Megan and I are - once again - on our way to the conference room down the hall for another creative team meeting where we discuss our ongoing projects. It's the last meeting with all of our colleagues on the team because next week we're already being split into two after the new director is announced.

Everyone is kind of anxious about it because the new director could either be a blessing or a failure for our future projects, but I'm sure our CEOs will pick the right person for the job.

I considered sweet-talking and trying to get this information out of Jungkook, but ultimately didn't because I know he wouldn't tell me anyway, and besides, I didn't want to have the privilege of him being my boyfriend and knowing practically everything about the company. It didn't feel right to want to know earlier than everyone else.

Almost everyone is already in the conference room, leaving only the last two chairs empty, but they are not next to each other. Megan takes the seat on the other side of the long table and I open the PowerPoint slide show on my laptop that I prepared.

Lizzie begins to talk and we listen as she reports on an issue that has come up in an ongoing project. The client apparently changed their mind about the ad in the middle of execution and is now asking for a makeover, which is difficult considering the project was almost in the final stages.

However, it's not a project that affects many of us, so I'm using the time to make a few adjustments to my slides while discussions go back and forth. I still keep an ear on the conversation though, because the reason all members of the team join the meetings is so we can all stay up to date.

After Noah is done presenting his solution to the problem and Lizzie has accepted it, I run up front and plug my laptop into the projector. I show them the finished product of my work on the ad for the watch company, which needed some tweaks.

"So, did you change everything that Mr. Jeon brought up in the last meeting?" asks Lizzie, crossing one leg over the other as her eyes fix on the wall behind me.

"Yes, I adjusted the colors just like Jungk—" I pause, eyes wide. No, this can't be happening now. "—ook Jeon. Jungkook Jeon, Mr. Jeon, CEO of Jeon&Park!" I laugh nervously as I try to get out of the situation I've gotten myself into. "Seriously, the best company in the world."

When I'm done talking, there are tens of pairs of eyes staring at me and it makes me more nervous than ever. I think I did a good job of saving the day and I doubt anyone has become suspicious about it. I'm smooth as always.

But Megan doesn't seem to agree, because when I look over at her for confirmation that I'm not suspicious, she has a hand pressed against her forehead and is looking over at me between her fingers.

Anyway.

I clear my throat. "Well, I used the colors that make the watches pop best. I think Mr. Jeon will be okay with it, but I'll make sure to talk to him about it again after the meeting."

"That would be great." Lizzie nods and dismisses me back to my seat.

I slump back in my chair, wishing I had been more careful. Jungkook and I already had the conversation about the fact that we aren't dating in secret, but exposing our relationship like that in a meeting wouldn't have been the way we envisioned it.

You almost spilled the beans, you idiot I read on Megan's lips as our eyes meet.

You're being suspicious right now, you idiot I mouth before looking around the conference room to make sure no one catches our interaction.

No more suspicious than you, you more idiot she mouths back and I almost start laughing. I don't know if it's out of frustration or just because it's funny. Honestly, the whole dating in private thing stresses me out because someone always seems to interrupt us, or I'm about to spill something. After all, I can't keep my mouth shut.

It's hard being in a relationship with my boss and although I'm overjoyed and don't regret or doubt my decision I can't help but contemplate if I'm even a match for him. He always treats me like his equal, but I'm still sure anyone else would judge us.

Me more than him.

Taking a deep breath, I push those thoughts away from me because I'm in a good mood today. When I opened my door this morning, before I got to work, there was a box full of pastries at my feet and the sweet treats brought a smile to my lips.

He always makes these unexpected gestures that may seem small, but are big in their meaning to me because that way I know I am constantly on his mind as he is on mine. And that's only because I told him via message the night before how much I was craving something sweet.

I'm not sure if it's too soon to use the four-letter word, but it's definitely the direction my heart seems to be going without me having a say in it. Not that I'm stopping my own feelings from going where they're steered anyway.

The meeting ends in a murmur as everyone packs up and goes back to their work. I take a deep breath after dropping into my trusty chair and doing a complete spin with a forceful shove. It leaves my head dizzy before I face my computer.

"Jeon&Park, the best company, huh?" I hear Megan's teasing voice and I roll my eyes before turning to her.

"Don't laugh!" I whine like a child, my cheeks taking on a thousand shades of red.

"But it's funny!" Megan cackles, and I wish I had a pillow with me right now so I could throw it at her. "And it's cute."

"It isn't. Imagine if I actually said his first name in front of all the others." I shudder at the idea. Maybe I'm being a little dramatic right now, but I've spent the last few weeks on eggshells anyway.

"It's not that bad. It can happen to anyone," she reassures me and I shrug, hoping she means it sincerely. "Anyway. How's it going with Mr. I-hate-everyone-but-Mikayla?"

I laugh a little. "He doesn't hate everyone," I say, and she raises both of her eyebrows. "Let's just say he prefers the presence of some people more than others."

"Yeah, right." Megan shakes her head with a smile. Then she rolls her chair close to me. Wiggles her eyebrows. "Now talk. How's it going? Have you done the deed yet?"

"Megan!" I whisper-shout, checking around me and making sure no one heard.

"Chill. No one's here." she places her forearms on the back of her chair and waits with an expectant look for my response.

I may have told her about that morning in his bathroom and she may have freaked out slightly. She knows I've never had sex, which is obvious because she's my best friend but she's excited for me. Nonetheless, she also understands my fears.

"No, we haven't," I finally reply and she nods.

"Take your time." she comforts me with a squeeze on my arm and I smile at her gratefully. "But I'm sure he has blue balls by now."

She giggles under her breath and I actually feel bad. Jungkook is patient with me and not once has he brought up the conversation. He respects my decisions and he doesn't rush me.

"At least he does everything right and doesn't make you cry or whatever." she points out with a shrug of her shoulder.

"He doesn't," I confirm, thinking back to all the feelings that always buzz in my stomach when he's around me.

"Real men make your underwear wet, not your eyes," she reminds me, rolling her chair back to her desk.

Well, he sure does that.

I can't forget when the words left his lips after Ethan showed up here. I couldn't help but feel something deep in my belly and maybe that turned me on a little bit.

His heavy breathing as he told me with never-ending eye contact and no hesitation how he would like to bend me over his desk left me speechless. My toes curled in my shoes and if Mr. Park hadn't walked into his office the next moment, neither of us could have promised what would have happened next.

My face burns and I put the back of my hand on my cheeks to bring the temperature down. I don't realize how much I'm smiling until my cheeks start to hurt and I guess how crazy I must look to others.

Then I remember what I said to Lizzie in the meeting and reach for my laptop before getting up from my chair and heading towards Jungkook's office. I haven't seen him yet today and every day feels like a new excitement inside me.

It never gets boring because I always anticipate with what gestures, how many kisses, and which words he will make me blush this time. It's an excitement that always feels different and better with each passing day.

I press the laptop against my chest as I raise my hand and my knuckles make contact with the door. For some reason, my heart starts beating faster and I can't fight the smile. Jungkook's soft voice sounds from the other side, giving me permission to enter.

I open the door and peek my head inside. Mr. Park is sitting on the chair opposite Jungkook's desk and when our eyes meet, the emotions in them change. He didn't look stressed, but now I can see him visibly relaxing.

"Am I interrupting?" I ask, making sure they weren't discussing anything important that I may have interrupted.

"No, please come in," Jungkook says, pushing himself away from his desk in his chair.

"Good morning, Mr. Park." I greet and he greets me back.

"Everything okay?" Jungkook asks as I reach his side. He's still sitting in his chair, but his hand sneaks around my waist as he looks up at me.

Just as I'm about to answer him, Mr. Park beats me to it. "Wow," he says, making us look at him. "I've never seen Jungkook so smitten."

Jungkook rolls his eyes. "Shut up, Jimin."

"No, I'm serious." he leans back in his chair. "I've been trying to tame the tiger for years and Mikayla manages to turn you into a soft boy in no time." he turns to me. "How did you do that?"

I burst out laughing because I always find the banter between the two of them so amusing. Mr. Park's eyes squint as he laughs with me.

"I will kick you out."

Mr. Park brings his hand up and pretends to zip his mouth shut. Then Jungkook asks me to continue and I open the PowerPoint with the project I've been working on.

"I'll get going now that you two are busy," Mr. Park says as I'm about to show Jungkook my work.

I look up. "No, please stay, Mr. Park. It won't take long."

"Mikayla." he laughs. "You don't have to call me that. You're my best friend's girlfriend, so Jimin is fine when no one is around."

I almost faint. "No, not you too. I don't know if I can handle calling you by your first name too."

"Why?" Jungkook questions. "Did something happen?"

I sigh. "I almost used your first name in a meeting. But I managed to save the day, thankfully."

He raises both of his eyebrows before chuckling and placing a kiss on the back of my hand.

"Not funny. This is a serious matter." I huff and he nods.

We change the topic of conversation and I show Jungkook what changes I made to the project. In the last meeting, he had talked about color adjustments and when I show them to him he nods in approval.

I'm happy with what I've created and I'm glad that both of our CEOs agree as well. I would have no problem working on it again if something still wasn't right, but it definitely saves me time and I can continue working on other projects.

"I'm going to get back to work," I announce as we finish our discussion.

"I'll see you later." Jungkook croaks and I blush a little before stepping away from him. His hand falls off my hip and the spot immediately feels cold.

I bite down on my bottom lip as I realize that Jungkook has been watching me the whole time I walked to the door and I smile shyly at him before closing the door behind me. Kiyara catches me smiling and I clear my throat before hurrying back to my desk.

Dropping into the softness of it, my phone vibrates, showing that I've received a message. Picking it up, I bring the screen up to my face and see that the message is from my father.

Dad:
How's my favorite daughter doing?

Me:
I'm your only child, dad.

Dad:
Don't kill the moment

Me:
Sorry x

Dad:
Your mother and I are going on a date tomorrow

I can't suppress the smile because it never fails to amaze me that the love between my parents hasn't diminished one bit over the years. My dad always makes sure he takes my mom out and my mom does the things my dad values the most.

They have been through a lot but they have always done it together and I will never shut up about how much they love each other and never forget to show it even if they fight like any other couple from time to time.

Me:
How does it feel to be the best husband and father in the world?

Dad:
Don't make me sentimental now
Just wanted to let you know that your mom is inviting you for dinner on Thursday
She said she is mad because you haven't come over in the last few weeks

I press my lips into a straight line. Indeed, I haven't visited my parents as much as I usually do in the last few weeks. But that's entirely because work has been ungraciously stressful and I've been spending my time away from the office with Jungkook or slumped on my couch.

Me:
I know, I feel bad
But I will be there
Gotta get back to work
Sending you hugs and have fun on your date!

Dad:
Thanks a lot, honey

___________________

It's Thursday and I'm on my way to my parents' house right now. I stopped at my apartment so I could change out of my work attire into something more casual. After picking out a pair of jeans with a simple top, I called an Uber.

I get out of the vehicle and thank the driver before jogging up to the front porch. I have to admit that I missed my parents and this get-together was more than needed. Sometimes I miss living with them and having them with me all the time.

I ring the doorbell because even though I have a key, I respect their privacy. My father opens the door and is attacked by a big hug that he almost can't take. But before we can both stumble back, I retreat with an overjoyed laugh.

"I missed you, you cheeky thing!" he says in an affectionate but scolding way.

"I know, I've missed you too." I kiss his cheek. "Where's mom?"

"In the kitchen," he replies and we make our way further into the house.

After half an hour of listening to my mom scold me, they finally leave me alone. I mean, I'd like to tell them that I have a boyfriend now that I spend time with and that's why I don't come over more often.

I know for a fact that they would want to know who this boyfriend is and that I should invite him over for dinner sometime. But the thing is that they have already met my boyfriend, they just don't know yet. I didn't think at the time that my boss was going to become my boyfriend either.

But I'm sure they would be happy for me when the time comes for me to confess to them. Mom would probably tease me because she already knew. Or sensed, I don't know.

I sit down in the chair at the dining room table and the smells of the dishes my mother has prepared fill my nose. Everything is the same as I look around the dining room and just as my dad walks through the door, something catches my eye.

"Hey, the step is fixed!" I say and I wonder how I didn't notice when I walked in.

"Oh, yeah! Thanks for sending the handymen!" he says. "They came by last week."

I draw my eyebrows together. "The handymen I sent?"

"Yes, did you forget?" dad laughs. "You work too hard, honey."

"Yeah, I forgot." I laugh.

But I didn't forget. Because I never sent handymen.

It's true that ever since my mom had the accident and injured her ankle, I kept calling different handymen, but none of them seemed to be able to help me. And work has been so stressful lately that at some point I forgot to keep trying.

I stare at the step, which is now no obstacle for my blind mother. My father didn't have to fix it himself, so he didn't have to suffer back pain. And I didn't have to pay a bill for it.

But I am still confused because if not me, then who did this?

Megan and Josh couldn't have done it. I'm not saying they wouldn't do it for my parents, because I know for a fact they would. But if they had, then I would know about it and they didn't tell me anything.

"Mikayla, are you listening?" dad pulls me out of my thoughts and I look over at him.

"Hmm?" I ask and he laughs, shaking his head.

"I'm glad you told them there was more than the step to repair," he tells me. "That cabinet in the kitchen was a pain, and there were some things outside the house that are now fixed."

"Oh, really? I'm happy." I force a smile, but my head is so loud I have a hard time hearing myself.

Not that it's my intention to lie to my father and make it sound like I arranged all this, but I don't know any other way I could have answered him otherwise. And then I can't help the smile that appears on my lips as I think of a person who could have done this.

A person who never forgets anything. A person who pays attention to everything even though it always seems like he doesn't. A person who would do everything in the shadows because he is too down to earth and doesn't want to make anyone feel bad or like they owe him something in return.

I stand up from my chair with a jolt and it actually startles my father, but he recovers quickly before looking up at me in confusion.

"Dad, I'm sorry, but I can't stay for dinner," I announce as I'm already walking to the door.

"What, why?" he asks as he follows me. "You just got here. And your mom made your favorite meal."

"I know, and I'm sorry," I wince apologetically. "Something came up, but I promise I'll make it up to you!"

"But... Olivia!" dad calls out to mom, "Mikayla's leaving!"

I kiss his cheek again like I did when I arrived as I hear my mom yell something from the kitchen and I rush out the door.

I have only one person in mind, only one destination as I get into the next cab that crosses the street.

_____________________

A/N: holy water anyone? 👀