p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; text-align: center;" data-p-id="427b333e819c42d1b388bea980300646" ︎✯ ︎/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3f563074c530beed09096e0cea1b307b"I've never been a fan of workplace gossip. I never liked how fast news and rumours spread around work in a short space of time. Everyone will be talking about it no matter how big or small the gossip was./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="446b110924c300c112cc1f2296488f45"Ideally, I stay clear and limit my involvement in such and avoid drawing too much attention to myself since I am a private person. Even if I hear the gossip, the likelihood of forgetting about it is pretty high. And one thing I learn in the month and a half I'd been working at the Coup Detat, the circulation of gossip was organised and structured somehow. I heard that there was a gossip group forum of some sort where people are updated on gossip and news around work./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4441b0bcabc1299c23538d0ef5d7d6ec"So, you can imagine how annoyed I was when the incident with Lisa became the hot topic for gossip and people could stop pestering me for details for the past week./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="173a2cc89f37d930d9b5c71ce7da0aec"I had my suspicions that Jin must have been the news reporter. I've never interacted with him all that much, but from what I'd managed to gather from the little interactions and observations, he spends a lot of time on that gossip forum. And since he was working his shift during the time it happened, I wouldn't put it past him to post about it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="151cd45ed8082a04b3448897530d60d8""Hey, Jin?" I approached him when we were about to open up the bar./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="55ae3d3f0443266f8412edc784528c17""What's up?" he said, wiping the glass with a cloth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2f7e6c83612d65d8a1777bfce56144ae""Did you by any chance spread the news about what happened last week?" I asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c484286c814c87af0c3b503cac4bb874"His face expressed confusion. "What news?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="92f6fd40b911d0610161af1ae38c83cc""You know what," I rolled my eyes. "Everyone has been talking about it all week."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="281ba985165426e177d82da3b457d8b8""A lot of things happen around here. You may need to be specific."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9a2607177a5fffc2f670d4435036264e""He's referring to the news about Lisa kissing him." Chris chimed into the conversation./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="724aab0a48bbba389f32a0445c5a4d43"Jin's eyes widened with shock and a snorted a laugh. "Holy shit! You're lying."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c806d46238673d44a6d94344712832d8""I'm dead serious." He confirmed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3838d8c299318df6fdb0d895b16bee79""Why are you acting surprised? You were there that night!" I snapped annoyed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4691bfaadf3d1c0ecf513935e461a731""No, I wasn't! I woke up with the worst fever and was bedridden all day. I was too sick to come to work!" he retorted./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2313f3d1cdb0f138e3c7e5db933e37ac""Then who was it that we saw that night?" Chris asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2382b5973bbd47ba88b94f0c4da21123""That was Sehun."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ec6eb0c5afdf0dcd59bfb010664fd11e""If you weren't there, then how come everyone here is talking and bothering me about it?" I demanded. "You spend too much time on that gossip forum. How do I know that you didn't post it there, huh?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="87d93b4258c881e5023f8360cb41d8bc""My brother in Christ! I receive the tea. I don't deliver or serve it. The dancers are the ones who are the true gossip queens around here. They created the forum in the first place."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4e8bacd7cf897a1bd25e69f3d168a3c9"I let out a sigh, feeling stupid for falsely accusing him. "Just forget it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="508eeeccfcfafde361cecba0bbd41d61""Oh hell no. Tea was spilt, and my cup is half full. Fill it up." Jin said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I want details."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0e8133b76bfd116ded9adfd2d6935e09""Yeah, mate. What really happened?" Chris asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e673ba44294ddbf93291cdb7beda9a8a""You're not going to stop bothering me until I tell you, right?" I deadpanned./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="49430fe35da55648a745a1e8572355b4"They both nodded their heads like a bunch of toddlers. I sighed relentlessly as I took a seat. The two gentlemen stared at me with anticipation as they waited for me to satisfy their curious minds./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="00fcdc96bdabcf93e56bd39981ab62c4""You better not tell anyone about this. Especially you," I said glaring at Jin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="034db8c603594dc4b3b589437419ead0"He zipped his lips, locked them and threw the key away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a1f0d4f17ea7c9a03d47c7872fb8139c""I bumped into some girl I hooked up with and I was trying to avoid her. So, Lisa "helped me" the only way she knew how." I said, air-quoting the word "help"./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="982337323bb943ef19b355ee49bd46d3""Jeezus!" Chris' eyebrows flew up astonished./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="992f14a11c10e6b0dc7511f46ac99011""Ah! The staged kiss. Classic savage move if I do say so myself," Jin cupped his chin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b765e8df94b430a136b42ffaa3740db9"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Not much of a staged kiss since she literally put her lips on mine. /emI thought. Just the thought of it was making my stomach tingle for some reason. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="91f03590ea7afe7711667cba435d8b53""Why are you avoiding that girl? Is she an ex-girlfriend?" Jin asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b5ae9b9dac1169b9d702d0bfa195cf40""No. It's just one of my rules. I don't exchange any contact and personal information to avoid making contact. I make it clear that I'm interested in pursuing a relationship. I don't do long-term hook-ups or situationships. I don't hook up with work colleagues or anyone involved in my work life."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3e3ee7c67f13352b7567080f80a0876d""The first rule is kinda pointless though. I mean you are going to bump into these women one way or the other. You just have to be mature about it," Chris reasoned. "Besides, you're just talking. Not dating."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5f591251e7d46fde254e80aaa0b03a14""Chris, I know enough to be able to tell when a woman wants a relationship or just wants my dick. I'm not about that life." I told him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="475d167879acca8f9e3d992d06431659""How about the last rule about not hooking up with work colleagues and stuff? That kiss kind of breached it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a883b251bd92f78f85a7ae55262b90a2""It's just a kiss," I answered dismissively. "Besides, she initiated it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1dc6b5d507b47bb6ba44d0c16edcbf39""Did you kiss her back?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b7df1cb6ed3f7a1c72a776ec8c2286d8"I was silent./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="eb3ea58ed5632aaac0b77c8887a42cd7""I rest my case," Jin replied smugly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f2ab37df4c462b8cbdf3b305c3e18f29""So, what does that mean for the both of you?" Chris asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3d7cde4d947c888d62518a3d7c10530c"I pressed my lips and released a sigh through my nose. I was yet to figure that part out myself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; text-align: center;" data-p-id="eb7b2501d654c40c7d512edc4c4f5b6a" ︎✯ ︎/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d0a8b1e74bd6f611b2efb88245ddba43"I heard that the Coup Detat had a dance practice room. The dancers requested one so they could practice and rehearse for their performances and naturally, Jiyong was generous enough to grant their request. That was where I found Lisa./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="28c86c9461819ab7fc26b08c5f224e1a""Mushroom Chocolate" by Quin and 6LACK was blasting loudly with the bass and beat roaring in the room by the time I arrived. Lisa was dancing in front of the mirror dressed in a white long-sleeved crop top with a round collar, a pair of high-waisted black shorts and a matching pair of knee-high-heeled boots./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="06dcf3e51600e97e51cbebb0b3363bbb"I leaned against the door and watched her move and rock her body sensually to the rhythm and tempo of the music. She ended her routine by spinning on her knees before slowly sliding down on her stomach and turning to lie on her back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="275eafc5c563e10339fb5be425216ce2"I entered the room. Lisa spotted me entering through the mirror and sat up, meeting my gaze. I walked towards her and lent her a hand. She smiled and took it before pulling her up to her feet./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="79105673d464ad908e2667bd56b234ca""Hi," she said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="95fb3abbcf340896db574e97e61da646""Hey," I said, letting her hand go then proceeded to put my hands in my pockets. "Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fff7c01fe0b22fe7c0523b0a160dd0c0""No! Psh!" she waved her hand dismissively. "I was just about to wrap things up and head out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="049e9635aaca77cec41c27eea2224362"I responded with a nod. She moved towards her duffel bag. She bent down to retrieve her water bottle. I turned my attention anywhere but her butt and cleared my throat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="59280d4f546c2b86bd7abbf125a5f1ec""What do I owe the pleasure of being graced by your presence?" she turned around, twisting the cap from her bottle and took a sip./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e9ea9bd1898a6258c78111e43e53a486""I think you know what I'm here for," I said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="47e36a1030d38448e0f58f0f4fb8020d""The rumours? I wouldn't worry too much about that. Give it a week and it will be old news."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="baa516e6d6d9a5ea7a7c7f4da698dec4""I know, but that's not what I'm here to talk about."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="66dfb53dca489fd853c34b8e94540c2c"She arched an eyebrow./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f7c8aa1bdcda42a7f5505c4bcb1c4c9d""You kissed me," I said matter-of-factly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ee54ef9dd2157d71fa8505993ec260fa""Okay..." she leaned her back on the mirror./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fdfe578277a860c72e8bf43d7f08069e""I know you did it... to help me with the situation I was in, and I appreciate it..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8a2f69125b2a21f6e73aef42c546af9f""But..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c0d335be52360cf3d4211e8d4efe6d78""It was unnecessary. We're co-workers, after all, so there has to be some professionalism."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e44f6b15546520f9d6b7bbf5eeb330fd"She shrugged her shoulders. "It's just a kiss."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="245f4368f872930c1814890514afb20c""I know, but I feel like there's more to it," I said. "I mean you could have gone about it without kissing me. And it felt like you've been waiting to kiss me for a while."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d8bc0950ddbbb2600413330a253e2f2f"Lisa stared at me with eyes twinkling with amusement and a sly smirk tugging her lips. "How are you so sure?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9c690f48c18b018ccad29878b22f4a97""I'm an experienced kisser. I can tell."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2328bcdb4547b2a3a7ce74e2676c35a7"She hummed and nodded her head. "Okay. So, let's say that is the case. What then?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c9a43cf9c512f60e57151b7618b9954f""I don't want you to get the wrong idea. You're great, but I don't associate with work colleagues that way," I explained./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e8765e606e230b975d7553cc5a9770c2""Why is that?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2291818c8ec33b444f0bce77eb884171""I make it a policy to avoid mixing work with pleasure."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="296e103cbdf1c96a95f38901d74740da"She hummed again. She pushed herself off the mirror and walked towards me, moving her hips suggestively. I raised an eyebrow, not sure if she was doing that on purpose just to get some kind of reaction out of me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="575f32d13bd0d6f99c5bb3da091508bc"She stopped in front of me. She wasn't too close, but she wasn't too far either./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="44624a6a1def53a08cbd687708bba1ff""If the kiss was unnecessary as you make it out to be, why did you kiss me back?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="874a8a6f03d01b3632e92f06bc3f3cc0"I was silent./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8381de937190ca2d7f169baef7a0edd6""I don't think I have your level of experience when it comes to kissing, but I can tell when a guy enjoys a kiss," she says tapping her bottle on my chest playfully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="792f92e731ff6f6fb197390f11037ac8"I was at a loss for words not because I didn't have anything to say to refute her statement, but because I didn't know how to refute it. I didn't have an excuse either. And I could tell that she knew she backed me into a corner./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="80196ecff77da6da15b9fea87b8450bd""Tell you what, how about I take you out," she suggested. "Consider it my way for acting out of pocket with my little stunt, hmm?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="45f5c7f4e9519214708f1967cfb01050"I blinked unable to respond./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c7f8960b0a518e2a31114a57d294dfd3""I'll take that as a "yes"," she patted my cheek and moved away from me to go pack her stuff./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2f8e4057e57b93fc99716ae18d44fabf"Once she was done, she moved towards me and searched my pockets until she found my phone. She dialled her number on my phone and called it. She saved my number and returned my phone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e5a33dfc001222d26bb684796c1f7bb6""Expect a text from me when I set up the date," she said, gleefully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e2c715ba62e3f80d146bc5293380e471"She moved past me and left me alone in the room wondering what the hell just happened./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3f563074c530beed09096e0cea1b307b"I've never been a fan of workplace gossip. I never liked how fast news and rumours spread around work in a short space of time. Everyone will be talking about it no matter how big or small the gossip was./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="446b110924c300c112cc1f2296488f45"Ideally, I stay clear and limit my involvement in such and avoid drawing too much attention to myself since I am a private person. Even if I hear the gossip, the likelihood of forgetting about it is pretty high. And one thing I learn in the month and a half I'd been working at the Coup Detat, the circulation of gossip was organised and structured somehow. I heard that there was a gossip group forum of some sort where people are updated on gossip and news around work./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4441b0bcabc1299c23538d0ef5d7d6ec"So, you can imagine how annoyed I was when the incident with Lisa became the hot topic for gossip and people could stop pestering me for details for the past week./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="173a2cc89f37d930d9b5c71ce7da0aec"I had my suspicions that Jin must have been the news reporter. I've never interacted with him all that much, but from what I'd managed to gather from the little interactions and observations, he spends a lot of time on that gossip forum. And since he was working his shift during the time it happened, I wouldn't put it past him to post about it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="151cd45ed8082a04b3448897530d60d8""Hey, Jin?" I approached him when we were about to open up the bar./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="55ae3d3f0443266f8412edc784528c17""What's up?" he said, wiping the glass with a cloth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2f7e6c83612d65d8a1777bfce56144ae""Did you by any chance spread the news about what happened last week?" I asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c484286c814c87af0c3b503cac4bb874"His face expressed confusion. "What news?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="92f6fd40b911d0610161af1ae38c83cc""You know what," I rolled my eyes. "Everyone has been talking about it all week."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="281ba985165426e177d82da3b457d8b8""A lot of things happen around here. You may need to be specific."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9a2607177a5fffc2f670d4435036264e""He's referring to the news about Lisa kissing him." Chris chimed into the conversation./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="724aab0a48bbba389f32a0445c5a4d43"Jin's eyes widened with shock and a snorted a laugh. "Holy shit! You're lying."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c806d46238673d44a6d94344712832d8""I'm dead serious." He confirmed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3838d8c299318df6fdb0d895b16bee79""Why are you acting surprised? You were there that night!" I snapped annoyed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4691bfaadf3d1c0ecf513935e461a731""No, I wasn't! I woke up with the worst fever and was bedridden all day. I was too sick to come to work!" he retorted./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2313f3d1cdb0f138e3c7e5db933e37ac""Then who was it that we saw that night?" Chris asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2382b5973bbd47ba88b94f0c4da21123""That was Sehun."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ec6eb0c5afdf0dcd59bfb010664fd11e""If you weren't there, then how come everyone here is talking and bothering me about it?" I demanded. "You spend too much time on that gossip forum. How do I know that you didn't post it there, huh?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="87d93b4258c881e5023f8360cb41d8bc""My brother in Christ! I receive the tea. I don't deliver or serve it. The dancers are the ones who are the true gossip queens around here. They created the forum in the first place."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4e8bacd7cf897a1bd25e69f3d168a3c9"I let out a sigh, feeling stupid for falsely accusing him. "Just forget it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="508eeeccfcfafde361cecba0bbd41d61""Oh hell no. Tea was spilt, and my cup is half full. Fill it up." Jin said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I want details."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0e8133b76bfd116ded9adfd2d6935e09""Yeah, mate. What really happened?" Chris asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e673ba44294ddbf93291cdb7beda9a8a""You're not going to stop bothering me until I tell you, right?" I deadpanned./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="49430fe35da55648a745a1e8572355b4"They both nodded their heads like a bunch of toddlers. I sighed relentlessly as I took a seat. The two gentlemen stared at me with anticipation as they waited for me to satisfy their curious minds./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="00fcdc96bdabcf93e56bd39981ab62c4""You better not tell anyone about this. Especially you," I said glaring at Jin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="034db8c603594dc4b3b589437419ead0"He zipped his lips, locked them and threw the key away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a1f0d4f17ea7c9a03d47c7872fb8139c""I bumped into some girl I hooked up with and I was trying to avoid her. So, Lisa "helped me" the only way she knew how." I said, air-quoting the word "help"./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="982337323bb943ef19b355ee49bd46d3""Jeezus!" Chris' eyebrows flew up astonished./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="992f14a11c10e6b0dc7511f46ac99011""Ah! The staged kiss. Classic savage move if I do say so myself," Jin cupped his chin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b765e8df94b430a136b42ffaa3740db9"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Not much of a staged kiss since she literally put her lips on mine. /emI thought. Just the thought of it was making my stomach tingle for some reason. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="91f03590ea7afe7711667cba435d8b53""Why are you avoiding that girl? Is she an ex-girlfriend?" Jin asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b5ae9b9dac1169b9d702d0bfa195cf40""No. It's just one of my rules. I don't exchange any contact and personal information to avoid making contact. I make it clear that I'm interested in pursuing a relationship. I don't do long-term hook-ups or situationships. I don't hook up with work colleagues or anyone involved in my work life."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3e3ee7c67f13352b7567080f80a0876d""The first rule is kinda pointless though. I mean you are going to bump into these women one way or the other. You just have to be mature about it," Chris reasoned. "Besides, you're just talking. Not dating."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5f591251e7d46fde254e80aaa0b03a14""Chris, I know enough to be able to tell when a woman wants a relationship or just wants my dick. I'm not about that life." I told him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="475d167879acca8f9e3d992d06431659""How about the last rule about not hooking up with work colleagues and stuff? That kiss kind of breached it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a883b251bd92f78f85a7ae55262b90a2""It's just a kiss," I answered dismissively. "Besides, she initiated it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1dc6b5d507b47bb6ba44d0c16edcbf39""Did you kiss her back?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b7df1cb6ed3f7a1c72a776ec8c2286d8"I was silent./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="eb3ea58ed5632aaac0b77c8887a42cd7""I rest my case," Jin replied smugly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f2ab37df4c462b8cbdf3b305c3e18f29""So, what does that mean for the both of you?" Chris asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3d7cde4d947c888d62518a3d7c10530c"I pressed my lips and released a sigh through my nose. I was yet to figure that part out myself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; text-align: center;" data-p-id="eb7b2501d654c40c7d512edc4c4f5b6a" ︎✯ ︎/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d0a8b1e74bd6f611b2efb88245ddba43"I heard that the Coup Detat had a dance practice room. The dancers requested one so they could practice and rehearse for their performances and naturally, Jiyong was generous enough to grant their request. That was where I found Lisa./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="28c86c9461819ab7fc26b08c5f224e1a""Mushroom Chocolate" by Quin and 6LACK was blasting loudly with the bass and beat roaring in the room by the time I arrived. Lisa was dancing in front of the mirror dressed in a white long-sleeved crop top with a round collar, a pair of high-waisted black shorts and a matching pair of knee-high-heeled boots./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="06dcf3e51600e97e51cbebb0b3363bbb"I leaned against the door and watched her move and rock her body sensually to the rhythm and tempo of the music. She ended her routine by spinning on her knees before slowly sliding down on her stomach and turning to lie on her back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="275eafc5c563e10339fb5be425216ce2"I entered the room. Lisa spotted me entering through the mirror and sat up, meeting my gaze. I walked towards her and lent her a hand. She smiled and took it before pulling her up to her feet./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="79105673d464ad908e2667bd56b234ca""Hi," she said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="95fb3abbcf340896db574e97e61da646""Hey," I said, letting her hand go then proceeded to put my hands in my pockets. "Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fff7c01fe0b22fe7c0523b0a160dd0c0""No! Psh!" she waved her hand dismissively. "I was just about to wrap things up and head out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="049e9635aaca77cec41c27eea2224362"I responded with a nod. She moved towards her duffel bag. She bent down to retrieve her water bottle. I turned my attention anywhere but her butt and cleared my throat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="59280d4f546c2b86bd7abbf125a5f1ec""What do I owe the pleasure of being graced by your presence?" she turned around, twisting the cap from her bottle and took a sip./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e9ea9bd1898a6258c78111e43e53a486""I think you know what I'm here for," I said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="47e36a1030d38448e0f58f0f4fb8020d""The rumours? I wouldn't worry too much about that. Give it a week and it will be old news."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="baa516e6d6d9a5ea7a7c7f4da698dec4""I know, but that's not what I'm here to talk about."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="66dfb53dca489fd853c34b8e94540c2c"She arched an eyebrow./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f7c8aa1bdcda42a7f5505c4bcb1c4c9d""You kissed me," I said matter-of-factly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ee54ef9dd2157d71fa8505993ec260fa""Okay..." she leaned her back on the mirror./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fdfe578277a860c72e8bf43d7f08069e""I know you did it... to help me with the situation I was in, and I appreciate it..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8a2f69125b2a21f6e73aef42c546af9f""But..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c0d335be52360cf3d4211e8d4efe6d78""It was unnecessary. We're co-workers, after all, so there has to be some professionalism."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e44f6b15546520f9d6b7bbf5eeb330fd"She shrugged her shoulders. "It's just a kiss."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="245f4368f872930c1814890514afb20c""I know, but I feel like there's more to it," I said. "I mean you could have gone about it without kissing me. And it felt like you've been waiting to kiss me for a while."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d8bc0950ddbbb2600413330a253e2f2f"Lisa stared at me with eyes twinkling with amusement and a sly smirk tugging her lips. "How are you so sure?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9c690f48c18b018ccad29878b22f4a97""I'm an experienced kisser. I can tell."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2328bcdb4547b2a3a7ce74e2676c35a7"She hummed and nodded her head. "Okay. So, let's say that is the case. What then?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c9a43cf9c512f60e57151b7618b9954f""I don't want you to get the wrong idea. You're great, but I don't associate with work colleagues that way," I explained./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e8765e606e230b975d7553cc5a9770c2""Why is that?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2291818c8ec33b444f0bce77eb884171""I make it a policy to avoid mixing work with pleasure."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="296e103cbdf1c96a95f38901d74740da"She hummed again. She pushed herself off the mirror and walked towards me, moving her hips suggestively. I raised an eyebrow, not sure if she was doing that on purpose just to get some kind of reaction out of me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="575f32d13bd0d6f99c5bb3da091508bc"She stopped in front of me. She wasn't too close, but she wasn't too far either./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="44624a6a1def53a08cbd687708bba1ff""If the kiss was unnecessary as you make it out to be, why did you kiss me back?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="874a8a6f03d01b3632e92f06bc3f3cc0"I was silent./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8381de937190ca2d7f169baef7a0edd6""I don't think I have your level of experience when it comes to kissing, but I can tell when a guy enjoys a kiss," she says tapping her bottle on my chest playfully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="792f92e731ff6f6fb197390f11037ac8"I was at a loss for words not because I didn't have anything to say to refute her statement, but because I didn't know how to refute it. I didn't have an excuse either. And I could tell that she knew she backed me into a corner./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="80196ecff77da6da15b9fea87b8450bd""Tell you what, how about I take you out," she suggested. "Consider it my way for acting out of pocket with my little stunt, hmm?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="45f5c7f4e9519214708f1967cfb01050"I blinked unable to respond./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c7f8960b0a518e2a31114a57d294dfd3""I'll take that as a "yes"," she patted my cheek and moved away from me to go pack her stuff./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2f8e4057e57b93fc99716ae18d44fabf"Once she was done, she moved towards me and searched my pockets until she found my phone. She dialled her number on my phone and called it. She saved my number and returned my phone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e5a33dfc001222d26bb684796c1f7bb6""Expect a text from me when I set up the date," she said, gleefully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e2c715ba62e3f80d146bc5293380e471"She moved past me and left me alone in the room wondering what the hell just happened./p