Chapter 10

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In the dimly lit lobby, the soft, muffled patter of the rain outside contrasted sharply with the luxurious environment of the office building. As they both waited, Gumayusi glanced sideways and noticed Oner's increasing distress. The younger man's fingers hurriedly searched through his bag, his face etching into a frown.

"Well, well," Gumayusi drawled, the smirk evident in his voice, "Did someone forget their umbrella?"

Oner's head snapped up, his eyes a mix of annoyance and exasperation. "It seems so," he replied, a hint of a pout tugging at his lips.

The pout did not go unnoticed by Gumayusi, who took a moment to appreciate how endearing Oner looked. Just then, a sleek, black car pulled up, its headlights piercing the dark rainy evening.

"Get in," Gumayusi ordered, almost nonchalantly.

Oner looked taken aback. "What?"

Gumayusi's gaze was unwavering. "Get. In."

Feeling the weight of Gumayusi's stare, Oner hesitated for a moment before finally relenting and sliding into the plush leather seats. The car smelled of cedarwood and leather, and Oner took a moment to gather his bearings.

"Where do you live?" Gumayusi asked, not looking at Oner.

Oner, still feeling a tad out of place, mumbled his address. Gumayusi promptly relayed it to the driver before swiftly closing the divider between them, creating an intimate cocoon.

Oner's eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't know cars could do that," he murmured.

Gumayusi chuckled, a deep sound that echoed in the confined space. "There's a lot you don't know, it seems."

Oner could feel his cheeks heating up. "Well, I'm used to simpler things," he retorted, trying to maintain some dignity.

Gumayusi leaned in slightly, his fingers casually grazing Oner's hair. "Simple can be good," he whispered, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Oner shifted uncomfortably. "Why are you doing this? Why are you so... forward with me?"

Gumayusi leaned back, a smirk forming. "Why not? You're interesting, and I'm... curious."

Oner looked away, trying to hide the blush that was creeping up his neck. "Well, you could start by not treating me like a toy," he mumbled.

There was a brief silence. Then, Gumayusi, with a tone that hinted at genuine curiosity, asked, "Tell me about yourself, Oner."

Oner hesitated, then sighed. "There's not much to tell. Grew up in a small town, went to university, got this job. My family is supportive, and I have a few close friends. That's about it."

Gumayusi tilted his head, watching Oner intently. "Dreams? Ambitions?"

Oner's eyes sparkled. "I want to be successful, make a difference. Maybe not in a grand way, but in my own small way."

The rest of the drive was filled with more personal exchanges, the conversation flowing more easily. The rain had reduced to a drizzle by the time they reached Oner's apartment.

"Thanks for the ride," Oner muttered, his fingers fumbling with the car door.

Before he could exit, Gumayusi's voice stopped him. "It was... interesting. Goodnight, Oner."

Oner nodded, then practically sprinted to his building, relief flooding him.

Gumayusi watched him go, a hint of a smile playing on his lips and an unfamiliar warmth spreading through his chest.

Guon - T1 Empire: Mischievous GamesWhere stories live. Discover now