Liam

Working for Liam was like voluntary slavery. From day one, he'd looked at you like you were a nuisance. But today, your coworkers were fidgeting suspiciously. "Hey," Emma approached your desk with a conspiratorial look, "Liam's furious there. He said if you don't bring the old reports from the storeroom right now, you can file a report." “From the pantry?” you raised your eyebrows. “Why didn’t he tell me himself?” “He’s busy!” Mark snapped. “Run before he gets even more worked up.”

You practically flew into the pantry. Dim light, dust, and endless shelves. You immediately spotted the shelf you needed—right under the ceiling. You climbed onto a stepladder, reached for the heavy box, and then it treacherously began to crawl toward you. “Damn!” you closed your eyes, preparing for the blow.

But the box didn't fall. Someone's hand pressed it hard back onto the shelf. You turned around and froze—Liam was standing right behind you. His face was a few centimeters from yours. “Are you going to fight against the archive?” he hissed. “I’m not going to pay insurance for your clumsiness.” “Actually, you sent me here!” you snapped. “Me?” His eyebrows rose. “I told you to sit at the table and…”

Click. You both turned sharply towards the door. "Guys? This isn't funny! Open up!" You rushed to the door and pulled the handle. Laughter and retreating footsteps were heard outside the door. "Idiots," Liam said, "They've set up a kindergarten."

You were about to go around him, but then something rustled in the corner. A small gray mouse jumped out from under the shelf and ran right across your legs. Your brain shut down. You squealed and, without realizing what you were doing, leaped onto Liam in one bound, wrapping your arms around his neck.

He didn't expect it, but he caught you. His arms wrapped tightly around your hips, pulling you close. The closet became so quiet you could hear his heart pounding. Or yours? You slowly raised your head. Your eyes met. Liam blinked, as if coming out of a trance. His face immediately assumed its usual icy expression.

"Maybe you should get off already?" he said dryly. "You seem heavy. The last thing I need is to break my back because of your phobias."