I woke up early because the company was holding an anniversary party today. It's the one day of the year when everyone gathers to eat, celebrate, and pretend we aren't all stressed for the rest of the year. There's even a raffle, so the atmosphere is supposed to be fun.
When I arrived at the company, people were already walking around everywhere, carrying boxes—probably decorations meant for the 5th floor. Since the party was happening tonight, everyone had been busy since morning. I was assigned to help with the food preparations, so my hands were full, too.
I checked every item on the catering list to make sure nothing was missing. Once everything looked good, I headed toward Gael's area to see how they were doing. They were busy inflating balloons—white balloons everywhere because the theme was mostly white.
"How's everything here?" I asked as I approached.
"Help me with this one. The balloon is too thick, it's hard to inflate," my cousin complained.
Since my part was already sorted out, I decided to help them. There were only three of us working on decorations, so it was tiring. After a few minutes, more people arrived to help.
"Ms. Gianna, where should we place the food later?" one of the catering assistants asked.
I looked around, scanning the area for the best spot. When I found one, we walked toward it.
"This area works. If we place it on the side, the middle stays spacious," I suggested, and they nodded.
"What about the drinks? Are they ready?" I asked.
"They'll be delivered around 5:30 p.m.," they replied.
"Good. Since the event starts at 7:00, we have plenty of time. I'll leave this part to you," I said before heading back.
A headache pulsed at my temples, making me rub the side of my head.
"Tired already?" Gael appeared beside me, handing me a bottle of juice. I accepted it.
"A little," I admitted.
"Take a break. Even twenty minutes won't hurt. We'll handle things here," she insisted.
I was definitely tired and even a bit sleepy, but I couldn't rest yet—not with so much left to do.
"I'm fine. Let's just finish everything," I said, taking a deep breath.
We went back to check on the others.
"You're something else, Ms. Gianna. Don't you ever get tired?" one of them asked.
I just smiled.
"She's definitely tired. She just refuses to admit it," Gael cut in.
I faced them all. "I'm fine. Anyway, let's get back to work. Chitchat is canceled today, okay?" I said teasingly.
Silence.
They all suddenly shut their mouths. I blinked at them.
"Are you all okay?" I asked, confused.
Gael pointed her lips at something behind me.
"What?" I whispered. She pointed again.
"What are you talking abou—"
"Behind you," she whispered quickly, looking away.
I turned around—
—and nearly jumped out of my skin.
My boss stood there with a completely unreadable expression. No emotion. Just cold eyes locked on me. I swallowed hard. He looked… upset? Or angry? I couldn't tell.
"Sir," I managed to say.
He shifted his gaze to my coworkers, then back to me.
"Follow me," he said coolly before turning and walking away.
What the hell was that?
"Oh no… maybe Sir Locan didn't like what we did here," someone whispered.
I watched the direction Francis walked, sighed, then faced them again.
"Don't worry. I'll handle it," I said.
"He's going to scold you again," Gael muttered nervously.
I sighed and patted her shoulder. "Just continue working," I told them, then walked off.
I took the elevator to the 30th floor. I stopped in front of his office door, confused and nervous. Why did he look so tense? Did something happen?
Whatever. I'll find out inside.
I stepped in, and the first thing I saw was Francis standing by the glass wall, his back turned to me. He looked deep in thought. When he sensed my presence, he turned around and walked toward me—still wearing that emotionless, tired expression.
He stopped right in front of me, staring straight into my eyes.
My skin tingled.
Then—without warning—he leaned down and wrapped his arms around me.
I stumbled back a little from the sudden weight, completely stunned. He didn't say anything. After a few seconds, I heard his exhausted exhale against my shoulder.
"A-are you okay?" I asked.
"Just five more minutes. Let me recharge," he whispered, tightening his hold.
I didn't move. I let him hug me even though my arms were starting to go sore from supporting him. His five minutes stretched longer before he finally loosened his grip. He sat on the edge of his table, exhaustion evident in his eyes.
I stepped closer. "Are you really okay?"
He looked up at me—
Then suddenly opened his arms wide.
"Come here."
I blinked. The shift in his expression—from emotionless to childlike—was ridiculous.
"What are you doing?" I asked, laughing.
"Please?" he said, widening his eyes like a begging kid.
Oh no. I could feel heat creeping up my cheeks.
"Please, Gianna?" he repeated, using my name this time.
"You're acting like a child," I muttered.
Before I could react, he grabbed my hand, pulled me close, and settled me on his lap. I gasped and tried to get up, but he hugged me tightly from behind and leaned his head on my shoulder.
"H-hey… someone might see—"
"Shh. I'm resting," he murmured, cutting me off.
"You're resting on my shoulder? Seriously?" I scoffed.
"It's comfortable," he replied simply.
I had no comeback. For the second time, I let him stay. His breathing slowed, soft and peaceful. Watching him up close felt dangerous. He looked gentle—almost boyish—when he relaxed.
Then—
"You think I look handsome, don't you?" he suddenly said.
"What? What are you talking about?" I snapped, looking away.
"You've been staring at me," he said, opening his eyes and staring right back at me.
"I have NOT! Why would I stare at you? Dream on," I scoffed.
He chuckled softly.
"Hey… I need to go back downstairs. There's still a lot I need to fix before the event," I said, tapping his arm wrapped around me.
"Let them handle it. Stay with me," he murmured, eyes closing again.
"I can't. It's my job. Let go. Hey—"
"You smell really good," he said suddenly.
I froze.
He leaned in closer and inhaled at my neck—slowly, deeply—as if he was about to bite me.
"H-hey! What's wrong with you?" I complained, face burning, heart hammering uncontrollably.
God. I prayed he couldn't hear how fast my heartbeat was.
"I'm leaving," I said, quickly prying his arms off and standing up before I melted into a puddle right on his floor.
"You're really leaving?" he asked softly.
"I—I still have work to finish. Don't start," I muttered before speed-walking out of his office.
Once I was outside, I stopped—and caught myself smiling like an idiot.
A strange warmth fluttered inside me. A kind of happiness I didn't want to acknowledge yet… but couldn't deny either.
Because the truth was, something changed between us after that night I confessed.
I couldn't call it a relationship. Not yet.
But right now?
Right now, I liked him.
And whatever we had—whatever this was—felt enough for me.
I just hoped… this time, things wouldn't break the way they did before.
I hoped… this time would be different.