— Where's Kang?
I looked over the rim of my glasses. I was enjoying the silence and the calm atmosphere without the sound of that annoying doorbell.
But I realized everyone in the company had noticed his absence today. Especially when I got up to fetch my own coffee.
Something I no longer did when he was around, because Kang had been bringing it.
"That Mingell boy is very thoughtful, sir," the cleaning lady said, smiling. "Is he sick? He usually comes in today."
— He didn't show up — I answered, for the fourth time that afternoon. I turned my attention back to the files on the screen. But Adrian was persistent. And close enough to push further.
— Why not?
He was staring at me, surprised and curious.
— I don't know.
— Something happened between you two yesterday, didn't it?
— What? Why would you ask that?
— Come on, you turned down the Mingells' invitation and the son showed up personally. That feels personal...
— Maybe it is — I sighed. — Too pushy. Worse than you.
Adrian laughed.
— So he's actually hitting on you?
I glared at him. Damn it, I gave him exactly what he wanted. But then he added:
— Well, doesn't matter, right? He's not your type. And he's nine years younger.
I frowned.
Don't remind me.
— Oh? That face? You really look bothered, Johan. Want me to dig into him like I did with the others?
— No. I don't want anything from a Mingell! — I snapped.
But Adrian just smirked and walked off. Bastard. In half an hour, the whole office will be buzzing with the rest of the gossip.
"Something happened between you two?"
The truth is, something did happen yesterday. And it's left me uneasy.
What if... I wasn't supposed to see that expression? What he said... was it really that important?
"I wanted you to look at me again."
Stupid kid. Who even says that?
My phone rang.
I flinched, and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest.
It was him.
Kang Mingell.
Right now, seriously?
I picked up.
— Everything okay?
No immediate answer. Just his breathing. Silence.
I smiled.
— What is it? Did you call just to hear my voice? Not up to something dirty while thinking about me, are you?
I teased. But the silence that followed made my eyes go wide — even though he couldn't see it.
— Kang?
I heard a laugh.
No way... could it be?
I was about to hang up, but then he spoke:
— I thought I could go a day without seeing you. But I was wrong.
— Hm...
I bit my lip.
The kid was messing with me. For a moment, his voice was just... too damn sexy.
— Are you lying down? — I asked, impulsively. But honestly, I wanted to know.
He took a second.
— I am. Why? Want to picture the details?
— No. It's just your voice... sounds like you just woke up.
— It's the voice of a satisfied man...
Silence.
Too much silence.
While my mind screamed profanity.
— ...from hearing you for the first time today — he finally added.
I froze, processing what he'd just said.
A vein pulsed in my temple. He paused on purpose, like he enjoyed messing with my head.
Congratulations, Kemun. Your DNA really doesn't miss when it comes to being a flirt.
— Can we go tonight? — I asked.
— Already want to come back?
— The sooner we wrap this up, the better.
— Alright. See you there.
(...)
This time, I arrived first. I stared at that damn building longer than I needed to. Stayed in the car. Only got out when, ten minutes later, Kang showed up.
He smiled when he saw me, like he genuinely missed me. Sleeves rolled up, trying to look casual. But he'd styled his hair, nothing casual about that.
— Thought you were gonna cancel — I said, not looking straight at him.
— Never — he replied, with a half-smile.
— Let's go — I called.
We went up ten floors. I opened a video room. There were loose wires, test panels, and a large screen in the center showing live data, plus footage from the next room.
— Hm, not bad. But mine's better. All the company data runs through here. If they break into this, they win. If we protect it, we win.
— You always talk like it's war.
— Because it is. Every system has someone trying to hack in. Happens to us, too — I sighed.
I was analyzing the building. But Kang seemed to be analyzing me.
He took a deep breath, like he didn't want to react. But he spoke anyway:
— I know that feeling.
— No, you don't — I turned to him, a bit closer. — You have everything. A last name people still fear. A working company. People who listen.
— And yet, you're the first person to make me stutter.
Silence.
The room already felt suffocating. Not from heat, from his gaze. How could he look at me like that?
— Do you even realize how you look at me? — he asked, catching me off guard.
— I doubt it's the same way you look back.
Kang took a step closer. I didn't move.
— You sure about that, Mr. Johan?
I said nothing. I wasn't sure. My chest was screaming at me to run.
— I can handle anything. Just not half-hearted people.
I narrowed my eyes.
— Then stay right here. And shut up.
Kang chuckled, oddly relieved.
— So you're giving orders now?
— I'm tired of waiting for you to make the move. I'm not a kid, Kang.
— I know — he said, stepping even closer, his voice low. — And that's the problem. Because the more you talk like that, the more I want to get on my knees for you.
I held my breath.
This wasn't the time. Or the place. But the air between us... was dangerous.
I said too much. Again.
I turned back to the panel.
— We can start the transition next week — I murmured, clinging to something technical. — Let's move on.
— I'll follow you to hell. Just say the word.
— It's just a building — I snapped.
— And are you just a man? — Kang shot back from the door, with that crooked smile.
I didn't answer.
But when he turned his back, I let out a crooked smile myself.
That idiot's gonna wreck me...
And maybe... I won't stop him.
Truth be told: young as he is, he seems really mature. The type who knows himself well, way more than I know myself.
We went through each floor.
Until we reached the executive level.
The hallway looked ordinary. Brown walls, clean lighting, ridiculously spotless.
But when the door opened, and I recognized the scent of the carpet, the reflection of the glass wall... my body froze.
I didn't stop myself. My legs did. My ribs. My lungs.
Kang was still saying something behind me. A comment, maybe instructions. I didn't hear. Everything sounded muffled, like I was underwater.
A ringing started in the back of my skull. My eyes widened. And my chest... wouldn't expand.
I tried to breathe. I swear. But it was like trying to inhale with a bag over my head.
— Mr. Johan?
I didn't answer. Couldn't. I just stared at that room like it was an animal ready to devour me.
And then I felt his hands.
Firm on my wrists.
— Johan — he said, more firmly. — Come with me.
He pulled me. Away. Back into the hallway. My legs stumbled, but he didn't let go.
He led me to a corner, near a gray wall. Far from that damn room.
And only when we stopped did the world return. First sound. Then the bitter taste in my mouth. And finally, the heat trickling from my eyes.
His hands left my wrists and gripped my arms.
My body gave in.
My legs folded without warning, and Kang caught me with a hand on my chest before I hit the floor. I dropped to my knees, hands on his. He held my wrists gently. Just enough to keep me grounded. It wasn't intrusive. It was comforting.
I breathed hard. Three times. Four. My eyes burned, but I didn't cry. Not the right way.
I looked up at Kang. Scared. I wasn't as strong as I thought.
His eyes met mine. He looked frustrated.
— Don't look at me like that — he whispered. — It's me, Kang. You're safe. It's just us here.
The pain trapped in my chest melted into silent tears. It hurt in a way I couldn't control.
His fingers were on my shoulders. As if asking whether or not he should hold me.
Hold me. I wished.
And he did.
But differently. He hugged me from behind, pressing down on my shoulders.
That... really eased me. I felt held. Like I could fall apart, and that would be okay. Because someone was there.
And he really knew what to do.