By the time I reached my desk, I was already smiling again.
I tried to hide it.
But I failed.
Completely.
Pim noticed immediately.
"Okay," she muttered under her breath, leaning slightly closer, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Show me what you have."
I glanced around quickly.
Everyone seemed busy.
No one was paying attention.
Good.
Slowly, I opened the folder just enough, angling it toward her so only she could see.
Her eyes dropped to the page—
to the list—
to the heart—
and then
to the signature.
She froze.
Actually froze.
Her head snapped up to look at me, eyes wide in disbelief.
"You didn't," she whispered.
I didn't say anything.
I just tilted the paper slightly so she could see the signature more clearly.
Chak's signature.
Clear.
Undeniable.
Her mouth fell open slightly as she looked back at me.
"No way," she breathed.
I raised an eyebrow, a small, smug smile forming on my lips.
"Told you," I said quietly.
For a second, she just stared at me—
and then—
she let out a quiet, shocked laugh, quickly covering her mouth with her hand.
"You're insane," she whispered, shaking her head.
"And he signed it?!"
I couldn't help it.
I started laughing too, leaning back slightly in my chair as I closed the folder again.
"Apparently," I said.
We both tried to stay quiet—
failed again.
The laughter came out in soft bursts, barely contained, the kind that made it even harder to stop.
Then my phone vibrated.
I glanced down.
A message.
From Chak.
Of course.
I opened it.
Maybe you've become my Little CEO… Little caty.
I stared at the screen for a second.
Then smiled.
Slow.
Soft.
Mine.
My fingers moved without hesitation as I typed back—
Only yours.
I hit send.
And just like that—
the smile didn't leave my face.
My phone vibrated again.
I didn't even need to look at the name.
When you're done with work, go home. I'll come by later tonight.
A slow smile spread across my face as I read it.
I typed back without hesitation—
Don't forget the contract. I'll be checking.
I hit send, then placed my phone down, leaning back slightly in my chair before forcing myself to focus again.
Work didn't stop just because my thoughts kept drifting back to him.
So I worked.
Or at least—I tried to.
Time passed faster than I expected, the office gradually shifting as the day came to an end. One by one, people started packing up, shutting down their computers, grabbing their bags, voices growing lighter as they talked about plans, dinner, going home.
Eventually, most of them were gone.
Then almost all.
Until—
it was quiet.
I waited a little longer, just to be sure.
Then I stood.
Walked toward his office.
And this time—
I didn't knock.
I opened the door and stepped inside like I belonged there.
Because I did.
Chak looked up immediately from his desk, his expression unreadable at first, though his eyes flickered with something the moment he saw me.
I didn't say anything.
I simply walked over—
and sat on his desk.
Crossing my legs slowly, deliberately.
His gaze followed every movement.
"Do you need something?" he asked, his tone calm, controlled.
I reached toward the small tray beside him, picking up a slice of mango between my fingers.
"Hm," I murmured, as if thinking.
Then I looked at him.
"This."
Without breaking eye contact, I brought the mango to my lips, biting into half of it slowly—
then leaned forward.
Closing the distance between us.
Close enough for him to understand.
Close enough for him to decide.
He didn't hesitate.
He leaned in and took the remaining half from my fingers with his mouth, the movement controlled, deliberate—his gaze never leaving mine.
A quiet breath left me.
The air shifted instantly.
Chak stood up.
Stepping closer.
His hand found my waist, firm, steady, pulling me just slightly toward him.
"Today," he said quietly, his voice lower now, "you're a little too flirty, artist."
I tilted my head, a small pout forming as I looked at him.
"How can I not be," I murmured softly, "when you're going to spend the whole evening with your wife…"
A pause.
"And not with me."
I let my expression soften just enough, letting a hint of something more vulnerable show through.
"Do you know how much I'll miss you?"
For a brief second—
his expression changed.
His hand lifted, fingers brushing gently along my cheek, the touch softer than anything he had done all day.
"I know where my home is," he said quietly.
His gaze held mine.
"It's where you are."
Something in my chest tightened.
"And don't worry, artist," he added, his voice just as steady, just as certain. "I'll come to you soon."
A small pause.
"And when I do…"
His hand at my waist tightened just slightly.
"I won't let you go."
A slow smile spread across my lips.
"Then you better follow the contract," I said lightly.
My fingers moved almost without thinking, tracing slowly over his chest, over the fabric of his shirt, feeling the firm lines beneath it.
"Your shirt stays fully buttoned," I added, my voice softer now. "I don't want anyone looking at what's under it."
My touch lingered just a second longer.
Then I looked back up at him—
still smiling.
For a moment after the kiss, neither of us spoke.
His hand was still at my waist, his forehead almost touching mine, his breath slightly uneven—just enough to give him away.
Then, quietly—
almost like it slipped out—
"I love you too much," Chak said.
The words weren't loud.
But they landed deeper than anything else.
I looked at him, something soft settling in my chest before I shifted the moment slightly, tilting my head.
"So," I said lightly, "what kind of bracelet did you buy for Phalin?"
Something in his expression changed—subtle, controlled—but he didn't avoid the question.
Instead, he stepped away from me and walked toward his desk.
He opened one of the drawers and took out a small box.
Turning back, he stepped closer again and opened it in front of me.
I looked down—
and for a second, I said nothing.
The bracelet inside was elegant, delicate, clearly expensive without needing to prove it.
"It must have been expensive," I said quietly.
Chak closed the box with a soft click.
"I'll buy you one too."
I shook my head immediately.
"No," I said, my voice firm but gentle. "I won't accept it."
He looked at me.
"I don't want you spending money on me like that," I added. "Not for something this expensive."
For a moment, he just watched me—
and then a small smile appeared on his lips.
"I knew that's what you'd say.
Without another word, he turned back to the desk, opening a different drawer this time and pulling out a dark blue folder.
He held it out toward me.
"Then I have something else for you," he said. "My contract."
I raised an eyebrow slightly before taking it from him, opening it.
As my eyes moved over the page—
a smile slowly formed on my lips.
Clause 1:A kiss anytime, anywhere.
Clause 2: Every day when I start work—a kiss on the cheek.
Clause 3: Our time together.
I let out a quiet breath, shaking my head slightly in disbelief, but the smile didn't leave.
Without hesitation, I reached for a pen from his desk.
And signed it.
Chak stepped closer again, stopping right in front of me.
"I never imagined," he said quietly, his voice deeper now, more serious, "that I could love someone as much as I love you."
His gaze didn't leave mine.
"Don't forget," he added softly, "you're my happiness."
And then—
he kissed me again.
This time stronger.
Deeper.
Like everything he hadn't said was poured into it all at once.
Time slipped.
Completely.
The world outside that office disappeared until there was nothing but him, his hands, his presence, the way he held me like letting go wasn't an option.
When we finally pulled back, both of us slightly breathless, I slid off the desk slowly, my hand brushing lightly against his arm.
"We'll continue this at home," I said softly.
A small smile.
"But for now—I need to pack."
He looked at me.
"For both of us," I added. "We're going to Slovenia, remember?"
I leaned in and kissed him lightly once more—short, soft, just enough to linger.
Then I turned to leave—
but before I could take a full step, his arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me back against him.
"I don't know how I'm supposed to survive that dinner without you," he murmured quietly.
I smiled, turning my head slightly.
"I'll call you," I said.
A small pause.
"And you better answer."
I glanced at him over my shoulder, a teasing spark in my eyes.
"Chaky."
Then, before he could respond—
I slipped out of his hold and walked out of the office.
I packed my things quietly, without distractions this time.
No lingering.
No looking back.
Just my bag, my laptop, the last few papers neatly stacked before I slipped them inside and zipped it closed.
The office was almost completely empty now, the lights dimmer, the usual noise replaced by a calm, distant silence.
I stood up, took one last glance around—
and left.
---
The evening air was cooler than before, carrying that soft end-of-day stillness as I walked toward the bus stop, my thoughts moving slower now, settling after everything that had happened.
Or at least—
trying to.
I stopped at the bus station, shifting my bag slightly on my shoulder as I waited, my gaze drifting absentmindedly across the street.
Then—
a black car pulled up in front of me.
I frowned slightly.
The window rolled down.
"Get in."
Rattan.
I exhaled a small breath before walking over and opening the door, sliding into the seat.
"Chak sent you?" I asked.
Rattan nodded, already pulling back onto the road.
"He told me to take you home."
A faint smile touched my lips.
Of course he did.
For a moment, the ride stayed quiet, the city lights passing by outside the window in soft blurs.
Then I glanced at him.
"So," I said casually, "how are things with Noon?"
Rattan's expression shifted—just slightly, but enough.
"We started dating," he said simply.
That made me smile properly this time.
"Really?" I turned a bit more toward him. "I'm happy for you."
He gave a small nod, his focus still on the road, but there was something lighter in his tone now.
"Thanks."
The rest of the drive passed comfortably, the silence no longer empty but easy.
When we finally pulled up in front of my place, I reached for the door before pausing.
"Thanks, Rattan," I said sincerely.
He nodded once.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
I stepped out, closing the door behind me as the car drove off, disappearing into the quiet street.
---
The moment I stepped inside—
I barely had time to put my bag down before I was no longer alone.
"Hey—"
Sun was the first to reach me, followed immediately by Leo and Nun, all three of them circling around my legs, their soft sounds filling the space as they demanded attention.
I laughed quietly, crouching down.
"Okay, okay… I missed you too."
I reached out, running my fingers through their fur one by one, giving each of them the attention they clearly believed they deserved the most.
Sun nudged closer.
Leo pushed in right after.
Nun, not to be left out, climbed halfway into my lap.
"Greedy," I murmured softly, smiling as I continued petting them.
For a moment—
everything felt simple again.
Warm.
Safe.
Then my gaze drifted toward the clock.
I stilled slightly.
Chak was at dinner now.
With Phalin.
The thought settled quietly in my chest—not sharp, not overwhelming, but there.
Present.
I exhaled slowly before standing up.
"Come on," I said softly.
They followed immediately.
Of course they did.
I walked toward the bedroom, the soft sound of their steps trailing behind me as I set my bag down and pulled out a suitcase.
The zipper echoed quietly in the room as I opened it, placing it on the bed.
Clothes.
Simple things again.
But this time—
for both of us.
I started packing slowly, carefully folding each piece, my movements steady even as my thoughts drifted again.
To tonight.
To when he would come.
To everything waiting just a few hours ahead.