UNDER HIS GAZE

From: suna.rintaro@venix.co.jp
To: y/n@venix.co.jp
Subject: Update

We finished earlier than expected.

You're clear to head out whenever.

-Suna

⸻

I'm already packing my bag when another notification comes in.

Same sender.
No subject this time.

⸻

From: suna.rintaro@venix.co.jp
To: y/n@venix.co.jp

Actually-

If you haven't left yet, stay for a minute.

I realized something I forgot to mention.

-Suna

⸻

I stare at the screen.
Forgot what, exactly?

I shouldn't reply.
I do.

⸻

From: y/n@venix.co.jp
To: suna.rintaro@venix.co.jp

I'm still here.

What did you need?

-

The response doesn't come immediately.
That somehow makes it worse.

⸻

From: suna.rintaro@venix.co.jp
To: y/n@venix.co.jp

Nothing urgent.

I just noticed you tend to leave before anyone asks you to stay.

Thought I'd correct that.

-Suna

⸻

My pulse ticks up, slow and deliberate.

Nothing unprofessional.

But when my phone buzzes again-one final time-I already know I'm not imagining it.

⸻

From: suna.rintaro@venix.co.jp
To: y/n@venix.co.jp

Take your time.

I'm not going anywhere.

-Suna