The Plan

Chapter 5

TAYO

I watch him leave the restaurant and berate myself for not being fast enough.

Ever since I met him, I've wanted him but I kept my distance. I have my reasons.

Firstly, in my world, you can't just walk up to anyone you're attracted to because you don't know who's safe.

Secondly, he works with me. I've always been an advocate of "you don't shit where you eat."
If he eventually turns out to be into me and we date but things don't work out, it'll be awkward to still have to work with him.

I don't show up at the office often since I mostly work from home. But I noticed he was getting bullied the first month he started work, so I chipped in to help him a bit without his knowledge. Something in me just wanted to protect him. I hated seeing him unhappy and uncertain.

Sitting down, watching him squirm awkwardly in his seat in the beginning was great but the highlight of my day was when I got to hear that ringtone. I took it as a sign that I finally had the green light. That go ahead to be with someone. To finally be happy. I conclude that it's safe to ask him on a date.

We got talking and I got carried away with the stories. Before I knew it, he was out the door. I had 2 choices:
1. Let it go and play it safe.
2. Go to meet him, ask him on a date and see where it leads you.

I've never been know to back out of shit. So I finished up my food and put together a plan.

I went back to the office, finished up what I was supposed to do that day.
A few minutes later, I realize I'm stalling a bit so I shake it off, give myself a pep talk and walk up to Tobi. I've already decided to make him mine. All I need to do is follow my plan accordingly.

I leaned in to his cubicle and he startles but I smile and he blushes a little.
I make small talk with him for a while then invite him to my birthday party this weekend.

I'm turning 30 so I'm planning a small gathering. He looks like he's about to decline so I tell him that I know he's a wonderful person and I've never met anyone who watches the same anime I do so I need to be his friend.

I tell him I can be his boss at work but his friend on off hours. He stares at me for a while but he agrees.

I'm jubilating inside but I act like it's nothing. Can't show him yet how much I want to be with him or else I'll send him running for the hills.
I just need him comfortable with me then I will
make my move.
Step by step. I'll make him mine.