A New Safe Space

Akk's mind was still spinning as he left the director's office, Ray trailing behind him like a shadow. He hadn't fully processed the fact that Ray, the same guy who had rocked his world that one night, was now not only his intern but also his future boss. Of all the people, Akk thought bitterly, his footsteps heavy as they made their way to the workspace.

Ray seemed completely unbothered by the tension, keeping pace beside him. "So, how's it going, boss?" Ray asked casually, his tone as light as ever.

Akk's response was stiff, barely acknowledging him. "Fine."

Undeterred, Ray continued, "You didn't forget about our little deal, right? No one knows who I am, okay? Just an ordinary intern." His voice held a playful edge, but Akk could hear the seriousness beneath it.

"Got it," Akk muttered, his jaw tightening as they arrived at the planning department. He glanced at the empty seat beside his own desk and mentally cursed his luck. Of course, the only available spot would be right next to me.

He motioned to it awkwardly. "That's your desk. I'll introduce you to the team."

"Looking forward to it," Ray replied, flashing him that same infuriating grin from their first encounter.

Akk gritted his teeth and turned to the rest of the team, introducing Ray to the three other planning managers and their associates. There was even another intern on one of the teams, recently assigned. Everyone seemed to take an immediate liking to Ray. His good looks and effortless charm won them over instantly, and soon, they were gushing about how lucky their department was to have someone like him.

"Wow, Ray! You must have girls lining up for you!" one of the associates joked, causing Ray to laugh. Akk's eyes narrowed as he watched Ray casually flirt back, his easy charm dripping like honey.

Of course, Akk thought bitterly. Why wouldn't he be a playboy? He's rich, young, and gorgeous.

As the introductions wrapped up, an HR associate arrived with Ray's company ID and credentials. Akk noticed something strange as she handed the items to Ray—he wasn't using his actual surname. Instead, it was an entirely different family name, one that likely concealed his true identity. But what really annoyed Akk was how long the HR associate lingered, clearly captivated by Ray's presence. The casual touches, the giggles—it grated on Akk's nerves. He wanted to punch something. 

Akk felt an overwhelming surge of irritation. He wanted to snap at her, to tell her to get back to her damn job, but instead, he gritted his teeth and waited for her to leave. When she finally did, Akk sighed in frustration, returning to his own desk and trying to push the situation out of his mind. But just as he was settling back into work, a message popped up on his screen from the company messaging app.

Ray: Hello Boss, what do you need me to do now?

Akk rolled his eyes, his fingers tightening around his mouse. Without replying, he got up, grabbed a stack of company manuals from the shelf, and dropped them on Ray's desk with a curt, "Read these." He didn't bother waiting for Ray's response, returning to his own chair in an attempt to focus on his tasks.

Not five minutes later, another message appeared.

Ray: Are you normally such a grouchy boss? Tsk tsk... no wonder my teammates are all so quiet. They must be scared of you. My... my... Are you a terrible boss?

Akk felt his blood pressure rise. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, itching to send a cutting reply, but he stopped himself. He knew Ray is intentionally gauging him for this exact reaction. The guy is insufferable. Handsome but insufferable. 

Instead, he minimized the chat window and forced himself to focus on his work, ignoring the amused glance he could feel coming from Ray's direction. This is going to be hell, he thought miserably, already regretting every second of this twisted fate. He could never catch a break.

Akk could feel the tension building in his shoulders as he received yet another message from Ray. He briefly wondered if this guy is just going to spend his whole internship making his life in his daddy's company hell.

Ray: Do you want me to get you coffee?

Akk: No need.

Ray: You have to tell me where I can get mine, coz I don't know where to go.

Akk: Ask someone else. You have a lot of officemates who would gladly show you Ray.

Ray: I'm asking you.

Akk sighed, his patience wearing thin. He wondered if everyone would think he was insane if he yelled his lungs off right about now.

Akk: Ray, I'm busy. Please ask your other teammates, not your boss, for something as trivial as this.

Ray's response came almost immediately, and Akk could feel the smirk in his words before he even read them.

Ray: Ahhh... pulling the boss card on me. Is this a kink? I could get on board with this, BOSS.

Akk: Shut up.

Ray: Please, I don't know any of them. I feel awkward enough asking you. Help me find the coffee machine, or I'll fall asleep reading these manuals you gave me.

Exasperated, Akk finally gave in, standing up abruptly. "Follow me," he muttered through gritted teeth, not bothering to see if Ray was actually following as he strode toward the pantry. Wondering if there was a way to get away with murder that he should know about.

The company prided itself on providing top-tier amenities, and the pantry was no exception. It was sleek, modern, and fully stocked with every type of coffee imaginable. Akk knew it was supposed to be a perk, but right now, it felt more like a trap, especially with Ray tailing him like a puppy.

He was about to leave Ray to figure out the coffee machine on his own when he heard that familiar, whining voice.

"Akk... I don't know how to use this thing," Ray said, his tone a mix of helplessness and amusement. "I've got people at home for this kind of stuff, and  when I'm out usually, I just buy from coffee shops."

Akk groaned inwardly. Of course, he doesn't know how to make coffee. He probably doesn't even know how to use a microwave. Rich asshole heir Ray Pakorn doesn't need to do anything mundane and basic when he has people he is paying to do it for him.

"Fine," Akk muttered, rolling up his sleeves as if he were about to perform surgery. It feels somehow like it. His conflicting feelings for this whole thing make him agitated. He set to work, making Ray an Americano after asking his preference, feeling like he needed the extra caffeine boost himself just to survive Ray Pakorn.

Once the coffee was ready, Akk handed the steaming cup to Ray, his tone sharp. "Here you go, Your Highness. Anything else before I go and actually start doing my real job?"

Ray didn't miss a beat. "Actually, yes. Sit down with me. I hate drinking coffee alone. Na... please naaa..." he drawled, his voice dripping with charm.

Akk felt his resolve crumble. Ray was too good at this, too smooth, too... everything. He knew it was a bad idea, but refusing to sit down would only make things worse. After all, this was his boss. Technically. And as much as Akk wanted to keep things strictly professional, the reality of their past made it difficult.

Reluctantly, he took a seat across from Ray, his expression as neutral as he could manage. Ray, on the other hand, beamed at him like Akk had just made his entire day, his smile impossibly bright.

"You didn't have to make it so hard, Akk," Ray teased, taking a slow sip of his coffee. "I knew you'd come around eventually."