Chak just looked at me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, coldly, he said,
"Go back to work. We're meeting at the car at 5 p.m."
"What about lunch?" I asked cautiously.
"Go wherever you want for lunch."
I nodded and quietly left his office. That wall between us again. That same coldness.
I bent over the reports and tried to focus on work.
---1 hour later---
Non turned to me. "Wanna grab lunch?"
"Let's go," I nodded and stood up.
The restaurant near the office was packed, but it had a cozy, lively atmosphere. We had barely stepped inside when a familiar voice called out.
"Non! Niran! Over here!"
Amara was waving from a table where she sat with Pim. I glanced at Non, and we headed over.
I sat across from Pim, who was excitedly telling a story about how one of the suppliers brought her flowers. Non teased her, Amara laughed, and I… I was there, but not really.
I watched them relaxed faces, genuine laughter. And I thought of him.
Then Amara suddenly asked,
"Do you ever wonder what Chak is like at home?"
Pim chimed in, "I bet he's cold and alone. No one could live with someone like that."
Non smirked. "Or maybe he's secretly this sweet, soft guy when no one's looking. Totally different from the boss version of him."
Then Pim looked at me. "What do you think, Niran?"
I wanted to say: Chak is completely different at home. His warmth isn't for everyone. It's hidden, rare but it's there. Only I've seen it.
But instead, I said, "I think he's cold, arrogant… and very much into himself."
"Good point," Amara laughed.
When we finished lunch, we walked back to the office together.
As we approached the elevator, Pim leaned in and whispered, "The boss is in a terrible mood today. I didn't even dare to say hello—he's snapping at everything."
I smiled a little, trying to ease her nerves. "Maybe it's just a rough day."
Non subtly gestured with his eyes upward. Pim straightened immediately. I didn't understand at first.
The elevator doors opened.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Chak," Non and Pim said almost in unison.
I froze. He was standing there. Without a word, without expression, he stepped into the elevator. We all followed. Silence. The air was tense—but not unpleasant. Not for me. I stood next to him.
We stood side by side.
And then I felt… his touch.
His hand searched for mine. His fingers brushed against mine. Quiet. Hidden. Like a breath.
My heart stopped.
No one noticed. Non and Pim stared straight ahead, wrapped in their own thoughts.
But me… I was completely in that moment.
His fingers wrapped around mine gently but firmly. A warmth that shattered all the walls he'd built today. All the cold looks. All the orders.
It was just the two of us.
Before the elevator stopped, he let go of my hand.
The doors opened.
We stepped out.
As I turned to head back to my desk, I heard his voice.
"Niran."
I turned.
"Bring me a black coffee."
I nodded. "Right away."
And I went.
But each step felt lighter. Each heartbeat warmer.
I carried the coffee carefully, the cup warm between my hands. I walked through the quiet hallway, past curious glances and whispered conversations. My steps echoed softly as I approached his office door.
I knocked.
"Come in," came his voice—cold and composed, as always.
I entered and gently placed the coffee on his desk. "Here's your coffee, sir."
He didn't respond immediately. He picked up the cup, took a slow sip, then finally looked up at me.
"Close the door."
My heart skipped a beat.
I turned and closed it behind me.
"Sit," he said, nodding toward the chair across from him.
I sat down slowly, feeling like a student about to be scolded.
But instead of talking business, he leaned back and watched me.
His fingers curled around the warm coffee cup, eyes steady on mine.
"What did you eat for lunch?" he asked, his voice calm but deliberate.
I blinked. "Um… rice with chicken. Non and I went out. We ran into Amara and Pim."
He gave a small nod.
"Where did you go?"
"Corner Thai. The one near the pharmacy."
He took another sip. "Did you eat enough?"
I looked at him, surprised by the concern hidden beneath his even tone. "Yeah. I did."
A short pause.
"Did you talk about work?"
"A little," I said. "And some nonsense."
Another pause. He seemed to be calculating something.
"Good," he finally said, setting the cup down. "Make sure you don't skip meals."
I hesitated, then decided to ask the question that had been heavy on my mind since the elevator.
"Chak…"
His eyes met mine again.
"In the elevator… why did you hold my hand?"
The silence that followed was short, but heavy. He didn't look away. He didn't flinch.
"I wanted to know if you were okay," he said simply.
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "And when you're upset… do you always push people away like that? Or is it just me?"
His expression shifted slightly—barely noticeable, but it was there. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping gently on the cup.
"I don't push people away," he said quietly. "I just keep distance where it's needed."
I swallowed, trying to understand. "And where do I fit into that distance?"
He looked at me for a moment longer, his gaze unreadable.
"You fit where I need you to," he said, his voice low but firm.
I nodded slowly, feeling a strange mix of warmth and uncertainty.
"Where were you eating lunch—and with who?" I asked, changing the topic to lighten the mood.
He looked at me and slowly answered,
"I had lunch at ThaLux with Kit. We had an amazing view of the entire city. And the food was incredible."
My chest tightened. ThaLux—one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city.
"That's all?" I asked, barely above a whisper.
His gaze softened, just for a moment.
"For now," he replied.
And somehow… that for now meant everything.
Suddenly, he stood and walked around the desk until he was standing right in front of me. Close. Too close. He reached out and gently brushed the hair from my forehead.
"Go back to work," he said softly.