Natalia’s plan was simple: add her and Francesco’s manager to their conversation and share the chat history. At first, Mika was against this idea, fearing it might make him seem incapable of handling a simple conversation on his own. Even though he had just started working at Mnx, he wasn’t a total newbie.

His previous marketing experience had exposed him to all sorts of people, and dealing with them was nothing unusual for him. But Natalia reassured him, “It’s quite common to do it this way, don’t take it personally. People often change their behavior when a manager joins the conversation.”

It was also a clever way of making sure that Francesco wouldn’t overstep any boundaries and cause further problems.

Mika felt like it was a bittersweet solution, but decided to follow Natalia’s advice.

“Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?” Natalia asked, leaning back on the chair, resting her hands atop her knees.

“I’m not sure to be honest…apart from this situation, everything else seems to be fine. I like the team and the project. Nothing to complain about,” Mika added, smiling brightly.

“I see you’re getting along with Aleksandr…” she remarked after a short pause, her tone indicating curiosity.

If only she knew how well it is going outside of work, he giggled internally, hoping his face wouldn’t reveal the emotions boiling inside him.

“The reason I’m mentioning this is that it’s the first time Aleksandr has ever volunteered to become someone’s mentor. He used to mentor other people in the past, and from what I’ve heard, he was good at it. It’s just that I was surprised when he asked me to help you ramp up.”

That was something new and unexpected for Mika. “You didn’t ask him to do so?”

Natalia shook her head in denial. “No. Initially, I was thinking about Anthony since I believed you two might get along better. But when Aleksandr proposed this himself, I just couldn’t say no, although I had my doubts... You see,“ she paused, taking a moment to compose her response. “Aleksandr is a great engineer. There’s no doubt about it. But he sometimes tends to be a perfectionist. I was worried that he might start demanding the same standards from you, which could make you feel uncomfortable or demotivated. And this is something I didn’t want you to experience. I shared my concerns with him, and he made it clear that such situations wouldn’t happen. So, overall, I think that you must have made a good impression during the interview.”

Mika beamed, absorbing her words. The memories of his job interview were still vivid in his memory, almost like it had happened yesterday. He would probably never forget the way Aleksandr made him feel back then: relaxed and supported by both his words and actions.

He remembered walking into the interview room, exhausted and stressed after previous interviews. But Aleksandr’s warm welcome, gentle smile, and the attention he gave Mika helped him quickly regain the positive energy and confidence.

“Yeah, he was great back then. Thanks to him, I felt like I could make it,” Mika replied, nostalgia evident in his voice. “I hope I’ll be able to give my best and not make you regret your decision.” He nodded firmly, his eyes shining with determination.

Natalia’s face softened. “I’m sure you will continue to do great. Just don’t forget that you’re not alone. We’re one team working together towards the same goal.”

***

Buzz.
 
A subtle vibration in Mika’s pocket signaled an incoming text message as he was walking down the corridor after his one-on-one with Natalia.

[Aleksandr: Come to the terrace once you finish your meeting with Natalia. I’ll be waiting.]

What is it that he wants to discuss? Mika muttered as he turned around and headed to the elevator. They had exchanged phone numbers and added each other on social media a few days ago.

After a short ride, Mika stepped out onto the terrace. The view of the city was as breathtaking as the first time he saw it from here. He spotted Aleksandr leaning against the railing, looking out over the skyline. Mika took a moment to observe him. A small smile appeared on Mika’s face as he recalled the previous time he had been here – during the interviews. But this time the view was even better, because Aleksandr was part of it.

“You wanted to talk?” Mika asked, standing next to him.

Aleksandr turned his head at the sound of Mika’s question. “I wanted to apologize,” he said, not beating around the bush.

Mika raised his eyebrows, “Apologize? For what?”

“You know…back then in the office…when you wanted to ask me about our date, and I didn’t let you finish. It’s not like I forgot. I-it’s just…” he stuttered.

Mika waited with anticipation.

“…I’m not used to talking about such things in the office. To be honest… I was thinking that during our first date, we should discuss some common rules to follow, but you didn’t even give me a chance.”

Ouch. Mika realized he must have indeed been in a hurry. But that was his true nature: he didn’t want to miss any second and wanted to use every opportunity to show his feelings and strengthen their relationship, no matter the time or place. However, he forgot that Aleksandr might have a different opinion about this.

“Sorry about that. I might have made you uncomfortable. I’m just…really excited about all of this, and sometimes it’s hard for me to control myself,” he explained, rubbing his neck.

Aleksandr smiled slightly as he listened to Mika’s response. “Maybe it’s not that visible now that we’re in the workplace, but I can assure you that I’m also excited. But… all of this is new to me, and I want us to figure it out together. I want to enjoy this journey with you, without rushing…taking it one step at a time.”

“We started from quite a bold confession, and we are already on the ‘lovers’ stage,” Mika reminded him, smirking.

“I’m not backing up from my given word. But it wouldn’t be bad to come up with some rules we can follow.”

Mika chuckled at the phrase ‘rules we can follow’.

“You know how you just sounded? Like someone writing an application with a step-by-step plan.”
 
Aleksandr gave him a questioning look, to which Mika hurriedly replied with a cheerful smile, not leaving room for misunderstandings.
 
“It’s cute. I like it. Let’s set up some rules during our date.”

Rules versus emotions. We’re indeed from two different worlds, Mika mused, choosing to keep this to himself.

Someone who always follows his heart and someone who is used to listening to his head. What will come of it? Will they be able to find common ground and understanding?

“Now that we’re here, let’s discuss our first date,” Aleksandr smoothly changed the topic.

Mika nodded with visible joy as Aleksandr told him to check his messenger.

Mika’s brows furrowed as he read out loud the messages Aleksandr had sent him. “400+ date ideas,” “The only list you need: 103 ideas for a first date,” “How to make your first date perfect? Only the best ideas!”

“I didn’t know what you might like, so I just sent this to you. You can pick whatever you want; I’m fine with anything,” Aleksandr clarified, seeing Mika’s puzzled expression.
 
“And what if I pick something you won’t like? Don’t tell me you read the entire list?” Mika asked, his eyes opened wide in disbelief.

Aleksandr met Mika’s gaze. “I did.”