We're in the middle of a meeting.
Kevin's at the front, presenting the sales report while the rest of us sit around the table, eyes on the projector. Beside me, Ben leans forward slightly, sleeves rolled to his elbows, forearms resting on the table.
His veins are visible—subtle but defined—each time he moves to write something down.
I try not to look, but my eyes betray me.
I stare at the back of his neck instead. He has a small mole there, just below his hairline.
Weird how I've never noticed it before.
He's still annoying—still finds ways to mock me at every turn—but sometimes, I think he actually cares. And I hate that I'm starting to notice these little things about him.
"Okay, everyone," Kevin says, clapping his hands. "Great job. Sales are up, and the CEO wants to treat us to dinner tonight."
The room breaks into applause. I blink, snapping back to the moment.
Ben leans toward me just slightly, voice low. "Were you staring at me just now?"
My face heats. "I wasn't."
He smirks, barely looking at me. "Sure."
I glance down at his forearm again, then quickly away.
This is getting dangerous. I slap my head lightly, hoping it'll knock some sense into me.
_________________________________________________
The restaurant is buzzing. Plates of grilled meat, seafood, and endless bottles of soju and beer clutter the table. Laughter echoes around the room. Everyone's celebrating.
"Mr. Diaz, give us a speech!" someone from another department yells over the noise.
A chorus of voices joins in. "Speech! Speech!"
Mr. Diaz, the CEO, rises from his seat with a proud smile, lifting his glass.
"Alright, alright." He pauses as the table quiets down.
"Let's celebrate the success of this month. We've outdone ourselves—surpassing the last few months by a mile. It's all thanks to your hard work and commitment. So tonight, let's eat, drink, and enjoy! Cheers, everyone!"
"CHEERS!" we shout, lifting our glasses and knocking them together before drinking in one shot.
The soju burns on its way down. I blink, lightheaded.
I lean toward Jella. "I need to go to the restroom," I whisper.
"Hmm? Okayyy," she replies, her head swaying slightly.
I stand, the room tilting just a little too much. I know I'm drunk.
And even in this haze, I feel eyes on me—Kevin. Ben. Maybe even Jack.
I head to the restroom anyway.
I wash my face with cold water. I stare into the mirror, cheeks flushed, eyes glassy.
Get it together, Mia.
When I step out, I nearly stumble.
Someone's waiting.
Leaning against the wall in a sleek black suit, arms crossed and posture calm.
It's Kevin.
His eyes find mine the moment I emerge. Then, he walks toward me, slow and certain.
"You're drunk," he says, voice low and steady.
I blink at him, trying to hold my composure. "I'm not." But even I can hear the wobble in my voice.
"How are you going home in that state?" he asks, brows drawn slightly together.
"I can manage myself," I mumble, slipping past him before I say something I'll regret.
I make my way back to my seat beside Jella, not looking back.
But I can still feel him watching me.
Jella and I ended up drinking more than we should've. The world is starting to spin, and now we're just sitting there, quietly swaying in our seats.
Jay walks over and crouches beside Jella.
"Come on, let's go. You're already drunk," he says gently.
But Jella protests loudly, her voice rising over the music.
"No! I don't want to leave Mia here alone!"
Heads turn. A few coworkers glance our way.
From across the room, I see Jack making his way toward me. He kneels beside my chair, his hand brushing over my hair.
"Mia, let's go. I'll take you home," he says, voice warm and steady.
"Jack!" I smile, instantly comforted.
"Yes, it's me," he chuckles softly, lifting my arm over his shoulder and supporting me by the waist.
"What would I do without you?" I mumble as he helps me up.
"You're always rescuing me. You know I love you…"
He stops for a second.
"…my friend," I finish, the words tumbling out sleepily.
He doesn't say anything, but the silence feels heavy—like he stopped breathing for a second.
Just as we're about to leave, Kevin steps into our path.
"Secretary Dizon, can you please escort the CEO home?" he asks, tone sharp, eyes locked on Jack.
Jack hesitates. "What about Mia?"
Kevin doesn't miss a beat. "I'll take care of her."
He reaches toward me. His face is suddenly too close, his hands too confident.
Startled, I flinch and push him away—more from instinct than strength.
I fall back onto the seat behind me.
"AHH!"
"Are you okay?" Kevin says, reaching again.
But before he can touch me, Ben appears.
"I'll take her," he says firmly, voice cutting through the noise.
He doesn't wait for a response. He grips my arm with just the right amount of care and lifts me onto his back smoothly.
Everyone goes quiet.
Ben doesn't flinch, doesn't glance back. He just walks forward—steady, silent.
And even in my haze, I know Kevin is still watching us as we leave.