The following morning, Yoongi arrived at the office early, an unusual excitement buzzing through him as he surveyed the space. Flowers in shades of soft blush and cream filled the room, their fragrance lightly permeating the air, adding a rare softness to the normally austere setting. Bouquets lined his desk and her small workspace, roses, lilies, and peonies creating a breathtaking arrangement that transformed the atmosphere.

For weeks, Yoongi had danced around his feelings, keeping them contained, but after the intense night they had shared, he knew it was time to give these emotions a name. He’d planned every detail meticulously, making sure this moment would be unforgettable for Valentina.

As the elevator chimed and the doors slid open, he turned, bouquet of tiny plush teddy bears held in his hands. Valentina stepped out, her eyes widening at the sight before her, a gasp escaping as she took in the transformed office. She took a step forward, momentarily dazed, her gaze moving over the flowers and finally settling on Yoongi, who was standing with a hint of nervousness she’d never seen before.

"Yoongi…" she began, her voice barely a whisper.

He took a few steps forward, his expression softening. “This is for you,” he said, handing her the bouquet of teddy bears, each one with a tiny red ribbon around its neck, carefully chosen to bring a smile to her face.

She took it, still a bit in awe. “They’re adorable,” she said, her gaze shifting back up to him. “But… why all of this?”

Yoongi smiled, a rare vulnerability shining through as he met her eyes. “Valentina,” he began, his voice gentle, “you know I’m not one for grand gestures. But I wanted to show you what you mean to me.” He paused, taking a steadying breath. “You’ve been more than I ever expected. You’re strong, loyal, and you’ve changed my life in ways I didn’t even think possible.”

Valentina’s cheeks flushed as she listened, her heart racing.

Yoongi continued, “I don’t think I ever truly believed in love—at least not in the way people talk about it. But with you… it feels real.” He took her hand, his thumb softly brushing over her knuckles. “Valentina, I love you. And I wanted to make sure you knew it.”

Her breath hitched, eyes shining with the same emotions he felt. “Yoongi, I…”

Before she could say another word, he wrapped her in his arms, pulling her close. Her heartbeat matched his, both feeling the intensity of this moment. She closed her eyes, breathing him in, and whispered, “I love you too.”

They stood there, the world falling away as their embrace deepened, their love finally spoken aloud, carrying a sense of completeness they hadn’t known they’d been missing. The flowers, the teddies, and the vulnerability—it was all for her, and Yoongi knew that this, finally, was where he wanted to be. Later that afternoon, Yoongi and Valentina returned to their usual routines, but everything felt different now. The unspoken tension that had hovered between them had dissolved, replaced by a newfound warmth and understanding. When Yoongi would pass by her desk, he'd pause, giving her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder or a small smile—moments that felt infinitely precious, reminding her of their newfound connection.

Around mid-afternoon, Yoongi called her into his office, but instead of diving into work, he gestured to the plush sofa by the window. “Sit with me,” he said, his voice tender.

Valentina settled next to him, surprised when he laced his fingers through hers, holding her hand comfortably as they looked out over the city skyline. They sat quietly for a few minutes, the silence charged but peaceful. Finally, Yoongi broke it, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.

"I’ve been thinking about the future," he murmured. “You know, what things could look like if… if we really move forward together.”

Her heart raced at his words. “I’ve thought about it too,” she replied softly.

He turned to her, a glint of something new in his eyes. “I want us to be more than just work colleagues, more than just… well, whatever we were before.” He chuckled, a bit awkwardly. “I want you to know I’m committed to you, both here and beyond this office.”

Her cheeks warmed, and she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Yoongi, I’m here because I want that too. I’ve never felt this way with anyone else.”

They shared a soft, genuine smile, both realizing that this was more than an arrangement or contract. It was a bond, one that had been tested but was still standing strong.

Before she left his office, he gently tilted her chin, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. “I love you,” he whispered again, a phrase he seemed to relish saying, as if reminding himself that it was real, and hers to keep.

The next few days were filled with similar quiet gestures, each interaction deepening their connection. He’d bring her coffee just the way she liked it, and she’d stay late, ensuring his schedule ran smoothly without the pressure they used to feel.

One evening, as they wrapped up a long day, Yoongi caught her as she grabbed her coat. “Do you want to get dinner?” he asked, looking almost shy.

Valentina grinned. “I’d love to.”

Dinner turned into a cozy, laughter-filled evening, a glimpse of the life they could share outside the office walls. By the time they walked hand-in-hand through the city streets, both knew they’d found something lasting. As they parted ways, Yoongi brushed a lock of hair from her face, giving her one last kiss, a promise of many more to come.

Their journey had been complicated, but as they stood under the city lights, they both felt something simple and pure: a future worth building together.