Lohen was at his desk, leaning back in his chair, laughing at something Maya from accounting said. She was blushing, hiding her smile behind her hand. Classic Lohen. Easy. Effortless. The same performance you'd seen a hundred times.

You gathered your things quietly. Slipping your bag over your shoulder, you moved toward the door without a word.

You almost made it.

When you looked back, he was already standing. Not leaning. Not lounging with that trademark grin. Just standing, arms loose at his sides, red eyes fixed on you.

You should've said something. Anything. But Lohen had already closed the distance between you, his expression shifting.

The playfulness was gone.

Lohen blinked. For the first time all week—maybe all month—he looked genuinely caught off guard.