NuNew's Bad Boy [ZNN]

Chapter 6: Blueprinting a Professional Intimacy

As I observed the first day of training, a sense of contentment washed over me. The details of the meticulously organized program were playing out flawlessly. The trainers explained the modules with precision, and the participants seemed genuinely engaged.

Amidst the controlled chaos of a training session, Zee's secretary approached me with an unexpected message. "Mr. Panich is looking for you," she stated, her voice carrying a note of urgency.

Nervousness crawled in, and Nat, seated beside me, shot me a concerned glance. Sensing my hesitation, he asked, "Do you want me to accompany you?"

I considered the offer for a moment, appreciating Nat's support. However, I shook my head. "No, Nat. You've got to keep a close eye on the training. Ensure everything goes smoothly. I'll handle whatever Zee needs."

Nat nodded understandingly, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. "Just let me know if you need anything."

With a reassuring smile, I followed Zee's secretary to the CEO's office. As we approached the door of the learning hub, I exchanged a glance with Nat, silently urging him to keep a watchful eye on the ongoing training. The hallway seemed longer than usual, and the anticipation of the unknown weighed on my mind.

The secretary opened the door to Zee's office, revealing an atmosphere of focused work. Zee, engrossed in his tasks, looked up as I entered. "Mr. Chawarin, come in," he gestured, and the door closed behind me, leaving alone in the cold room disguised as his office.

"Is there something you needed, Mr. Panich?" I inquired, trying to maintain a professional demeanor despite the lingering uncertainty.

Zee, with his characteristic serious aura, fixed his gaze on me as I entered his office. His stern expression softened, and he spoke, acknowledging the success of the ongoing training session during a holiday rush.

"I've heard everything is going smoothly, even with the holiday rush and numerous check-ins and check-outs. Congratulations," he commended, his words carrying a rare warmth. "I hope this marks the beginning of a new era for EcoLux, offering enhanced experiences for our clients."

His unexpected praise resonated with me, and a subtle warmth enveloped my heart. It was a moment of acknowledgment that transcended the professional realm, and I couldn't help but appreciate Zee's rare display of approval.

Zee leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "NuNew, considering your role in aligning and innovating EcoLux, I thought it would be beneficial for us to have you closer. So, I've arranged for an office adjacent to mine."

Surprised by his unexpected offer, I knew I couldn't hide my emotions. Nodding, a mixture of gratitude and surprise played on my expression. "Thank you. That's a generous offer. I appreciate the gesture."

Zee's eyes held a glint of anticipation. "I believe proximity fosters collaboration. It'll make our communication more seamless and expedite decision-making. What do you think?"

A flicker of apprehension crossed my face, memories of intimate encounters in Zee's office resurfacing with. "I appreciate the thought, but... is that office too close to...?"

Zee interrupted with a chuckle, understanding the unspoken concern. "Don't worry. It's a professional workspace. We're here to work on EcoLux's future. Nothing else, I promise."

A mix of relief and amusement crossed my features. "Good to know. I'm ready to collaborate, Mr. Panich."

Zee faked a cough, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. "You can drop the formalities, NuNew. Call me Zee." The request hung in the air, and my heart thumped in my chest as if it had its own rhythm, responding to the unexpected invitation.