FLICKER (h.s. au)

1.

One

Emery Rivera

There was always a momentary silence that fell over the office at exactly 8:30 on the dot every morning.

The soft hum of chatter and the clatter of keyboards came to an abrupt halt as every employee seemed to hold their breath in anticipation of the brooding figure that would soon enter the building.

All eyes turned to follow his every step as he made his way down the hallway. His designer shoes tapped against the cool tiled floor in a rhythmic pattern, never skipping a beat.

Nobody could help themselves, but watch as he walked. While everyone was fearful of him, they couldn't help but be mesmerized by him, especially the women.

As he entered the main office area, the only sound that could be heard was the soft instrumental music playing over the speakers. The calm melody provided a stark contrast to the tension that filled the room.

I could hear his footsteps a mile away, so I stood from my desk, stepping out into the hallway and waited by his door with a piping hot cup of coffee in my hands, just the way he likes it. He was dressed in all black today- black shoes, black pants, black button up, black suit jacket- each piece tailored to perfection, custom made just for him. It was a signature look and man does he look good in black.

For a moment, he paused, his dark gaze sweeping over the room. Then, with a swift nod of his head, he began to make his way to his office, the silence following him like a shadow.

"Ms.Rivera." He greeted me dryly, barely even looking me in the eye. He grabbed the cup from my hand before pushing past me into his office.

"Mr.Styles." I muttered back, following him inside.

Harry dropped his belongings onto his desk, unbuttoned his suit jacket, and settled into his seat. He held his hand out in my direction, waiting impatiently as always.

"What?" I pushed him, knowing exactly what he wanted but refusing to give it to him without a proper request.

"The schedule, Rivera." He rolled his eyes. My shoulders slumped and I shot him a side-eye.

"It's already been uploaded to your calendar, Styles." I replied dryly, glaring at him. "If you actually need something, I'll be in my office." Turning on my heels, I walked out of his office and sharply turned to my much smaller office directly across from his.

I ignored the way I felt his eyes on me as I walked away. Even when I was settled at my own desk, I could still sense Harry's eyes on me. The squeaky clean glass windows that lined the front of our offices offered no protection from his gaze. Whoever thought that giant sheets of glass for walls were a good idea needs to be checked into a psych ward.

My laptop pinged, a notification of a new email from none other than my cheerful boss.

My dearest Emery,

Please inform Benjamin that we'll have to reschedule our lunch meeting to tomorrow. I've got a lunch meeting with my parents and probably won't be back till 2 pm, move around my schedule as you see fit.

Also, my coffee isn't hot enough today. Shall I retrain you on how I take my coffee?

Regards,

Harry Styles

My eyes shifted from the screen, glancing towards Harry's office. If looks could kill, he'd have a pair of daggers between his eyeballs by now. He had his office phone to his ear as he wrote away on his notepad, his eyebrows furrowed tightly. This man will surely get permanent wrinkles from the constant frown and furrowed eyebrows.