He returned to his desk and sat down, but his eyes remained on me. With a small nod toward the computer, he reminded me to keep working.
Minute after minute passed as I stared at the screen, unable to concentrate. Every time I heard him shift in his chair, I flinched.
The office was silent. Only the soft rustle of papers and the quiet tapping of the keyboard broke the tension-filled air between us.
"You have one more hour," he said flatly.
"One hour," I repeated, nearly in despair. I was barely halfway done.
One hour later...
He put down the documents, laced his fingers together, and looked at me.
"Did you finish?"
I swallowed. "No."
"You'll be punished," he said calmly.
"What kind of punishment?" I asked carefully.
Without answering, he picked up his phone and made a call. His eyes stayed on mine the entire time.
"Pim, tomorrow you'll come in just to hand your work over to Niran. He'll be your replacement for one week. After that, take a week off," he said.
I heard Pim on the other end: "Seriously, boss? You think he'll survive?"
"If he doesn't, there will be consequences," he said dryly and hung up.
"Chak… please. I don't want to be your secretary…"
"And one more thing," he added, setting down the phone. "You're not sleeping in my room for the next three nights."
We stared at each other.
"What?! You can't Please don't do that…" I whispered.
There was a pause.
Softly, I said, "If I can't sleep in your room… then maybe you could come to mine."
His lips curled into the faintest smile. "I don't think you want me next to you.
"I always want you next to me," I whispered.
Chak said: tomorrow you'll continue with that work.
I turn off computer and documents get to my computer.
I stood and walked to my room.
I showered and changed into a colorful robe with bear . As I opened my wardrobe to grab my cotton pajamas, a knock came at the door.
I froze.
"Can I come in?" asked that familiar, deep voice.
The door opened before I could answer.
Chak stood there tall, confident. He was wearing a black silk robe that slid slightly off his shoulder. He stepped inside slowly, closed the door behind him, and looked straight into my eyes.
I couldn't breathe.
Then, with calm precision, he shrugged off the robe revealing a dark gray, luxurious set of pajamas that clung perfectly to his body.
I felt heat rush to my face. I looked away.
"I'll just… change in the bathroom," I mumbled, grabbed my pajamas, and practically ran. I almost tripped over myself.
Behind me, I heard a quiet chuckle.
When I returned, he was already in my bed, tucked under the covers, staring at my drawings unusually peaceful expression.
When he see me, he put my drawings to night table.
I lay down next to him in silence. For a few minutes, we just lay there still, the space between us humming with unspoken words.
Then I turned toward him.
"What did you and Kit talk about?"
He turned his head to meet my eyes. The coldness was gone.
"About what really matters," he said softly.
I stared at him. He didn't look away.
"I don't know what I'm doing, Niran," he continued. "But I know I don't want to lose this."
"This?" I asked, voice low.
"You. Us."
I reached out, gently touching his hand beneath the blanket. "Then don't push me away."
He gave a slight nod, and we both fell quiet again.
The next morning…
Sunlight spilled through the curtains.
I blinked my eyes open and reached out instinctively — only to find cold sheets beside me.
Chak was gone.
I sat up slowly, confusion heavy in my chest. The pillow beside me was barely touched, no warmth left.
Had I dreamt it?
Then I saw the small piece of paper on the nightstand.
I picked it up. His neat handwriting read:
Early meeting.
You talk less in the morning I like that. The breakfast bring me to company no one can see it.
Don't be late, secretary.
I smiled.
He wasn't beside me… but somehow, he never really left.
I stepped into the kitchen, still barefoot, the early light filtering through the winows. Chak's note still echoed in my mind.
I opened the fridge and pulled out some fresh fruit. Mangoes, pineapples, and a few strawberries. I peeled and sliced them with quiet concentration, arranging them neatly in a container. I added a small container of yougurt and his favourite oatmeals on the side..
I packed everything into a black bag, grabbed my phone, and headed out.
By the time I got to the company, the halls were still mostly empty. I made my way up to Chak's office and knocked twice before entering.
He was at his desk, as always. Cold, unreadable.
I walked in without saying a word and placed the bag on his desk.
He looked at it, then at me. "You brought it."
"You told me to," I replied softly.
Without a word, he stood up and walked to the small couch in the corner of the office. He sat down and gestured with his hand for me to join him.
I obeyed, sitting beside him. Close, but not too close.
He took the fruit container out, looked at it for a moment, and then picked up a slice of mango. He took a bite and paused.
"It's good," he said simply.
I turned my head toward him with a faint smile. "You're welcome."
He kept eating, silent but calm. The air between us was lighter than it had been the night before.
Then I glanced at him, a little pout forming on my lips. "You forgot something."
He raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"This morning," I said. "You didn't kiss my forehead. You always do when I wake up."
"I did," he replied, chewing another piece of mango. "You just don't remember."
I frowned. "No, you didn't."
He smirked slightly. "I kissed you while you were asleep. You even smiled."
I looked away, pretending to sulk. "Still… you should do it again. Now that I'm awake."
Without hesitation, he leaned closer and pressed a warm, slow kiss to my forehead. "There," he whispered. "So you don't doubt it."
My heart thudded. His lips lingered just long enough to leave a spark.
When he pulled back, his face was unreadable for a moment then he raised his hand and tapped his index finger against his cheek.
He was asking for a kiss in return.
I laughed softly. "Seriously?"
He didn't move. He just watched me. Calm. Expectant.
So I leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "There," I said. "For being… surprisingly kind today."
He turned his head ever so slightly, just enough to catch my eyes.
"You're my secretary now," he said coolly. "Better get used to bringing breakfast and kisses."
I smiled. "Depends how cold you act tomorrow."
He didn't reply, but the corner of his mouth twitchet almost a smile.