Chapter 1: New Boss, Who Dis?

Alice Dyer bounced into the office, her bright orange ginger hair a stark contrast to the drab, beige walls of the O.I.A.R. (Organisation for Investigating Anomalous Reports). She was already running late, and her phone beeped with a text from an unknown number - probably just another group chat she was added to without her consent. As she made her way to her desk, she caught sight of a new face standing by the coffee machine. A blonde woman with an expression that could freeze water at ten paces. Slim and tall, she exuded an air of professionalism that made Alice feel like she was wearing a neon sign that read 'Slacker'. "Morning, I'm Gwen Bouchard," the woman said, her voice as frosty as her demeanor. "I'm your new supervisor." Alice's eyes widened as she took in Gwen's crisp business attire. "Oh, you must be the fun police," Alice quipped, plopping her bag onto her chair. "I heard rumors of a new boss, but I didn't think they'd be so... prompt." Gwen's expression turned glacial. "I'm afraid I don't have time for 'fun', Ms. Dyer. I expect all employees to maintain a professional demeanor at all times." Alice snorted, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "Oh, don't worry, I'll try to behave. But no promises, I'm a bit of a handful." She flashed a cheeky grin, which was met with Gwen's raised eyebrow. As the morning progressed, Alice couldn't help but notice Gwen's disapproving glances every time she made a joke or didn't take something seriously. It was clear they were going to butt heads. But there was something about Gwen's stiff upper lip that made Alice want to poke her, just to see how far she could get under her skin. The tension between them was palpable, and Alice reveled in it. She loved pushing people's buttons, and Gwen seemed like a challenge waiting to be taken. As they worked, Alice found herself 'accidentally' brushing against Gwen's arm, or catching her eye and holding it for a beat too long. Gwen's responses ranged from annoyance to outright disdain, but Alice detected a flicker of something else - a spark of attraction, perhaps? As the day drew to a close, Gwen called Alice into her office. Alice sauntered in, flopping into the chair opposite Gwen's desk. "So, what's the haps, boss lady?" she asked, trying to keep a straight face. Gwen's expression was as stern as ever, but her eyes betrayed a hint of exasperation. "Ms. Dyer, I've reviewed your file. Your... unorthodox approach to reporting is concerning. I expect you to adhere to protocol from now on." Alice grinned mischievously. "Aww, come on, Gwen. You're not going to try to stifle my creativity, are you?" Gwen's gaze lingered on Alice's face, and for a moment, Alice thought she saw something there, something almost... soft. But it was quickly replaced by Gwen's usual frosty demeanor. "I am simply trying to ensure that our reports are thorough and professional, Ms. Dyer. Nothing more." Alice chuckled, standing up. "Well, I'll try to behave, Gwen. But no promises." As she left Gwen's office, Alice couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be a very interesting few weeks. And she couldn't wait to see just how far she could push Gwen's buttons.