The clock struck eight, its ticking the only sound breaking through the heavy stillness of the room. Soft golden sunlight filtered in through the half-drawn curtains, spilling across the wooden floor like a sleepy patch of warmth.
Anya stirred. A dull ache throbbed at her temples as she turned on her side. She blinked, then sat up abruptly, pressing both hands against her head.
"Ugh… why does it hurt so much?" she murmured, her voice low and disoriented.
As her vision cleared, she looked around in confusion. The room was spacious and modern — minimalist in design, with a king-sized bed and a sleek, velvet-leather sofa by the corner. Everything seemed too perfect, too polished.
"This isn't my room," she whispered. Her heartbeat quickened as realization struck.
Her eyes widened.
This is Zain's room. I… I slept here?
A rush of panic surged through her.
Did something happen between us? No… no, it can't be.
Her breath quickened. She glanced down at herself — her clothes were still in place. Relief swept over her, but unease lingered in her chest.
Calm down, Anya. He's not that kind of man.
She tried to steady her racing thoughts, but the silence around her only made the moment heavier.
Zain was nowhere to be seen.
Should she leave immediately, or stay and figure out what happened?
Her eyes drifted toward the mahogany study table by the window. One of its drawers was slightly open, as if inviting her to look closer.
Curiosity tugged at her. She hesitated — then stepped forward and gently pulled it open.
The first drawer was perfectly arranged: files neatly stacked, pens aligned with precision. Everything was so Zain — organized, controlled, and meticulous.
By the time she reached the third drawer, her fingers brushed against two small, worn photographs. Carefully, as though handling fragile relics, she lifted them out.
The first was old and faded — three children smiling at the camera. A young Zain, no older than eight, stood between one boye and one girl Junzen and Minami, laughter frozen in time.
A faint smile touched Anya's lips.
My boss was actually adorable once.
The second photo was newer — high school, perhaps. Zain stood beside Minami again, the two forming a heart shape with their hands. Their eyes sparkled with the unmistakable warmth of first love.
Anya's smile slowly vanished. A strange tightness gripped her chest.
she his first love?
Is that why he never lets anyone into his room? Why he hides his past so carefully?
Her heart felt heavy. She closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath.
No, Anya. Don't let this get to you. It's his past — not your right to question it.
Then her gaze fell on the clock.
"Oh no! I'm going to be late!"
She hurriedly slipped the photos back into the drawer, closed it, grabbed her glasses, and dashed out of the room without looking bak
At precisely seven o'clock, Zain stirred awake. Anya was still sleeping, her head resting lightly on his arm. For a brief moment, his gaze softened. A faint, involuntary smile crossed his face.
He carefully slipped his arm free, stood up, and headed to the bathroom.
As warm water cascaded down his skin, his thoughts replayed that moment — the unexpected kiss from the night before. It brought a rare warmth to his otherwise stoic face.
Later, dressed neatly in his suit, he walked into the kitchen. He prepared a simple breakfast — steamed buns and soy milk — and then, after a moment's hesitation, decided to leave her a note.
The first few attempts failed.
"Eat breakfast, okay?" — No, that sounds too plain.
He crumpled the paper and tried again. After several failed rewrites, he finally settled on something that felt right.
Satisfied, he placed the note by her breakfast plate, grabbed his keys, and left for work.
In the office parking lot, his little brotherTian greeted him.
"Good morning, big brother! You look unusually cheerful today," Tian teased. "Where's your usual grumpy face? Did your wife say something sweet last night?"
Zain rolled his eyes. "Nothing like that. I just… had a good morning, that's all."
When they entered the building, the entire staff chorused, "Good morning, Boss! Good morning, VP!"
Usually, Zain would respond with a curt nod. But today — he smiled.
"Good morning, everyone," he said casually.
The employees froze.
Did the boss just smile? And say good morning? Is the world ending?
The whispers spread like wildfire across the office.
Inside the elevator, Tian chuckled. "You know, Huan Jing and your wife drank way too much last night. Honestly, they were like little kids."
Zain nodded lightly. "Yeah… Anya was acting like one too."
Tian smirked. "Oh really? Don't tell me something happened between you two."
Zain flushed, stammering, "N-No! Nothing happened!"
Tian laughed. "You're blushing, brother."
Zain turned away, avoiding his gaze.
Scene: Anya's Apartment
Cold water from the shower washed away the fog of sleep and last night's haze.
Dressed neatly in her work attire, Anya stepped out to the dining table — and paused. Breakfast was waiting, perfectly arranged, with a small folded note beside it.
She picked it up. Zain's bold handwriting read:
> "Take this medicine after breakfast. It'll help with your headache.
— Miss Cat 😼"
A soft smile curved her lips.
This man… she thought fondly.
She finished her breakfast, took the pill, and felt the lingering ache begin to fade.
Then she glanced at the clock.
"8:30?! Oh no, I'm so late!"
Grabbing her bag and glasses, she dashed out the door.
That morning, the office was unusually lively.
Anya noticed Huan Jing sitting at her desk, holding her head in agony, while everyone around was gossiping.
"Can you believe it?" one employee whispered. "The boss actually smiled and greeted us this morning! Something huge must've happened. Maybe his wife made him happy?"
Laughter rippled through the team.
Zia turned to Anya. "Why are you so late today? You're lucky the boss is in a good mood. He smiled, Anya!"
Anya raised an eyebrow. "So what? It's just a smile, not a diamond ring."
Still, a shadow crossed her mind.
Or maybe… he met his first love again?
Zia frowned. "You okay? You seem off."
"I'm fine," Anya said with a faint smile, walking to her desk.
She stopped by Huan Jing, who looked half-dead.
"You okay?"
Huan Jing groaned. "Ugh, my head's killing me. We drank too much last night. Isn't your head hurting?"
Anya smiled softly. "It was, but the boss gave me some medicine. I feel much better now."
Huan Jing's eyes lit up. "Really? Do you have it?"
Anya nodded and handed her one. "Did you eat?"
"Yeah."
"Then take this," Anya said, offering her water.
As Huan Jing swallowed the pill, she suddenly remembered something.
"Oh right! There's an interview at 10 a.m. today. We need to submit this file to the boss before that. Can you please take it to him for me?"
Anya froze. "What? No way. You take it."
"Please, Anya! You're my best friend!"
"I can't."
"Did you two fight?"
"No, nothing like that."anya said
"Then go! Please! Huan Jing pleads
Anya sighed. "Fine. You win."
Huan Jing grinned triumphantly.
With the file clutched tightly in her hands, Anya took a deep breath and walked toward Zain's office — her heart heavy with unspoken questions.
To be continued...