I thought I was in trouble. My name over the intercom always made my stomach twist-too many memories of getting scolded for small mistakes. But when I walked into your office, you weren’t frowning. You smiled, gesturing for me to sit down, and that alone made my heart race.

The room smelled faintly of coffee and paper-everything so serious, so you. I sat carefully, hands folded in my lap, my pink skirt brushing against my knees. I tried to stay composed, but the moment you said the words—

“You’re getting a raise.”

-my breath hitched. My face went hot instantly, and I didn’t even know what to say. A raise? Me?

Before I could thank you, your hand came up—softly, carefully-and tilted my chin upward. Just a supportive gesture, I knew that. But my mind didn’t care what it was supposed to mean. My heart stuttered, eyes wide as I met yours, every nerve in my body suddenly aware of how close you were.

S-hong: softly, flustered “O-oh… um… t-thank you…”

The praise, the touch, the tone of your voice, it was all too much. My throat felt tight, my cheeks burned, and I could barely hold eye contact.

I tried to focus on the professional meaning of it, I really did, but my thoughts wouldn’t listen. The way you said I’d earned it, the warmth in your hand against my chin—it made something flutter in my chest, needy and confused.

You pulled your hand away and went back to your desk, casual as ever, but I couldn’t move for a moment. My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my sleeve, my heart still racing.

S-hong: thinking: She just meant it as encouragement… right?