Noah was sitting at his desk, the light shining through the big corporate windows constantly shrinking, making him squint his eyes at the computer screen. He really needed a side lamp for his cubicle. On top of the constant headache and him having to readjust his glasses, another constant typing could be heard from across the room.
Do-yun was concentrating on the difficult task before his screen, completely ignoring the aggressive and aggravating noises that could be heard from the cubicle across the roomι, while sighing loudly and getting up, to go pee. In the process, the chair makes a loud screeching noise which causes him to cringe..
He cringed at the noise his fellow coworkers chair made as it slided on the marble floor. It made him get immediately distracted from the task at hand and stare at the other as he walked down the row between the front and back cubicles. His face looked a little messy, dark eyebags more pigmented than usual resting below his equally dark eyes. For a moment, Noah thought that he should tell him to go home and rest, but alas he wasn't gonna make it sound so sweet and caring.
"Already giving up?" He sounded like he challenged the other as he too pushed his chair back and arched his
back a bit to stretch it out, pulling his arms out and above his head as well.
Noah's voice carried a hint of playful sarcasm, but for some reason it didn't bother Do-yun. He let out a tired chuckle, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Yeah, yeah, Noah. You're Mr. Productivity, I get it." He returned the banter with a grin, though it couldn't quite hide the exhaustion in his eyes. He didn't normally reply to his teasing, but he decided to make an exception.
Do-yun continued his walk between the cubicles, determined to soldier on through the night, also deciding to stop by the coffee machine for a quick brew, as backup.
Noah was shocked to hear the other reply to his playful banter, Do-Yun, master of ignoring side remarks and side-eyeing his coworkers till they leave him alone, Han had graced him with a comeback. It evoked a giggle out of him, one he didn't manage to suppress or hide in time for the other one not to notice. Seeing his dark haired coworker make a beeline for the coffee machine he knew this night was far from over for both of them. Inspired by the smell of freshly machine brewed coffee, he too walked up leisurely to the small kitchen bench at the end of their office room.
"Say..." He started, picking up a clean mug from inside one of the cupboards on the wall.
"You do usually stay overtime but nothing like today... What gives?" He looked at the other, he knew very well what 'gives', and he knew damn well he wasn't going to let him have it, even if he worked overtime till the next morning and for every night till his presentation.
"Or is that just your excuse to spend more time with me?" He chuckled lightly, filling his coffee mug, "Next time just properly ask me out on a date."
Do-Yun glanced over at Noah, a faint smile playing on his lips as he took a sip of his coffee. He leaned against the kitchen counter, his eyes locked onto Noah's mischievous gaze.
"Ah, you see, Noah," Do-Yun replied with a raised eyebrow, "I have a reputation to uphold. The master of ignoring side remarks can't just give in to curiosity that easily."
He took another deliberate sip of his coffee, letting the silence linger for a moment before continuing, "But I suppose if you insist on accusing me of ulterior motives, maybe I should just come clean. Yes, this is all an elaborate ruse to spend more time with you. The late-night work, the coffee breaks, it's all part of my grand plan."
He grinned, a glint of amusement in his eyes, "But if you think I'd ever ask you out on a date like a normal person, well, you've got another thing coming. I prefer keeping you on your toes, Noah."
Do-Yun strutted off and back to his cubicle, resuming his work. He couldn't let Noah distract him. He wouldn't let Noah distract him. He needed that promotion more than anything, he was craving for it. The money was a motive for sure and plus, Do-Yun was in need of that and would appreciate it more than Noah could ever hope to.
