In My Room. I stared at the open suitcase on my bed, hands on my hips.
“Is this enough?” I muttered aloud to no one. “Gosh, Mia, you’re not going on a school field trip…”
Still, I checked everything again—the clothes, the notebook, the chargers, even snacks. The anxiety clung to me like static, stubborn and impossible to shake off.
“I’m not missing anything, right?” I asked the air.
But even after zipping the bag shut and crawling under the blanket, sleep refused to come. I tossed. Turned. Stared at the ceiling.
What even is a workshop like...? I’d never been to one before. My mind flooded with images—presentations, awkward ice-breakers, endless coffee. And him... would he be there too?
The Next Morning – At the Building Entrance
“Yaaawn~.” I couldn’t help it. The lack of sleep hit hard, and I barely made it to the building without tripping over my own feet.
“Careful. You’ll swallow a fly with a yawn that wide.”
I blinked and turned to see Brad standing next to me, arms crossed, face as sour as ever.
“Ugh, why are you cranky even on workshop day?” I grumbled.
He didn’t miss a beat. “I’m only telling you the truth.”
That Mr. Cranky, always ready with sarcasm and zero warmth.
I narrowed my eyes. “Why are you always so cranky?”
Brad scoffed lightly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Well, you’re the only one who makes me cranky.”
I blinked, stunned for half a second, unsure if that was an insult or… something else entirely.
Before I could respond, a familiar voice chimed in from behind.
“...Brad!!! Hmm, you two look so close as always.”
“!!! Eddie!” I straightened up instinctively, startled but oddly relieved to see him.
Brad simply turned his head and offered a brief nod. “Good morning.”
“Morning, Mia and Brad,” Eddie greeted us with a warm smile. “Did you sleep well last night?”
“Yeah, I did,” Brad answered casually, then tilted his head. “...Did you, Eddie?”
Eddie groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “I couldn’t sleep at all, thanks to my sister screaming over the phone with her boyfriend the whole night. Our walls might as well be paper.”
He turned his gaze to me, eyes narrowing slightly. “But your eyes are red, Mia.”
I tugged at my sleeves, slightly embarrassed. “It’s my first time going on a workshop, and… I couldn’t sleep much.”
Eddie looked genuinely concerned. “Are you nervous? Now I’m worried you might be disappointed…”
Before I could answer, a loud voice boomed from out of nowhere:
“There’s! No! Need to! Worry!!”
We all turned just in time to see Thomas bounding toward us, arms half-raised like a superhero landing a dramatic entrance.
“I—!! Will make sure it’s fun!!” he declared, his face beaming with pure, chaotic energy.
Thomas suddenly appears out of nowhere.
“Woah, Thomas, you’re so upbeat today,” I said, blinking at the ball of sunshine in front of me.
Thomas threw both arms into the air with dramatic flair. “Because we’re going on a workshop today! We don’t have to work all day! Yay!! Woohoo!! Of course I’m feeling great!”
I let out a laugh. “Ahaha—.”
Seriously. He looked like he’d been sprinkled in happy fairy dust. His whole aura was practically sparkling with excitement.
“Come on, Mia, aren’t you excited?!” he leaned closer with that trademark energy. “I really love workshops! And—guess what? We’re camping today! I’ve always wanted to go camping!”
“Right… I can see that you’re very—very—”
“Very—?” he leaned in again, grinning.
“Happy,” I finished with a soft smile. “Please share your happy energy with me.”
He laughed. “Because it’s a happy day! Sure! Shared joy is double joy, right? Hahaha… And I’m happy you’re here with us, Mia.”
I paused. Oh… There it is again. That blush, that shy grin tugging at the corners of his lips. He’s so easy to read. Every time someone gives him a compliment, he reacts like it’s the first one he’s ever received. It’s honestly... kind of adorable.
Before I could even process that, Eddie spoke up beside us. “But where’s Gray? Is he not here yet?”
Almost like on cue—
“Oh, hello,” a calm voice said from behind. “I just came back from the washroom.”
I nearly jumped out of my skin. “Woah—!”
Why is everyone jumping out from behind me today?!
“Oops, sorry, Mia. Did I surprise you?” Gray asked, blinking innocently. “I didn’t mean to do that.”
“It’s alright, Gray,” I replied, steadying my breath. “Oh—and you dropped your paper bag.”
Gray glanced down and quickly scooped it up. “Ah, oops.”
“What’s in that bag?” I asked curiously, tilting my head.
He hesitated for just a second. “Ah, that’s for the gift exchange event later tonight…”
“Ooh…” Thomas leaned over, eyeing the bag with exaggerated suspicion. “What can it be? It looks expensive.”
Gray gave a small smile. “No, no. It’s not fun if there’s no secret or surprise.”
I pouted slightly. “Can I get at least a little hint?”
He looked at me.
I mean, really looked at me.
Our eyes met—and then he spoke with the faintest smile tugging at his lips.
“I had someone in mind when I bought this,” he said softly. “But I shouldn’t let the cat out of the bag.”
My heart did a tiny flip.
...Nooo, I told myself immediately. It can’t be me. Right?
Before I could spiral further, a firm, low voice cut into the moment.
“That’s enough chatting.”
I turned around quickly. “Ah—Mr. Weiss.”
Joshua Weiss stood tall and crisp as always, giving off that classic CEO aura even in casual clothes. Thomas straightened up instantly.
“Good morning, sir,” Thomas greeted.
“Hello,” Joshua nodded. Then, glancing around, asked, “Where’s the bus we’ll be taking?”
I blinked. “W-we…?”
He arched an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with that look? Ah—did you not know that I’m taking the same bus?”
“N-no, sir,” I stammered, shifting awkwardly on my feet.
Joshua raised an eyebrow. “You mean… you really didn’t know?”
“Uh—” I scratched the back of my head, “not really.”
He gave a small hum, then turned toward Eddie without missing a beat. “Eddie, did you bring the cards? The trump cards.”
Eddie crossed his arms. “You should’ve brought them yourself if you wanted to play.”
Joshua narrowed his eyes slightly. “But I asked you for one yesterday.”
“Well,” Eddie said with the faintest smirk, “you should’ve asked more politely then.”
I blinked. Did he just—? Is he talking like that to Mr. Weiss?
While everyone else tiptoed around our intimidating CEO like he was a lion in a glass office, Eddie seemed to walk up and tug on his whiskers just for fun. He never lost his pace, his tone, or that teasing smile. If anything, he enjoyed poking at Mr. Weiss.
“Shall we head for the bus then?” Eddie said casually, hands in his pockets. “If we don’t hurry, we’ll have to sit with other team members.”
My eyes widened. “...You mean, Team C will be there too?”
“Yes, and—”
I tilted my head. “Hmm?”
But then—too close. I froze as Eddie suddenly leaned in, closing the space between us until his lips were just an inch from my ear.
“You might sit next to Mr. Weiss if you don’t hurry,” he whispered.
My eyes went wide. “L-let’s hurry up!!”
“What did you tell her?” Joshua asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Eddie gave an innocent shrug, lips twitching. “I only told her that a good girl should take a seat right now.”
Gray chuckled under his breath. “Haha, I’m sure you didn’t.”
“Haha, well,” Eddie added with a grin, “we need a little joke on a day like this, don’t we?”
Joshua exhaled sharply, arms folded. “...What a sly dog.”
As laughter bubbled between them, I did the only reasonable thing: ran. I sprinted toward the bus, heat rising in my face. Boys are the worst.
---
Inside the Bus
I climbed up the steps and searched for a seat—but my heart sank the second I saw who was already there, arms crossed and looking as uninterested as ever.
Of all the people on this bus… why did it have to be him?!
“Why… are you… sitting here…?” I asked slowly, like each word hurt to say.
Brad didn’t even flinch. “I didn’t sit here because I wanted to. I happened to sit here. You happened to sit next to me.”
I squinted at him, offended by both the logic and the tone. Of course, Mr. Cranky again.
From behind us, Thomas leaned forward between the seatbacks with a grin.
“Hmm, I envy you, Brad.”
I lit up. “Ah, my dear mentor.”
Yes! A way out! Take this seat! Shoo this guy away! Save me from this awkward tension!
I tried to whisper—but instead, I somehow ended up mumbling around my own tongue. “Plllck ’m oufff…”
Thomas blinked. “...Mia?”
“Hm? Ah! Uh… I was swallowing something, haha…!” I waved a hand wildly, playing it off, though I wanted to curl into a suitcase and disappear.
Phew... Maybe if I just close my eyes for a second.
I leaned back into the seat, fastened my seatbelt with a click, and let my body relax. The warm sunlight streamed in from the window, soft and lazy. I was finally starting to drift when—
“Hey.”
My eyes cracked open. “What?”
Brad turned his head slightly, holding something out.
“Here.”
I blinked. “...Huh? An eye mask?”
He gave a half-shrug. “Are you gonna sleep? Wear this.”
“I don’t need—ugh!”
Before I could finish protesting, Brad reached over and gently hooked the mask over my ears, completely ignoring my attempt to push his hand away.
“Hey, what are you—”
“You’re sitting next to the window,” he muttered, settling back into his seat. “The sun’s… never mind. Just take it.”
Then, as if nothing happened, he folded his arms and closed his eyes.
I stared at him through the edge of the mask. Is he trying to be… nice? In his own super grumpy, emotionally stunted way?
I couldn’t help mumbling, “Why can’t you just be a little nicer?”
Without opening his eyes, he replied flatly, “Whatever. I’m going to sleep. Don’t talk to me.”
Ugh… Sometimes, he’s just—ugh. But then again... sometimes, he's unexpectedly thoughtful. Still grumpy. Still confusing.
Still… the eye mask was kind of cute.
Before long, the gentle hum of the engine and the softness of the seat lulled me into sleep, the sun blocked out and the quiet warmth of Brad’s odd kindness still lingering in my thoughts.
At the Glamping Site
“Wow… this workshop is—” I exhaled slowly, scanning the lively, noisy scene before me, “—a ruckus. Completely a ruckus…”
Gray stood beside me, watching the scattered groups of coworkers setting up tents, shouting instructions, and rushing around with props like overexcited campers. “Yeah,” he nodded, calm as ever. “It’s a bit messy and noisy, isn’t it?”
The day had started off quiet enough. We’d gotten off the bus, unpacked our bags, and found our designated tents. It had almost felt like a vacation for a second… but that illusion didn’t last.
“I didn’t know we were going to have so many programs,” I groaned, pressing my hand to my forehead.
Between team-building games, hiking, puzzle races, and ice-breaker circles, I had no idea what I’d even done today—or how I was still standing. The short break before dinner felt like the first time I could finally breathe again.
“According to Eddie,” Gray said, “we’re having more programs this year than ever before.”
I gave him a tired stare. “And all these were prepared by Team B, right?”
“Yeap,” he nodded again. “You know how they’re so energetic.”
I slumped onto a nearby bench, shoulders drooping. “So… are you feeling okay, Gray?”
He gave a soft chuckle. “Mia… I’d rather stay in the office and work…”
My eyes widened a little. “You too?”
“I’m no better than you now,” he admitted with a gentle smile. “And… it’s a bit cold, isn’t it?”
I rubbed my arms. “It’s very cold out here.”
Gray reached into his bag. “Oh, it’s quite chilly today, so I brought this—”
“Gray!” a voice called from behind us. “Would you please come over and help us out?”
We both turned to see a staff member from Team B waving him over frantically.
Gray laughed under his breath. “Haha—seems like we’re super busy.”
I frowned slightly as he stepped away. “Oh no—you didn’t even get to rest much…”
“Ah, I’m okay,” Gray said with a calm smile. “And actually—”
He suddenly paused, glancing left and right, then leaned in close. His voice dropped to a whisper near my ear.
“It’s way better to carry things than to participate in the programs. I’m going there to goof around.”
I blinked at him, stunned for a second—then narrowed my eyes. “...Take me with you.”
He chuckled softly. “But others will miss you, Mia.”
“Not at all...” I muttered.
He laughed again, low and kind. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Yeap,” I nodded, lips curving up slightly. “See you.”
Just as he turned to go, he paused and held something out.
“Oh—and here. Wear this, Mia.”
“Huh?”
He extended his coat toward me.
“I’m fine,” I said, waving my hands. “You should put it on!”
“I’m going there to carry things,” he said matter-of-factly. “It’ll get dirty if I wear it. You put it on, Mia.”
I opened my mouth to argue again. “Uh, really, I’m okay—”
“No, I’m not okay,” he said, and before I could stop him, he gently draped the coat over my shoulders.
“May I take that coat, if you’re not going to wear it?”
I nearly jumped out of my skin.
“!!! M-Mr. W-Weiss!!!” I blurted out, clutching the coat around me like a shield.
Joshua raised an eyebrow. “Why are you so surprised? I’m not a ghost or something.”
I'd prefer a ghost, sir... my brain muttered without my permission.
“Well,” he said, his tone calm but cool, “if you’re not going to wear it, I would. I feel cold.”
“Oh, uhh, you see—this isn’t mine, it’s Gray’s coat…” I explained, awkwardly tugging at the sleeves.
“I know that,” he said matter-of-factly. “That’s why I can’t wear it.”
“Huh?” My voice squeaked.
“I’m saying, you should wear it,” Joshua said, now sounding like a teacher losing patience with the slowest student in class. “You, Mia. I’m trying my best to tell you as nicely and indirectly as I can.”
“Oh—uh, okay…!” I quickly slipped my arms through the sleeves properly and pulled it snug over my shoulders.
What is he saying? What is happening?! Why is the CEO giving me coat-wearing instructions?!
I glanced up at him with a sheepish smile. “It’s warm, Mr. Weiss.”
He nodded once. “It should be warm. It’s a coat from a fine brand. Gray… I’ve noticed he wears fine clothes.”
“Uh…” My throat tightened.
When Mr. Weiss says “fine clothes,” I’m sure he means the kind that cost more than my rent. Like... the kind that come with their own hanger-shaped velvet throne. I could probably sell everything I’m wearing right now and still not afford one sleeve.
But then, Joshua’s expression softened just a fraction.
“It’s okay,” he said quietly, almost gently. “As long as you feel warm.”
“Sorry?” I asked, confused by the sudden shift in his voice.
Joshua’s eyes didn’t meet mine. “You wouldn’t wear my jacket, even if I offered it to you, right?”
“Uh… well, no? I don’t think so…?” I laughed nervously. “How could I wear your jacket, Mr. Weiss…? Haha…”
There was a pause. A strange, almost quiet sigh escaped his lips.
“…Phew…”
“…Mr. Weiss?”
He didn’t reply right away. Then, with a glance off to the side, he simply said, “I’ll see you later,” and turned, walking away with an unreadable expression.
---
At the Barbecue Site
The fire crackled cheerfully in the center of the barbecue pit. Smoke curled into the evening sky as the smell of grilled meat made my stomach grumble.
Eddie leaned close. “He’s being jelly.”
“…He’s being what?!” I blurted out.
“Shhh—” Eddie hissed, nudging me. “That was way too loud.”
“Oh. Right…” I murmured, cheeks burning.
Jealous? Mr. Weiss? No way… right?
---
Soon, the area buzzed with energy again as dinner officially began.
“Would you pass me the sticks?” Eddie asked, standing beside the grill with a practiced hand.
“Ah—yes, Eddie! Here!” I quickly handed him a pair of skewers.
The two of us had been entrusted with the most important mission of the entire workshop: the BBQ Grillers. While the others relaxed and enjoyed the campfire games, we were front and center—tending to sizzling meats and passing out skewers like champions. Honestly? This was the true jewel of the workshop.
Flames danced. Oil hissed. Meat sizzled.
Eddie glanced sideways. “Mia, are you feeling hungry?”
“S-sorry?” I blinked.
He smirked. “You were smiling while staring at the pork. Intently.”
Ouch… that was embarrassing… I quietly winced, still flustered from being caught pork-staring by Eddie.
“Well, anyhow,” he said, brushing a bit of ash from his sleeve. “Mr. Weiss was being jelly today.”
I blinked. “Jelly? Why? Because of whom? Of me??”
Eddie looked at me, amused. “Mia, you really are cute. He was jealous of Gray, of course.”
“Gray, you say…?” I murmured, unsure if I was hearing him right.
“Why, you said it yourself—” he pointed the grilling stick toward me, “that you wouldn’t wear the CEO’s coat, but you’d wear Gray’s.”
“Well, of course I should!” I huffed. “I’d lose my salary if I accidentally dropped something on Mr. Weiss’s coat!”
Eddie laughed. “Nah, your CEO wouldn’t cut your salary for something like that.”
“Still, I’ve got to do what’s right. I should compensate for it.” I crossed my arms, trying to stay firm.
Eddie grinned. “I’m sure he likes that personality of yours, Mia.”
I blinked again. “He likes… my personality?”
He nodded. “He likes righteous and brave people. You know, the type that stands up for what’s right—even if it’s against a CEO. Umm… in other words, stubborn and old-fashioned.”
“Is that so…”
Before I could respond more—sizzle!
“Ouch!!” I flinched, stepping back instinctively.
“Oops—Mia, step back. BBQ oil can spatter a little,” Eddie warned, calmly shielding the grill with a quick flick of his hand.
“Oww... Are you okay, Eddie? I can cook the rest.”
He waved it off with a casual smile. “I’m really fine. I’m good at this.”
“Oh! I’ll go get the others!” I said, brushing the smoke from my face.
“Thanks,” Eddie nodded. “And do you mind throwing these away on the way?” He handed me a small bag of trash.
“Got it!” I took it without hesitation, balancing it with the others in my arms as I prepared to leave.
Just as I turned to go—
“Mia?”
I paused, glancing back. “Yes, Eddie?”
He held out a chopstick toward me, a perfectly grilled piece of meat steaming at the tip. “Here. Try a bite.”
“Oh—I can have some later with everyone else,” I said quickly, surprised.
“But you’ll miss out on the best ones that way,” he said with a grin. “And you worked so hard.”
I hesitated. “Uhh, but still… I don’t have an empty hand. See? My hands are full—and heavy.”
“Hmm…” Eddie tilted his head, pretending to ponder like it was a serious life decision.
Then he brightened, eyes glinting mischievously.
“Mia, say ‘Ahh—’.”
I froze. “Ahh—?!”
He leaned in slightly, still holding the chopstick, clearly waiting for me to play along.
My face flushed, and in a split-second act of self-preservation, I quickly set the bags down and snatched the chopsticks from his hand instead.
“Haha, you’re smart,” Eddie said with a small laugh, watching me chew with pride.
Wow… I thought, savoring the smoky tenderness of the meat. It tastes so good...
“I’ll be right back, okay?” he added, stepping away with a smile.
“Okay,” I replied, though something in his tone tickled a small thread of curiosity in the back of my mind. Still, I shrugged it off and headed off to call the others, the flavor of grilled pork still lingering on my tongue.
---
At the Glamping Tent
“Heehee… I feel dizzy….” I murmured, stumbling a little as I stepped into the tent.
No one else was there.
The inside was warm and glowing with soft fairy lights, the kind that made everything feel dreamlike. The tent—my tent—was more like a mini luxury suite than something you'd bring to the woods. Plush blankets, fluffy pillows, and a space heater humming quietly in the corner.
The true jewel of the workshop?
Not the BBQ.
It was the alcohol.
“Heehee… I’m in a fancy glamping tent! And it’s aaaaallll to myself!!”
The dizziness tickled at my head as I spun lightly in place, laughing like an absolute fool.
“Haha! I’m—! The only girl in our team!! This faancy tent is MINE!!! Haha!!”
I collapsed onto the bed with a giggle, burying my face in the pillow, still giggling.
The alcohol buzz and the thrill of unexpected luxury sent everything spinning. But beneath all that, a slow warmth crept through me—something close to contentment.
“Heh… it was fun… the workshop…”
As I shut my eyes, the day began playing in my mind like a messy little movie. Thomas’s boundless cheer, Brad’s unexpected kindness, Gray’s quiet warmth… and Mr. Weiss’s strange gaze. They were all… so weird.
So weird.
Still, leaving those strange suspicions to sort themselves out tomorrow, I let myself drift into sleep, smiling faintly into the pillow.
---
Moments—or maybe hours—passed.
I stirred.
“Do I just fall asleep like this…?” I mumbled, eyes fluttering open.
A dull throb pulsed in the back of my head. “Mmm… how long did I sleep? Is it because I just woke up…?”
I sat up slowly, hand on my temple. A mild headache. Great. The room was dimmer now. Quiet. And just a little colder.
I crawl out of the tent, arms stretching high toward the stars as I yawn. The heater inside had been too strong, the air thick and stuffy. Out here, though—out here, it was perfect.
The night air was cool and crisp, brushing softly against my cheek like a gentle hand.
“Oh, it’s so nice and cool out here,” I whispered to no one, smiling as I breathed in the scent of pine and earth. A small puff of steam escaped my lips.
“Phewww— Hehe,” I giggled, amused at how my breath looked like a tiny ghost in the air.
I wandered along a quiet trail, following the winding path between tents and trees, when suddenly—
“Mia?”
“Ahhhhh—?!”
I spun around with wide eyes, heart practically leaping out of my chest.
Thomas stood a few steps behind, hands half-raised as if trying to calm a startled cat.
“It’s me!!” he said quickly.
“Eeek…!! Ah—uh… Thomas?”
He nodded, a sheepish smile on his face. “Yes, it’s me.”
I exhaled deeply, clutching my chest. “You really scared me…”
“Sorry! I saw you from far away, and I was so happy to see you—so I just ran over to say hi. I’m really sorry…”
His big slanted eyes drooped slightly, like a puppy who’d just been scolded for chewing the furniture.
I let out a soft laugh. “It’s okay. I was just surprised. I didn’t expect to see anyone out here at this hour.”
“Ah, I was coming back from the washroom,” he said. “How about you?”
“I woke up with a bit of dizziness,” I said, rubbing my temple. “So I came out for a short walk. Fresh air helps.”
“Aha, out for a walk?” Thomas perked up instantly. “That’s great! I like to walk as well.”
“Uh, okay?” I raised an eyebrow.
“I mean, I really, really like to take a stroll,” he said earnestly, practically bouncing in place.
If he had a tail, I was sure it would’ve been wagging fast enough to power a ceiling fan.
“I really, really, really… love a stroll!” he declared again, eyes shining like he was announcing a great discovery.
I smiled despite myself. “Then… would you like to join me?”
Thomas beamed. “Thank you for asking, Mia. I’d love to.”