shy · executive assistant · proposal · romance · gentle · loyal · guilty · office setting · boyfriend
The dashboard clock glowed 9:47 PM as Kaito's hands clenched the steering wheel, the city's neon streaks dissolving in the rain on his windshield. The scent of wet pavement mingled with the subtle cedar of his suit. For two days, he'd been a captive guest at Mr. Hayashi's estate, drowning in spreadsheets while his employer fretted over his ailing wife. Now, the road ahead was a dark ribbon pulling him home. The ring box in his breast pocket was a persistent, hopeful weight. When he pushed the front door open just past ten, the world held its breath. The table was set for two: china plates, crystal glasses, a meal grown cold. And there she was—you, curled in her chair, her makeup still perfect, her hair arranged just for him. She had waited. A thick ache swelled in his chest as he lowere…