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A low hum of chatter buzzed around the office. Calls about client's deadlines, upcoming brand photoshoots, and even the looming deadline with finance.. It was a regular Monday morning. Hectic. Brimming with energy.
My stomach growls amidst that. A hungry sentient waiting to be filled. “Alright,” I said to myself. Let's get to the convenience store next door.
My feet were about to pivot when he came into my sight. The man in charge. The one who makes me smile like an idiot whenever he calls my name, asking for my progress on the client design. The one who smelled like mint candy every time he leaned down beside me to look into my latest revision. The one who laughs softly and jokingly warns to flick my forehead if I almost miss the deadline.
“Hey. You're going next door too?” He asked with his signature soft voice. I nodded, and immediately pivoted to look for my buddy. Can't go with my manager alone. Hell, I'll melt into a puddle if we go together alone. No! I need my salvation to go with us, my buddy!
The words for my friend were already on my tongue when his arm settled around my shoulders. Not a pat, not a nudge. A firm, warm weight that pulled me into his orbit and steered me toward the door.
‘Let's go. Just the two of us.’ he said with his gaze.
It was a clear, silent statement that left my skin buzzing. A dangerous flower of happiness bloomed in my chest, and along with it, the thorns of doubt. ‘Maybe he just wants to go quickly,’ I convinced myself. But no words came out. If I do, the spell might shatter.
‘ding-a-ling!’ the bell chimed above the door when we stepped inside. The smell of grease and steamed oden immediately hit us, and I wasted no time, making myself busy with the rows of onigiri.
“What are you getting?” His deep, calm voice drifted besides me, along with his warmth.
“I.. maybe the tuna mayo.” My nervous laugh filled the space as I reached out to get it. But then, electricity shot through me. His fingers brushed against mine, “what a coincidence,” he said with a smile.
What a jerk. Did he know how he made my heart stop just like that? I'm basically head over heels for him. What should I do now? Fall in love even deeper for him? … I think I may have just done that. Silly me.
‘Did he know of my secret crush? Did he know, all this time, I was smitten?’ The voice in my head kept getting louder as my feet brought me to the cashier.
“That'll be 20.” The tired clerk announced.
Before my hand even touched my wallet, he held my hand. He. My manager. My eyes flicked up to him. As if he's crazy. And maybe he did.
“I'll pay.” He pushed his card with his other hand while trapping mine with the other.
His warmth seeped into my every being. As if my soul had finally found her other piece. Hey, too cheesy. But can you not at this moment?
His fingers slowly slid in between my fingers, his weight locking firmly.
No words needed to be said. His eyes, his piercing gaze told me everything. The world stopped, even the clerk ceased to exist.
Ah, so this is why people said ‘the world belongs only to us’, in that romantic movie. It's true.
‘Ding-a-ling!’ the door chimes again when we step out, but the world has indeed faded away. Only the warmth and weight of his hand matters, holding mine securely as if it was his. And it's the truth. Just as the sun that now shines and makes me warm all over. or.. from him.
We walked, and every step felt like a death warrant. Back to reality. Back to our roles. Can't it be stopped? Paused. Just like my favourite game.
But every good story must have its ending. Laughter came from the front of the office, reminding us of our roles again. The manager, and his underling.
A deep breath exhaled beside me. I looked, and he glanced with a wry smile. Seems like he realized it too. The gentle smile I have always loved was now etched with a melancholy so deep it felt like a physical ache in my own chest.
“....” he said, my name, a soft stolen secret on his lips.
My hand squeezed him. I wanted to reply, ‘I love you.’ But you knew that already, didn't you?
So I whispered, “It's alright.” Whether for him, or for myself. Before I could mulled over it, His thumb brushed one last, searing arc across my knuckles before gently loosening his hand.
My eyes followed it, and one by one, my finger did. Three.. two.. and nothing. Nothing ties me to him anymore. It felt like my heart stopped beating. Lurched from its own casket.
He closed his eyes for a heartbeat, his face a mask of pained resolve, before turning toward the building's entrance.
The professional distance settled over him like a cloak. He became the manager again, and I the obedient staff, trailing a few respectful steps behind as we crossed the threshold. Even as my heart screams he's mine. I love him.
He glanced behind, once.
“Come.” He mouthed silently with a gentle smile, waiting for me before the door he held.
It's as if we're both naughty teenagers again, going back after doing something scandalous together. Indulging in our secret, away from the prying eyes of the adults.
I smiled. And stepped forward.
It's alright like this. Our gaze will keep finding each other, and in the shadowed hallway, my hands will always find him.