The Email [Yandere Boss x Reader]

Chapter 38 - Morning Regrets

I woke up the next morning with a pounding headache, the result of too much wine and too many emotional revelations. The sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a harsh light on the events of the previous night. I groaned and buried my face in the pillow, wishing I could erase my memories as easily as I could erase a bad dream.

What had I been thinking?

Playing truth or dare with Hayes, sharing my deepest secrets, singing for him—it all seemed like a blur of poor decisions. The realization that I had let my guard down so completely filled me with regret.

I forced myself out of bed, my movements slow and deliberate as I tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. A hot shower helped clear my head a little, but it couldn't wash away the embarrassment.

As I dressed, I mentally prepared myself for the day ahead. I had plans to meet up with my friends, and I knew they would notice if something was off.

By the time I arrived at the café where we had planned to meet, I had managed to plaster a semblance of normalcy onto my face. Jess, Sara, and Emily were already there, chatting animatedly. They greeted me with smiles and hugs, and I tried my best to return their enthusiasm.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Jess teased as I sat down. "Rough night?"

"You have no idea," I muttered, reaching for the menu to avoid their curious gazes.

"Do tell," Sara said, leaning forward with a glint in her eye. "We need all the juicy details."

"Yeah, spill," Emily added, her grin widening. "You can't just drop a bomb like that and not follow through."

I sighed, knowing there was no way I could avoid this. "I had too much wine last night and did some things I'm not proud of," I admitted, feeling the blush creep up my cheeks again.

"Like what?" Jess pressed, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

I took a deep breath, deciding it was better to get it over with. "I played truth or dare with Hayes."

The reaction was immediate. Jess's jaw dropped, Sara's eyes widened, and Emily let out a squeal of delight.

"No way!" Sara exclaimed. "Hayes? As in your hot, mysterious coworker?"

"Yup," I said, nodding. "That Hayes."

"And?" Emily prompted, practically bouncing in her seat. "What happened?"

I recounted the events of the night, from the embarrassing truths to the dare that ended with me singing for him. They listened intently, their expressions a mix of amusement and fascination.

"Oh my God," Jess said when I finished. "That's amazing!"

"It's not amazing," I groaned. "It's humiliating. I let my guard down completely."

"I think it's brave," Sara said, her tone sincere. "You showed him a side of yourself that you usually keep hidden. That takes guts."

"Yeah," Emily agreed. "And it sounds like he really appreciated it."

I shook my head, still feeling the weight of my regret. "I don't know. It just feels like I made a fool of myself."

"You're being too hard on yourself," Jess said, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "Everyone has embarrassing moments. It's what makes us human."

I smiled weakly, grateful for their support but still unconvinced. "Maybe. But I can't help but worry about how this will affect things between us."

"Only time will tell," Sara said wisely. "But for now, just focus on the present. We're here for you, no matter what."

Their words were comforting, and as the conversation shifted to lighter topics, I began to relax a little. We spent the morning laughing and catching up, their teasing and banter a welcome distraction from my worries.

But as much as I tried to push the previous night from my mind, I couldn't help but wonder about Hayes. What was he thinking? Did he regret it too? Or had it meant something more to him?

The questions swirled in my mind, a constant undercurrent to the day's activities. I knew I couldn't avoid him forever. I would have to face him eventually, and when I did, I hoped I would find the courage to confront my fears and uncertainties.

For now, I would take things one step at a time. With my friends by my side, I felt a little more ready to face whatever came next.