I will never be the same without you...

Chapter 3

 Song: Taemin, "태민 (Want)"

I had to force myself to stop staring at him. He had lost his boyish appearance. His hair was shorter and parted on the right. He wore a light blue dress shirt and dark grey pants that fitted him beautifully. He was not just cute anymore, he was handsome. He smiled at me, wide enough for his dimples to show. I suddenly found it hard to swallow.

"Good afternoon Sai."

My heart did a little flip flop. It was as if the last few years melted away, and we were back in the music room at uni. I couldn't help myself,

"Good afternoon, my Zon."

He laughed, and I was enthralled. It was hard to keep my face neutral and stay professional when I wanted to lunge across the desk, and .... Whoa, down boy! You're at work Sai, it's not the time to behave like a teenager. Better concentrate on your meeting now, but since it's the last of the day, invite him for drinks after. When did I start talking to myself? I snapped out of it and turned my attention back to Zon.

"It's nice to see you Zon, it's been too long. I had no idea you worked for this company. I'm looking forward to working with you. Let's talk about the project and catch up afterwards."

"Indeed, it's been a while. I agree; let's figure out what I can do for you, and since you're my last meeting of the day, let's go for drinks after. Unless you're busy..."

He smiled at me and waited for my answer. I found it hard to concentrate. Was this Zon? My Zon??? When had he become so confident? It felt like the roles were reversed, and I was the bumbling nervous wreck now.

"Yes. I mean, no. I mean, I don't have plans this evening."

Oh whoa! Look at me being so eloquent.

"That's great. Let me get my computer."

Thankfully he started digging around his bag and talking about the project. He put on his glasses and opened his laptop. With a slight frown of concentration, he started typing on his keyboard. Suddenly, he looked at me,

"Sai, I prepared some examples to show you, but it's going to be hard to do from here. Is it ok if I come around and sit beside you?"

I felt like a deer caught in headlights. He wanted to come closer! I wasn't sure I would be able to think if he did. I mentally shook myself off again. I really had to start concentrating on work, or this meeting was going to last forever. Come on Saifah, pull yourself together.

"Yes, of course. Let me move a chair for you."

I walked around the desk to get the chair and found myself standing inches from him. Close enough to feel my heartbeat speed up. Just like it used to when I taught him how to play the guitar. I had to remember to breathe. Thankfully, he seemed oblivious of my turmoil. I finally got us settled behind my desk, and he started to show me his work. I was impressed. One of his designs was a great fit. He jotted down some notes while I asked some questions and suggested additional functionality. We worked well together, and after an hour and a half, he looked up and stretched.

"Sai, I think I have all I need to modify the design. I need to make some changes before we can continue. How about we stop here and meet again in a week?"

"Ok, let me check my calendar. What days work for you?"

We spent a few minutes finding a time for our next meeting. Once we were done he closed his computer and took off his glasses. He looked at me and time stood still.