A New Safe Space

Unexpected Invitations

Ray knew he was being a nuisance to Akk, but he couldn't help it. There was something about the tall, stoic man that drew him in. The way Akk looked so serious while working, the precision in his movements, and the confident way he spoke-it was like watching a master at work. Akk was undoubtedly capable, and Ray found that incredibly attractive.

Today was no different. Ray had been staring at Akk unabashedly, completely lost in his thoughts as Akk discussed something with another manager. The way Akk's hands moved while explaining, how his eyes focused on the task at hand-it all made Ray's heart race. His fascination with Akk was consuming, and he didn't care to hide it. That was, until Mira, his seatmate, poked his arm.

"Ray... you've been staring at Mr. Pipitphattana for a while now," Mira teased, her smile playful. "You're always hanging around him, and I noticed you call him by his first name. Do you have a crush on him or something?"

Ray blinked, caught off guard. "Uh...," he started, feeling a warmth creep into his cheeks. Me Blushing? Really? Ray almost kicked himself.

"It's okay, you know," Mira continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "A lot of us here had a thing for him when he first started, but he never gives anyone the time of day. He's either married to his work or has someone waiting for him at home. A face like that surely has someone waiting for him to come home."

Without thinking, Ray muttered, "Well... he doesn't."

Mira's eyes widened. "Wait, how do you know that?" She grinned. "You two must know each other outside of work, huh? You call him by his first name and he lets you. Now you are pretty sure that Boss is single."

Ray stuttered, not wanting to give too much away. "We've met before... but we're not close. I just-feel like he doesn't have anyone. You said it yourself, he's too focused on his work."

Mira smirked knowingly, but let it slide. "Well, whether you're close or not, the whole office is heartbroken now," she laughed. "You didn't realize didn't you? Half of the office is like you, pining over Mr. Pipitphittana and the other half in love with you, Ray."

Ray blinked again, shocked. "What?" He wasn't expecting that.

"Seriously! You're charming and handsome, and you've got this whole 'chic sexy guy' vibe going on. I swear, most of the girls here are already in a love triangle with you and Mr. Pipitphattana."

Ray chuckled, after all being admired and chased wasn't anything new to him, though his mind was far from the flattery. The attention was something he was used to, but he hadn't noticed it much since he started working. He was far too preoccupied with Akk-getting him to loosen up, teasing him, and finding any excuse to spend time with him. The talk manager had taken up his whole attention that he hadn't noticed anything or anyone else around him.

He had already managed to convince Akk to take him out for lunch a few days ago after several attempts and under the pretense that he didn't know where to eat. Today, he was scheming for something more-perhaps dinner. Akk was always so guarded around him, trying to maintain professionalism. Trying to draw the line between them. Ray hated that wall Akk kept reinforcing between them. He missed the version of Akk he'd seen in their past encounter-the one who had let his guard down, had talked, laughed, and even cried so freely even just for a moment.

Yesterday, Ray's father had asked how things were going at work, and Ray had admitted that he was actually learning a lot. His father nodded with approval. Pleased that his heir is finally showing some interest in the family business. Surprisingly, he wasn't lying. Akk had a way of pushing him just enough to keep him engaged. If Ray didn't finish a task, Akk wouldn't agree to join him for coffee. This had driven Ray to complete a report in record time, much to Akk's surprise. To Ray's utter astonishment,f he didn't find the job boring and it was quite easy for him to learn and come up with plans that even the strict Akk had reluctantly given his nod of approval.

Today, Ray had his sights set on dinner. He approached Akk's desk with a mischievous grin.

"Akk... can I ask you a favor?" Ray leaned in, his voice teasing.

"No," Akk replied instantly, not even looking up from his work. He knew Ray too well by now. Even just a sliver of opening would mean this snake-like creature would crawl his way through and bite him.

"You don't even know what it is yet!" Ray whined, pouting slightly. Looking so damned attractive while doing so. Akk nearly groaned out loud.

"I don't need to know. Have you finished all the tasks I assigned you?" Akk raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable despite his heart drumming so loudly at the sight of Ray's pretty face in mock pain because of his immediate refusal.

"Not yet... but Akk, listen. Please. There's this restaurant that has amazing Shrimp & Lobster Ravioli. I've been dying to try it, but I don't want to go alone. Come on, please? It'll be quick!" Ray's pleading eyes bore into Akk, and without thinking, he lightly grabbed Akk's arm.

Akk stiffened at the touch, sighing. "Fine," he said, glancing at Ray. "If you finish everything today, I'll take you. But Ray," he warned, his tone firm, "it's just dinner. Don't expect anything more."

Ray grinned, his heart racing with victory. "Of course! Just dinner," he replied, though the thought of a simple meal was far from what was on his mind. He was determined to break through Akk's walls, one way or another.

That evening, Ray and Akk walked into the restaurant Ray had reserved. It was cozy, upscale, and perfect for what Ray hoped would be more than just a professional dinner. He had been craving a moment like this-where they weren't surrounded by colleagues or office walls. Where he could get to know Akk outside the confines of work.

The meal was fantastic, and despite Akk's usual curt responses and occasional sarcasm, Ray was enjoying himself. Akk looked stunning, his suit jacket discarded, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. There was something undeniably attractive about how put-together Akk was, even when he relaxed. He was both sophisticated and rugged, and it made Ray's chest tighten. He wanted to jump and ravage him if only he would allow him.

They shared stories-Ray, more than Akk-but the conversation flowed easily. Ray found himself confiding in Akk, something that surprised him. Even with Mew, his so-called best friend, there were things Ray could never say. But with Akk, he didn't feel the need to filter himself. He talked about his past, his mistakes, even his wild nights out. Akk never judged, only offering mild advice, like cutting back on drinking and doing it only when he doesn't have classes or work the next day. That was it. No condemnation, no lectures.

By the time dessert came, they were sharing a decadent chocolate mousse and lemon tart, the atmosphere between them comfortable as they continued to chat. That was until a voice interrupted their private moment.

"Akk?"

A tall, good-looking man approached, and Akk's eyes widened in surprise. "Khan!" Akk greeted, nearly choking on his dessert.

Ray watched with curiosity as the man, Khan, smirked. "Fancy seeing you here. You've been saying you're busy, but now I see why," Khan teased, glancing at Ray before turning back to Akk. "I'm Khan, by the way. Akk's best friend. This is my boyfriend, Thua."

Ray smiled politely as Khan shook his hand, introducing himself. Thua, the man beside Khan, gave Ray a curious look, his eyes flicking between him and Akk.

Before Ray could say much, Khan grinned wickedly. "Ray, we're going on a beach trip this weekend in Pattaya with our friends. Why don't you join us? It'll be fun."

Akk immediately protested. "Khan, stop-"

But Ray, ever the opportunist, lit up with excitement. "I'd love that! I'll get the details from Akk."

Akk sighed, his best friend's meddling now officially out of control. Ray, however, was thrilled. A beach trip with Akk? This was exactly the chance he needed to break through Akk's defenses. Maybe, just maybe, they could pick up where they left off. He also mentally noted that he should buy something expensive for Khan as a thank you for giving him the chance to score a date with Akk without even working too hard this time. He sure is a lucky guy.