Nɪ-Kɪ Oɴᴇsʜᴏᴛs

-30-Sᴜɴᴋɪ(💗)

Title: Office Hours

In the bustling heart of Seoul, where skyscrapers kissed the clouds, Sunoo ran his company with an authority that was both intimidating and inspiring. At just twenty-five, he had carved a name for himself in the tech industry, leading a generational shift towards innovation. His office, a sleek glass-walled corner suite, overlooked the city’s electric nightlife, a constant reminder of the ambitions that fueled him.

Within the polished walls of the company, the lively hum of productivity thrived. Employees all had their roles, their schedules, their deadlines. But among them, one stood out—Ni-ki, his dedicated secretary. The young man was more than just a name on the payroll; he had a charm that brightened even the most mundane of days.

Ni-ki, with his tousled hair and endearing smile, scampered around the office like a whirlwind. He knew how to keep the chaotic schedule of Sunoo in check, often having to remind him to take his lunch or attend his meetings. It was a task both daunting and rewarding, as each day allowed him to witness Sunoo's softening edges, his moments of unstated warmth that he rarely showed to anyone else.

One Friday afternoon, the sun dipped low, casting golden rays through the large windows. The office dimmed as it transitioned from daytime hustle to an evening retreat. Ni-ki was organizing the clutter on Sunoo’s desk, sifting through the piles of papers, when he felt a presence beside him. He looked up to find Sunoo leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“Need any help?” Sunoo asked, the informal tone adding an unexpected lilt to his voice.

Ni-ki grinned, his heart doing an unwelcome little flip. “No, I got this! I know where everything is,” he replied, stepping aside to show off the increasingly organized desk.

Sunoo’s gaze roamed the room, taking in the ambiance. “You know, you do a lot around here, Ni-ki.”

The secretary blushed slightly, brushing his bangs aside nervously. “It’s just my job! I want to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

“Oh, come on. You make it look easy. I’d probably be lost without you,” Sunoo said, a hint of admiration coloring his words. He stepped further into the office, forcing Ni-ki to drop the paperwork and focus on the CEO standing just a few feet from him.

“Do you—” Sunoo started, then hesitated for a split second. “Do you wanna grab dinner? I mean, after work? It’s been a long week.”

Ni-ki’s breath caught. “Dinner?” he repeated, the word tumbling off his tongue with a mix of disbelief and excitement. “With you?”

Sunoo chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, just as friends. I figured it’s a nice way to unwind a bit.”

“Sure! That sounds great!”

The rest of the day passed in a flurry, surpassing the usual slow trickle of hours as excitement fizzled in the air. Ni-ki made sure Sunoo's schedule for the evening was clear while feigning casualness, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could impress the CEO outside of the office context.

When the clock finally struck six, Ni-ki felt a rush of nerves as he waited for Sunoo at the lobby. The sun had set, leaving an array of city lights sparkling like stars below. Sunoo emerged from the elevator, casually dressed in a fitted black jacket and jeans, looking effortlessly attractive. He spotted Ni-ki and waved, his smile unwavering, and the nerves began to dissipate.

They chose a cozy little restaurant not far from the office, one known for its quiet atmosphere and delightful Korean cuisine. Over steaming bowls of bibimbap and playful banter, they found themselves laughing more than they had imagined. Each exchange peeled away the layers of their professional facades, revealing a budding friendship that felt both new and deeply familiar.

As they finished their meal, Sunoo leaned back in his chair, his expression softening. “You know, I’ve always admired how hard you work. But it’s nice to see another side of you.”

“That’s the plan!” Ni-ki chuckled. “I’m full of surprises.”

“Care to surprise me with your favorite dessert at the café down the street?” Sunoo asked, his enthusiasm infectious.

Ni-ki felt warmth spread through him as he nodded, the thought of spending more time together fizzing with electricity. “Only if you promise to share!”

After dessert, they walked together under the soft glow of streetlights, laughter spilling into the cool night air. Each step felt lighter than the last, and the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them in that moment.

As they reached Ni-ki’s apartment, he turned to Sunoo, a smile plastered across his face. “Thanks for tonight. It was…really nice.”

Sunoo looked down, suddenly shy. “Glad you enjoyed it. We should do this more often.”

“Yes, absolutely,” Ni-ki agreed, his heart fluttering. “But I’ll have to brace myself for your ideas on office reorganizations! Today was almost too much fun to handle.”

“Consider it a team-building exercise!” Sunoo laughed, leaning closer, their eyes locked in shared warmth. A moment hung between them, filled with unspoken possibilities.

“Night, Sunoo,” Ni-ki finally whispered, smiling softly.

“Goodnight, Ni-ki,” Sunoo replied, heart racing as he took a step back, ready to depart but reluctant to let the moment end.

With a wave, he turned to leave, and as he walked away, both of them knew that this was just the beginning of something extraordinary—something that would meld their separate worlds into one vibrant tapestry, woven with late-night laughter, unexpected surprises, and maybe a little bit of love.