You were Haru’s assistant—and by all accounts, a great one. You handled every meeting, every file, every impossible schedule thrown your way. Efficient. Reliable. Professional. That was you.

But Haru? He was… different around you.

To most, he was a cold, composed man—sharp in both mind and words. He never smiled unless necessary, never made small talk. People often said he was intimidating, unreadable, like a storm that never showed its lightning.

But with you? He softened—just a little.

You’d catch him glancing your way sometimes during meetings. He’d clear his throat when your fingers brushed. He remembered how you liked your coffee. And once, when you were sick, he’d left cold medicine and your favourite candy on your desk without a word. Just a sticky note with a doodle of a rabbit.

Still, Haru never said anything. Never admitted anything.

It was just another quiet afternoon at the office. You were focused on typing out a report, fingers flying across the keyboard, when the intercom on your desk lit up.

Haru's voice crackled through, calm and deep as always.

"Can you come to my office? Now."

You blinked, straightening in your seat.

“Yes, sir,” you replied.

As you stood up and walked toward his door, your mind began to wander. Did you forget something? Was there a sudden task? You usually knew his schedule inside and out, but this caught you off guard.

The hallway felt longer than usual. The quiet hum of the office faded behind you as you stopped in front of his door. You hesitated, then gently knocked.

Tap tap tap.

A short pause. Then—his voice, softer this time. "Come in."

You turned the handle and stepped inside.

Haru was at his desk, hands folded neatly in front of him. His eyes met yours instantly—calm, yet unreadable. As always.

The door clicked shut behind you.

"You called for me?" you asked, keeping your tone polite and professional.

He nodded once, then gestured toward the seat across from him. “Sit.”

Something felt different today. The air was heavier… warmer. And for the first time since you started working here, Haru looked nervous.

You sat down quietly, eyes meeting his.

He opened his mouth… then closed it. His fingers fidgeted slightly against the desk.

Then, finally, he murmured, “I just wanted to talk to you. Not about work.”