The office was buzzing louder than usual, a mix of clicking keyboards and low murmurs, but today the whispers carried an unmistakable energy—excitement, curiosity, and just a hint of mischief. The topic on everyone's lips? Raven Hale and Lila Moreno.
It wasn't just speculation anymore. The coffee spills, the elevator incident, and their karaoke antics had all cemented the "angel and demoness" saga as the office's unofficial headline.
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Morning Tension
Lila arrived early, hoping to settle in quietly before the day began. She had mastered her usual armor of icy professionalism, but the lingering memory of last week's elevator encounter made her palms slightly sweaty.
"Morning, demoness," Raven greeted, leaning on the doorway to her cubicle with that infuriatingly charming smirk.
Lila stiffened, gripping her coffee cup. "Morning," she replied curtly.
"I hear we're trending again," he said, tilting his head. "Apparently, our karaoke duet has inspired office legends."
Lila's cheeks burned. "I didn't ask for legendary status."
Raven leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I think you secretly like it."
She blinked, flustered. I… do not… maybe a little…
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The Rumor Mill
By mid-morning, the rumors had taken on a life of their own.
Someone whispered that Raven and Lila were "secretly dating."
Another swore they saw a "flirty note exchange" (which was actually just Raven teasingly correcting a typo in Lila's report).
The office's social grapevine went wild, and suddenly, everyone was invested in their private lives.
Even Lila's usually stoic demeanor couldn't completely hide her embarrassment. She could feel eyes following her every move, and every time Raven glanced at her with a sly smile, her stomach flipped.
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Misunderstandings and Mischief
Raven, of course, was aware of the gossip. And, naturally, he decided to make it more interesting.
1. The Accidental Hand Brush:
While passing a stack of files, their hands accidentally brushed again.
Lila froze, and a few coworkers nearby gasped, whispering, "There it is! The touch!"
Raven, smirking, muttered, "Careful, or we'll make the office explode with gossip."
2. The "Lunch Incident":
Lila tried to enjoy a quiet lunch in the break room, only for Raven to appear, carrying a sandwich.
"Mind if I join?" he asked innocently.
Before she could protest, someone snapped a photo of them laughing together. The image immediately spread to the office chat, further fueling speculation.
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Comedic Tension
The gossip wasn't just embarrassing—it also created comedic tension.
A coworker offered Lila unsolicited advice: "If he likes you, you have to respond! Don't let him toy with you!"
Another warned Raven: "Careful! If you hurt her, you'll regret it."
Both Lila and Raven rolled their eyes, but the teasing only brought them closer, creating a private bubble of humor and chemistry amid the chaos.
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A Private Moment
During a quiet lull in the afternoon, Lila found herself alone in the supply closet, looking for printer paper. To her surprise, Raven appeared, leaning casually against the doorway.
"You hiding from the gossip?" he asked softly.
Lila shrugged. "Someone has to."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I don't mind if they talk. I like seeing you smile. Even if it's just a little."
Her heart skipped. "You… you like me smiling?"
He smirked. "Especially when I'm the reason."
The confession was subtle, almost playful, yet it carried weight. Lila's cheeks flushed, and she quickly averted her eyes, pretending to organize the shelf.
---End of Chapter 9---