As the elevator doors slide shut in front of us, a heavy silence settles.
The weight of the moment is suffocating, and I can't shake the feeling that I must have done something horribly wrong in a past life to deserve this.
My gaze drifts to Kevin, and I can't help but reflect on how much has changed since we last saw each other.
It's been six years since that day at the beach.
Six years, and the difference in him is undeniable.
He looks more mature now—confident, composed. A man who knows exactly where he's going.
Meanwhile, I'm still just an assistant graphic designer, feeling like I haven't moved forward at all.
A faint sadness tugs at me as I stare at the elevator floor, the seconds stretching painfully.
*Ding.*
The sound snaps me out of my spiraling thoughts.
I hadn't even realized we'd reached our floor.
"Sorry... I didn't realize we were already here," I mumble, quickly stepping out and forcing myself into professional mode.
I gesture stiffly around.
"So, over here we have the finance team…" I point as we pass.
"This is the production team… HR… and here's the kitchen... the canteen..." I rattle off, doing my best to sound normal.
We finally reach the break lounge.
"This is my favorite spot," I say, managing a small, real smile. "It's where people come to unwind if they're feeling overworked or just need a quick break."
I glance up at him — a mistake.
For a second, our eyes lock, and something unspoken passes between us.
I quickly look away, feeling the tension coil tighter inside me.
Trying to shake it off, I move to the coffee machine, fumbling slightly as I make two cups.
Small tasks feel safer. Controlled.
I hand him a cup.
"And finally... the rooftop," I say, my voice more steady.
We head up, and when the door swings open, a soft breeze brushes past us.
Kevin steps forward, taking in the view of the city skyline, the sun painting everything gold.
"This place is nice," he says, nodding appreciatively.
I smile, a real one this time.
The rooftop has always been my escape.
For a moment, there's only the wind and the distant hum of traffic.
Then Kevin breaks the silence.
"How have you been?"
"I'm... okay. I'm doing okay now, sir," I reply, forcing a polite tone.
Kevin's eyes soften, a flicker of something like guilt or regret in them.
"I've always wondered if you were alright," he says quietly. "You just disappeared... like air, six years ago."
I give him a tight, forced smile.
"As you can see, I'm doing great, sir," I say, trying to sound more convincing than I feel.
Kevin's gaze lingers on me, unreadable.
"Why do you keep calling me 'sir'?" he asks, his voice low. "It feels like we're miles apart."
I meet his eyes, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Because we are."
I let the words hang heavy between us before adding, "You're my boss now."
I exhale slowly, gathering my courage for what I really need to say.
"Can I ask you a favor?"
I pause, heart hammering against my ribs.
"Can we keep our past... a secret? I don't want people gossiping about us."
Kevin looks at me thoughtfully for a long moment, his expression unreadable.
Finally, he nods.
"Sure," he says, his voice matching my quiet tone.
"Thank you, sir," I say, a small wave of relief washing over me.
I turn my gaze toward the city stretched out beneath us, the view both calming and unsettling at once.
For a few seconds, neither of us says anything.
Kevin continues to watch me quietly, but I pretend not to notice.
"Let's go back down, sir," I say, needing distance, needing to breathe.
"Okay," Kevin replies simply, following me back inside.