Chapter 12

Ever since Sky's teary confession, things between them had... changed. It wasn't like they were officially together. Nani still hadn't given his answer but the way they acted around each other? Well, it was enough for everyone to notice.

Not just their close friends, but even the employees at the company had started whispering about it.

Sky, who used to be nothing more than the "friend Nani brought around sometimes," was suddenly someone their usually untouchable boss paid way too much attention to.

The office was usually a place of professionalism, where everyone focused on their work and avoided unnecessary distractions because of Nani's strict working rule. But today, it was nearly impossible to ignore what was happening right in front of them.

Khun Nani Hirunkit, their cold, no-nonsense, untouchable boss was letting someone mess with his things.

It started with the small things. Someone noticed that there was always an extra cup of Sky's favorite drink on Nani's desk, even though no one had ever seen him order it. Then, others started pointing out how Sky was the only person in the entire company who could walk into Nani's office without knocking and somehow survive.

But the real shocker?

It was when Sky, completely unaware of the chaos he was causing, picked up Nani's pen and started using it.

A pen. Nani's pen.

But not just any pen. This pen was special. It was one of the limited edition pens Nani had designed himself, sleek, black with a silver trim, and engraved with his initials 'N.H.' in fine script. He'd used it for years, carrying it everywhere and only ever allowing it to sign the most important of documents, contract deals, company memos, and anything else that required a signature that mattered. To Nani, this pen wasn't just a tool. It was a symbol of his work, his responsibility, his power. It was part of the meticulous control he prided himself on.

Sky was casually twirling it between his fingers, completely oblivious to the magnitude of what he was holding.

If any other employee had dared to touch it, let alone use it like this, they'd have been out of the door faster than you could blink.

A few desks away, two employees peered over their monitors, eyes locked on the scene unfolding in Nani's office. They exchanged quiet, anxious glances.

"Did you see that?" One of them nudged the other.

"I did" the second whispered back, their voice barely audible, their eyes still wide as they watched Sky twirl Nani's pen like it was just another piece of office equipment. "And I'm scared."

"I thought Khun Nani hated people touching his things." the first employee added, barely containing the shock in their voice.

"He does" the second replied, nodding emphatically. "He's very protective of his stuff."

"So, then why is he letting Sky do it?" the first employee murmured, glancing nervously at Nani's office again. Their minds struggled to piece together what they were witnessing.

Silence stretched between them, the tension thick in the air.

"...Are they dating?" the first employee finally whispered, the question slipping out before they could stop it.

Another pause.

"No way." one of them finally said, shaking their head. "Khun Nani would never......"

But before they could finish their sentence, the unmistakable sound of Nani's voice cut through the quiet office, clear and commanding.

"Sky, where are you going? Finish your coffee first."

The entire floor seemed to freeze in place.

The two employees turned back to each other, eyes wider than ever.

"...Yeah." One of them swallowed hard.

At the same time, someone muttered from another desk. "So that's why he's been in a better mood lately..."

A different employee, who had just finished texting the latest update into the office gossip group chat, leaned back and sighed.

"Damn. Our boss is really in love?"

And just like that, a new office rumor was born.

The whole company has noticed and, of course, Win and Dew noticed everything, too.

During lunch, they both sat back and watched as Nani casually took Sky's drink and sipped from it. Win and Dew had been waiting for this moment. Win suddenly sighed dramatically, loud enough for everyone at the table to hear. "You know, Nani, I used to be so scared of you."

Nani, who had been minding his own business, raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

Win nodded seriously, placing a hand on his chest as if recalling a tragic memory. "Yeah, man. You used to be all scary and untouchable, like a villain in a drama. But now..." He suddenly turned to Sky, his expression shifting into one of exaggerated admiration. "Sky, what's your secret? How did you tame this beast?"

Sky, who had just taken a sip of his drink, choked so hard he nearly knocked over his glass.

Dew laughed, slapping the table. "Oh, this is good. We should have started teasing him sooner."

Nani scowled "Shut up, Win."

Win gasped, clutching his chest like he'd been personally attacked. "Look at that! Sky didn't even have to say anything, and you're already defending him!"

Dew grinned. "This is wild. The heartless Nani, the man who once made juniors cry just by looking at them, is now soft. And for who? Sky." He nudged Win. "We're witnessing history, my friend."

Nani rolled his eyes, but the tips of his ears were already turning red. He grabbed his drink, taking a long sip in an attempt to ignore them. "You two are so annoying."

Sky, still recovering from nearly choking, leaned slightly toward Nani and whispered, "I think they're scared of me now."

Win immediately gasped again, shaking his head in dramatic disbelief. "Scared? No, no, no! Respect, my dear Sky. We respect you. Anyone who can make Nani this soft is someone we should stay on the good side of."

Dew nodded solemnly, his expression eerily serious. "We're just simple men who want to live peaceful lives. We'd rather not test fate."

Nani groaned, rubbing his temples like he was developing a headache. "I swear, if you two don't shut up......."

But before he could finish, Sky suddenly smiled, that bright, sunshine smile that could make even the coldest heart melt. "Let them be, Nani. It's fun."

Win and Dew immediately exchanged glances.

"Oh no." Dew whispered.

"Oh yes." Win corrected. "Sky's getting bold. We're doomed."

Sky just laughed, the sound light and carefree, and for once, Nani didn't mind being teased only because Sky was laughing.