A017's POV
On Friday night, after a grueling week of chasing dead ends, I was unwinding when my phone buzzed with a message from MJ.
Text from MJ:
Hey Liezel! We're planning a casual outing tomorrow—brunch at a local café followed by a movie. It'd be great if you could join us. It's a nice chance to relax and get to know everyone better. Are you interested? 😊
I smiled at the invitation. It was a perfect opportunity to take a break from my intense focus on work and mingle with my colleagues outside of the office. I appreciated MJ's thoughtfulness and welcomed the chance to socialize.
Text from Liezel:
Hi MJ! That sounds like a lot of fun. I'd love to join. Thanks for inviting me!
The next day, I arrived at the café, a quaint spot with a warm and inviting atmosphere. As I entered, I spotted MJ and several other colleagues already gathered at a large table. Eric was there too, seated at the end of the table, studying the menu.
MJ waved me over enthusiastically. "Liezel! Over here!"
I took a seat next to MJ, and Eric looked up, offering a brief nod. "Hi, Eric."
"Hey, Liezel," Eric replied, his usual reserve evident but with a hint of warmth.
As we settled into conversation, the group chatted about weekend plans, current projects, and personal interests. I was enjoying the easygoing atmosphere when MJ leaned in closer, speaking in a softer voice.
"You know, Liezel," she said with a teasing smile, "Eric's been quite eager about this brunch. He's mentioned it a few times. Seems like you've caught his interest."
I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Really? I hadn't noticed."
MJ's smile widened. "Definitely. Eric's not usually one to get excited about office events, but he's been more attentive since you started. It seems like you've made an impression."
I glanced over at Eric, who was engaged in a conversation with another colleague. His typical detached demeanor seemed a bit more relaxed today. MJ's hint only heightened my curiosity about him.
"Interesting," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'll have to see if there's more to him than I've observed."
As the brunch wrapped up and the group prepared to head to the movie, Eric approached me with a casual but deliberate air.
"Hey, Liezel," he said. "I was wondering if you'd like a ride home after the movie. I've got a car, and it'd save you the trouble of getting a cab."
I was taken aback by the offer. "Oh, that's very kind of you, Eric. I appreciate it."
Eric gave a slight nod. "No problem. Just let me know if you need it."
The gesture felt unexpectedly considerate and added another layer to my perception of him. As we enjoyed the movie, I found myself reflecting on MJ's comments and Eric's offer. The outing had already provided more insight than I had anticipated, and I was intrigued to see where this new dynamic would lead.
