Vikran turned to me and asked with a smile, "What's it like being Chak's secretary?"
"Interesting… so far," I replied, forcing a polite smile. My eyes immediately drifted toward Chak.
He didn't even glance at me. His focus was fixed on the documents in front of him.
Eyes scanning me briefly before turning back to Chak.
"So, Chak," he began lightly, "what do you think of your new secretary?"
I froze. He wasn't even asking me anymore he was asking Chak, like I wasn't in the room. I slowly turned my gaze toward Chak, my chest tightening with anticipation.
Chak didn't look up from his papers. "Competent," he replied flatly.
Vikran chuckled. "That's it? Just 'competent'? Come on, you always have more to say."
Chak finally lifted his eyes, locking them with Vikran's. There was a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, like he was holding something back.
"He's focused. Observant. Quiet when needed," he said, voice lower now. "I don't have to repeat myself."
Vikran looked at me again with a teasing smile. "Sounds like high praise coming from him. He's usually impossible to please."
I felt heat rush to my cheeks. "I'm just trying my best," I mumbled, unable to hide the flush crawling up my neck.
Taeng stood up cheerfully. "Anyone want coffee?"
Everyone nodded except Chak.
"I'll have orange juice. Freshly squeezed," Chak replied in his usual cold tone.
"Got it," Taeng nodded.
Then Chak's voice cut through the air, sharper than necessary. "Niran, go help him ."
My throat tightened. "Of course, sir " I said quickly and stood. Taeng and I left for the kitchen.
The hallway felt unusually quiet as we walked. Just the soft sound of our footsteps and the hum of thoughts in my head.
Once inside the kitchen, Taeng turned to me and asked softly, "Okay, what's going on?"
"Nothing," I muttered.
"Liar," he said with a smirk. "It's because of Vikran, right?"
I hesitated. "How did you?"
"I know you," he cut me off gently.
My shoulders dropped. I hated how easily he saw through me.
"Does he come here often?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"Maybe twice a month. But only when Chak is here," Taeng said, as he reached for oranges. "Otherwise, some lady drops by."
I nodded slowly. Somehow, that didn't help.
We started prepping the coffee tray and juice, when suddenly Kit entered the kitchen.
"Need an extra hand?" he asked with a playful grin.
Taeng grinned back. "Always."
They exchanged a look. Comforting look..
"Kit," Taeng teased, "stop eating cookies."
"I like them. Like I like you," he shrugged casually, then broke his cookie in half and offered the other slice toward Taeng's mouth.
Taeng rolled his eyes, but leaned in just enough to take a playful bite. "You're impossible.
I couldn't help but smile at the small moment.
When everything was ready, we wheeled the tray back toward the conference room. As we entered, I picked up the glass of orange juice meant for Chak.
I reached his side, just as Vikran leaned forward and gently adjusted Chak's shirt collar.
My hand froze mid-air.
Something sharp pulsed in my chest.
The glass slipped from my grip. Juice splashed across my shirt and pants. The glass hit the floor, shattering.
"Niran!" Chak shouted, already kneeling beside me. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I said quickly, trying to breathe.
Vikran stood calmly. "I'll be right back."
Kit rushed over with tissues. "Here."
"Thanks." I started wiping off the juice, trying to hold myself together.
"Let me help," Chak said, reaching for the napkins.
"No, it's fine," I said, pulling away. "I've got it."
I crouched to pick up the broken pieces, placing them onto the tray. My hands trembled.
Vikran returned with a small bag and handed it to Chak. "Here. This is for you."
"Thanks," Chak replied. He didn't even look inside just set it beside him.
I walked back to the tray, poured a new glass of orange juice, and brought it to Chak. This time, I didn't drop it. As I placed it down, our eyes met.
Only briefly.
But it was enough.
The meeting resumed. I sat in silence, writing notes I wouldn't remember.
Near the end, a girl from marketing quietly leaned over and whispered, "Hey, do you know where Pim is?"
I blinked. " She has a vacation."
"Really she hasn't told me" she said.
Finally, the meeting ended.
Chak stood up. "I'll wait for you by the entrance."
"Alright," I replied, grabbing my bag. He left without another word.
Vikran stayed a moment longer, gathering his things. Then he headed out as well.
I took my time packing. As I walked out into the hallway, I slowed my steps, just as I heard Vikran speak.
"Lunch?"
"Sure," Chak answered casually.
"You can't go," I interrupted, walking up to them. "Don't you remember? You have a personal meeting."
Chak turned to look at me, confusion in his eyes. Our gazes locked.
Something shifted in his expression.
"Oh," he said to Vikran. "Sorry, I just remembered I do have something."
Vikran looked mildly surprised, but he smiled. "Well, then dinner it is."
"Definitely," Chak nodded.
They hugged briefly. I looked away.
Vikran glanced at me. "See you around."
"Bye," I said, barely louder than a whisper.
As Chak and I walked back toward the building, the air between us was thick with silence.
"Let's go home," Chak finally said. "You need to change. And cook."
"Yeah," I muttered.
I looked down at myself again juice stains on my brown shirt, now covered with Taeng's jacket. My black pants were drying, but sticky. I sighed. I looked ridiculous.
Once home, I headed to the kitchen. Chak followed.
"What kind of meeting do I have, and with whom?" he asked suddenly.
I turned around. "None. I lied. "
He lifted an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yes," I admitted, turning away.
"You didn't want me to go with Vikran. You wanted me to eat with you."
I spun to face him. "And what's wrong with that?"
He tilted his head.
"I just wanted…"
My voice cracked. I couldn't finish the sentence.