Work Text:
“How about a coffee mug?”
“Mukha bang naka-mug yon? Parati yung may dalang cup galing coffee shop e.”
“Starbucks mug?”
“As if pag naging branded, gagamitin niya?”
“Malay mo?”
“Aba’y ewan ko sa’yo Pau, bakit mo ba yan ineeffortan?”
“It’s Christmas! May gift na ako para sa lahat sa department, siya na lang wala e.”
Stell finally closes his folder, looking up at his co-working pacing around his office. “Nahihilo ako sayo, umupo ka nga.”
“Stell, malapit na deadline ko. Wala pa akong regalo para sa kanya.” Paulo sits unwillingly on one of Stell’s chair across his large oakwood table. The department is busy going on with their routine, yet Paulo is here – worrying on his personal gift list.
“Deadline – na ikaw lang din naman nag-set!”
“Ayoko maabutan ng Christmas rush.”
“Cuff links?”
“Officemate yung reregaluhan, hindi boyfriend!”
“Alam mo, problemahin mo na lang kaya ang end of year reports mo, kesa sa mga kung ano anong regalo.”
“Tapos ko na ‘yon.”
“The hell? Kakabigay lang nung outline ah.”
Paulo shrugs, “It’s the usual, just have to tweak it a bit. Now back to what I was –”
“Pau, bukod sa mayaman na yung tao, masungit pa sa lahat. Akala mo naman kung sinong magaling, englishero lang naman!”
“You’re taking it against him, na laking America siya?”
“You’re missing the point!” Stell exhales exasperatingly. “Sa sungit ng mamang ‘yon, walang may gustong magregalo sa kanya ng kahit ano. Isinabuhay ang trabaho. Just give him a pair of socks, and it’ll be fine.”
“Alam mo, ang best gift ay yung kelangan niya. Kaya dapat pag-isipan!”
“Mister overachiever, walang premyo sa best gift dito. Best sa ka-oahan magregalo pwede pa, tapos ikaw na rin tumanggap nun. What if tulungan mo na lang ako sa report ko, nang matuwa ako sayo?”
Paulo stands up, nose scrunching in distaste. “E kung inuna mo yan kesa sa weekend parties mo, di ka na siguro ngarag ngayon. Oo na, iccheck ko yan. Bye.”
***
“Alam mo Josh, narealize ko siya lang pala ang di ko masyadong kilala sa opisina.”
“Huh? Ako ba kausap mo?” Josh looks up from his plate, as he sees Paulo lounging by their pantry doorway.
“Ah hindi, kasi may ibang Josh dito sa opisina.” Paulo rolls his eyes.
“Sira! Bigla bigla ka na lang kasing nagsasalita diyan. Si Ken pa rin ba ‘to?”
“Yes.”
“Tantanan mo na nga yan Pau. Ilang araw na ba yan? Bigyan mo ng piktyur frame nang matapos.”
“Wala nga siyang picture frame sa opisina nya no? Hmmmmm.”
“Nagtataka nga ako e, sa ubod ng yabang non, di niya naisip maglagay ng picture niya para may titigan siya?” Josh chuckles at his badly put joke.
“Malay mo, he likes to keep it professional.”
“Ikaw lang naman nagtitiis don e, napaka-anti social!”
“But he’s good! Great even, at what he’ doing.”
“Riiiight, kasi isa ka ring adik sa trabaho.”
“Wag moko ma-right right diyan, baka nakakalimutan mo, di ka pa nagsusubmit nung credentials ng isang vendor.”
“Eto naman biglang kabig! Isusumbit ko na yun ngayon, bossing! Alam mo, bakit di mo na lang kaya tanungin ng diretso yung tao. Nang matapos ka na sa pangugugulo samin.”
“Minsan Josh, may silbi ka pala no?” Paulo laughed, as a crumpled paper plate was thrown his way.
***
Paulo knocks on the door of the said officemate in question. Ken Suson is an enigma in their office.
Brought in by management by someone from the higher ups, he was supposed to be there as an audit and compliance officer. Rumor has it that his parents are one of the shareholders of the company, but no one, not even the HR’s gossipmongers could confirm nor deny it.
He just existed, quietly and efficiently in his own little corner.
And Paulo, despite himself, found that… interesting. Interested scientifically, this is nothing but a curious case study on work dynamics.
Despite his apparent anti-social behaviour, Ken was just as hardworking as everyone else, and Paulo is drawn to that work ethic, being a workaholic himself.
Ken arrives on time, sits on his desk for hours, eats alone, and clocks off late at night. He’d know because often times, he’d seen him across from his own room, as he pushes on his own workload late into the night.
But that was it. No small talk. No friendly nods in the hallway. Their conversations were limited to meetings, audits, and those mandatory inter-departmental checks where Ken spoke exactly six words at a time.
People called him a snob. Paulo disagreed.
He rationalizes it internally. Maybe he didn’t like unnecessary chatter. And Paulo respects that, deeply, intensely. It is definitely within the norms of respecting a diligent co-worker.
But the longer this went on, the more it bothered him. Paulo saw Ken more often than he saw his own siblings, and yet he knew nothing about him beyond his job title. That was just inefficient. It defied logic.
So, naturally, he had to fix that gap. Not because he cared, obviously, he just couldn’t stand not knowing things about his coworkers.
Especially about quiet coworkers with broad shoulders and a disgustingly symmetrical, aristocratic, moreno face.
Does the job qualifications include a good bone structure and a perfect fashion taste?
The standoffish personality was a downside, but somehow the mystery surrounding Ken only made it worse. Or better. Depending on who you ask. Not on Paulo’s perspective. Definitely not his, he is neutral. As neutral as an atom.
Maybe they’d come across the pantry for a late-night coffee cup, and he knew the guy drinks his caffeine with two packs of sugar and two packs of cream. And with that, Paulo realized he only knew one detail about the guy.
A complete disgrace to his people-oriented personality. He needed more data. This is just for statistics. Data points that he can process and brainrot. That’s it.
Which is exactly how he ended up knocking on Ken Suson’s office door at 9:00 p.m., armed with nothing but his curiosity.
“Come in.” A muffled sound responds as he waited for his cue. He was quite nervous about his approach, as he’d never asked the guy beyond anything work related.
Why is he even doing this? He’s nice, he is John Paulo “Mr. Congeniality” Nase. He is a workaholic, but he’s nice. Nice people give meaningful gifts, so he must fulfill his yearly tradition.
“Hi Ken.” He was only met with a slight nod of acknowledgement.
“Ummm, our Christmas party is approaching.”
“Won’t be attending.” A sharp, succinct answer.
“Still, I want to give gifts. What do you like to receive?”
He watches as Ken stills midway through his writing. The guy finally looks up, his shock quickly masked by indifference. “A gift?”
“Yeah, a gift for you.”
“Nothing. Thanks.”
“C’mon, there must be something?”
“Nase, don’t you have deadlines to finish?”
“Already done with it.”
“Of course. I don’t need it.”
“It’s just my yearly tradition. And I want to include you in it.” Paulo insists, he’d already come a long way out of their usual cadence. He won’t be getting no thanks for an answer. He’s here to finish the mission he has for —
“Paulo…” Damn fuck, the way his name rolled out of this snob’s tongue was too sexy for his liking. That was… that was just too…distracting.
Paulo had to physically blink out several times to steady himself. Must be the fatigue.
He couldn’t help it, his head didn’t want him to move away, as he saw Ken stare back at him, intensely. His face was devoid with any emotion, but the stare down was searing, he felt goosebumps bloom on his skin.
“Umm, I’m sorry, that was the first time you called me by my first name.”
A ping on his laptop jolted them back to the present and Ken grunts his reply. “Just see your way of my office if you’re done with this nonsense.”
***
“Paulo, I swear, kung isa na naman ‘to sa mga agenda mong isama ang lahat sa circle of friends mo, masasaksak na kita.”
“Bakit? Ganyan ka rin naman kay Josh nung una.”
“Matabil lang bibig nun pero di naman saksakan sa yabang.”
“Justin, hindi ko naman dadalhin si Ken sa mga Christmas party events natin, gusto ko lang talaga makumpleto yung gift list ko!”
“Hindi ko pa rin nakakalimutang nireport niya ako for non-compliance! Para lang sa isang missed attachment, out of a hundred filings? Kupal.”
“Honestly, I’d do the same.”
“Tse! Magsama kayong dalawa! Bigyan mo na lang ng towel. Yung 3 for 100 sa tiangge na madaling maghimulmol. Wag mo nang pag-isipan!”
“Kelangan ba niya yon?”
“I swear, Paulo – ”
“Chill! Hindi nga. Noted, no mixing of people. Got it.”
“No surprise plus ones!”
“Of course.”
***
After several days, Paulo is still at a lost. But he’s not one to back out of a challenge. So he strategizes his moves, to get to know more of his officemate.
The strategy this time is in the form of lunch sharing, because who wouldn’t want to relax and talk about office gossip and personal shenanigans during break, right?
Paulo barges in Ken’s office, one more time. “Hi! Brought in some lunch, let’s eat!”
He caught Ken furiously scribbling on a paper while piles of folder sat next to him, waiting for his attention. “In case you didn’t notice, I’m busy, Nase.”
“It’s already 1 o’clock. Wala ng food sa cafeteria, and I accidentally bought an extra sandwich and coffee, kaya share na lang tayo!”
“Is this about my audit report?”
“Excuse me, I’m trying to be nice here. Sprinkle some holiday cheer! Hot peppermint mocha pa naman ‘tong dala ko. Sige na, humor me once.”
“Why do you keep on insisting this?”
“Holiday cheer, Ken!”
“I’m not feeling holiday-ish at all.” Paulo pretended not to hear his response and proceeded to lay out the lunch he intentionally made for the two of them.
He will not stop unless he gets what he wants. He was making himself comfortable on the chair already, while he munched on his sandwich. Ken, on the other hand, could only sigh and reach out for the free coffee offered.
“Your office is too plain no, ayaw mo lagyan ng kahit ano to personalize it?”
“Like what?”
“Picture frames! Of family — ”
“Marami na nun sa bahay…”
“Friends — ”
“I don’t have any…”
“Pets —”
“I don’t like unruly pets”
“I’m not unruly.”
“What?”
“WHAT? Who said that?” Paulo chuckles nervously, “Ha, ha…would you look at that! May 1:30 meeting pala ako. Got to go…bye!”
***
“Maybe a mini digital clock?”
“Ay, hindi pa rin siya tapos oh,” Stell grumbled, arms crossed as their lunch line inched forward. The scent of adobo, pancit, and freshly baked pastries filled the air, but Paulo’s nonstop brainstorming was louder than all of it.
“Ballpen na lang, Paulo. Jusmio, napaka-OA mo na,” Justin added, eyeing the steaming trays.
“Kaya nga,” Josh cut in, “or Post-it! Wala namang ginawa ‘yung Ken na ‘yon kundi magsulat at mag-flag ng kung anu-ano. Tulungan mo na sa bisyo niyang mangialam.”
Stell burst out laughing, earning a glare from Paulo.
“Nagka-compliance report din naman ako ah! Trabaho lang niya ‘yon, guys.”
“Yeah right,” Justin scoffed. “Yung compliance report mo from what, a year ago? Samantalang kami, every quarter may bago!”
“Masunurin kasi ako.”
“Sus, trabaho lang, walang personalan?” Justin raised a brow.
“Of course,” Paulo said, a little too firmly.
Josh’s smirk widened. “Kung trabaho lang, bakit yan nakatitig sa’yo ngayon?”
“Sino?” Paulo looks at the whole cafeteria, and his gaze lands on their very topic. He watched with jaw dropping fascination, caution, as Ken slowly walked in a straight no-nonsensical way towards him, ignoring the looks of both admiration and fear he has garnered.
Why was he nervous again? Right, because the man walked like he owned the place, the building, and every one of them. He could own me if he wanted to.
“Nase.”
The single word made Paulo stiffen. His so-called friends immediately pushed him forward, and he nearly collided with the very man haunting his mental space for the past week.
“Yes, Ken?” he feigns ignorance to the stare that’s been given off from all directions.
“Where did you buy that sandwich last time?”
“What do you mean?”
“The sandwich. Last Monday. During lunch.”
“Ohhh – right, umm, I actually made that. You liked it?”
“You said you bought it somewhere.”
“Technically, I bought the ingredients…. somewhere.”
Paulo thought he almost saw Ken smile. But it could be his imagination.
“Nevermind.”
Ken turns back and walks off like nothing happened. And Paulo releases the breath he’s been unknowingly holding.
“Riiiight, trabaho lang. Walang personalan.” He heard Stell in his sing-song teasing voice; which immediately made him embarrassed.
“Ayos, may bagong chismis sa breakroom mamaya!”
***
Paulo was definitely not staring.
He was merely… glancing. In a very normal, professional way.
Except his “occasional glance” had turned into a full, silent staring contest with Ken’s profile as the man read through his weekly report.
Paulo wasn’t obsessed. The lighting of the office today was maybe flattering to his features. That’s one data point, right? Ken Suson looks good in yellow lighting, so maybe a yellow lamp? For his midnight work?
“Paulo, your turn,” Irmay said.
He blinked. What turn?
Everyone was looking at him.
Shit. It was his presentation next. The one he had edited last night. The one he’d triple-checked at 2 a.m. while not thinking about his gift to their compliance officer. He stood, clicked the remote, and confidently displayed—
A blank slide, then another one, then the next that says, “edit this, idiot.”
There was supposed to be a full presentation here. Did he not save it? He was sure he saved it somewhere. He can feel his face pale out in embarrassment by the second, as Irmay stared at him disappointingly.
“Um, Irmay – I,”
But Ken, of all people, spoke first.
“Actually,” he said calmly, not looking up from his folder, “this is my fault.” The entire room froze.
His fault?
His?!
“I requested updated compliance figures from him late last night,” Ken continued, tone flat but authoritative enough that nobody dared challenge him. “I emailed him past eleven. Of course the revisions would disrupt his formatting. My apologies, Irmay.”
Paulo almost choked.
“Oh—” Irmay softened. “Next time, please coordinate deadlines earlier. Paulo, revise and send by this afternoon.”
“Yes, yes, of course. Sorry,” Paulo said, trying not to look like he was having a spiritual out-of-body experience. The meeting moved on, but his heart was still somewhere in Jupiter.
As people shuffled out, Paulo hurried to Ken’s side.
“Why did you…?” he whispered harshly.
Ken didn’t even slow down. “You were panicking.”
“Hindi ako nagpapanic!”
Ken stared back at him stoically, “You were sweating through your collar.”
“I wasn’t, okay, maybe a little. But why?”
Ken finally turned and looked at him.
“Because you’re useful when you’re not… distracted.”
“I wasn’t distracted!”
“You spelled idiot on your own slide, Nase.”
Paulo groaned into his own hands. Ken took one step closer, voice lowering just enough to make Paulo’s spine tingle.
“Next time,” he murmured, “focus on your work. Not me. Now we’re even with that sandwich.”
***
Paulo barely made ten steps out of the conference room before Stell and Justin flanked him like vultures. Stell slung an arm over his shoulder. Justin leaned in from the other side. Paulo inwardly prayed for some form of force majeure to distract them; a man in distraught could only wish.
“So,” Stell began, grin far too wide, “part ba ‘yon ng presentation?”
“Angas, may favorite ata si Mr. Suson?”
“Paano ba naman, grabe makatitig si Pau…”
“I was not staring!”
“Mhmm. Ganito ka oh…” Stell imitated Paulo’s expression earlier: dazed, glassy-eyed, slightly open-mouthed. “Sa laki ng nganga mo, pwede kanang maging kuweba.” Paulo shoved him, mortified.
Justin laughed harder. “Tapos, inako pa talaga niya yung kasalanan! Patay, na-inlab!”
“JUSTIN—”
“No, seriously,” Stell said, eyes sparkling with gossip. “Akala ko sasabihin niya, ‘He’s with me, don’t blame him,’ tapos magho-hold hands kayo papalabas ng meeting.”
“I hate both of you!”
“Hate? Guilty ka lang, boy!”
“Saan naman ako guilty?”
“Guilty sa pagiging simp!” Both of his friends cackled in laughter. This was overly humiliating, a career ending type of embarrassment! Never in the history of his career had he blundered a weekly presentation.
And his friends weren’t even done yet.
“Paulo,” Stell said gently, “tinitigan ka lang ata nun and you suddenly forgot how to make a PowerPoint.”
“That is the purest form of down bad,” Justin agreed solemnly. “May scientific basis yan. Ilang powerpoint kaya ang namissout mo na?”
Paulo looked at them, exasperated. “I was distracted. That’s all.”
“By who?” Stell and Justin said in unison, grinning like demons.
He stormed off. Behind him, Justin cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled: “Tingin tingin din ng email, Pau! Baka love letter talaga nandun!”
***
“You’re unbelievable.”
Paulo almost jumped at the deep bellied voice that reached his ears. It was almost midnight, almost their office Christmas party, and the guy that he’s been thinking about giving gifts for, was suddenly in proximity.
“What did I do this time?” he busies his hands with some cup of coffee. It was well late into the night, the office was too quiet, and he realized that they were both alone in the pantry. “If you’re here to add insult to injury, just leave.”
“The coffee grounds are not in the left cupboard Nase, they’re in the right-most drawers.” He briefly turns around – which was a big mistake. Ken was staring intensely again.
“I – I know. I was just looking for something else.” He responds defensively.
“You never put anything else in your coffee.”
“What if I’d like something else tonight?”
“You’re a man of strict habits, Nase. Are you nervous?”
“Why would I be?”
“Nothing.”
“Did you come all the way here for nothing?”
“Can you just stop asking around people on what gift to get me? Even Yani is teasing me about it.”
“The department head?”
“Who else.”
“Right, right. Of course. I got him a gift! Must have said it in passing.”
“And Leah too.”
“Ah right, I got her one as well.”
“Even the head of security?”
“Kuya Jojo is a friend!”
“— everyone is already asking me because of your random queries. I said I don’t want to, get the message, Nase. You’re getting distracted because of this nonsense!”
“Excuse me? Ang kapal ha!”
“You’re always too nice,” Ken shot back. “Why do you think you’re still here this late? Because you correct work that’s not even yours.”
“I do not—”
“That’s bullshit. I can tell when a document passed through your revision. I’m not a helpless case that needs fixing. I’m just not friendly.”
“I’m just trying to be nice! And you act like you’re always above everyone here.”
“You’ve even blundered your presentation; that’s very out of character.”
“That’s because you just wouldn’t say what you want for a gift!”
“All because you can’t scratch that curiosity out of your head?”
“Do you hate the idea of gift giving so much?!”
Ken’s jaw tensed. “Right. So you’re doing this because you’re nice, or because you want to prove you can bring everyone aboard your tradition? To parade that even a snob like me can turn around at your whim? I am not your experiment, Paulo. I don’t want to make my life more miserable than it already is.”
Paulo blinked, stunned. “What do you mean!? Hoy, Ken Suson!”
“Your coffee’s overflowing.”
***
“Sino ka at anong ginawa mo kay Paulo???”
“True. ‘Diba ikaw ang pinaka-excited mag-decorate parati ng office?” Tulungan mo na ako sa Christmas wreath oh! Huuy” Justin and Stell exchanged looks behind their friend. They only got a sigh as a response.
“Nag-coconserve lang ng energy.”
“Pau, we’re sorry.”
“Yeah, sorry if we went overboard with the teasing. Bati na tayo please.” They both exchanged a genuinely worried look.
“Wala yun, sanay naman ako sa inyo.”
“Sus, sabi ni Ate Mira may kaaway daw yan sa pantry kagabi!” Josh inserted himself in their huddle.
Paulo glared. “How—”
“Please… magsigawan ba naman kayo habang naglilinis siya? Di nyo na ata napansin e.”
“Oh my God ka, Josh!”
“Ahhh kaya pala.”
“Relax,” Josh said, smirking. “Kayo pa naman ‘di ba? The classic enemies-to-lovers set up. Nag-away muna bago ma-in love.”
“Pinagsasasabi mo? Hindi naman kami enemies.”
“Di rin lovers.” Justin chimes in.
“Di nga rin friends!” Stell laughs.
***
By the time the party started, Paulo couldn’t help but feel restless.
The food was amazing, the games were silly, the prizes, even sillier. He was finally getting over his embarrassment with the joyous atmosphere. It was all warmth and smiles, and the happy energy of the holidays swept all over the room.
They’d done their rounds of gift giving, yet he still has one gift left to give.
Something was amiss. Screw him and his obsession. He internally deflated, finally admitting that he was disappointed by how things were going between him and his co-worker.
He expected that Ken wouldn’t really be there, but he slightly hoped he’d get the chance to see him, even for some obligatory greetings. But apparently the man was immune to any social necessities and office politics. But nobody deserved to be snubbed, even during Christmas, right?
Per chance, he left the cafeteria floor to go up again in their department. And there, a lone light is on; an all too familiar scene. He braces himself for whatever may happen. He’s Mr Nice Guy afterall, he’ll give his gift – in the spirit of Christmas. He only hopes that spirit will take Ken Suson in a chokehold.
“Hey, workaholic.”
Ken looked up to see Paulo holding a small silver-wrapped box. They haven’t really exchanged words or glances ever since their late-night encounter; the air was decidedly tense.
“Come to think of it, I didn’t even ask if you celebrate Christmas. Baka Muslim ka, no?”
It earned him a twitch from Ken’s lips, and just like that, the air seemed to lighten up, and Paulo relaxed a bit.
“Why aren’t you at the party?” Ken stared curiously at the man standing by his doorway approaching him.
“Had to finish something important,” Paulo said, grinning.
Ken sighed. “I told you not to bother.”
“Too late. Mission accomplished.” He set the box down. “You’re welcome.”
Ken opened it slowly. Inside was a teddy bear figurine-slash-paper weight, holding a heart that says “Smile! It takes 34 muscles to frown, only 13 to smile. Why make the effort?”
“This is… so unnecessary,” Ken said, though his lips twitched, again into an almost smile. So he likes simple things, Paulo made a mental note.
“Exactly,” Paulo said. “Now you’re one of us.”
Something softened Ken’s expression, but Paulo was already fidgeting now that the gift giving moment had passed. “Anyway, Merry Christmas! I’ll just, uh, go back—”
“Wait.”
Ken opened a drawer and pulled out a box wrapped neatly in brown paper. “Didn’t plan to give this yet. But since you’re here…”
“You got me something?” His pitch is already a decibel higher.
“You’re hard to ignore,” Ken muttered under his breath
Paulo opened it carefully. Inside was a mug—plain white, printed with: “Mr Annoying.”
Paulo laughed. “You’re so rude. I love it.”
Ken smiled faintly. “Merry Christmas. And I’m sorry.”
“Wow, himala ba ‘to?! Si Mr Suson, nag-sorry?”
“I’d stand by what I said.”
“You’re not – an experiment, that is. But sometimes, Ken, you need a friend. And I insist.” Paulo grinned wider, Ken only frowned.
“Fuck it, you do make my life miserable.” Paulo’s smile faded, he’s scowling, the happy moment had passed, and he’s preparing for another round of petty quarrel, hands folded against his chest.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re too nice—”
“— that’s a no brainer.”
“You always help people, but you spoon-feed them, that’s not helping—”
“— semantics. And I got time.”
“You over patronize people—”
“— kindness is free. You should try that.”
“I hate that your presence always lightens up my day—”
“— what?”
“I hate that I couldn’t really find error in your reports because you’re perfect like that—”
“ ha?”
“I hate that I always notice the pantry full of sugar and cream packets because you—”
“—that you care too much for others, and yet you forget about yourself often, you miss eating your lunches—”
“That you’re too fixated in thinking about mundane gifts for an unfriendly co-worker, and that said co-worker, didn’t really want any —”
“Because what I’d always really wanted to do is to ask you out, but I couldn’t bring myself to it, and it’s been making my life miserable—"
“—ha?”
“Newsflash, Nase. I don’t want to be your friend—”
Paulo, belatedly realized that he was now stuck in between Ken, his solid, wooden door, and some millimeters of space.
“Ready for my next gift, Paulo?”
It wasn’t really a question.
It was a confession, a dare, and the boiling tension that had been simmering between them for weeks; every glance, every argument that always felt like it could tip over into something else.
He didn’t answer, but his face probably says it all. Ken’s gaze was unwavering, just waiting for any sign of permission.
Paulo swallowed hard. The air between them felt dense, heartbeats and pulse beating so loud, it ringed against his ears. He felt Ken’s hot breath fanning his face, all Paulo has to do is to meet him halfway.
So he nods slightly, and he finally closed his eyes in full surrender as he finally admits that this was not only about gifts and data gathering. These were tentative curious feelings blooming into completion.
One beat, and their lips collided against each other. Soft and pillowy lips finding that right rhythm. His heart soared; his ears heard bells and happy Christmas songs, and the angels sang hallelujah. His noisy brain went into overdrive. Every strategy he’d drafted, every imagined scenario of how he would ask Ken out, how their hands might meet, how they’d walk in a park, share dinner, maybe trade a shy kiss at the end—all wiped clean, deleted, dumped straight into the trash bin. Skipped to the best part.
No data points left to analyze. Nothing rational to cling to. His mind went blank and its now just pure instinct and the helpless, entire surrender to the sweet, succulent softness of Ken’s lips.
Surprisingly, Paulo discovered that Ken’s lips were warm, steady, and somehow gentle, in complete betrayal of his usual sharpness and cold demeanor.
Paulo’s hands, unsure at first, found their way to Ken’s shirt, clutching at fabric as if he needed proof this was real.
The kiss deepened into a slow, urgent rhythm, like a cup of coffee tipped too far, spilling warmth everywhere, impossible to contain.
All the exhaustion, the tension, the quiet care they refused to name poured out of them until Paulo had to pull back, breathless, laughter trembling against Ken’s lips.
Being curious wasn’t bad after all.
“Merry Christmas, Paulo.”
“Tang-ina. Kelangan na ba natin mag-file ng form IR-03C - Disclosure of Consensual Workplace Relationship?”
Ken laughs, a full bellied, full of heart kind of laugh. Melodious and genuine. His eyes crunched into small slits, his head thrown back a little. And it did nothing but make Paulo’s heartbeat speed up.
For a moment, he was not the strict compliance officer, he was just, Ken.
“Maybe I should take you to dinner first,” Ken said, voice dropping into that low, teasing rumble.
“Oo nga naman pala.” Paulo broke into giggles, too overwhelmed to even pretend to be composed.
“And maybe… learn how to make your coffee?” Ken added.
“Wag na,” Paulo huffed, flicking his hand. “Wala namang halo ’yun e. Ikaw lang sapat na.”
Ken laughed again, delighted. “Cute. Who knew you’d be this aggressive?”
“Why?” Paulo lifted a brow. “Ayaw mo?”
“Gusto,” Ken said, leaning in, fingers finding Paulo’s cheek. “Gustong-gusto ko.”
“Sooo…” Paulo drawled, “can we go back down to the party now?”
“I can do you one better,” Ken murmured, sliding an arm around his waist. “How about I kiss you until you’re breathless again?”
Paulo pretended to think. “Hmm. Okay, fine, pagbibigyan na nga kita, baka magsungit ka pa ulit e.”
Ken didn’t wait. He reeled Paulo in, kissing him again and again, dizzying and warm, each one broken only by whispered jokes and breathless bursts of laughter. On the other side of the door, Ate Mira smiles in delight, another chismis in the pantry is on the way!