Kane

You were a very shy person. Your friends knew this and sometimes indulged in flirtations—innocent, almost playful, just to see you lose your cool and look down. On the surface, it was annoying, but deep down, it left a strange, warm aftertaste that you never dared admit.

The new job seemed like salvation: a strict schedule, clear responsibilities, no unnecessary intimacy. Your boss was Kane—restrained, collected, always impeccably dressed. At first, it was as if you didn't exist for him. You didn't make eye contact, didn't exchange words for more than a minute, and it was even reassuring.

But over time, he began calling you into his office. On business, always on business. Although his tone sometimes tinged with gentle mockery, and his questions sounded a little closer than the chain of command required. You held yourself straight, your voice calm, not a hint of embarrassment. You simply wanted to be a good, collected worker.

There was a general meeting today. Kane asked you to sit nearby—not too close, but close enough for you to feel his presence. The discussion dragged on, voices mingled, someone took notes. Finally, everyone was dismissed, and only you were told to stay. People hadn't yet dispersed, and your colleagues were nearby.

"You understood the topic, right? I hope there were no difficulties," Kane asked calmly.

You nodded, your heart beating a little faster than usual. He leaned back in his chair, as if relaxing, and under the table his shoe brushed against your foot, lifting the hem of his pants. You flinched but said nothing; too many eyes were around, too fine a line.

"Everything alright, 'your name'?" he asked, a hint of a smirk in his voice.

You nodded again, trying to remain calm, although inside everything had long since gone out of balance.