...
Chak reacted instantly his arm shot out and pulled me back with surprising force, just as the cyclist zoomed past, missing me by inches. I stumbled into his chest, my hand still clenched around the little heart-shaped stone.
"Are you okay?" he asked, holding me steady, his voice low but edged with concern.
"Yeah… yeah, I think so," I breathed, my heart pounding. "That was close."
Chak gently pulled me into his arms again. I didn't resist. For a moment, everything else disappeared the noise of the street, the rushing people, the near-accident. It was just the warmth of his body, the strength of his arms, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek.
I felt safe.
Like nothing could touch me as long as I was here.
Chak reached down and took my hand, his fingers firm and grounding.
"Calm down," he said softly, looking straight into my eyes. "You're okay now."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.
"Let's go," I whispered.
As we crossed the street and approached the LF Lab building, I slipped the little stone into my pocket. My fingers brushed over its smooth, curved edges. It wasn't just a rock it felt like a quiet, secret memory sealed in my hand.
When I see the LF Lab, the sheer size of the building stunned me. It was massive—sleek lines, tinted glass, and a kind of professional coldness that made me feel out of place immediately. As we walked through the lobby, people greeted Chak respectfully. Their eyes shifted to me with curious glances. I suddenly became very aware of every step I took.
When we entered the elevator, I stood silently beside Chak. As the floors ticked upward, I slid my hand into my pocket and pulled the stone out just enough to look at it. It really was shaped like a heart.
I'll show it to him tonight,
I thought, curling my fingers back around it.
Maybe it'll mean something.
"We'll stop by Kit's office first," Chak said.
Kit's office was on the 13th floor. When we reached the door, I raised my hand to knock, but Chak pushed it open without hesitation.
We stepped inside and froze.
Taeng was sitting on Kit's lap. Both were laughing, faces inches apart, gazing at each other. It looked like they were just about to kiss.
Chak cleared his throat.
Taeng leapt up like he'd been electrocuted, cheeks flushed. Kit remained cool, barely fazed, offering a lazy smile.
Taeng opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
Chak slid his hands into his pockets.
"Office romance? How interesting."
"No! It's not what it looks like!" Taeng blurted out. "Kit had something in his eye. I was helping him get it out!"
"Oh really? By nearly kissing him?" I said with a teasing grin, though deep down, I was genuinely curious what was really going on between them.
Taeng and Kit exchanged a quick glance—then laughed.
"You must be the new secretary," Taeng said, raising a brow at me. "Interesting."
"How do you know that?" I asked, slightly startled.
Taeng glanced at Kit.
"You too?" I turned toward Kit.
"Of course," Kit said, smirking. "It was actually my idea. I told Chak he should make you his secretary for a week."
I looked over at Chak, who gave me a small, quiet smile. I smiled him back.
"Let's head to the meeting room," Kit said, grabbing some documents. I watched him stand and subtly take Taeng's hand for a second before letting go as we stepped out. Taeng simply nodded and walked off.
Chak, Kit, and I made our way to the meeting room.
The room was encased in glass, bright and modern, with a long white table surrounded by colorful, cushioned chairs. I picked the yellow one. Chak sat across from me while Kit took the head of the table. I pulled out my folder and pencil from my backpack and opened it.
Kit handed me a stack of papers.
"Remember these out as accurately as possible. They're important," he said.
"These are the new products we're launching in a few days."
Just then, the door opened.
A man step in.
He had a confident, easy stride and looked more like someone arriving from a fashion shoot than a corporate meeting. His dark brown hair was tied into a loose man bun at the back of his head, with a few rebellious strands falling around his temples.
He wore a fitted black polo shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up, revealing toned forearms and a leather bracelet on his wrist. His brown athletic-style pants and clean white sneakers gave him a modern, laid-back vibe relaxed, yet intentional. Around his neck, a simple silver chain glinted under the light.
His skin was warm tan, and his eyes were a deep, steady brown that seemed to observe everything quietly.
Chak stood up and immediately hugged him. The man patted Chak's shoulder with familiarity and affection. Then he turned to Kit and hugged him as well, though more formally.
When he came to me, I stood up and extended my hand.
"Niran," I said.
"Vikran," he replied with a warm smile.
He sat next to Chak.
"Niran is my new secretary," Chak said, still smiling.
"Where's Pim?" Vikran asked.
"I told her to take a few days off," Chak replied.
As we began reviewing the documents, I couldn't ignore the easy, natural rhythm between Chak and Vikran. They exchanged inside jokes with a glance. Their energy was familiar, comfortable. Too comfortable.
I tried to focus on the papers, but my eyes kept drifting toward them.
Then Chak reached for a pen.
Before I could offer mine, Vikran smoothly pulled out a sleek black one and handed it over without a word. Chak nodded in appreciation, their eyes meeting for a second too long. I clenched my jaw.
I shouldn't be jealous. It's stupid. But I was. I didn't even know where I stood with Chak, and here was this man handsome, confident, clearly close to him doing everything right. Effortlessly.
The door opened again, and Taeng walked in with a tray of desserts.
"Fresh from the kitchen," he announced, grinning as he placed them on the table.
We began tasting. Each of us closed our eyes for a few seconds, as if trying to understand each flavor through pure feeling.
Chak was the first to comment. I looked up and noticed a smudge of chocolate near the corner of his lips.
Before I could say anything, Vikran leaned in and gently wiped the chocolate away with a napkin.
That did it.
I squeezed my pencil a bit too hard snap.
Everyone turned to look at me.
"Sorry," I muttered, gathering the broken pieces. My face burned.
Kit chuckled. "Relax, Niran. No need to get so worked up."
I nodded, smiling weakly, but inside… my thoughts were spinning.
Why am I like this? It was just chocolate. Just a napkin. But still… it felt like too much. Like he was touching something that wasn't his to touch. Chak is mine only mine and I don't want him to be too close with Chak.
But the real question was:
Was Chak even mine?