Me, My Brother, and Our Girlfriend

Chapter 5: Hidden feelings

The morning sun painted the city in a warm, golden glow as Rindou, CEO of the burgeoning tech company, stood by the window of his office, sipping his coffee and gazing at the city waking up below. His eyes, however, were not focused on the bustling streets; they were drawn to the sleek, silver sports car pulling up to the curb outside the building.

The car was undeniably beautiful, a sleek, modern masterpiece. But it wasn't the car that held Rindou's attention; it was the woman stepping out, a vibrant smile gracing her face as she turned towards the driver. It was Y/n, his secretary, his efficient, dedicated, and ever-so-slightly infuriating secretary.

He watched, a strange mix of emotions churning within him, as she leaned in and exchanged a quick, intimate kiss with the man behind the wheel.  The man was tall, handsome, and exuded a confidence that Rindou found both admirable and infuriating.  It was Ran, Y/n's boyfriend, his very own brother, a man who had become a constant source of irritation for Rindou.

Rindou had been drawn to Y/n from the moment she had walked into his office, her sharp intelligence and unwavering determination a refreshing change from the sycophantic personalities he usually encountered.  But he had kept his feelings in check, understanding the inappropriateness of pursuing a relationship with his employee especially knowing that she was already in a relationship. He had instead focused on her work, praising her every success and subtly pushing her to excel.

However, seeing Y/n with Ran, witnessing their easy intimacy, ignited a jealousy he couldn't explain.  He found himself increasingly watching her, observing her interactions with others, scrutinizing every detail of her life outside the office.  The arrival of the sports car, a gift from Ran, had only amplified his unease.  The car was a constant reminder of Y/n's life outside his sphere of influence, a reminder of the man she loved, and the life she was building with him.

He watched as Y/n entered the building, a wave of emotions washing over him.  A pang of loneliness, a sharp jab of jealousy, and a deep, inexplicable longing.  He knew he shouldn't be harboring these feelings, but he couldn't help it.  Y/n, with her sharp mind and unwavering spirit, had a hold on him, and he found himself drawn to her in a way he didn't quite understand.

Rindou turned away from the window, his gaze settling on his own reflection in the glass.  He saw a man battling his own internal demons, a man consumed by a silent, unspoken longing.  He knew he couldn't act on these feelings, but the realization only made his heart ache more.

He sighed, turning back to his desk, his gaze drifting to the stack of papers waiting to be signed.  His work, his empire, was his focus, his obsession. But, as he reached for his pen, he couldn't help but think of Y/n, her vibrant smile, her bright eyes, and the way she effortlessly navigated the world with a confidence that both attracted and intimidated him.   He knew, with a certainty that chilled him, that his feelings for her would only complicate his life.  But, as he signed the documents, he found himself wishing he could rewrite his own story, a story where he was the one driving the sleek sports car, the one receiving that smile, the one deserving of that kiss.

As Y/n entered his office, Rindou's eyes locked on her red lips. It was a new shade of red, different from what she usually wore. "That shade fits you better than the other," he said as he continued to sign the papers.

"Thank you! It's a gift from Ran to make up for last night."
"Did he hurt you?" Rindou asked, worry in his voice.
"No, not at all. He got mad at me because he was jealous. Even though I said it was okay, he still gifted me a few things. Also, I'm so sorry that I'm late for work, is there anything I missed?" Y/n asked nervously.

"Nothing for now. I'll call you later to pick up these papers. You're supposed to be the first to sign and check these, but since you're late, I'll do the checking. You just need to sign them all later." His voice was flat, devoid of any warmth, and the air around him crackled with barely contained frustration.

"Is something wrong? You seem... tense. I'm really very sorry I overslept. It won't happen again, I promise!"  My voice was a little shaky,  trying to soothe the storm brewing in his eyes.