Doyle's voice which I always found terrifying evoked a different emotion this time. Usually when we are at the office, he would be screaming or cursing our coworkers as he tells them to redo their part again and again.
If we were to compare Rayson and Doyle, Rayson would lace his words with sugar whilst Doyle was more direct. Of course, this fact is what made Doyle's reputation among our colleagues sink to the bottom as everyone prefered Rayson.
Hearing his gentle voice that he purposely soften for me while telling his story gave me a different feeling. It reminded me of the few times when I had to work overtime correcting my mistakes.
***
"W-where is the mistake? I can't find it... This is due tomorrow... I can't return home if I don't fix this by today!" I said as tears pricked my eyes.
"Hmm? Lenford, is that you?"
"Hiieeekk!!! Eh?! Uh... D-Doyle! G-g-good evening!" I shrieked before jumping up from my seat to greet him.
I had always been terrified of Doyle as his words were sharp and he was quick to point out our faults. I found those attributes of his scary, it's like he could easily point out all my flaws!
"Why are you so on edge?"
"I-I-I-I'm not!" I said as my voice raised several pitch. I knew I was screwed so I squeezed my eyes shut as I lowered my head.
"Heh. Sure. But still... I must commend you for trying to rectify your errors until this late in the evening." Doyle said as he patted my head.
My eyes pried open as I dared to glance up at his face. Doyle had a smile on his face as he continued patting my head. I don't know what happened but his eyes widened and then he stopped.
"Uhm... Well... Seems like Rayson didn't tell you where you had to rectify, right? I'll give you a hand."
"Eh?! N-no! There's no need for that! You can just point it out and I'll get it done soon!"
"Hey, now. If we both work on it together, we can leave twice as fast right? Plus, I'm locking up today. So I'd still need to wait for you."
"O-oh... S-sorry... Then... I-in advance... Thank you."
"Hmph... No problem. Now come, sit here! I'll show you the mistakes. Then we can split the work between us."
"S-sure!"
***
I think after that we went out to eat... but I can't remember anything after... Our schedule often clashed and we both never talked after that.
Today... today was the first time in three months since that day...
"Len, what do you think?"
"Eh? What?"
"Huh? You weren't listening to my story? Gee, what a bummer."
"S-sorry..." Doyle reached out to me and patted my head. I quite enjoyed the feeling of his large hand on my head.
"Haha... What are you apologising for? At least you weren't thinking about being tr---- Uh... Nevermind." Doyle said as he lowered his hand.
"Huh?"
All of a sudden, the light came back on and the elevator shook violently. I instinctively clung to Doyle as I squeezed my eyes shut.
*ding*
... Huh? What?
I pried my eyes open to find a lighted up hallway. The walls were coated with light wallpaper while the floor was a black marble. There were golden awnings on the wall that caught my eyes as well as a beautiful vase that depicted an illustration of cranes painted in red.
"Oh... Looks like we're here. Len? Can you stand?"
"H-huh... H-here... Where...?"
"The floor I stay on."
"But... I don't see any other rooms..."
"Rooms...? Oh. The entire 18th floor belongs to me."
"Huh?"
"Well, that's not the point... Can you stand?"
"... ... P-probably not."
"Okay, then."
"Eh?! W-what are you doing???" I asked in a panic as Doyle lifted me up like a princess.
"It's just for now." Doyle grinned as he pulled me closer to his chest.
"E-even so... This is embarrassing!" I said as I buried my face in his chest. I wanted to crawl in a hole because I had never expected to be carried like this.
Fantasy and reality were two different things! I always imagined my future partner doing this with me after our marriage and walking into our own place as we then kiss and enjoy our first night together. This was a whole different story!!!
"Why are you so shy? Look, Len."
"W-what?" I said as I glanced up at his face.
I followed his gaze and found a mirror at the end of the hallway where I saw us reflected in. I was carried in his arms like a princess with my arms wrapped around his neck while he had his cocky look on his face.
My cheeks burned as I begged him to let me down. Two adult men, one being carried like a princess... it was ridiculous... yet... the vision of the future I had dreamt of... the groom's face was swapped with Doyle's face...
"But can you stand? You said you couldn't."
"I-I can! So put me down!" I said flustered as I pushed him away.
Doyle knitted his brows as he placed me on the ground. He then walked away as he fished around in his bag, possibly looking for a key.
The place resembled an empty floor with no doors, only hallways. I didn't even see an opening for a key. It was then when I turned around that Doyle placed his hand on the wall and a door handle appeared.
This seems so fictitious! How can the door even do that?
"Surprised? It's technology that's still being tested. But it should be out in a few years. I'm still the first to use it. So, you're the second to have seen it."
"O-oh... Th-that's impressive."
"I suppose." Doyle said as he turned the key and unlocked the door, a click sounded as he then turned the handle of the door.
A vast and spacious room stretched out before my eyes. It was mostly barren, except for a wide sofa in the middle along with a coffee table.
What I found the most astounding was the view. It was a large glass panel that reflected the view of the city. The lights from the city sparkled and glowed, reminding me of a great stream of lights I saw in the sky back... back when....?
"How is it?"
"I-it's... beautiful..."
"... not as beautiful as you."
"Huh? Did you say something?"
"Nothing. I'll prepare the bath. You can wash up first. I'll get some clothes for you."
"Thank you."
Doyle walked off in a different direction as I turned to stare out the window. The view was mesmerising. I don't think I can forget about this.
***
"D-Doyle..."
"Yes? You're done with your bath?"
"Y-yes... but... I couldn't... fit the pants you lent me. It was too loose. Even the shirt is big." I said as I lowered my gaze. I knew I was invading...
"N-no... That's alright. W-why don't you head to bed first? I'll sleep on the couch tonight." Doyle said as he averted his gaze from me and covered his mouth and nose.
"What?! No! If anyone should be sleeping on the couch, it should be me! I'm imposing on you after all..."
"No. You have to take the bed." Doyle said with his hand still against his mouth.
"... Why are you holding your nose and mouth? You sound so muffled." I asked as I walked towards him and pried his hand from his face.
"Blo-- Your nose is bleeding!!! T-tissue! Why is your nose bleeding? Are you alright?" I asked as I scurried about looking for some tissues.
"I found so--" I was about to turn when Doyle held my forearms as he pressed his chest against me. My cheeks flushed red as I squeezed the box of tissue in my hand.
"I don't think I can hold back if we sleep in the same bed tonight." Doyle whispered in my ear as I felt something hit my inner thigh.
My face burned while I gulped nervously. I heard a soft chuckle before Doyle let go of my arms and took a few sheets of tissues.
"You heard me. You should go to sleep. I'll be taking a bath after this settles."
I watched Doyle walk away as I stared at his back. I thought he was going to bully me back at the office. Maybe I was wrong all along...