When I returned to my desk, my colleagues, eager to know how the meeting went, quickly gathered around me. Their expectant looks told me they were hoping for something—anything—dramatic.  

I cleared my throat and said, "I just need to buy him a new shirt, that's all. Now, I have work to do."

They seemed deflated, visibly disappointed that nothing noteworthy had happened. Of course, they had probably been hoping for a scandal. But I had made a promise to Chak—his tattoo was a secret, and I intended to keep it.  

I focused on my work, completing the Valentine's Day flyer. Once finished, I went to make copies when Amara called me. She needed me to pick up her lunch from the delivery guy.  

"Sure, I'll grab it for you," I said, eager to do something to distract myself from the chaos in my mind. I left my desk and went to get her food.  

On my way back, I walked past the elevators, and to my surprise, I found Chak standing there with a couple of business partners. The elevator doors opened, and I stepped inside, somehow finding myself standing directly in front of him. My nerves hit me like a wave, and I shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other, feeling my face flush.  

His presence was suffocating—almost magnetic. I could smell his cologne, faint yet intoxicating, just like it had been in his office.  

Out of nowhere, someone pushed me from behind, and I stumbled forward, my body crashing into Chak's chest. I froze, my head resting against him for a moment longer than I wanted to admit.  

His heartbeat thundered in my ears.  

Chak's grip tightened around my wrist as he looked down at me with those dark, penetrating eyes. His expression was unreadable—cold, almost detached, yet something about it sent a shiver down my spine.  

I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks, my heart racing out of control. His gaze seemed to pierce right through me.  

In a voice as calm as ice, he asked, Are you okay?

I hurriedly straightened myself up, trying to act like nothing happened, my mind spinning in a thousand directions.  

"Oh, Niran, you're making a fool of yourself,"I chided myself inwardly.  

The tension between us was palpable. I had never felt anything like that before—so raw, so intense.  

His voice cut through my thoughts again. "Are you okay?" he asked, more insistently this time.  

I could barely muster a nod, my throat tight with embarrassment. I didn't trust myself to speak. All I wanted was to disappear.  

Finally, the elevator doors opened, and I practically fled out of them. Chak continued on with his business partners, heading for the conference room. I was left standing there, heart still pounding in my chest. I forced myself to keep moving, heading straight to Amara's desk to hand her lunch.  

She thanked me, but I barely registered her words. I made a hasty excuse, telling her I needed a moment to myself. Without a second thought, I headed straight for the bathroom.  

Splashing cold water on my face, I tried to shake off the overwhelming rush of emotions from the elevator. But no matter what I did, I couldn't stop thinking about it.  

Chak's eyes, his touch, his voice—they were all still burning in my mind. And I had no idea what to do with the chaos he had stirred inside me.

I went back to my desk, took the flyer, and brought it to Ms. Chareon. Just then, Non called me over, asking for help carrying coffee to the meeting room. My heart pounded, but I nodded and followed him.  

As we stepped into the meeting room, golden sunlight streamed through the windows, casting long shadows. I helped Non distribute the coffee among the businessmen, trying to steady my hands. But when I reached Chak, my fingers trembled uncontrollably. Carefully, I placed the cup on the table, only to meet his gaze.  

"Thank you," he said in his usual calm tone.  

I nodded quickly, turning away before he could notice how fast my heart was beating. Non and I left the room and continued with our work.  

A while later, Chak and the businessmen exited the meeting room and headed somewhere else. I finally let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.  

When the clock struck 5:45 PM, I finished work and made my way to the store to buy him a new shirt.  

As I walked in, a friendly saleswoman approached me. "Are you looking for something specific?"  

I showed her Chak's shirt and asked for a similar one. That's when I noticed the store's elegant and high-end clothing. Everything looked expensive.  

The saleswoman brought me an identical shirt. "This one's on sale—down from 3,300 baht to 3,000 baht."  

I swallowed hard. That was more than I expected. I quickly called my sister, Nira, and asked if she could lend me 1,000 baht until payday.  

"Of course," she said, sending me the money immediately.  

Once I paid for the shirt, I walked home, my thoughts drifting back to Chak. What was he like outside of work? Was he the same—cold, composed, and arrogant? Or was he different behind closed doors?  

Passing a food stall, I bought some Gai Tod to take home. When I arrived at my apartment, Leo was already waiting for me. I scooped him up, stroking his fur as I tried to shake off the day's thoughts.  

I tossed Chak's new shirt in with my laundry before sitting down to eat and watch a show.  

Later, after tidying up my apartment and hanging the clothes to dry, I grabbed a pencil and a sheet of paper, then started sketching Chak's eagle tattoo. I carefully studied each line, imagining his reaction when he saw it. Would he say anything? Or would he just give a silent nod, as usual?  

Exhausted, I showered, brushed my teeth, and climbed into bed.  

Dreams..

I was sitting in Chak's office while he stood at his desk, looking at my drawing. Suddenly, he got up, walked over to me, leaned in, and grabbed my tie. His face was so close—  

Then, he kissed me.  

I jolted awake, my heart racing.  

What the hell...?  

The feeling from the dream was so intense that I had to get up. I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. But every time I closed my eyes, I saw him kissing me again.  

"It was just a dream," I whispered.  

It wasn't real.  

Nothing would ever happen between me and Chak.  

And yet… I had to admit—I might be just a little bit in love with him.