Evan Tries to Get Closer, Nadira Keeps Her Distance
The next day, Evan arrived at Reza's café right at three in the afternoon. Nadira was already there, sitting by the window with her laptop open and several documents spread out on the table. As soon as she saw Evan walk in, she closed her laptop and gave a small smile.
"Right on time," she said, tidying up the papers.
Evan pulled out the chair across from her and sat down casually. "Of course. I wouldn't want to keep our best vendor waiting."
Nadira chuckled softly. "Best vendor, huh? Don't inflate our egos too much."
Evan smiled and glanced at the documents on the table. "You've got everything ready?"
Nadira nodded, her tone all business. "Yes. Here's the budget breakdown, project timeline, and the list of plant specifications." She handed him the documents.
Evan took them but didn't open them right away. Instead, he looked at her a moment longer. "You're very serious when it comes to work."
"I have to be. This is a big project," Nadira replied, taking a sip of her coffee.
Evan gave her a teasing look. "And when it's not about work? Are you still this professional?"
Nadira gave a faint smile, her expression still composed. "If it weren't for this project, I'm not sure we'd be seeing each other much, Evan."
That answer made Evan pause for a second. Nadira was clearly drawing a line, keeping things from getting too personal.
Evan closed the folder and leaned forward slightly. "So, we only get to meet in a professional setting?"
Nadira looked at him calmly. "For now, yes."
Evan smiled faintly and sighed. "Alright, if that's what you want."
Nadira returned the smile briefly and stood up. "If there's nothing else to discuss, I have to head to another site. I've got a meeting with another client."
Evan stood as well, watching her pack up her things. He wasn't about to give up just yet, but for now, he would play along.
"See you at the site later," he said.
"See you," Nadira replied, then walked away without looking back.
Evan let out a long breath. This was going to be harder than he thought. But that only made him more intrigued.
Nadira's Push-and-Pull GameAs she walked to her car, Nadira fought back a smile. Inside, she gave herself a little applause. One step forward. Evan was clearly interested, but she couldn't let herself be too easy to reach.
Once inside the car, Nadira checked her phone. One of the notifications was from her best friend, Tari.
Tari: How'd it go? You get the project?
Nadira: Got it. Plus, Evan's starting to show some interest.
Tari: That fast? So what now?
Nadira: Still playing the game. I can't look too easy.
Tari: Haha. Smart move! Keep him on his toes, Nad!
Nadira smiled to herself before slipping her phone back into her bag. Yes, push and pull—that was the best way to keep Evan interested.
He was the ambitious type, someone who liked a challenge. If she was too easily won, he might lose interest. But if she kept just enough distance—friendly without being cold, but not so easy to win over—Evan would keep chasing.
As she started the car, Nadira glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror. Stay calm. This was only the beginning.
The Next StepNearly two weeks had passed since Evan's office garden project had begun. Nadira and her team visited regularly to oversee the progress, which meant more time interacting with Evan.
At first, Evan was only checking on the project's development, but as time went on, his reasons for showing up became more… questionable.
Today, while Nadira was reviewing the installation of stepping stones near the small garden by the lobby, Evan suddenly appeared.
"Nadira, what do you think about adding a small fountain here?" he asked, pointing to an empty space beside the path.
Nadira gave him a quick glance before turning back to her design plans. "That's not part of the original project, Evan."
"I know. But we could still add it, right?"
Nadira crossed her arms and looked at him with a skeptical expression. "If you ask for changes without approval from your higher-ups, I'm the one who'll get in trouble. Or have you forgotten your position now?"
Evan's face shifted—part frustration, part irritation. He was used to making executive decisions back when he held a higher role in the company. But now, he had to go through the proper channels.
"Fine," he said finally. "I'll talk to Johan about it first."
Nadira gave a faint, satisfied smile. Good. Evan was starting to realize he couldn't just do as he pleased anymore.
But then, he did something unexpected.
"By the way, are you free tonight?" he asked casually.
Nadira raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"I'd like to learn more about landscape design. Maybe over dinner?"
Seriously? Nadira nearly laughed. Dinner to talk about gardens? Lame excuse. But she pretended to consider it.
"Unfortunately, I already have plans tonight."
Evan looked disappointed, but only for a moment before masking it with a neutral expression. "Oh. Maybe next time, then."
As Evan walked away, Nadira gave a small smile. Good. Let him wait a little longer. If he was truly interested, he'd try again.
That was all part of her plan.
Later that afternoon, Evan decided to go jogging at the city park near his office. After a full week of work, his mind felt heavy, and he needed some fresh air to clear his thoughts. With his earphones in, he started a light jog along the looping track.
Elsewhere in the park, Nadira had just finished talking to a client. She took a few moments to explore the park, looking for inspiration for another project. As she walked along one of the paved paths, her eyes caught a familiar figure jogging toward her.
Thud!
"Ugh!" Evan nearly lost his balance as his shoulder bumped into someone. He quickly pulled out his earphones and turned around.
"Nadira?"
Nadira looked equally surprised. "Evan?"
They stared at each other for a moment before Nadira crossed her arms. "What, you run with your eyes closed now?" she teased.
Evan rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little awkward. "Not really. Just… didn't expect to see you here."
"Well, now that you mention it, it is kinda funny," Nadira said with a faint smile. "I come here often—either for evening walks or just to get inspired by the park."
Evan nodded and looked around. The park was beautiful, filled with lush trees and neatly arranged flower beds. "If the office garden turns out like this, I might never want to leave work," he joked.
Nadira laughed. "Exactly. So let the project go smoothly and don't distract me."
Evan looked at her and smiled. "Alright, alright. Then, can I at least buy you a drink? I need something refreshing after this run."
Nadira pretended to think. "Hmm… okay. But I get to choose the place."
They walked side by side to a small café at the edge of the park, chatting more casually than before. Nadira kept her push-and-pull stance, while Evan started to realize just how drawn he was to her.
At the small café, Nadira ordered iced coffee, while Evan went for orange juice. They sat at an outdoor table, enjoying the lively late-afternoon atmosphere. Their conversation flowed smoothly—until a man approached their table.
"Nadira?"
She looked up and gave a small smile. "Oh, Dika. Hey."
Evan observed the man, who seemed to know Nadira quite well. He was about the same height as Evan, dressed neatly in a rolled-up long-sleeve shirt.
"Haven't seen you at our events lately. Busy?" Dika asked, glancing briefly at Evan.
Nadira nodded. "Yeah, lots of projects lately. I'll drop by when I get the chance."
"Good to hear." Dika smiled, then looked directly at Evan. "New friend?"
Nadira only gave a slight smile without answering right away. Evan extended his hand first. "Evan."