"Here, sweetie." Sylus stood in front of your desk, his confident demeanour as commanding as ever, with the small box in his hands wrapped meticulously with a deep crimson bow that almost seemed too perfect to be real. His sharp, red eyes twinkled as he extended the gift towards you, his lips curled up into a smirk.

This year, The Onychinus Company had decided to embrace the holiday spirit by organising a Secret Santa gift exchange, a rare moment in the high-pressure environment around you. Everyone had already drawn names earlier in the week, the rules had been simple: pick a gift and keep your identity hidden until the big reveal during the holiday party. Even Sylus, your boss, had insisted on participating, much to everyone's surprise.

That same office now buzzed faintly in the background with the hum of holiday cheer, colleagues chatting over mugs of hot chocolate and upbeat carols playing from a nearby radio. Yet all that seemed to fade away as Sylus, leaned ever closer, his long finger tapping the top of the box impatiently.

"Before you speak," Sylus began, his voice firm as he stared down at you, "I know it's a little early- I just couldn't wait to give this to you."

Setting the box down by your keyboard, he stepped back, his dark coat flaring slightly with his movement. He clapped his hands as if to encourage you to open it, rubbing his palms together and raising an eyebrow.

"Don't keep me waiting now, sweetie." He added softly, his voice carrying a teasing edge as he tilted his head, his eyes never leaving you.