Heart's Ascending

7

The working lunch continued, with Blue, Noeul, Boss, and Fort deep in conversation about the complex details of their ongoing project. The air was charged with a blend of enthusiasm and determination as they brainstormed ideas and strategies.

Blue, ever the attentive newcomer, turned to Noeul with a curious smile. "Noeul, I've been meaning to ask – how did you and Mr. Chaikamon come up with the concept for the employee development program? It's really impressive, and the results speak for themselves."

"Uhmm, It's fine with you if I'll call you by your first name, right?" Noeul nodded.

Noeul's eyes twinkled as she shared the story, "Well, it was a collaborative effort. Boss had this vision of bring up a positive and growth-oriented work environment, and we worked together to shape the program. It's all about nurturing our team members and helping them reach their full potential."

Boss nodded in agreement, acknowledging Noeul's contribution. Fort, ever the opportunist, couldn't resist adding his own touch of humor. "Oh, it was a grand romantic gesture, Blue. Boss and Noeul crafted it over candlelit dinners and moonlit strolls in the office corridors."

Boss rolled his eyes, suppressing a smile. "Fort, you have quite the imagination. Noeul and I are just dedicated professionals working toward a common goal."

Noeul chuckled, playing along. "Yes, Fort, your version of events is much more exciting than the reality. We save the romance for our dreams."

Blue laughed, appreciating the witty remarks and the camaraderie that was becoming a trademark of their team dynamics. "Well, it's clear that you all make a fantastic team. I'm grateful to be a part of it."

As the conversation shifted back to the project details, Fort couldn't resist throwing in another teasing remark. "Blue, you're getting a crash course in our unique office culture. Just be prepared for more of these 'moonlit strolls' and grand gestures."

Blue grinned, taking it all in stride. "I'll take the moonlit strolls if it means contributing to the success of this team."

Boss, despite his initial resistance to the teasing, couldn't help but join in the laughter. The atmosphere lightened, and the closeness deepened as they continued to work together on their projects.

As days turned into weeks and Blue continued to work closely with Boss and Noeul, a subtle awareness started to bloom in his mind. The professional demeanor maintained by Boss and Noeul had kept any romantic dynamics well hidden. However, there were moments – a shared glance, a shared inside joke, the way they seamlessly complemented each other's ideas – that left Blue with a lingering question.

One evening, as the team wrapped up a successful presentation, Blue found himself alone in the office, reviewing some documents. Boss and Noeul had left for the day, and the quiet workspace gave him time to reflect. The pieces of the puzzle started to come together, and a realization dawned on him.

He recalled the moments when Fort playfully teased about moonlit strolls and romantic gestures. While it was all in good fun, a small seed of suspicion had been planted. Blue wondered if there was more to Boss and Noeul's relationship than met the eye.

The next morning, during a team meeting, Blue couldn't help but observe Boss and Noeul with a more scrutinizing gaze. The subtle interactions that had previously gone unnoticed now stood out to him. He noticed the way Boss's eyes softened when he looked at Noeul, and the shared smiles that seemed to carry a deeper connection.

As the meeting progressed, Blue couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more between Boss and Noeul. The realization filled him with a mix of surprise and curiosity. It's not that he is jealous of what he is realizing but he takes it as a challenge.