"You have a whole car, and a driver. Why are you squeezing with me into a crowded train?" Aiden grumbled as the carriage swayed, forcing him to step closer to Sion.
Sion, holding the overhead bar, looked down with a lazy smile. "Because you said no. You refused to be dropped off by me."
"So?"
"So, I'm respecting your boundaries," Sion said, leaning just a little closer, "and joining you instead. That's fair, right?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "We're not a 'we' though."
Sion hummed, amused. "We are now, at least in this train car."
Aiden flushed and looked away, pretending to find the cityscape outside fascinating.
When they arrived at the office, walking in side-by-side, murmurs and curious glances followed them like shadows.
"Did they come together?"
"Since when does the CEO enter through the side lobby?"
"Maybe they're… close?"
A few envious voices grew sharper, especially from those who never quite warmed to Aiden. "Isn't that the new designer?"
"Looks like he's aiming for a shortcut to promotion."
"I bet he's playing innocent—must be charming the boss."
But neither Aiden nor Sion seemed to hear a word of it.
Aiden was too focused on the looming deadlines and new animation frames. Sion… well, he was busy finding excuses to walk past Aiden's desk more times than necessary.
"Do you want coffee?" Sion had asked mid-morning.
"You're the CEO, you have an assistant," Aiden replied, not even looking up.
"I like your taste better."
Aiden choked on air.
And just like yesterday, work kept piling up until the clock ticked past 11 PM. The office floor was nearly empty now except for the two of them and a few late workers from another department.
Sion leaned back in his chair, stretching with a yawn. "I'll drop you today," he said casually. "It's late."
"No, it's fine," Aiden replied, already packing up his bag. "My friend's coming to pick me up."
Sion blinked. "You arranged a pickup?"
"You're not the only one with connections," Aiden said with a small grin.
Sion looked mildly disappointed. "Do you trust your friend more than me?"
Aiden threw him a look. "Yes. He has never tried to sleep on me."
Sion laughed quietly. "Touché."
A few minutes later, a car pulled up outside, and Aiden's friend—an older, casually dressed guy with messy hair and a toothpick in his mouth—leaned out and waved.
Aiden turned back before getting in. "Don't overwork yourself."
"I'll try not to," Sion said, watching him closely.
As the car disappeared down the street, Sion shoved his hands in his pockets and turned back toward the silent lobby.
He didn't say it out loud, but he was already thinking: If I want to stay close to you... maybe I'll just keep taking the train