Levi was deep in sleep, his body relaxed against the plush couch in his office. The afternoon warmth seeped through the large windows, casting golden rays across the room. His dream was hazy, yet vivid. He had fallen asleep while waiting and fascinating about Sabi. The girl had mesmerized his whole thought pattern. That wasn't Levi. Levi was all about Jupiter Hotel and nothing more.
In his dream, Sabi walking into his office, her presence commanding, her eyes filled with defiance. In his dream, he had been bolder, straightforward, telling her exactly what he wanted. But just as he reached for her, just as his fingers brushed against her soft skin, a sharp, burning slap landed across his face, jolting him awake.
A knock came at the door.
Levi groaned, rubbing a hand over his face as he sat up. "Come in," he said, his voice thick with sleep.
The door opened, and just like in his dream, Sabi walked in with her cleaning supplies. For a moment, Levi stared at her, almost convinced that the dream was playing tricks on him. She looked startled to see him sitting there, awake, watching her like a predator contemplating his next move.
"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't expect you to be in," Sabi said quickly, adjusting her grip on the mop. "I was told you had a meeting and wouldn't be in the office."
"That was over ten minutes ago" Levi said trying to sound professional.
"I am sorry, I had to use the stairs as I was asked not to use the elevator"
"What? You used the stairs all the way here?"
"Well, that's practically what all the cleaners who come to clean here do, how come you're just noticing?"
"Well, I never had the privilege of having a conversation as such with them"
"Oh I see"
Levi's lips quirked into a smirk. "Well, I am here. Done with my meeting, perhaps waiting for you?"
Sabi's brows furrowed, and the expression on her face made him rethink his words. He leaned back in his chair, adjusting his tone. "I'm just kidding," he said, forcing a casual chuckle. "Can you clean while I'm here? I really have a lot to do."
"I can come back," she offered, shifting awkwardly on her feet.
"No, no, please stay and clean. I could use some company."
Sabi hesitated for a moment before nodding. She moved around the room, dusting shelves, wiping down the glass table, sweeping the floor. Levi watched her every movement, memorizing the way she carried herself, graceful yet purposeful, delicate yet strong.
"Tell me more about yourself, Sabi." His voice was low, coaxing.
She paused for a brief second before resuming her cleaning. "Like what?"
"Anything. Where you're from. What you like. What you hate." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk, genuinely intrigued.
Sabi exhaled softly. "I like reading," she started. "I love a quiet evening with a good book. I like the ocean, even though I haven't been to one in a long time." She chuckled lightly. "I love good food, but I can't cook to save my life."
Levi found himself smiling. "And what do you hate?"
Her movements slowed. She turned slightly, looking at him with an expression he couldn't quite read. "I hate bullies. I hate arrogant people who think the world revolves around them."
Levi raised an eyebrow. He felt attacked, and he was pretty sure it wasn't unintentional. "That sounds... specific."
Sabi shrugged, a playful smirk on her lips. "It is what it is."
Levi let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Fair enough."
They were having a conversation that didn't involve tension, or crossed boundaries. It was unlike the both of them. Levi was a rude boss and Sabi isn't the type to entertain rudeness. It was easy. Surprisingly so.
"Do you like working here?" he asked after a moment.
Sabi turned back to her task, carefully wiping his desk. "It's just a job."
"That's not an answer."
She looked at him again, her eyes searching his. "What do you want me to say? That I love working as a cleaner in Jupiter hotel? That this is my dream job?"
Levi smirked. "I thought people do what they are passionate about?"
Sabi looked at him, extremely shocked. "People do some jobs sometimes not out of passion, but to earn a living. You know that, right? I know you do," she retorted, her tone challenging.
Levi let out a deep chuckle. "Maybe I just like getting reactions out of people. Keeps things interesting." He didn't want to seem like a spoilt rich brat that didn't understand the sufferings and plight of others.
Sabi rolled her eyes, making him chuckle again. "You're supposed to be a rude boss, at least based on reports," she muttered under her breath.
"That's to tell you that reports are not genuine. I'm entertaining," he countered.
She shook her head, but the hint of a smile on her lips didn't go unnoticed.
Silence settled between them as she continued cleaning. Levi watched her, fascinated by how effortlessly she occupied his space without trying to impress him, without looking at him like he was some god among men. She was different. And it was that difference that was making him feel things he shouldn't.
Sabi finished up and gathered her supplies. "I should get going."
Levi nodded. "Of course."
She hesitated for a brief second before speaking again. "This was… unexpected."
"What was?"
"Talking to you like this," she admitted. "It felt… normal."
Levi smiled, and for once, it wasn't cocky or mischievous. It was genuine. "Maybe because it was."
Sabi bit her lip, nodding slowly. Without another word, she turned and walked to the door. As she reached for the handle, she paused, then shook her head slightly before stepping out and shutting the door behind her.
Levi leaned back in his chair, staring at the closed door. A strange feeling settled in his chest. He had spent so much time trying to figure out why she intrigued him, why he wanted to push her buttons. But now, after that conversation, after that brief moment of normalcy…
He was sure what he wanted. He wanted her.