In class, the atmosphere was chaotic, with students laughing, chatting, and texting. But Vicky, seated by the window, was oblivious to the commotion, lost in her own world as she listened to music through her earbuds.
Brian, who had been watching her, got up and walked over. When she turned and saw him, she quickly looked away. He sat down beside her, and just then, the teacher walked in.
"Hello, students! We have an exciting announcement to make. We're going on a school trip tomorrow, and we need to divide you into teams for some friendly competitions."
The class erupted into cheers and applause. When the teacher left, Vicky got up and walked out of the classroom.
"Vicky, I need to see you after class," the teacher said.
Vicky nodded and waited. She went to the office a few minutes later. The teacher asked her about her parents, and Vicky explained that she didn't have any. The teacher seemed taken aback.
"Don't worry, we'll figure something out," the teacher said. "But for now, let's focus on the upcoming event. We need to assign a parent or guardian to each student."
Brian, who had been waiting outside, overheard the conversation. When Vicky came out, he approached her.
"Hey, Vicky, I couldn't help but overhear. If you don't have parents, I can ask my parents or sister to stand in for you."
But Vicky was having none of it. "I don't need your help," she said bluntly. "And please, stop eavesdropping on my conversations. Just leave me alone."
Brian looked taken aback, but Vicky just turned and walked away.
---
Boss's Mysterious Request
As I walked into the office, the alarm on my phone pierced the air. I hastily silenced it, my heart racing with anticipation. The voice on the other end was familiar—my boss's secretary.
"Bring the boss's dinner now," she instructed, her tone firm but polite.
I sprang into action, quickly collecting the food from the basket. The aroma of grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and buttered corn made my stomach growl with hunger. I knocked on the boss's door, and his deep voice told me to come in.
As I set the food down, he gestured for me to open the container. I lifted the lid, revealing the perfectly arranged meal. But to my surprise, he handed me a fork.
"Why is he doing this?" I wondered, confused. Was he testing me? Did he want me to feed him?
I took the fork, feeling nervous. As I began to feed him, his eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
But suddenly, he stopped me. "Bring another fork," he said, his voice firm but distant.
I quickly complied, my heart pounding. As I handed him the new fork, our fingers touched, and a jolt of electricity shot through me.
I watched, mesmerized, as he began to eat, his movements smooth and calculated. The soft clink of the fork against the plate echoed in the silence. I couldn't stop staring—his Adam's apple moving with every swallow made my heart skip.
As we sat in the thick tension, I couldn't help but wonder: did he still want me? Or was I just a passing interest?
But as the silence dragged on, unease crept in. What did he want from me? Why was he being so distant?
Does he not want anything from me anymore? His lips are tempting me again. I wish I could get lost in his arms, rest my head on his chest, kiss him, and feel him again. But what if he thinks I'm cheap?
What if he says he doesn't want anything to do with me—and tells me I shouldn't bring it up? What if he fires me? Should I forget it or speak now?
I finally broke the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. "Do you still want me?" I asked, heart pounding.
My boss's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something—emotion. But it vanished, replaced by his usual cold expression.
"Uhm," he said, his voice low and husky. "I don't know what I want anymore."
My heart sank, as if I'd been punched. But in his eyes, there was something… something that gave me hope.
Maybe we should forget everything—maybe we don't even like each other. But what I want is his kiss, his warm hug, the comfort I feel in his presence.
"I'm sorry for kissing you."
"You can't be sorry. How could you be sorry when I can't stop thinking about it? I haven't even eaten because of it."
"You can't be sorry for kissing me."
"Uhm," he muttered, and I quickly covered my mouth with my hand. What did I just say?
"Since you lost interest in women, I'm going to make you gain it back."
"Uhm."
"Yes—you kissed me. You're going to be the only one who kisses me for the rest of my life. And because of that, I'll make you date me," I said, as his face turned a little red.
"You kissed me first, and I responded. So how are you going to make me date you when I've lost interest in women and we don't even live together?"
"Then why did you respond to the kiss? And I can do it—I can make you fall in love with me."
"Uhm," he scoffed. "Okay. So you'd do anything just to make me like you?"
Like? Did I say like? All I want is for you to date me. "Come to my house tonight," he said just as I started coughing.
"Come to your house?" I repeated. A part of me wanted to go, but the other half wasn't so sure. "Isn't that a little too soon?"
"You'd do anything, right? So it's not," he replied.
His phone suddenly rang. He ignored it at first, but it kept buzzing over and over.
Maybe that was the girl who made him lose interest in women. "Why don't you answer your phone? I can give you some space."
"Leave."
His expression shifted—gone was Cody, and in his place was the cold, emotionless Boss. I bowed my head and left, smirking but also wondering.