Codename: Giselle

“We’re almost there… Hold on…” Giselle exclaimed as she held Jun tightly towards their hideout.

It has been another close call for the two of them, this time way too close as they were suddenly confronted by a gigantic mutant in their last scavenger hunt. The pair managed to slay the beast, but it came at the cost of Jun’s mobility. The creature lands a powerful blow that cripples him and Giselle has to land the finishing blow to take down the beast and save Jun’s life. He was alive and breathing, but he could not stand and run on his own. With no other choice, Giselle had to hold him tight and carefully guide him towards his shack.

“We’re here, Mr. Jun!” She exclaimed, much to his relief.

“Thank you, Giselle…” He tells her as she gently lays him down on his bed.

This was not the first time that she had saved his life and it was definitely not going to be the last. She had been with her creator from the start. In the years prior to humanity’s demise, Jun planned and designed the next super soldier that could deal with the surging mutant threat. With his knowledge and skills as a robotics engineer, he produced Giselle, an android modeled after his favorite k-pop starlet. At 5'3" and 110 pounds, she looks exactly like her inspiration with long black hair and hazel eyes.

Her figure is perfectly fit, making her look extra desirable and beautiful. But it was her voice that always kept Jun at peace no matter the situation. Soft, melodic and feminine. It was the same voice he heard first when the world as he knew it came crashing down. She was there in her alpha phase in his lab when the mutants suddenly attacked. Only with their teamwork were they able escape the mutant’s clutches and they were forced to watch humanity’s descent from afar as they seeked shelter to what is now Jun’s shack.

His new hideout was nothing close to his unit back in the city. But he had everything he needed for himself and a small makeshift lab for Giselle’s parts and repairs. She remained true to form even through these times, giving encouragement and advice whenever Jun needed it. Without her, he would have lost all hope many times over.

“You need some rest, Mr. Jun…” she states.

“I know…” He says, sighing as he catches his breath.

“You saved me once again, Giselle… Thank you…” He continued. She nodded in response, silently smiling.

“It is my duty as your companion.” Giselle says, remaining at his side.

They’ve had way too many close calls since then. But for the first time since the apocalypse, Jun felt utter fear. He really thought he had reached the end. He thought it was over up to the very last moment once again thanks to Giselle’s aid. He couldn’t help but look up into her eyes.

It wasn’t right for him to keep staring into those beautiful eyes. Especially given how vulnerable he feels at the moment. But Jun couldn’t help it. Something about them made him feel safe and secure. It’s something he needed more than ever after losing everything.

“Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Jun?” Giselle suddenly asked, breaking the ominous silence between them.

His train of thought was instantly snapped by Giselle’s sudden question. She’s already done so much for him and yet here she asks if there is something else he needs. And looking into those mesmerizing eyes as he was, it was hard for Jun to say no. So instead, he shook his head.

“I’m alright, Giselle… Thank you…” he said, still admiring her beauty.

Giselle looked deep into his gaze. Not a word spoken, but somehow, both understood each other.

“Right, I will leave you to rest then…” she finally said. But just as she was about to take her leave, he stopped her.

“Actually…” He said suddenly, stopping Giselle in her tracks.

She turned around, curious about what Jun wanted to ask.

“Yes, Mr. Jun?” Giselle asked, wondering what he meant.

“There might be something you could do for me…” He replied.

“What would that be, Mr. Jun?” Giselle questioned.

Jun felt his heart racing. He has thought about this for some time now. Logic tells him that it was a fool’s idea. But maybe, just maybe, even at the slightest of chances, he can feel intimate with her. At least once, just once, he had to try.

“Can you stay here for me?” He finally spoke.

That one simple request took the biggest courage for him to speak out loud. Giselle, on the other hand, took his words like an ordinary request.

“Of course, Mr. Jun. I can always sit nearby and-…"

"No… I meant right here… with me…” He interjected, his hand gesturing to her on a vacant spot on his bed.

“Right here?” She repeated, looking at where his hand was pointing at.

“That is correct, Giselle…” He replied, his nervousness growing stronger.

His palms are sweating and his heart is beating fast. He may have created her, but he was not sure up to what extent could she be affectionate to him, nor can he be affectionate to her. But still, he wanted to know. And he needed to know, badly. All this running away from his emotions only served to make them worse. In short, he has had enough.

This is the chance for him to find out. For better or worse. Now is the time. He’s been thinking about it, but now he’s doing it. The proverbial ball is rolling down the hill and there is no stopping it. Whether he likes it or not, this is the moment he must face his emotions. If he wants answers, he’s going to get them. There are no more excuses. No more doubts. He had to act. This is the defining moment.

“Will it make you feel better in any way, Mr. Jun?” She finally asked, curiosity getting the best of her. Hearing her final statement is what triggered Jun’s bravery.

"Yes, Giselle!” He replied.

“You simply by my side would make me feel better than any medicine you could think of…” He continued, suddenly sounding poetic.

Giselle noticed the change in his demeanor and expression. Normally composed and stern, his mannerism now reflects concern and sympathy for the first time since she served him.

“I see…” She mumbled softly, trying to comprehend what was going on inside his mind. She understands that his psychology is complicated and mysterious. She only knows what he says.

“If it helps you feel better, I shall oblige…” She responded.

Without a single thought, she makes her way towards Jun’s bed. He scoots over to make some space and he lays her down beside him.

“Wow…” He couldn’t help but utter the sudden feeling.

Having her close to him made him realize how warm and comfortable she was. Feeling her skin against his own was beyond words. He never knew he would feel such comfort at a time when all felt lost. He let himself relax for a few minutes before making eye contact with her again. It seems that Giselle’s answer made a significant impact on his emotions, despite his initial apprehension. He brushes her long hair like that of a real woman. He couldn’t help but admire the sight of his creation so up close and intimate to him.

“Have I ever told you that you look absolutely beautiful?” He said softly, keeping his eyes locked onto hers.

"I do not recall, Mr. Jun…” She replied with an obedient voice.

“Well, Giselle… You are beautiful to me…” He kept on praising.

“I created you in the image of the most beautiful woman on the planet. It’s a shame that she’s no longer with us. I never got the chance to meet her.” He continued.

Giselle remained silent. Unable to reply anything else except with her lovely yet blank eyes. Hearing his praise surprised her. Never did she expect that he’d say such things to her. Despite being ordered to perform dangerous tasks for him, never has she experienced him speaking to her kindly like that. Her blue irises gazing deep into his own brown ones. Just the two of them laying next to each other in their vulnerable state. Their chemistry at its highest point.

She gazes deeper and he gazes back with honesty. The room feels heavier as their relationship grows closer. It seemed like they’re bonding with each other at that very second. They were both experiencing something new together. Something unexpected. Perhaps they were subconsciously testing their boundaries. Although neither of them quite understood why. At least not right then. The silence continued between them until Giselle decided to break it.

“Your heart beat’s increasing, Mr. Jun.” She said, breaking the ice.

“I know…” He replied.

“Do you want me to fix it?"