I stand there, watching them. That strange feeling washes over me again—like déjà vu. Nostalgia, maybe. A memory from six years ago trying to replay itself right in front of me.
Daisy smiles at Kevin, still clinging to his arm.
Then, a voice breaks through the haze.
"You planning to burn a hole through them with that stare?"
I turn around, startled. "Ben?"
He raises an eyebrow. "You looked worried before leaving the office. Made me nervous. Thought you might mess up again, and I'd get scolded as your senior—again."
Before I can respond, another familiar figure steps up behind him.
"Jack?" I blink in surprise. "You're here too?"
He shrugs casually. "The CEO asked for updates on the shoot, so I came to check. And this guy"—he points his thumb at Ben—"tagged along the second he found out I was heading here."
I glance between the two of them.
Then Ben's eyes shift back to Kevin and Daisy, narrowing slightly.
"So… what's going on between those two?" he asks, casual on the surface, but there's something else under his tone.
"I've heard they're pretty close," Jack replies, arms crossed as he watches them. "There are rumors they're dating. Daisy's a big name in marketing—everyone wants her as a brand ambassador. We're lucky she's close to Kevin. That's probably the only reason she said yes to this project."
Ben lets out a quiet breath, barely audible. "If they're dating… then why did he asked me that question that day?"
I turn to look at him, and at that exact moment, he looks at me. Our eyes lock, like we're both thinking the same thing.
That question.
"Are you dating Ms. Dela Cruz?"
Why did Kevin ask Ben about me—us—if he already had someone like Daisy?
"What question?" Jack asks, picking up on the tension.
"Huh? Oh, nothing," Ben quickly deflects. "Just thinking out loud."
Then Kevin finally notices us. His expression shifts into a professional smile as he walks over.
"Secretary Dizon, you're here. The CEO mentioned you'd be coming," Kevin says with polite ease.
Jack nods. "Just making sure things are running smoothly."
Then Kevin's gaze shifts to Ben. "You came too?"
"Yes, sir," Ben replies, half-joking. "I was worried Mia might mess something up again, and I'd have to clean it up later."
Without warning, he wraps his arm behind me, hand resting lightly on the side of my arm.
It's subtle, but the gesture sends electricity through me.
What is he doing?
My body stiffens under his touch. My mind races.
Why is Ben acting like this?
Kevin notices.
His easy smile fades into something tight. Displeased. His stare lingers on Ben's hand.
Even Jack seems taken aback.
Then a soft voice calls out from behind us.
"Who are they?"
We all turn.
"Ah," Kevin says, stepping aside slightly. "This is Jack Dizon, the CEO's secretary. Ben Mercado, senior graphic designer. And…"—he pauses, eyes settling on me—"…Mia Dela Cruz, assistant graphic designer."
We all bow slightly. "Good morning, Ms. Daisy," we say in sync.
She beams at us. "Oh, no need to be so formal," she replies with a soft laugh. "I'm not used to that."
We smile politely, but the air around us feels awkward.
Then Kevin's phone buzzes.
He checks it casually. Without hesitation, Daisy leans in and reads the message over his shoulder.
He doesn't flinch. Doesn't mind. Doesn't say a word.
They're comfortable. Too comfortable.
"Oh, it's already lunchtime," Daisy says, tapping his screen. "Let's grab something to eat!" she adds, looking at us.
"Yes," Kevin agrees quickly. "We've got a long day ahead. We should recharge."
Jack and Ben both nod, smiling in agreement. Like it's the most natural thing in the world.
But it isn't—not for me.
"I actually have some errands to run during break," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
Ben tilts his head. "What errands?"
I freeze. My mind goes blank. I didn't think this through.
"What errands?" he repeats, more curious now.
"Personal errands," I say stiffly, my jaw tight.
"Oh right—the post office," Jack suddenly adds, stepping in like a lifeline. "You asked me to come with you, didn't you?"
My relief is instant. "Yeah… right. That."
Kevin turns toward us. "Can't that wait until after work?"
I glance at Jack, silently pleading for backup. He looks at me, waiting for my response.
"I—"
But Ben cuts in. "Jack, you can go after work, right? Let's just eat now."
Jack considers it for a moment, then nods. "Yeah, i guess we can."
"Perfect!" Daisy chirps, clearly delighted.
She grabs Kevin's arm with both hands now and tugs him toward the door.
Kevin doesn't resist.
Jack trails behind them.
I stay frozen, feet glued to the floor. My stomach churns. Something about this whole situation feels off.
Then a warm nudge from behind.
"Let's go," Ben says, gently. "I'm starving."
I look at him—really look at him—and I realize something's changed. Not just in him… but in all of us.