Everything was going fine so far. Well, other than my rant of anger to my boss who was suddenly went mute through the rest of the meeting. He also stopped staring at me, I guess, because I didn’t feel uncomfortable or the familiar heat that was before haunting at the back of my head.

Did I overreacted by scolding him? No, I did not. He deserved that kind of attitude since he’s way worse than that. So I shouldn’t be sorry about it. That grown man needs to be reminded how to be fellow humans once in awhile so that he’ll be more down to earth next time.

Yes, he’s good looking, rich, powerful and everything that men wished to be but he also have to remember that it’s not always about him. Everyone have their limits. He needs to watch for the line. Once he crossed it, people won’t respect him anymore. He’ll be no more than evil boss everyone’s been hating.

I didn’t hate him, a little maybe, but what I’m saying is that at least be considerate to me. It’s not like my fault entirely. It’s not like I’m late intentionally. I did my best and he’s nagging about it regardless knowing what I’ve been through for him. I’m upset that he’s not thankful for it.

I just hope he’s not sulking about it though. Like hell I’ll be coaxing him or apologize to him. It’s not my fault and I’m not taking it back.

“Good job everyone for today’s work. I hope what we’ve been discussing today more or less helped Highden’s report to a good start. I have high hope for an excellent report this month.”

Mr Collen’s deep voice interrupted my thoughts. The meeting is over and I’m still here pretending to jot something down. I looked down at the notebook full of writings but I had to admit it’s messy and terrible.

There’s so much words canceled, disordered points and random marks everywhere. It’s a total chaotic notes I got here. I noticed that everyone’s been using a short-form for certain words which I’m not familiar with so I just mark it at the bottom of the page with question mark on it. I collected quite a lot actually. Guess, that’s what makes it an eye sore to its reader.

“That’s it for today. You are dismiss.” Mr Collen said then averted his eyes to me.

Snap!

Oh my god. I forgot this notebook is not mine. He’s going to see all the horrible writings and I’m 100 percent sure he’ll made fun of it. I have to do something before he finds out.

Everyone was packing their stuff and some of them already left, exchanging goodbyes before heading out. I need to get out. I’ll put it somewhere near him since now he’s talking with another male employee about something, pretty much occupied at the moment. This is my chance.

I carefully slide the book with the pen on top and slide slowly towards Mr Collen. That’s enough. I grabbed my coat at the back of the seat an-

“Stay with me for a moment.”

No, no. He’s talking with the other guy. I’ll pretend not to hear it and slowly stride outside, hopefully he didn’t see me. Not sparing a glance toward him, quick move to grab my coat.

“Puff. I’m talking to you.”

I stopped on my track and finally turned to him. The employee is long gone with no trace, he must have dismissed him right after I gave him his book. The man was standing with all his glory with his hands in pocket.

Now that we’re standing face to face, eye to eye, I just noticed how tall he is compared to me. How build his body is under those three piece suit with that gesture. How intimidating he looks when he wants to be.

That is exactly how he presented himself in front of me. I’m not gonna lie that I almost chicken out and say sorry to him for all I did wrong. But no, I acted tough just so he know I’m not an easy target to get played.

I looked up at him, “What is it, sir? Any problem?” I said, straightforward. Silently hoping everything’s going smoothly so I can go home. I had enough of his tricks.

“No. But you are.” he simply said.

“What did I do wrong this time, sir?”

“Everything.”

I can’t take it no more. “What do you mean ‘Everything’?” I said, finally dropping the formality of employer-employee. CEO-low rank intern relationship to be precise.

“Hm, let me see.” Now crossing his arms across his muscly chest. I didn’t know his biceps can get any bulkier but he prove me wrong.

“You’re late for an hour and a half to office this morning, you made us delayed our meeting just because you’re incapable of doing a simple task and spend almost an hour to buy a drink. Most importantly, you didn’t wear a tie and where’s your ID card?”

I looked down to my shirt. Oh yeah, I forgot about that.

“Your appearance doesn’t do the justice for Crowdest that known for its excellent attire. You can wear that colorful suits of yours but tie and ID card is a must here. You’re lucky I didn’t call the security.”

“And why is that?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because you didn’t have any ID card to Crowdest. You might be a thief trying to rob us.”

“What game are you playing now?”

“This is no game, puff. I’m your boss and you’re just an intern here so you should know your boundaries. You broke almost all the prime rules here in a day while being a mere trainee. You should start proving your worth than being a pure liability to us.” he pause.

“Or maybe you admit that you’re an incompetent person.” He smirk before swiftly grabbed a few of his stuff from the table and headed to the exit.

As he walked passed me, I stopped him with my hands on his chest and looked up, staring in his brown eyes. His sly face before was replaced with a shock one. I’m not going to let him go just like that after taunting me about things that half of it are not my fault.

“I would like to correct you, Mr Collen. I must admit that I’m wrong for my attire especially today and maybe you should prepare security down at the lobby in case I’m gonna make a run for it after stealing your pen in a moment. But I don’t know what your problem is about me. I did my best to satisfy you in any way but for some reason, I always failed to do so and you seem to find it very entertaining to see me struggling my way out.”

He opened his mouth to protest but I shut him up with my index finger pressed to his lips. “I’m not done talking, Mr Collen. If you’re seeking for apology, I’m telling you in advance, you’re not gonna get it. I won’t apologize for something I didn’t do. Except if you’re my mom which you clearly not. You can almost be my daddy if you’re nice. I mean- why did I said that? That came out so wrong. I didn’t mean it that way.”

The same smirk landed on his face. He went and took a hold of my hand that was pressed on his lips, moving it away just enough for him to say, “Wise choice of word, puff. It’s a good speech though. Are you drunk?”

Everything happened last night came flashing through my head. I was blushing so hard, I think my head would explode any moment now. How did this fucker know?

My head started to spin as I noticed that our faces was inches close to each other, his breath hitting my face in a stable pace while I’m on the other hand was practically hyperventilating.

I pushed him away before grabbing my coat and storm out the door. I need a fresh air immediately. I can’t be closer to him any longer than that.

***

It’s already dark when I got to my home sweet home. I need to get rid of his trace immediately. I went straight to the laundry room and start unbuttoning my clothes. I’ll never use it again in a meantime.

Left with only in boxer, I checked around me for anything that I forgot to put in the washing machine and found none. But then, I remembered I left the coat at the entrance. I face palmed myself, it’s the most significant piece of the whole disaster suit. How can I forgot about it?

I went and take it then back to laundry room. Took a smell on it for the last time, it smells like him. But why? I mean we did get close to each other for a certain time but why did it smell so strong? Did he rubbed against it while I’m gone?

Searching for the pockets and I found a small ripped paper in the breast pocket. Got a hold on it, taking it out. I tried smelling it. So this is the source of his scent. Wasted no time to open it.

Come to my office tomorrow at 8. Don’t go drinking or you’ll be late.

- D.C

I crumpled the paper in my hand. He knows.