It wasn't supposed to be a big deal.
That's what Riyana told herself.
"It's just a meeting," Miya said casually, flipping through the file. "Bosco sir and I are going for the client presentation today."
Riyana's fingers paused on her keyboard.
"Oh," she said, keeping her tone neutral. "Okay."
It was normal.
Of course it was.
Bosco couldn't take her to every meeting.
This was work.
Professional.
So why—
Why did it feel slightly… off?
She shook it away quickly.
"Send me the draft before you leave," she added.
"Sure."
The office felt the same.
But Riyana didn't.
She tried focusing.
Tried ignoring the small, irritating thought sitting at the back of her mind.
He didn't tell you.
That part—
That annoyed her more than anything else.
Not the meeting.
Not Miya.
Just—
The fact that he hadn't mentioned it.
"Riyana."
She looked up.
Bosco stood near her desk.
"Client deck?"
"Sent it," she replied.
He nodded. "Good."
That was it.
No mention of the meeting.
No explanation.
Nothing.
Riyana's jaw tightened slightly.
"Anything else?" she asked.
Bosco shook his head. "No."
And then—
He left.
Just like that.
Riyana stared at her screen.
"This is stupid," she muttered.
It didn't matter.
It shouldn't matter.
But clearly—
It did.
The entire day felt longer than usual.
Every small thing irritated her.
She checked her phone more than she should have.
No messages.
No updates.
Nothing.
By evening—
She was done pretending it didn't bother her.
When Bosco finally walked back into the office—
She noticed immediately.
Of course she did.
He walked in with Miya.
Talking about something.
Normal.
Too normal.
Riyana stood up before she could stop herself.
"Done with the meeting?" she asked.
Bosco looked at her.
"Yeah. Went well."
"That's good."
Her tone was controlled.
But not soft.
A pause.
Then—
"You didn't tell me you were going."
There it was.
Out in the open.
Bosco frowned slightly.
"It was a last-minute decision."
"You still could've told me."
"I didn't think it was necessary."
That—
That hit wrong.
Riyana crossed her arms slightly.
"Of course it wasn't."
Now his expression changed.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing," she replied quickly. "It's your work."
"But?"
She hesitated.
Then—
"Nothing," she repeated.
Bosco stepped closer.
"No," he said calmly. "Say it."
Riyana exhaled sharply.
"It just would've been nice to know," she admitted.
A small pause.
"Why?" he asked.
That question—
Frustrated her more than anything else.
"Because I—" she stopped.
Because what?
Because she cared?
Because she expected something?
Because she was affected?
She looked away.
"Forget it."
She turned to leave.
But this time—
He didn't stop her physically.
He stopped her with his voice.
"Riyana."
She paused.
"I wasn't hiding anything," he said.
She didn't turn.
"I know."
"Then why are you reacting like this?"
That question—
Again.
Always that question.
Riyana turned back this time.
"Because I'm trying," she said quietly.
Bosco stilled.
"To trust this," she continued. "To not overthink everything."
Her voice softened.
"And when things like this happen… it just—" she shook her head. "Feels like I'm back to guessing again."
Silence.
This wasn't anger.
This was fear.
And Bosco saw it clearly now.
"I should've told you," he said simply.
That—
That softened something immediately.
"I didn't think it mattered," he added. "But if it does to you… then it matters."
Riyana held his gaze.
That was all she needed.
Not perfection.
Just… acknowledgment.
"Okay," she said quietly.
A small pause.
Then—
"Okay."
The tension eased.
Not completely.
But enough.
"Come with me tonight," Bosco said suddenly.
She blinked. "What?"
"Outside," he clarified. "Not work."
Her heart skipped slightly.
"Like… a meeting?" she asked.
"No," he said. "A date."
The word hung in the air.
Real.
Clear.
Riyana felt something shift again.
"Okay," she said.
This time—
Without hesitation.
Later That Night
The city felt different outside work.
Less structured.
Less controlled.
Riyana stood near the café entrance, adjusting her sleeve slightly.
Why was she nervous?
This wasn't new.
It was just… different.
Because this time—
It meant something.
"Waiting long?"
She turned.
Bosco.
Casual.
Relaxed.
Not "sir."
Just… him.
"No," she said.
A small smile.
"You're early."
"You're late," he replied lightly.
She rolled her eyes. "I'm on time."
"Hmm."
That familiar sound again.
Inside, the café was warm.
Soft lights.
Quiet music.
They sat across from each other.
For a second—
It felt unfamiliar.
Not in a bad way.
Just… new.
"No files," Bosco said, leaning back slightly.
"No deadlines," Riyana added.
A small smile passed between them.
"Good," he said.
Silence settled.
But this time—
It wasn't heavy.
It was easy.
"Do you always overthink like this?" he asked.
She narrowed her eyes slightly. "Like what?"
"Like today."
Riyana exhaled softly.
"Only when I care."
The words slipped out naturally.
No hesitation this time.
Bosco noticed.
Of course he did.
"That's good to know," he said quietly.
Her fingers traced lightly along the edge of the table.
"And you?" she asked. "Do you always forget to inform people?"
A faint smile.
"Only when I'm used to handling things alone."
That—
That said more than it seemed.
Riyana nodded slightly.
"Then don't do that with me."
It wasn't a demand.
Just… honest.
Bosco leaned forward slightly.
"I won't."
Their eyes met.
And this time—
There was no tension.
Just understanding.
The rest of the evening passed easily.
Small conversations.
Light teasing.
Moments that didn't need effort.
When they stepped out—
The night felt quieter.
Cooler.
Riyana wrapped her arms around herself slightly.
"Cold?" Bosco asked.
"Little."
Without a word—
He moved closer.
Not touching.
Just enough.
And somehow—
That was enough.
They walked side by side.
No rush.
No pressure.
Just… there.
At one point—
Their hands brushed.
Neither pulled away immediately.
Then—
Slowly—
Her fingers slipped into his.
Natural.
Unforced.
Bosco glanced at her.
Riyana didn't look back.
But she didn't let go either.
And that—
That said everything.
Because this time—
She wasn't just staying.
She was choosing.