Another day arrived as if yesterday did not occur at all. The boss allowed me to have the morning off for today since we practically arrived at the office at around two o’clock in the morning. It was already afternoon and I just entered the office space.

It was business as usual, a bunch of people with sights fixated on their computer screens, except for Gary who was asleep as always.

“Slept well?” the boss asked after I entered the office.

“Yeah boss, I’m good to go!” I pumped my fist with energy.

Or so I said but it was not easy to sleep at all. I had my eyes closed the whole morning but my thoughts were stirring quite wildly in my brain that I did not actually know if I was actually able to rest. When it was already time for me to get up, that is when I got drowsy all of a sudden.

I was half dazed while I was about to go to my desk when I heard the door bell ring.

“Could you get that for me? Thanks!” Miss Barbara called out to me as she was talking to someone else on the phone.

“Sure!” I responded.

As I stepped out, I saw a beautiful blonde woman wearing jeans and a long sleeved shirt, and behind her was the boss’ car.

“Glad you guys are safe. I brought back Joseph’s car,” Cristine, the one who serves under Sir Ron said. “I also came to get the one I let you borrow.”

Cold sweat ran through my back. What would be her reaction once she saw the current condition of the car?

“Ah! Just a minute, I’ll call the boss.” I retreated.

I let the boss know that Cristine was here. He then went out, opened the gate then drove the car to the garage. Cristine and I also went to the parking space where the ever luxurious car was displayed in a sorry state.

“Um… about Sir Ron’s car,” I hesitantly said as I scratched my cheek with my pinky.

“He completely thrashed it.” The boss pointed at me.

“Hey boss!” I shouted in embarrassment. “It was not entirely my fault!”

“I’m sure it wasn’t my fault,” he replied in his ever monotonous voice.

“Hey, you drove it as well before me!”

“It was unscathed when I was the one on the wheels.”

“But it is still your responsibility since I work under you!”

“Sure, I’ll just deduct it on your paycheck,” he calmly replied.

“As if my paycheck could cover it even after hundreds of years,” I sighed.

As the boss and I were arguing, Cristine was just silent. She was just blankly looking at Sir Ron’s car which was already in scraps.

‘Ummm… Christine?” I worriedly approached her.

She turned to me with her usual face filled with composure but somehow sweat was quite visible all over her face.

“Tell me, what h-happened?” she stuttered.

The boss and I told her how we were chased by one of Gaap’s men and that we were able to kill him. She just listened intently without showing a change in her expression.

“I see, you guys were just dragged along the skirmish. I’m sure Sir Ron will u-understand.” Cristine replied as she looked at the ground.

“Um... based on how you talk, he will be mad, right?” I asked.

“I don’t think he’ll be angry at you, but I’m sure he’ll be devastated.” Cristine looked away.

“That makes me feel even worse!”

“At least you’ll be able to keep your paycheck,” The boss said with a laugh.

“That does not make me feel better at all!”

“But to think you actually defeated the demon Shax without casualties, it is pretty impressive.”

“You fought with him before?” The boss asked.

“Yes, he was always on the front lines. He was very tenacious and just won’t go down.”

“If not for Keen, we could have a hell of a time too!” I interrupted with a teasing smile.

“As expected of him.” She gave a slight smile which quickly disappeared. “I just hope that they think it was us who were responsible for Shax’s death.”

“I hope so,” the boss agreed.

“Anyway, I’ll be going now. I have to report this to Sir Ron.”

“How about you come inside and have a snack before you leave?” The boss invited.

“I don’t thi-“

“Keen is hard at work inside right now, this is a very rare opportunity!” I quickly cut in before she finished declining the boss’ offer.

The girl was silenced as her cheeks were painted with pink. I wonder what she might be fantasizing about him?

I then looked at the boss and gave him a thumbs-up with a smile to say “Mission successful!” The boss just smirked in reply.

We took Cristine’s expression as a yes then the three of us then went inside the office.

“Barbara, could you please prepare a snack for our guest?”

“Sure Jo, just a minute,” Miss Barbara replied as she stood up.

Cristine’s sight was glued on Keen the moment we went inside. Just how madly in love is she? It actually made me kind of envious.

“Please have a seat.” The boss pointed at the chair in front of his table which was also near Keen’s desk.

“Th-thanks.” Cristine hesitantly sat on the chair.

As soon as she was seated, her face went towards Keen’s direction again. On the other hand, Keen was so busy with his work that it seemed like he did not even notice her.

I went to my seat to at least make up for the time I lost this morning. I turned my computer on and tried to get some work done while I steal glances at Cristine and Keen from time to time. I need to be alert so I can witness every good bit that occurs.

“Yo, somethin’ goin’ on?” Gary surprisingly got up.

“Eh? It is still early, how come you are awake already?” I asked.

“Hmmmm… I just kinda felt somethin’ excitin’ is goin’ on or somethin’,” Gary mumbled.

I cannot believe this guy, his senses are so accurate. I wish I have that kind of talent as well. Suddenly, Gary wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“Yo Cray, who’s that pretty lookin’ gal right there?” He whispered.

“She’s Cristine, she is somewhat an ally.” I quietly replied.

“Wowee, she’s quite a looker! Ya think ya can introduce me or somethin’?”

“Do not even think about it. She is already head over heels for Keen.”

“Eh seriously? Over that workaholic dog bait?” Gary uttered in a loud voice as he removed his arm around me.

“If you are going to talk about someone else, how about you do some work for a change?” Keen uttered without removing his eyes off the computer screen.

“Don’t be like that buddy, how ‘bout ya take a breather for a while?” Gary responded.

“If you’re not going to work, better stay asleep.”

“Come on! At least keep ya’r guest company!”

“Guest?” Keen finally took his eyes of the screen. “Fuck!”

“Hello…” Cristine shyly uttered as her cheeks become even redder.

“You did not even notice that we have a guest?”Miss Barbara said as she placed a plate of sandwiches and a glass of juice in front of Cristine.

“S-sorry. I did not know you were here.” Keen told Cristine while looking away, embarrassed.

The girl did not respond and just looked down. You guys are adults now, for god’s sake. You should at least know how to flirt!

“Feel at home, I’ll be getting back to work now,” said Keen.

Just like that, they did not say another word to each other. Cristine did not remove her gaze from Keen even while she was eating.

Although unlike before, it seemed like Keen became a bit conscious of the girl. He became shiftier which was very amusing to watch. Keen looks at Cristine from time to time and Cristine shifts her gaze when he does, as if she was not watching him at all. Gary, Miss Barbara, the boss and I were trying our best to hold our laughter the whole time.

“Thank you for the snack, I’ll be going now.” Cristine uttered as she stood up.

“Sure, come back anytime.” The boss replied.

“A-anytime? Really?” Cristine’s eyes sparkled for a moment. “I mean sure, if I am not busy.”

After saying her goodbye, she went out of the office without uttering a single word to Keen.

“Hey, best friend! What do you think about her?” I asked.

“…”

“Hey, best friend! I am talking to you!” I called out.

“Fuck, I’m not your best friend!” Keen angrily replied.

“So? What do you think about her?” I asked with a huge grin.

“Well… It is a bit complicated?” Keen lightly massaged his forehead with his index finger.

Does it mean that he likes her as well? Then just hook up!

“Really? How come is it complicated?” I asked.

“Fuck you, it is none of your business.” Keen returned his eyes on his computer.

“I want to ask the same.” The boss uttered.

“Chief?” Keen was stunned.

I was also not expecting the boss to join in. But with him asking the same question, there is no way Keen can ignore it. Way to go, boss!

“Why ask about it, chief? Did you notice as well that she hates me?” Keen uttered in a serious tone.

My eyes widened and I was not able to utter a word for a minute. He actually thinks Cristine hates him, seriously?

“Why do you say that?” The boss interrogated.

“She seems to be conscious of me, as if she is always wary that I might do something bad abruptly. She also avoids eye contact. Maybe it is not hate, more like disgusted?” Keen seriously replied.

“I noticed that too! She surely cannot stand your guts!” I said with a smile.

How oblivious can he be! I did not think that someone can be as dense as him.

“I knew it. Anyways, I’ll be going back to work.” Keen returned to his workaholic dog mode.

“I’ll take a short cigarette break.” The boss said as he walked out.

“I also have to go to the bathroom.” Miss Barbara followed.

The two retreated. They were probably very disappointed on Keen’s cluelessness. On the other hand, Gary was silently laughing his ass off while his top hat was covering his face as he lied down on the sofa.

I just gave a disheartened sigh. I was actually expecting Keen to be all red and embarrassed that someone was into him. But thinking about it more, I think it is more interesting this way. I’m sure his reaction will be priceless once he finds out.

Just what did Cristine saw in this guy anyway?