When the elevator doors closed, I stole a glance at Chak. At that exact moment, he ran his fingers through his hair—a confident, effortless motion that made me look away before I stared for too long. I wasn't sure how many seconds passed, but to me, it felt like an eternity.
"Are you going on your lunch break?" he asked unexpectedly.
His voice was deep and calm, as if nothing could shake him. I swallowed hard and quickly answered, "Yes."
Chak took out his phone and started typing something. When the doors opened, he stepped out first, and I followed behind. I went to a nearby restaurant and ordered Khao Pad. As I ate, I tried not to think about Chak's eyes or the way he fixed his hair.
After lunch, I stopped by a café, grabbed a cappuccino, and headed back to the office. I was checking my messages on my phone when I walked straight into Chak.
It all happened in a split second. My coffee spilled onto his black shirt, the brown stain spreading instantly across the smooth fabric.
I froze. My heart pounded in my chest. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I stammered, reaching for a napkin, even though I knew it wouldn't help.
Chak looked at me coolly. There was no anger in his expression, but I also couldn't tell what he was thinking.
"Once you've cleaned this up," he said slowly, his tone firm, "come to my office."
I had no choice. I nodded and hurriedly wiped the floor while curious coworkers watched.
When I was done, I made my way to his office.
I knocked and carefully opened the door.
Chak stood with his back to me, his shoulders relaxed, yet his presence filled the room. Across his back was a tattoo—an eagle with its wings spread wide. My eyes lingered on it, captivated.
Then he turned around.
I quickly looked away, but it was too late.
He had caught me staring.
His dark eyes locked onto mine. He said nothing, just observed me quietly, as if studying my every reaction.
Without a word, he took a fresh white shirt and began buttoning it up—slowly, deliberately, one button at a time.
When he was done, he tossed his stained shirt directly at me. "Bring it back tomorrow—clean and ironed. If you fail, you're fired."
I nodded and turned toward the door