50. My Only Wish

"Mun, he did it."

"Who?"

"Who else will I be talking about with you?"

"What happened this time?"

"He got me that client I'd lost. I don't know how he convinced the only person who hates me the most to become my business ally."

"Mr Liwaswalva?"

"Yes."

"Wow." Mun laughed excitedly. "How did he crack him again?"

"I wonder." Ari was tempted to share his newfound information regarding Rey's involvement with his younger brother but decided against it. Knowing Mun, he'd become a little protective; therefore, acting on impulse over the matter might have dire consequences. 

"That guy must have a soft spot for your lover boy." Glancing at Rey a distance from him, he seemed immersed in his paperwork. Mun had invited him to supervise his pending assignments. "That guy, as you know, never gives out anything for free. I wonder what lover boy had to sacrifice this time."

"How should I know what he offered? That's between them. My concern was getting the client."

"You shouldn't joke with a man after your heart." Mun laughed when Ari cursed at his remark. "So that was why he'd asked for a half day off to come and see you earlier this week. I had to punish him thoroughly though. We equally have deadlines, so he and I have been working overtime at home. We could use your assistance."

"I don't think that's a great idea. I finally have forced a day off from my schedule since launch day and...."

"We have some takeaways from Yummy Yum restaurant. Rey brought them."

"If I'd known he was home, I'd have gone to Ned's apartment...and I always bring work home whenever I go there, but today, I wish to relax and unwind, so I'll leave you two be and keep to myself." 'I also need to discover why Rey is conspiring with my family, but I'll study him first.'

"How far are you?"

"I'll be up in ten. Do you need me to grab anything?"

"White wine. Make it dry."

"Got it."

No sooner had Ari hung up than Mun turned to Rey. He advised him to take a break and mentioned he needed to run somewhere shortly. "I'll be back in a jiffy. If you need anything from the grocery, let me know."

"Thank you for your generosity, Manager Mun. I'm the one who made you work overtime, so I don't wish to impose further."

"How many times will you apologise? Just stay the night, and we'll leave for the office in the morning. Better yet, I've asked Ari to help us with our task. If he succeeds, we will have converted several days of work to days off instead."

"That would be reassuring, Manager Mun."

"Of course." Mun nodded coyly. "Anyway, he is coming over; hence I must make haste."

"Pardon..."

"Bye now," Mun grinned suggestively and closed the door behind him.

Rey was left bewildered, his hands beginning to tremble: he didn't know how to face Ari, especially after he'd beat himself up for tripping on his own promise. He'd known the mission impossible but still fostered hope to win Ari's attention, and when the door opened to the sight of him, Rey was left dumbfounded, not knowing whether to offer a greeting or an apology."

"Are you okay?" Ari asked, unable to endure Rey's state and unresponsiveness to his greeting.

"Mun just left moments ago...a-and as soon as I'm done with my work, I'll be on my way."

Placing the bottle of wine on the dining table, Ari walked to Rey's side and skimmed through the paperwork on the table. "Hmm, no wonder Mun asked for my help. You seem to be going in circles here."

"Ah... Well..." Rey averted his eyes. "I've been stuck on this proposal for a while."

Ari studied him closely, hoping he might bring up the issue with his brother, but Rey only kept to his work as if he were oblivious to Ari's knowledge of it. 

"I have a draft proposal for this project. It belonged to some women I worked with years ago. I can forward you the format from my mail."

Seeming relieved, Rey looked up to Ari and thanked him but soon regretted it. He couldn't keep his eyes off him despite listening to him offer advice on navigating the project efficiently. On the other hand, Ari could feel Rey's heavy stare but ignored him.

"Some clients are delicate; therefore, you need to use words that are specific to them and in your favour when writing proposals. It isn't easy when you do not know them personally, but I do. You often need to apply coaxing words when dealing with some female clients and ensure the wording isn't too superficial. Women tend to read proposals more in-depth than male clients. This way, if you convince them, you retain them longer, and they won't work with anyone else but you."

It is also essential to do a flawless work." Pointing at a printout Rey was holding, Ari added, "That preamble predicts your doom. First, build a bond with your wording before finishing up on the rough edges, then seal the deal without using too much grammar. Writting a proposal is more work than most people realise. When you know little of the client, it takes a lot of effort." Standing beside Rey, he skimmed through more of the paperwork on the table and rubbed his chin as if in deep thought. "I suppose you should pay me for my previous drafts if I give them to you. But I guess you prefer to do this yourself after a little guidance."

"Your assistance is much appreciated. The sight of these papers made my brain burst the seams, but now I can see a clear path." Rey smiled in relief. "I'm anticipating putting my hands on your drafts Manager Ari..."

"How did you manage to convince Mr. Liwaswalva to call me?"

"Pardon?"

"You met with him, didn't you?" 'And with my brother.'

"Y-Yes, I-I did, but..." Rey seemed panicked and confused. "You got the contract?"

"The client called me directly. I assumed you knew..." Ari was cut mid-sentence by Rey's sudden joy, standing up and pulling him in his arms. His body shook, his breathing rapid, and despite the thick sweater he wore, Ari could feel the reverent thudding of his heart. 

"I'm glad," Rey whispered but didn't let go; rather, his grip only tightened.

Taken by surprise, Ari stood still.

"I waited for you at Yummy Yum. When you didn't show up, I assumed Mr. Liwaswalva had tricked me; therefore, I kept my word at not bothering you any longer."

Ari sighed, feeling a certain hardness pocking at his lower abdomen. 'How predictable. He really is a kid.'

"I thought you hated me."

"Rey..."

"Can I kiss you?"

"What-no! Let go first so we can talk face to face." Ari demanded. His instincts yelling at him to distance himself from Rey. He may care for him, but he loathed him just as much for his betrayal. "Can't you act sensibly?" Ari exclaimed after feeling Rey's breath brushing across his skin. "Look, I came here to rest, and I promised Mun I'd help him too." Freeing himself, he muttered frustratingly, "Where the heck is he?"

"He left mentioning he'll be back in a jiffy."

"He is not coming back, you fool," Ari spoke while reaching for his phone. "Can't you see he's playing us...?"

Ari regretted his words as soon as they came out, and seeing how amused his counterpart was, he glanced back at Rey's erection to still find it visible.

"I'm going to give him a call." Ari turned and began walking towards his room. He knew full well Mun was going to reject his call, but he needed to get away from Rey. 

"Why are you refusing me?" Rey's question brought Ari to a halt. "The deal was for me to bring the client, and I did. Besides, I know you still like me."

'I don't trust you.' "I'm not ready." 'What is your motive meeting my brother for months behind my back?'

"Well, I am."

"That is none of my concern."

"Then what I'm I supposed to do with how I feel? Here you are right in front of me..." Rey spoke, closing the distance between them. "Yet I can't have you. Please, allow me to atone for my mistakes Ari."

'Is this the first time he's addressed me informally?'

"I really like you, Manager Ari."

'And he's back to it.'

"I want you, Ari," Rey whispered, reaching for a kiss. He was relieved when the gesture was welcomed, and when he felt Ari respond, he pulled him closer, his hand circling his waist while the other held the back of Ari's neck lest he changes his mind and pulled away.

A light moan escaped Ari, his body shivering at his involuntary response. For a few seconds, his mind went blank, his anger forgotten, his pride diminishing. Nothing mattered any longer except savouring this moment. He just wanted to feel everything, but when he heard Rey's light chuckle, his body grew cold again.

Pulling away, his eyes met with a rather amused Rey.

"You are hard too, Manager Ari."