanced at my phone. A dozen emails had already come in overnight, but my attention drifted to today’s schedule.

9:00 a.m. — Department briefing.

9:30 a.m. — Meet new employees individually.

That second line made me smirk faintly. She was new. She would be coming to my office again today.

I set the cup down, grabbed my coat, and stepped into the cool morning air. The city was just waking up—neon signs fading, sunlight spilling between buildings. My driver was waiting, and as I slid into the back seat, I couldn’t help but think…

Today, I’d see her again.

And maybe, just maybe, I’d let a little more of my feelings to show her .

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