The next day, Lin Xiaoyu stepped into the office with a heart that felt full… too full… almost overflowing. Every time she remembered last night's rooftop confession, her cheeks heated up like she had swallowed a bowl of hot soup.
He likes me.
He really likes me.
Li Wenxun — my boss — the man who looks like he was carved by fate to ruin my heartbeat — likes me too.
She pressed her bag to her chest and walked into the lobby, trying to look "normal," which only made her awkwardly stiff like a mannequin.
---
The First Morning After
As she entered the elevator, the doors began to close — until a large hand stopped them.
Li Wenxun stepped in.
Xiaoyu's entire soul left her body.
He stood beside her, tall and calm, his cologne filling the small space. She dared to peek up at him…
…only to catch him already watching her.
He smiled softly.
"Good morning… Xiaoyu."
Her heart melted into liquid sugar.
"M-Morning…" she whispered.
When the elevator reached their floor, he gently placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her out. Xiaoyu nearly tripped.
"Careful," he murmured.
"I—I'm fine," she squeaked.
He chuckled under his breath.
---
Lunch Break Confusion
During lunch, her coworkers noticed something strange.
"Xiaoyu, why are you glowing?"
"Did you sleep well?"
"You look… extra happy."
Xiaoyu panicked.
"No! I mean yes! I mean — I'm always this glowing!"
Her friends exchanged confused looks.
Then someone whispered,
"Maybe she's in love."
Her chopsticks fell from her hand.
"I—I—I'm not— I mean—" she stuttered.
Just then, the door opened.
Li Wenxun walked in.
The room went silent.
His eyes immediately found hers — warm, soft, unmistakably affectionate.
"Xiaoyu," he said, "come to my office after lunch. I need you."
I NEED YOU.
All her coworkers froze.
Xiaoyu froze.
Even the rice grains froze.
She choked on air and nodded weakly.
Wenxun left.
The room exploded:
"XIAOYU WHAT WAS THAT?!"
"HE LOOKED AT YOU LIKE YOU'RE HIS WIFE!"
"GIRL EXPLAIN!!"
She almost fainted.
---
That Afternoon in His Office
Xiaoyu entered his office cautiously, shutting the door behind her.
Wenxun looked up from his laptop, smiling.
"You look panicked."
"Wh—Why did you say 'I need you' in front of everyone?!" she asked, face exploding with blush.
He blinked innocently.
"Because I need you."
"President Li!!"
He stood, walked toward her, and gently lifted her chin.
"I don't mind if people know I like you," he said quietly.
"But if you prefer keeping it secret for now… I'll follow your pace."
Xiaoyu stared at him — the man who used to scare her with his seriousness, now speaking like someone afraid of losing her.
She swallowed. "Let's go slow."
He nodded. "Slow… but together."
Her heart fluttered again.
---
A Week Later — The True Twist
One quiet evening, Xiaoyu stayed late to finish some reports. She walked to the office pantry for a break.
Inside, she found Wenxun waiting for her — leaning against the counter with two warm coffees.
He smiled.
"I thought you might need this."
She accepted the coffee, touched by the gesture.
"You always know when I'm tired."
He chuckled. "I know more than you think."
They stood close, sipping their drinks. The soft office lights made everything feel gentle… private.
"Xiaoyu," he said, voice low, "I never told you the real reason I first noticed you."
She blinked up at him. "Why?"
He took her hand slowly.
"Because every morning… I saw the way you looked at your coffee."
She stared at him, confused.
He continued, smiling:
"You looked at it like it was your source of strength.
The same way I… started looking at you."
Her breath hitched.
"And then," he added, "I kept finding excuses to pass by your desk just to see you smile."
Xiaoyu's heart melted into a puddle.
"You… noticed all that?"
He nodded, stepping closer.
"And I liked you long before you even realized you liked me."
Xiaoyu felt her chest tighten — not with fear, but with happiness so full it almost hurt.
She whispered, "You're making it very hard for me not to fall more in love with you."
He smiled, brushing a stray hair behind her ear.
"Then fall," he said softly.
"I'll always be here to catch you."
---
Wenxun leaned in slowly.
Xiaoyu's breath trembled.
Their foreheads touched gently — soft, warm, perfect.
"Wenxun…"
"Hmm?"
"I think I love you."
He closed his eyes for a moment, as if absorbing every word.
Then he whispered,
"I love you too, Xiaoyu."
Their lips met — not rushed, not dramatic, but warm… sweet… exactly like the first sip of morning coffee.
Outside the windows, the city lights shimmered like stars.
Inside the pantry, two people finally found what they had been searching for all along — each other.
---