How I Met You

It was a supposedly another mundane day in the office. My boss was not in a good mood to even smile. I was even scared to approach him. All I could do was to continue musing on my table. He was kind but seemed so cold and never cared about me. At least, that's how I felt. He was already like a father to me. The same age as my dad. He was not that smart but very diligent and workaholic.

Speaking of work. It had taken its toll in my life these days. But I found it challenging.

"Have you read my e-mail about the report? May you prioritize it for me?"

Well, that's my boss. He asked so nicely but with a firm tone. It felt like I did not have any choice but to do it . . . right away.

"Yeah, I will. Just for a moment, Mike."

I was about to face my computer monitor when suddenly I remembered an urgent task waiting for me to be accomplished.

"Oh, by the way Mike, I forgot that today is the first day of our new manager, Hunter. I need to on-board him. Can I just pass this report later?" I mumbled.

"Oh, I see. I will be in the conference room to meet him." He just uttered.

With that poker face, I could not recognize any emotion. Was he okay with the new manager? Seemed not.

A few minutes later, I found myself sitting across a man of his early thirty's. I felt a little bit uncomfortable. His demeanor was of an arrogant and cold man. I had the chance to meet him during the interview phases, but today was different.

"So, welcome to our company, Hunter. I hope that your career will pave its way here."

"Thanks. I hope so. It is a good company, I guess. Better than mine before." He smiled at me.

I was not sure but I did not feel his sincerity. Was it just me and my feeling?

"He was arrogant." I told myself.

"Definitely. It is just starting but lots of opportunities for growth." Again, a familiar line of an HR practitioner whenever we welcome new employees.

Personality assessment was part of my job. But I had never been so interested with any employee until I met Hunter. It made me so curious who he was. I did not like his aura, but there was something in him that tickled my brain. He was like Mike - full of mystery.

This was the day we first met. . . personally. And, this was the start of our story.