I tried hard to prepare for the test. I had no choice—this was my only way to prove myself and, perhaps, strengthen my connection with Alex. So, I put in my best effort.
Finally, the test day arrived. But things didn't go as planned. I didn't do well at all, and I couldn't stop worrying about the consequences. What if I got fired?
That evening, my team members called with unexpected news: I was officially promoted to the design team! My internship phase was over. I couldn't believe it. I knew I hadn't performed well on the test, yet somehow, I had passed. Maybe I was luckier than I thought.
After that, my teammates started treating me with more respect. At the same time, I was getting closer to Alex. Everything seemed to be going well. I wasn't sure how Alex felt about me, but I was sure about my feelings for him. One day, I decided, I would confess. Until then, I focused on building our bond.
Often, we'd sit together in the office cafeteria, chatting and drinking coffee. Days passed like this, and then another team dinner was announced. This time, I felt more comfortable around everyone.
At the dinner, I made sure to sit beside Alex. I was finally enjoying myself when disaster struck—the waiter spilled hot food on my dress. The heat stung, and I scrambled to clean it up.
Alex immediately got up to get water for me, but before I could do much, Lehan stepped in with a tissue.
"Don't move," he said softly, dabbing at the mess with surprising gentleness.
The entire table went silent, and everyone stared at us.
"Be careful next time," Lehan said to the waiter, his tone firm but not harsh. "If anything happens to her, I'll take responsibility. She's my worker."
The room collectively nodded as if his words made perfect sense. The waiter apologized profusely, and Lehan stepped back, giving me a small nod.
That night was pure chaos, but it left an impression on everyone. They noticed how kind Alex had been to me, and by the next day, the teasing had begun.
"Hey, Alex, what's going on with you and Nyla?" my coworkers would ask, laughing.
I secretly enjoyed it, but Alex didn't seem to feel the same way.
One day, after a team meeting, Alex asked everyone to stay back. I stood beside him, curious and a little nervous.
"I need to clarify something," Alex said, addressing the team.
The room fell silent. My heart started racing. Was he about to confess his feelings for me in front of everyone?
"Me and Nyla," he began, pausing dramatically.
Here it comes.
"We're just friends."
Wait, what?
"I've never thought about dating her. She's not my type."
Ouch.
"She's not even close to my type," he added, as if twisting the knife.
Double ouch.
"I feel uncomfortable when you all tease me about her. Please don't do it anymore."
Then, one of his friends asked, "Then why are you so nice to her?"
Alex shrugged. "I saw her crying on her first day, and honestly… she's a little dumb. Every time I see her, I feel sorry for her. That's it. I've never had feelings for her."
With that, he walked out of the room, leaving behind a stunned silence.
I stood there, frozen. My heart felt like it had shattered into a million pieces, each one trampling on what little pride I had left. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall—not yet.
Some people laughed, others whispered, and a few looked at me with pity.
Lehan's face was unreadable. He seemed to be processing the situation in his usual calm, detached way.
I couldn't take it anymore. I walked up to him, my tears now streaming freely. "Can I get a day off?" I asked, my voice barely audible.
Lehan opened his mouth to reply, but I didn't wait to hear it. I turned and ran out of the room, the weight of Alex's words crushing me with every step.
Why, Alex? Why did you have to say it like that? Was it so unbearable for people to think we were together?
So many questions swirled in my mind, each one more painful than the last.
I went back to my dorm and cried my heart out. Why do these kinds of things only happen to me? Am I really that unlovable? Does it truly make someone uncomfortable if people tease them about being with me?
Why has no one in this world ever loved me?
I'm so dumb. I've forgotten my worth. Maybe I never deserved to be loved in the first place.
Tears kept falling as I poured out all the pain I'd been holding inside. Eventually, I cried myself to sleep.