I closed my laptop and walked out of the meeting room. Thatās the fourth and last one today. My wristwatch read 5:45 pm. I heaved a deep sigh and slumped back to my desk. I still have tons of work to do. My shift ends at 6 pm but I donāt think Iāll be going home anytime soon. I saw some people from our department leaving, Iām a bit jealous of those who have dinner plans. I signed loudly and stood up to fill my tumbler with warm water all the while mentally planning which of my work should I do first.
Once I got back to my seat, I took out my airpods and played Taylor Swiftās Era Tour playlist. I pulled up my MS Teamās calendar aka my personal scheduler to check which of my tasks is due the soonest. After more inward curses, I started typing. I need to finish this document within today along with four other files. I almost couldnāt finish the sentences as my mind is too tired to think. I closed my eyes a couple of times and just listened to the music while I try to calm myself and focus.
I sensed someone sit on the chair beside me. Iām pretty sure Jill has something she wants us to gossip about. I was convinced that I wonāt be able to finish any work today so I dejectedly opened my eyes just to closed them immediately when I realized who sat beside me.
Kevin. A guy who joined the company three months after I did. A guy who impressed the department with his talent. A guy who is often being asked if heās still single. I sat properly, took out one of my airpods and turned my head to look at him.
I almost rolled my eyes. āSure. Ryan already went homeā
Ryan, my teammate-slash-seatmate went home on the dot claiming that heās just being paid until 6pm.
āYouāre the only one left in your team?ā
āYup. Your shift is only until 4, why are you still here?ā
āWe had a meeting with Germany.ā
Ah, yes, meetings. Fvcking meetings. I just nod and replaced my airpods but I lowered the volume on my phone.
We worked quietly. After I sent the last email, I stretched my arms in front of me and checked my scheduler. Kevs waved his hands in front of my face to get my attention. I then removed my airpods and faced him.
āWhat time are you going home?ā
Instead of answering, I asked, āWhy are you still workingā
āI still donāt want to go home. Where do you live?ā
āTell me if you want to go home already,ā then he smiled. I nodded and continued checking my emails.
An hour passed with us working and chatting every now and then. When I felt like my mind gave up and I can no longer work, I told him that I am done for the day. He then nodded and also closed his laptop.
āAre you hungry? Do you want to have dinner before going home?ā As if on cue, I felt and heard my stomach growl. Iām pretty sure Kevs heard it too with the way he tried to stiffle a laugh. I agreed and we started to put away our things. He was done faster than me as I have a lot on my desk. He excused himself saying that he needs to go to the comfort room. When he was gone, everything started to sink in. Why is he asking me for dinner. What is the meaning of this? We never even interacted this long before. We never talked alone! But my trail of thoughts stopped when I saw him walking towards me.
He picked up his bag and asked where I want to eat.
āIām a gemini. I took too long to decide. You choose.ā
He laughed. No one told me Iām funny but this guy beside me laughed!
He shook his head and looked at me like I amused him.
āOkay. Do you want noodles?ā
Iām sure someone told me before that noodles are a no-no for first dates. NOT that this is a date, but thereās no harm in applying the same rule. I picked up my bag and stole a quick glance to the locker area to make sure that I did not leave mine open.
āCome on. Letās walk around the block and look for a good place.ā
I just nodded and followed him out. It feels good to not leave work alone for once.