Beautiful Dreamer

52. I Need More

"I'm fascinated by the the conclusion of the proposal. The higher-ups and I have agreed to submit it directly with no final editing whatsoever. Funny is, they mentioned each of those words were identically crafted by our former manager." Mun chuckled before adding. "Good job. You've made an excellent disciple. That's the first time I didn't have to edit your work."

"Thank you, Manager Min."

"Prepared to work overtime today?"

"Actually, I wanted to request if I can leave early..."

"After serving you a gracious meal on a silver plate? I'm hurt." Mun interrupted, maintaining a cheeky eye contact. He then placed the file with Rey's proposal on the table. "I presume you wish to continue with the said meal."

"Pardon?"

"You are aware I live there too."

Rey nodded tensely. "Thanks f-for that..."

"At least tell me the two of you ended your lover's spat. Conquering Ari's indecisiveness is a challenge but the hardest part is over. You seized him."

"I'm on the verge of it..."

Mun seemed disappointed. "You are Ari's predictive fall to ruin. How hard could it be?"

Rey remained hesitant, unable to maintain eye contact. If anything, he was more anxious preceding his involvement with Ari's brother.

"Good grief, relax." Mun noticed Rey's uneasiness. "I've done much worse in my friend's house with my partners."

'I don't doubt it, but that is not worries me.' Rey thought.

"Ari's life has been compelling and compulsive since you showed up. You may be a diligent employee, but Ari is important to me. Despite getting down and dirty for nosy neighbours to hear, you still prioritized timeliness in submitting your work."

Rey's gaze dropped to the side, his expression openly flustered. "Manager, may I speak freely?"

Mun chuckled but didn't answer back. "It's unprofessional to keep favorites at work therefore, if anyone sees you exiting the building, the explaining is on you. Once you get back, be discreet while signing out."

"T-Thank you Manager..." Rey stood up and repetitively gave a courtesy bow. He'd at most expected rejection but having Mun on his side was a blessing. "I'm deeply grateful Manager Mun. I promise my discretion."

While on his way, Rey felt enlivened and hopeful. When he'd left that morning, Ari had been in deep sleep, neither did he want to wake him up from his slumber. Suddeny, he remembered the pending issue that had earlier kept Ari distracted at the onset of their lovemaking. His brother, prompting Rey to stop for a moment and ponder over what to say and when to bring the topic up. There was no running away from the matter. With Ari pestering him yesterday of it, the questions would continue once he got back.

Rey's cellphone rang and his worries disappeared in an instant, followed by a delightful feeling once he saw the caller identity.

"You slept well I presume." Rey chuckled. "It's already evening."

"I noticed." Ari's response was sarcastic, followed by a brief silence before he cleared his throat and asked, "When did you leave? I-I thought you'd get a pass from Mun after I helped you out yesterday."

"Were you hoping I'd stick around today as well? Is that why you called?" Rey was sure his slight provocation would irritate Ari, but that was not what he was going for. This was probably the longest conversation he'd had with Ari, and he wanted to lengthen it. "You must have missed me."