The atmosphere shifted as the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the school playground. Sophia's playful laughter had faded, replaced by a newfound tension. She had been so caught up in reliving the memories with Alex that reality hit her hard—he was no longer just her best friend's older brother, but now her boss. Her demeanor changed instantly as she stepped off the swing, creating an intentional distance between them.
"Umm, Mr. Blackwood," she began, her voice laced with a newfound professionalism, "if there's nothing else, may I leave now?"
Alex noticed the sudden shift in her behavior, and a pang of sadness gripped him. The carefree moments they had shared just moments ago seemed to evaporate in an instant. But he quickly masked his emotions, nodding in acknowledgment of her change in tone.
"I'll drop you off," Alex said with a calm but firm tone. "Just let me know your address."
Sophia hesitated, trying to maintain the boundary she had just drawn. "There's no need, Mr. Blackwood. I can manage on my own."
But Alex's insistence softened her resolve. Reluctantly, she nodded, signalling her acceptance. As they settled into his sleek black Rolls-Royce, the driver turned towards her, awaiting instructions.
Sophia gave her address, and they began the quiet drive to her flat. The ride was silent, filled with unspoken thoughts and the lingering tension between their past and present roles. The streets blurred past, but neither of them paid attention, both lost in the complexity of their evolving relationship.
As the car reached its destination, Sophia unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Alex with a polite smile. "Good night, Mr. Blackwood," she said, reaching for the door handle. But to her surprise, the door remained locked. She glanced back at him, confusion in her eyes.
Without a word, Alex opened his door, stepped out, and walked around to her side. He unlocked the door and opened it for her, a gesture that was both old-fashioned and chivalrous. As she stepped out, the evening air cool against her skin, Alex's voice broke the silence.
"I don't like the word 'Mr. Blackwood' from your lips," he said softly. "We're childhood buddies, Sophia. So please, call me by my name. Okay?"
Sophia paused, considering his request. "Mr. Blackwood," she began, her tone firm but respectful, "you're right in your position, but please try to see things from mine. If I start calling you by your name at the company, it will raise suspicions. People might assume that I'm your PA because of some personal relationship, not because I have the capabilities. Being the PA to a business tycoon like you isn't an easy job; there are many who would jump at the chance to take my place."
Alex listened carefully, his expression thoughtful. He admired her reasoning and the integrity behind her words. After a moment, he replied, his tone calm but resolute. "Sophia, it doesn't matter to me what others think or say about us. The world is full of opinions, and people will always find something to talk about. If you want to grow in life, you have to learn to ignore those kinds of people."
He paused, his eyes searching hers. "And what about Daniel? You and he are childhood friends too. Will you be able to maintain the same professional distance with him once he returns from America?"
Sophia felt a wave of emotion at the mention of Daniel. Memories of their friendship, the easy camaraderie they once shared, flooded her mind. But she knew things were different now—complicated. She looked at Alex, her gaze steady.
"I'll do my best, Alex," she said, finally using his name. "But the truth is, it's going to be difficult. Just like it is with you."
Alex nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "I know, Sophia. But I also know you're strong enough to handle it."
With that, the tension between them seemed to ease, if only slightly. Sophia gave a small nod, appreciating his understanding. "Thank you, Alex," she said softly. After a brief pause, she continued, "We will strictly maintain our professional relationship at the company, and outside of work, we can be childhood buddies again. I hope this won't be a problem for you, Alex."
Alex looked at her, a smile breaking across his face, and nodded in agreement. "That sounds fair to me," he replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
Sophia felt a weight lift from her shoulders, reassured that they could find a balance between their past and present.
"Goodnight, Alex," she said, her voice warm as Sophia began to walk away, Alex suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, he pulled her into a tight embrace. The suddenness of his action left her momentarily stunned, her breath catching in her throat. But as she felt the warmth of his arms around her, something inside her softened. Without thinking, she hugged him back.
In that moment, all the years of unspoken feelings, the crushes they both had on each other during their school days, came rushing to the surface. Neither of them had ever confessed those feelings, both too shy or uncertain to take that step back then. Yet, the connection between them had always been there, lingering just beneath the surface.
Sophia's heart pounded in her chest, the closeness of Alex stirring emotions she had long kept hidden. She had always been drawn to him, even when they were younger. Now, standing there in his arms, those old feelings felt more real and undeniable than ever.
For a few moments, time seemed to stand still. The world around them faded into the background as they held onto each other, both acknowledging the bond that had always existed between them.
Finally, Sophia pulled back slightly, looking up at Alex with a mix of surprise and vulnerability but then she gently stepped back, her heart still racing. "We… we should go inside," she murmured, trying to regain her composure.
Alex nodded, a mix of emotions in his gaze. "Yeah," he agreed, though his voice was tinged with reluctance.
"Goodnight, Alex," she said once more, her voice softer now, filled with a new layer of meaning.
"Goodnight, Sophia," he replied, watching her as she finally made her way toward her flat, a sense of longing lingering in the air.
As she disappeared from view, Alex stood there for a moment, processing what had just happened. A soft smile spread across his lips as the warmth of the moment lingered in his thoughts. After a few more moments, he returned to his car, signaling the driver to move.
Back at his flat, Alex felt the need to unwind. He took a long, hot bath, letting the water soothe his thoughts and emotions. The memory of holding Sophia so close replayed in his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. After his bath, he ate a light dinner, but his thoughts were still with her.
Before going to bed, Alex picked up his phone and texted Sophia: "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning. Goodnight."
Sophia, who was already lying in bed, saw his message pop up on her screen. Her heart skipped a beat as she read it. Without hesitation, she replied with a simple, "Okay. Goodnight."
That night, both of them lay awake in their respective beds, thoughts of each other filling their minds. For Sophia, the feeling of being in Alex's arms had stirred emotions she hadn't fully acknowledged before. For Alex, the realization that their bond was stronger than just a childhood friendship became clearer with each passing thought.
As the night wore on, they both drifted into sleep, but even in their dreams, they couldn't escape the growing connection between them.