It takes the both of us (PUBLISHED - WEBNOVEL)

FIVE: THIS IS WHERE WE STARTED II [flashback]

[SHAIRA's POINT OF VIEW]

He cleared his throat and replied, "Can't you drop the formality?"

I looked at him, wearing my perplexed reaction. I asked myself, 'Why make such a request? Isn't it only natural to address him with utmost respect and formality because he's my employer?'

How can I? I cannot treat him in such an informal fashion because he's my boss, after all.

"You know, you can treat me as your friend outside our workplace. Anyway, you're done already, shall we?" He added.

I nod. Then, I walked next to him. We managed to reach the parking area without having any conversation. Right now, he is driving in the front seat while I'm sitting in the passenger seat. It was almost seven in the evening when we finally arrived. We encountered a few logging out of an employee in the lobby.

"Goodbye, sir." Each of them bids goodbye to Jhotam. He replied using his famous nod.

Since I'm working overtime, I'll stay here for about 1- 2 hours, maybe? It all depends on my load. I started working with the planner, recommendations, and proposals while my boss was too focused on working with his computer and a mountain of papers beside him.

My back hurts, and so does my ass. Can someone call flash and hit the end button now? I've been working with my ass for freaking straight two hours and a half.

"It's getting late, and you look exhausted. You may go home now; we still have tomorrow."

Finally! Right now, I wish to throw my exhausted body on my bed. "Thank you, sir."

"Did I already mention that you must discard 'sir' whenever we're alone?"

"But-" then how would he like me to address him?

"Call me Jhotam. Are we clear?"

"Y-yes?"

"Good... pack your things. Let me turn off the computer first. Then, we're going downstairs."

I slightly tilted my head and wondered what was wrong with my boss.

He looked in my direction and smiled. "Let's go," he said.

Only the night insects are the visible sound we can hear. I followed his shadow. Meanwhile, he kept checking his back, wondering if I was still there.

"Can you keep me company 'till we reach the parking area?"

I thought he might be afraid of ghosts, for he wanted me to keep him accompanied. I asked, "Sir...I mean, Jhotam, are you afraid of a ghost?"

"Not really. Why did you ask? Are you afraid?" He replied.

"Nothing, Sir. I don't believe in ghosts."

Is this closeness normal for a boss and a mere employee?

"Here we go again." He raised his right eyebrow.

Crap! I forgot. I called him 'sir' once again.

"It can't be helped since it's been my habit for almost five months. If I were to address you with just your name, who knows, I may be confused with the outside and inside protocol of the office," I explained.

"It's not a big deal, after all, so I don't mind. Tho, I advise professionalism."

I blinked my eyes and thought he was quite a chill one, but I dare not move my lips.

"Since you made an effort all through here, will dropping you in your house be enough?"

"Since you made an effort all through here, will dropping you in your house be enough?" He asked.