Resonance (Jiyan x Fem!Reader x Calcharo)

Chapter 15 : Bond

The rest of the day was a blur as you avoided Jiyan like the plague. You buried yourself in a mountain of paperwork, scribbling on blank sheets with your pen as if your life depended on it

Every so often, you'd steal a glance at Jiyan, who was now lounging on the couch, reading some documents that the Magistrate had handed him.

You tried to focus on the paper in front of you, but your mind kept drifting back to the kiss. It was a strange mix of embarrassment and excitement that left you feeling flustered. You couldn't believe you'd acted on impulse like that.

Zhi Yu noticed the tension in the room and decided to intervene, whispering to you, "Uh, what's going on? Why are the two of you avoiding each other like one of you carries a contagious disease? Did something happen this morning?"

You jumped, startled by his sudden appearance. "Nothing. We're...we're okay." you replied, trying to act nonchalant.

Zhi Yu raised an eyebrow, "Spill the beans, or I'll be forced to use my investigative skills to find out what happened."

You sighed, "Fine. I'll tell you. But shut your mouth and not tell anyone about it, okay?!"

Zhi Yu crossed his heart, "Scout's honor, I won't say a word."

You rolled your eyes, "We... we kissed."

Zhi Yu's eyes widened, "You kissed?! When? Where? How and Why?!"

You frantically covered Zhi Yu's mouth with both hands, "Shut up, Zhi Yu! Don't you dare say a word about this! I'm already mortified enough!"

You yanked Zhi Yu by the arm, pulling him into a separate room "I... I don't know what came over me. I can't believe I did that. I'm such an idiot!!!"

Zhi Yu patted your back "Calm down. It's just a kiss. It's not the end of the world. And well, at least it wasn't a full-blown make-out session. You're still a virgin, aren't you?"

You smacked his arm, "Zhi Yu, stop joking around. I don't know what came over me. What should I do?!"

Zhi Yu sighed, staring at you "You're overthinking this. Now, you better talk to the General. You can't keep avoiding him forever. He's probably wondering what's wrong with you."

You groaned, "I can't. I just can't."

Zhi Yu responded with a mischievous grin, "Oh, come on. If you don't want to face the General, I'll do it for you. Just tell me what to say."

You rolled your eyes, "No, no, no. I'll handle this myself."

"Get a grip, Madam Secretary, okay?!" he cheered.

You sighed, "I know, I know. I'll talk to him. I'll just need a bit more time to gather the courage."

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As you and Zhi Yu exited the room, Zhi Yu held a stack of documents in his hands, his arms bulging under the weight. "Alright, I'm off to do some research in the library. I won't be back until this evening. I'll be gone for hours, so don't expect me to be back before dinner!" he exclaimed loud enough for Jiyan to hear.

"Sure, Zhi Yu. I'll make sure to sort things out."

Zhi Yu winked, "Good. I'll be waiting to hear about your PROGRESS. Bye, bye!" With that, he left the office.

With a deep, calming breath, you gathered your courage and headed back to your desk. You couldn't help but steal a glance at Jiyan, who was still engrossed in his reading.

As you sat down, Jiyan's eyes met yours. You blushed, the heat spreading across your cheeks. You could feel your heart pounding in your chest.

You stood up abruptly, your voice quivering as you spoke, "I... I'm... I'm sorry."