Chapter 2

I always preferred to walk rather than use public transport. It saved money and I had to lose the calories from all the sugar. It also gave me time to think about everything. Sometimes it was good. But other times, I start to feel even more miserable than what I always do.

Thankfully, this was one of the better days. Or at least I hoped so.

The walk to the office building was quite short. Before entering I re-wrapped the lollipop and put it inside my bag, just to avoid incredulous stares from others. I got those a lot when I started working here.

Upon entering the office, I got myself ready to not lose my temper on the biometric scanner. Three months working here and these things still didn't seem to work for me on the first try.

I took a deep breath and pressed my thumb on the pad. Nope. Just like I thought. 'ERROR’' flashed on the screen. I tried it again but still, nothing happened. I wiped the finger on my jeans and noticed it was slightly sticky. Finally, on the third try, it accepted the fingerprint and showed the poker-faced photo I had given in my resume. It showed the time as 8:50 am, though I am pretty sure I had wasted 5 minutes on that thing.

The receptionist, who watches this drill every day, smiled and said, "It happens sometimes."

I forced myself to smile and replied, "It happens with me every time."

The employees of the office were mostly young graduates. It was said that the company was open to fresh ideas. I say it was because we accepted low pay. But at least low income was better than being unemployed. I had applied for this job as soon as I had graduated and intend to get 1 year of experience before applying for another.

As soon as I sat on my chair, the peon dropped a bulky file on the bench and walked away. I took out my laptop, turned it on, and started the work instantly. The sooner I finish it, the earlier I can go home.

I hoped that this was one of those days when no one bothers me. But obviously, one could rarely get what they want. Especially me.

I had only started to work when someone tapped on my shoulder. I turned around to see that it was the guy who sat across from me on the opposite row. He was quite bulky and tall, but not as tall as me.

My narcissism has no limits. I need to stop.

He looked like those bullies in school whom everyone hated but were afraid to tell him, so they pretended to like him. Seriously, this office was like high school, only filled with older people.

"You are that new guy right? Brake?", he spat in an almost disgusting tone.

Really? Saying my name wrong knowingly. Could he be any more childish?

"It's Drake", I replied.

"Whatever", he said in a falsely deep voice. "Listen, I want you to stay away from her."

Say what now?!?!

He puffed his chest in anger and said, "Don't pretend like you don't know what I am talking about. Look at her."

Could this guy be any less than a gorilla?

He pointed at a girl who was sitting after four people from me on the same row. She was quite pretty. I made a mental note to talk to her later, though I doubt whether I would remember it myself or not.

The gorilla then continued, "You see her? She is mine. If I see you even talking with her, I will personally break every bone on your body and leave you to die. You understand?"

One should learn how to unnecessarily pick on people from this guy.

"You're done talking? I need to work.", I said in a disinterested voice.

He pursed his lips and warned, "Remember what I said. Otherwise......"

I waited for him to complete the sentence, but he turned around and walked away. So I rolled my eyes and towards my computer and started to work.

The rested of the day was uneventful like always. I completed my work early and got permission to leave from the boss. The boss was a middle-aged man, and he reeked of intelligence in accounts and had the certificates to prove it. But he was not arrogant or rude towards his employees. It felt good to be praised, but I never seem to get used to it.

On my way out of the office, I saw the girl looking at me. My encounter with that bulky guy came into my mind, so I did the best thing I could think of. I smiled and waved at her.

Her whole face lit up like an LED light and she waved at me madly. I caught the guy staring at me and could almost feel him punching me with his glare. So I smirked evilly at him (or I hoped it looked more evil than nervous and scared) and exited the office.

Bring it on gorilla-man. At least there will be some entertainment in my life.