How to Make a Man Fall in Love

As you walked to your workplace, you came across an unusually large number of utility staff nearby. There are eyes glued to you as well, as if you did something wrong early in the morning, though all you did was walk.

Upon arriving, you saw the reason for their looks. Your workspace was being cleared out. 

“Is it because I turned her down?” The question that instantly popped up inside your mind the moment you saw what’s happening.

“Where’s my computer? W-wait! Why are you taking my desk away?” One of the utility staff is cleaning your table and picking up all of your files.

“Hey! Be careful, that’s essential! Don’t— put that down… Seriously, what are you guys doing!? Is Ms Lee even aware of this?” You start to wonder if she’s going to fire you just because of that rejection.

“Uhh, we—” The utility you asked hesitated to respond.

“Yes, I’m well aware.” Ms Lee suddenly popped out of her office, a blank expression over her usual beautiful face.

“Then…” The utility staff hurried past, carefully carrying your desk and files into Ms. Lee's office. 

"Careful," she reminded them. "Those documents are important... just like him." She lightly turned her body to give way to the utility staff, moving your desk inside her office. They nodded nervously before excusing themselves.

You get it now, she’s planning to keep you inside her office, inside her territory, like a house pet.

“Ms. Lee, I suppose there’s a legitimate reason for your actions. May I know what this is all about?” As a professional, you remain calm and are willing to hear her reasons. Whatever it was, as long as it’s valid, you’ll not oppose it.

“I’ve read somewhere that secretaries work better if they’re closer to their boss... You’re my secretary, and I’m your boss.” She looks proud while explaining it, crossing her arms confidently.

“That’s not enough, Ms Lee, you can’t just—” You stopped when the utility staff excused themselves, they’re done moving your desk in, everything. “Thank you.” The men worked hard early in the morning, were definitely scared as well, so they deserved a thank you.

“Thank you! And you.” She thanked the utilities by obeying her orders. The icy CEO just thanked them, and that made them even more shaken. Then she pointed at you. “Come in.” She added, gesturing to you to follow her.

“So… how do you like your new area?” Crazy, not the place, but her. She’s crazy, you thought. 

“With all due respect, Ms. Lee, that's hardly a professional justification; our workspaces are close enough.” You gestured at the floor-to-ceiling glass window, “We’re just a wall away from each other.” You added, and you’re being rational, hoping she’ll consider it.

“Exactly. Now there’s no wall between us.” She clasps her hands, smiles mischievously as if it’s the brightest idea she's ever thought of, brighter than when she acquired billions in one month. “Don’t worry about adjusting. Sooner or later, you’ll get used to being around me.” She added.

“I’m not worried about anything, it’s just…” Right, what’s the reason why you’re complaining? Is it really because you feel like she’s putting you inside a cage? You’ll actually accept anything she does if this happened to you a year ago.

“Hmm?” She’s waiting for you to continue.

“Ms. Lee—” You think thoroughly for a reason…

“And actually, when you already adapt to being near me, who knows? Maybe you’ll sign the marriage papers yourself.” She took a step closer to you.

That's the main reason, her marriage proposal. It didn’t exist years ago; it just came into existence yesterday morning, right here at her office.

“Ms Lee, still.” You insist.

She’s actually right for some reason. She’s right that there’s no visible wall between you and her right now. However, there’s still a nonexistent status wall in the middle, she’s still your boss, and you’re her secretary.

But, come to think of it, if she’s saying that it’ll help you work better…

“Ms Lee, you said earlier that I’ll work better if I’m closer to you, right? Are you saying that I’m not doing my job properly? Sorry if you feel like I’m lacking. But, I’ll move my desk back outside your office.” You regained your composure, fixed your coat, and walked to the nearest intercom.

“You know that’s not what I mean, right?” She followed you with her eyes, furiously.

“Yes, I know really well what you meant, I’m just using it as an excuse to move back where I belong.” You smiled before calling the utility staff to move your belongings back, “Hello, Ms Lee changed her mind, move my workstation back to where it was supposed to be, thank you.” Even using her name to expedite the process.

“Tch. You don’t get it. This is where you belong, right here.” She opened her arms as if asking for a hug with her scary smile.

She might squeeze you to death if you took her bait… but she’s cute as hell.

“Seriously, Ms Lee. What’s gotten into you?” You almost laughed. Since when did her terrifying behavior start looking cute? If you don’t know her very well, you could’ve jumped to her arms already.

“Is it not working?” She tilts her head, pouting.

Now it looks forced; you want it more natural.

“Not a chance.” You said straightforwardly.

“Okay, the first move did not work.” She pulled out her phone and suddenly read something in a low voice. 

“Some of these tips on how to make a man fall in love with you may work better for you than others… the second tip is…” 

“Sighed. What are you even reading? And most importantly, why?” You tried to peek at her phone, but she quickly moved it away.

“No, you can’t see it. All of it might turn out useless if you see it, you should be surprised like today.” She playfully went scrolling through her phone, hiding the screen from your curious eyes.

“Ms Lee, I’ve been in constant surprise ever since that night when you said good night to me.” You said. She squinted her eyes upon hearing it, and her lips curled slowly.

“...”

“I–uhhh.” You instantly wonder if there’s something wrong with what you just said.

“You liked it.” It’s not a question; it’s a statement coming from her.

“W-what? No–” Did she take it the wrong way? By the way she is acting right now, she definitely did.

“Then I’ll call you every night.” She wore this convinced smile upon realizing it. Knowing her really well, she’ll really call you every night and then.

Will it be tiring? Absolutely. Imagine working for her in the morning and talking to her on the phone at night? She already put a leash on you.

“Ms Lee, that’s not what I mean—” You wanted to prevent those unwanted late-night calls since night’s the only time you get a rest.

“Yes, I know what you mean, I’m just using it as an excuse to stay close to you even out of work.” She said, somehow it felt familiar.

“W-wait— did you just use the same reasoning I did earlier?” You chuckled. She’s unbelievable.

“You did it first, I just copied it. I admit it's effective.” She chuckled as well, and right after it, the utility staff came in to take your desk back.

The room’s filled with silence as both of you watched them bring your things back to where it came from. They’re sweating wildly, probably due to nervousness and early hard work. After a few minutes, the utility staff left.