Before dawn, Alex was jolted awake by an intense thirst. The night had been restless, filled with a vivid dream. In the dream, he found himself in a dimly lit bathhouse, the steam swirling around him as he lay in a bathtub. Despite his attempts to climb out, his limbs felt leaden, and he could barely muster the strength to call for help. Panic began to set in as he felt himself sinking deeper into the water.
Just as the sensation of helplessness was overwhelming, a gentle hand reached out, offering a touch of comfort and hope. The hand guided him to another pool of water, this one clear and inviting. Though he tried to drink from it, the more he consumed, the thirstier he became, and his body felt as if it were on fire. The burning sensation made him tremble, and his whole body seemed on the verge of bursting.
Startled awake by the intense thirst, Alex quickly got out of bed and drank a glass of water. The cool liquid brought relief, and the burning sensation faded. As he glanced at the clock, he realized he was up earlier than usual. So he went to office earlier than usual.
Arriving at the office, Alex noticed Jane was already there. She was methodically wiping down her desk with a cloth. Jane was in her early thirties, with short brown hair that framed her face neatly. Her hair was styled in a way that complemented her youthful appearance, and she wore minimal makeup, letting her natural beauty shine through. Despite her age, Jane had an undeniable charm and a youthful aura that made her stand out.
Jane looked up from her desk and smiled. "Good morning, Alex. How was your night?"
Alex, still groggy from the dream, responded, "I had to stay late, making sure the director didn't drink too much. I was there to protect her."
Jane arched an eyebrow skeptically. "Oh really? You're just bragging now. I doubt you managed to keep her from drinking."
Alex chuckled at her playful skepticism. "Believe what you want, Jane. But I can assure you, I did my best."
Jane's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, aren't you the hero of the night? I suppose you're just trying to impress me."
Alex paused, considering Jane's comment. He hadn't really paid much attention to her before, but when he did, she was cute, Her short brown hair and the way she carried herself caught his eye, but always overshadowed by director. "You know, Jane, I've never really noticed how charming you are. You're quite beautiful."
Jane's cheeks flushed slightly. She playfully swatted him on the arm. "Oh, so now you're noticing? What about all those times you were so fixated on the director? Couldn't see past her nose, huh?"
Alex laughed, "Maybe I was just too focused. I guess I've been missing out."
Just then, Jane's expression changed. "Oh, look who's here—our illustrious director," she said, nudging Alex aside as she made her way to greet Director White.
Alex straightened up and turned toward the sound of approaching footsteps. The director's footsteps were distinctive, firm yet graceful. Director White entered, exuding an air of composed elegance. Her outfit was impeccably put together, her attire reflecting her refined taste. Her face, free of heavy makeup, revealed a natural radiance with fair skin and a hint of red on her lips. Her hair was neatly tied up, accentuating her smooth, white neck and graceful posture.
"Good morning, Director!" Alex greeted enthusiastically.
"Good morning, Alex. You come quite early today." Director White asked, her tone warm yet professional.
"Jane was here before me and already finished cleaning," Alex replied.
Jane, still looking tense, greeted Director White with a respectful nod. "Good morning, Director."
Director White took a moment to survey her surroundings. "Thank you for tidying up, Jane. I appreciate it."
Alex noticed that despite the early hour, Director White seemed poised and impeccably groomed. She had a way of maintaining her composure even after what must have been a long night.
She went to her office room and Alex went there after with a steaming cup of hot water, he observed Director White tidying her desk and mopping the floor herself. She didn't let Alex mop the floor for some reason.
"Did you sleep well last night?" Director White asked quietly as she accepted the cup of water from Alex.
"I did, thank you," Alex replied.
Director White's gaze softened. "You're young, so hangovers aren't usually a concern for you. I hope you didn't overdo it."
Alex could tell from her tone that she was acknowledging the late-night drinking and that she might not have had the best rest.
Then, doesn't know why He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Director, you look exceptionally beautiful today."
Director White raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh? What's this? Compliments so early in the day? Do I usually not look good?"
Alex, slightly embarrassed, stammered, "No, it's just that today, I'm daring enough to look you in the eye. I don't usually have the courage."
Director White laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You little rascal, are you trying to charm me? Go on and get to work before I decide to test your bravery further."
Alex couldn't help but smile at her playful rebuke. "I'll get to it, Director."