Signed by desires

Boundaries Blurred

The next day, Noeul arrived at the office earlier than usual, hoping to gather his thoughts and settle his frayed nerves before Boss showed up. He hadn't been able to shake the memory of the previous day—the feel of Boss's hands on him, the way his breath hitched in his ear. Noeul felt a surge of frustration at himself for letting things go as far as they did, for not setting boundaries sooner.

Sitting at his desk, he took a deep breath, flipping through some paperwork and trying to immerse himself in tasks to escape his own spiraling thoughts.

But, as if on cue, he heard footsteps approaching, followed by the familiar sound of Boss's door opening and closing. Noeul braced himself, but when Boss stepped out, he carried an air of calm confidence that made yesterday's encounter feel like a fever dream.
Boss: *pausing by Noeul's desk, his voice as cool as ever* "Good morning, Noeul. I'd like to discuss today's schedule with you in my office."

Noeul looked up, momentarily caught off guard. Boss's gaze was unreadable, almost daring him to react. Noeul swallowed, trying to mask his discomfort, and gave a curt nod.
Noeul: *voice steadying* "Of course, Boss. Right away."
He stood up, gathering his notepad and forcing himself to act professional, even as his heart beat wildly against his ribs. He followed Boss into the office, carefully closing the door behind them.

Once inside, Boss took his seat at the edge of his desk, arms crossed as he looked at Noeul. The silence stretched out, thick with a tension that neither of them acknowledged. Noeul focused on his notes, pen poised, avoiding Boss's gaze.

Boss: *his voice soft, but with an underlying intensity* "Yesterday... it seems we crossed a line. A line that I want to make sure isn't a problem for you."
Noeul felt a flush creeping up his neck but managed to keep his expression neutral.
Noeul: *measured, professional* "I'm here to do my job, Boss. What happened yesterday—let's consider it... an error in judgment."

Boss's gaze lingered on him, a small smirk playing on his lips as he leaned forward.
Boss: *quietly, almost teasing* "An error, you say?"

Noeul felt his composure slipping as Boss's eyes held his, searching for any sign of weakness. He couldn't tell if Boss was mocking him or testing his limits, but he refused to back down.
Boss's hand moved, trailing along his tie as he watched Noeul carefully.

Boss: *voice lower, softer* "I have high expectations, Noeul. I know you can handle them."
Noeul's hand tightened on his notepad, his breath catching slightly. He wasn't sure what Boss was playing at, but he wasn't about to let himself be swept up in his games.
Noeul: *firmly, breaking the spell* "Understood, Boss. Now, about today's schedule?"

Boss's smirk softened, replaced by a flicker of something more sincere before he straightened.
Boss: "Of course. We have a meeting with CKM's investors at noon, followed by a site visit. Make sure everything is arranged."
Noeul nodded, relief mixing with a strange sense of disappointment as they slipped back into professional roles.

Noeul made his way to the door, his fingers brushing the handle when Boss's voice stopped him.
Boss: *barely a whisper* "I'd still like to finish what we started... when you're ready."
Caught off guard, Noeul turned to see Boss's intense gaze lingering on him, the words sending a shiver through him. He quickly composed himself, giving Boss a curt nod before leaving the office, the faint ghost of Boss's words haunting him as he went about his day.

As the evening descended and the day's official duties wrapped up, Boss invited Noeul back to his place, his tone casual, though his eyes held a flicker of something unmistakably intense. Noeul hesitated, but Boss's unreadable stare left him with little choice. Once they arrived at Boss's sleek, modern apartment, he closed the door with a soft click, and in that instant, any trace of professionalism melted away. Boss barely gave Noeul a moment to adjust before he closed the distance, backing Noeul against the wall in one swift motion.