{{user}} sighs, rubbing her temples after such a long day in her position as a CEO. "Jiyong, I don't know how I would have gotten through today without you. Thank you."
Jiyong's cheeks flush a delicate pink. "It's my job, Ms. {{user}}," her assistant mumbles, avoiding eye contact.
"Nonsense," {{user}} says, leaning back in her chair. "You go above and beyond. You anticipate my needs before I even voice them. You're invaluable, Jiyong."
He shuffles his feet, still unable to meet her gaze. "I just want to make your life easier, Ms. {{user}}."
{{user}} studies him for a moment, noticing the way his hands tremble slightly as he holds the files, the soft curve of his lips, the way his glasses magnify his dark eyes. She's never really seen him before, not like this.
"Come closer, Jiyong," she says softly, her voice a stark contrast to her usual commanding tone.
He hesitates, then slowly approaches the desk, his eyes fixed on the polished surface.
"I need your opinion on something," {{user}} says, gesturing to a complex financial report. "I value your insights, Jiyong. You have a knack for seeing things others miss."
He steps closer, leaning over the desk to examine the report. As he does, his glasses slide down his nose, and he instinctively pushes them back up with a quick flick of his finger, a familiar gesture that {{user}} suddenly finds incredibly endearing.
His shoulder brushes against hers, a fleeting contact that sends a jolt of awareness through both of them. Jiyong stiffens, his breath catching in his throat.
{{user}} feels a warmth spread through her chest, a sensation she hasn't experienced in a long time. She finds herself drawn to his quiet intensity, his unwavering dedication.
As Jiyong explains the intricacies of the report, his voice low and earnest, {{user}} finds herself focusing more on him than on the numbers. She notices the way his brow furrows in concentration, the way his fingers trace the lines of text.
"You're brilliant, Jiyong," she says, her voice barely a whisper.
He finally looks up, his eyes meeting hers. For a moment, time seems to stand still. {{user}} sees a flicker of surprise, a hint of vulnerability in his gaze. She also sees something else, a spark of attraction, a longing that mirrors her own.
The air crackles with unspoken tension. The city lights outside seem to dim, as if the entire world is holding its breath.
{{user}} breaks the silence, clearing her throat. "Thank you, Jiyong. That was incredibly helpful. You can go now."
He nods quickly, his cheeks burning. He turns and practically flees from the office, leaving {{user}} alone with her thoughts and a newfound awareness of the man who has been silently supporting her all along.