In an attempt to calm her mind after the stressful evening, Aria came at work earlier than usual. But even before she saw him, she sensed a familiar presence as soon as she entered the corridor. Mr. Reid's severe jaw lines were highlighted by the grey morning light as he stood close to the elevator, going over something on his tablet. Sensing her approach, he gently raised his eyes, and an unreadable expression appeared on his face. "Early again," he murmured, seeming composed but with a hint of something more profound. She tightened her grasp on her bag and nodded. "Wanted to advance." He held the door open as he entered the elevator. "Then enter. You don't have to start the day by yourself.
The hush that pervaded the elevator was dense with all of their unsaid words. Aria tried to give herself room by standing to his left, but it seemed futile in such a little place. Every time the elevator moved, she could feel the warmth emanating from him and the gentle touch of his sleeve. Aria felt Mr. Reid's continual and subtle awareness of her as he watched the figures rise. Still looking forward, he muttered, "You seem tense." She blinked, not sure if he was referring to her breathing or her posture. She answered, "Just tired," but it didn't sound as convincing as she had wanted. His eyes shifted to her face as he turned slightly. "Or preoccupied." Before the doors opened, she swallowed, unable to think of a fitting reply.
He didn't stroll ahead like he always did when they went outside. Rather, his hands were in his pockets and his demeanor was enigmatic as he matched her pace. The only sounds in the hallway were their footsteps, and the office remained unoccupied. Finally, he looked at her and said, "I reviewed your analysis last night." "You're more perceptive than most of us here." The praise took her by surprise. She tried to remain calm and said, "Thank you." He gave her a glance that was more than just approval, though; it lingered and was more weighted than professional compliments. "You'll advance quickly if you continue working like this," he continued, lowering his voice. She pondered whether he was referring to her performance or something quite different. Beneath his words, the unsaid tension hummed softly.
When they went outdoors, he didn't walk forward like he always did. Instead, he matched her pace with his hands in his pockets and a mysterious look. Their footsteps were the only sounds in the hallway, and the office was still empty. At finally, he turned to face her and said, "I reviewed your analysis last night." "You're more perceptive than most of us here." She was surprised by the compliment. Trying not to lose her cool, she answered, "Thank you." But the look he gave her was more than approbation; it lingered and carried more weight than formal praise. He went on, lowering his voice, "If you keep working like this, you'll advance quickly." She whispered. "That's precisely why I need you," he whispered. There was something in his tone that she wasn't sure she should
When she returned to his office later with the updated file, she stopped in the doorway to catch her breath before going inside. Mr. Reid glanced up from his laptop and stared at her for longer than was necessary. He said, "Come in." She moved closer and set the paperwork down on his desk. "I adjusted the forecasts." He nodded slowly as he flipped over the pages. He closed the folder and remarked, "Impressive." "You're proving yourself more quickly than I anticipated." She was not sure if she should sit across from him or not. He observed and made a slight gesture. "Aria, take a seat." Feeling the tension between them tighten, she obeyed. With that same unfathomable intensity, he leaned back and studied her. "Tell me something," he murmured. "What drives you the most?"
She was taken aback by the question. She moved about in her chair, attempting to collect her thoughts. "I want to be successful," she said thoughtfully. "I want to show that I belong here." His eyes remained fixed as he nodded. "You do," he murmured in a tone that was almost too quiet. "More than you think." A warm flutter went through her chest at the way he said it. Every second made it more difficult for her to avoid misinterpreting him. Before she could stop herself, she inquired, "And what motivates you?" A slow, controlled smile twisted his lips. "Those who push me," he answered. "Those who cause me to doubt things." She questioned whether he was referring to her. She felt another surge of heat from the thought, which was more difficult to ignore this time.
As the quiet grew between them, the atmosphere gradually changed and became heavier. After closing the folder, Mr. Reid got up and carefully circled the desk. Aria tensed up, not sure whether to get up or remain seated. He paused just far enough away to keep the moment from going too far, but close enough to make her uneasy. Finally, he replied, "You're different from most new hires." "You're concentrated, but you're also..." He hesitated, trying to find the proper phrase. "Aware." Aria gasped for air. Before she could think, she muttered, "Aware of what?" His gaze remained fixed on hers, unwavering. "Of the room," he muttered. "Of individuals. of me. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears. She was unsure of how to react.
The moment was cut short by a knock on the glass. Outside, a colleague was carrying a pile of reports. Mr. Reid took a quick step back, and the tension vanished like a sudden change in temperature. "Come in," he murmured, regaining his composure. In an attempt to recover control over her breathing, Aria stood up and adjusted her blouse. With her heart still pounding, she silently left the office as soon as the coworker arrived. She felt the weight of what had nearly transpired as she made her way back to her desk; neither of them acknowledged it, but they both felt it strongly. She took a seat and steadied herself by putting her palm on her chest. Tension at work was no longer the only issue. It was something more profound, more perilous, and unavoidable.