By the tenth of the month, it seemed that the warm atmosphere had dipped. Zaf's devious imagination would soon remedy this, however, and he was excited to see how his next plan would play out.
"Zaf, have you got a pen?" Ruth asked in a whisper.
"Nope, sorry," he replied casually, even though he had stashed every single pen in the office in his top desk drawer.
"I'll have to ask Harry; there don't seem to be any anywhere," she said thoughtfully, turning to walk to his office. Zaf smiled, watching through the glass of Harry's office. He handed Ruth a pen with a smile. So far so good.
Zaf watched with further amusement as Harry attempted to make a phone call, but in vain. His line seemed to be disconnected. He left his office to ask to borrow one.
"Mine's down too," said Adam.
"Ruth?" Harry asked, heading over to her desk. They were just out of earshot, but Zaf could see them talking and laughing a little.
The final and best stage of his plan was to happen during the lunch hour, and Zaf could hardly stand the wait.
...
"More decorations," Malcolm mumbled, a hefty box of Christmas goods in his arms. He proceeded to pin up more tinsel around his work station and the office in general before weaving extra fairy lights around the extensive IT equipment.
"It seems this new operation has made everyone turn a bit 'Bah Humbug', so I have put it upon myself to spread some festive cheer," explained Malcolm as Ros untangled her heel from a cable.
"Does that involve baking mince pies and bringing them to work?" Zaf asked inquisitively, peering over some boxes.
"It certainly could," replied Malcolm.
"Along with-
"No compulsory bloody hat wearing," snapped Ros. Zaf clutched a hand to his heart and pulled a sad face.
"With that attitude, Ms Myers, don't expect a smooch under the mistletoe from me," he said. It was Ros' turn to act distressed.
"Well, wouldn't that be a loss," she quipped.
...
"Bloody post-it notes," Ruth cursed, searching her desk for a wad she was sure she'd had just moments ago. Zaf walked past casually.
"What's wrong, Ruth?" he asked.
"Can't find any post-it notes," she explained, flustered.
"There'll be loads in the storage cupboard," he assured her, heading back to his desk, flicking the post-its he had picked off her desk between his hands. Ruth rose and headed to the cramped cupboard.
"Oh, sorry," said Harry apologetically. "I was just trying to find some post-it notes."
"Me too," said Ruth. "I'll help you look." She shut the door carefully and rummaged amongst the shelves.
A mildly uncomfortable silence filled the small room, which Ruth desperately tried to fill.
"So, who have you got for Secret Santa? I mean, I know we're not supposed to tell, because it's secret, but..." she trailed off helplessly, cursing inwardly at her feeble attempts at conversation.
"I hate the bloody thing," Harry admitted. "I've got Adam, and no ideas. You?"
"Jo," Ruth confessed. "I was thinking of a scarf.
"A scarf sounds good," said Harry. They carried on searching.
"Got some!" said Ruth triumphantly, splitting the wedge of notes in half and handing one to Harry who reached for the door handle, twisting it in vain. He rattled the door a little more forcefully.
"It's locked," said Ruth, slightly panicked. Harry thumped a fist on the door.
"Hello? Anyone there?" he called.
"It's the lunch break; everyone will be in the canteen," Ruth said worriedly, checking her watch. "They won't be back for another hour."
...
After locking the cupboard door Zaf had beat a hasty retreat to the canteen, where he couldn't resist divulging his plan to Adam, who cracked up.
"Genius," said Adam, laughing as he tucked into a bowl of soup.
"Do you think over the holidays they might make it official?" asked Zaf.
"Are you kidding? I mean, obviously they both know they should be together, but I think Harry's afraid of his pride getting dented from a relationship rebuff," replied Adam, dipping a hunk of bread in the broth.
"What about Ruth?" Zaf ground pepper onto his pasta dish.
"Way too shy. She's liked him for ages and never been able to string a sentence together about them."
"I may have just solved their relationship woes," said Zaf thoughtfully, chomping some pasta and pondering his own love life. At present, it was pretty much non-existent.
"What about you, mate?" Adam asked, as if reading his mind. "Got your eye on anyone?" Zaf was surprised when Jo's name sprung to mind.
"Nope," Zaf replied nonchalantly, although Adam sensed his lie.
"Catch her under some mistletoe," ordered Adam. "She won't be able to resist." He rose to leave. "Shall I unlock the cupboard yet?"
Zaf shook his head. "I'll do it. They'll be less likely to suspect me if I'm the one who comes to the rescue."
...
"This has Zaf written all over it," said Ruth. "He's been acting even more craftily than usual recently."
Harry agreed. "That stunt with my phone, and all the pens going missing? Mr Younis certainly has been planning this."
"Planning what?" asked Ruth, the truth suddenly dawning on her. She blushed a deep shade of crimson.
"Well, seeing as there's no-one watching..." Harry leant down and kissed Ruth gently. When he broke away she was smiling.
"I'd never thought you'd do that," she admitted, still unable to look at him directly.
Harry laughed. "I've wanted to since we met." At this she met his gaze.
And then crashed back to Earth with the door jolting open.
"What's going on? Were you locked in?" asked Zaf in his best innocent tone.
"Yes we were, Zafar," said Harry smoothly. "I was wondering if you knew anything about it, along with all the stationary that seemed to have been going walkabouts recently?"
Zaf tried to bite back a smile. "Can't say that I know what you're talking about. Maybe Adam knows?" he tried in response, but Harry wasn't playing. He gave Zaf his best glare, but couldn't hold it for long, instead offering his hand for a shake.
"Well played, Mr Younis, well played," said Harry. Zaf, dazed, shook his hand, watching Harry walk past as if nothing had happened.
Ruth coughed awkwardly. "Zaf," she nodded, walking briskly past him back to her desk.
...
A/N: This may be my favourite one! Thank you for all of your lovely reviews :)