When I enter the office, Jason is already there. Seeing him at work feels... strange, to say the least. Just an hour ago, we were housemates, and now we’re working together. If he wasn’t my mentee, I could just ignore him, and it would be less awkward. But now, we are forced to work together, discussing work-related things while I know what pajamas he wears to bed. Like I said, strange.

"Good morning," I greet him, suddenly feeling awkward.

"Morning," he responds, his tone also tinged with awkwardness. Or maybe that’s just my mind playing tricks on me, trying to make me feel better.

Ava and Isabella haven’t arrived yet. Good. That gives me some time to get accustomed to this work environment again and learn how to be an adult. As I check my emails and respond to a few, I let my mind wander for a bit. To be honest, I don’t even know why I am so awkward now. Sure, it is a weird situation, and I am sure Ava would love this turn of events, but after a week, maybe, if I am lucky, after a few days, she will already be off my back about it. Besides, it is not my fault that he lives with me now. So, I can just tell them. Sure, I can. In theory. But, like hell, I am going to. I am not ready for any glances or talks whatsoever.

"Jason," I whisper loudly.

"Yeah?" He removes one of his headphones and looks at me.

I lean over to him, and he mirrors me, making it seem like we are sharing a big secret between the two of us. Which we are, although I know, rationally, it isn’t that big a thing.

"Listen, I just want to tell you that..." I trail off, my ears picking up on the elevator bell. Having worked here for a few months, I barely hear it anymore, but now that I don’t want anyone to come in, I see Ava, followed by Jessica, entering the hallway. "Meet me later at the printer," I whisper quickly before leaning back again and resuming a normal working posture, or at least attempting to. Gosh, I am so nervous. Get it together! I tell myself.

"Good morning!" Ava sings as she enters the office. "How are you guys?"

"Good morning to you too. We’re good—I mean, I’m good. You?" I reply.

Ava slows her steps, giving me a funny look before resuming her normal pace until she arrives at her desk and drops her bag. "Good, good. Also, wanna have lunch today together?" She signals not only to me but also to Jason.

Unfortunately for me and my plans, Jason also agrees.

"Yeah, that sounds great," Jason agrees.

Ava laughs. "Awesome! I’ll make some reservations." She sits down, and I dare to glance at Jason, who doesn’t seem bothered by this at all. I have to remind myself that I shouldn’t be bothered by this either. The only person who thinks this is a problem is me, for no good reason at all.

I often have this monologue going on in my head, where my rational brain is working normally, picking up on my stupidity fueled by my feelings. Such as now. Rationally, I know that living together is, sure, unusual, but it’s not as bad as my feelings are telling me. Sadly, for me, my feelings are much more demanding. Unable to keep pretending to work, I stand up, and as I walk past Jason, I tap on his shoulder as discreetly as I can. I keep on walking, and I don’t look back to see if he follows me or not.

The printing room is across the hallway, right next to Jessica’s room, so I’ll have to be casual about it. I’m awkward, but at least I know how to pretend not to be awkward. I decided I wanted to print some of the pages from Mr. Miller, so later, when I have the meeting with Jessica, I can show her exactly what is bothering me. A good cover, if I say so myself.

I’m waiting in the printer room, but I don’t have to wait long before Jason appears in the doorway.

"Is everything okay?" He hesitates.

"Come in, close the door." I gesture when I start the printer. With one hand on the console of the printer, I try to distract myself when I say, "I know this might sound stupid, but I need to say it."

"Okay," he replies.

The printer makes his start-up noises, and I finally turn around. "I don’t want you to tell anyone at work that you’re living in my house," I confess.

"Our house," he corrects. "And sure, but why?"

"I just feel embarrassed about the whole situation," I admit, feeling awkward flow over me. "It’s all so strange, and I haven’t figured out how to explain it to people yet. So, please, keep it between us."

He frowns, more surprised than angry, which is what I expected. "Am I that bad?" He even seems to find it mildly amusing.

"No, not at all; that’s not what I meant." I reassure him. "It’s just... I’m not ready for everyone to know yet." Again, I feel my cheeks warm up, as if I’m a kid who has to confess that they stole candy from the candy jar.

He chuckles. "I don’t mind it, but you seem clearly bothered by it, so sure. Whatever you say, I’ll follow. However, the longer you wait, the weirder it will seem when you finally do tell them."

"I know, I know," I sigh. The printer is almost done printing, and so is this conversation. Thank God, because I just want to crawl under my bed and never come out again. "But for now, let’s keep it under wraps."

He studied me for a moment before nodding. "Okay, I won’t spill the beans about us living together in secret. Your secret’s safe with me."

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Relief and gratitude wash away most of the worries when he promises me. Still, some worries remain. Some uncertainty can’t be washed away, like some nasty oil that is stuck somewhere. But I remind myself that it went better than I hoped.

"Thank you,” I tell him. The printer makes a sound, and I realize it’s finally done printing. I take out the warm paper and take a last look at Jason. “Really, thank you.”

“No worries, boss. Anything you say.”

A faint blush colors my cheeks as I walk past him. For a second, I don’t tell myself to control my feelings. It’s not like he’ll notice it anyway.

That afternoon, we go, with the four of us, to a place I also haven’t been. It’s fancy and must be expensive. When we’re all guided to our reserved table, I see why. Jessica is already at the table, waving her hand and signal for us to come over.

"Girls, Jason. Welcome, and please have a seat.”

We all sit down, and I’m eager to get started.

"Now, Jason,” Jessica says. “As you know, or I hope you picked up on that, this is not just any lunch. Normally we don’t do this, but since it’s your first official day and yesterday was more like an introduction, I welcome you to our small team of literature agents. You’re already learning the ropes of the trade, I heard.” She looks over to me.

"Thank you, Jessica. I feel honored, truly,” he smiles. “And yes, I guess someone was already gossiping about me.” He glances quickly at me before turning back to Jessica. “In all honesty, I’m very happy with my mentor. She teaches me well.”

I see Ava and Isabella exchange a glance before returning their attention back to Jason. “So, Jason,” Isabella starts. “Since this is a getting-to-know-you lunch, introduce yourself to the team.”

He officially introduces himself. His full name (Jason Victorious Hong), his age (25) and some of his interests (reading, friends, music). Since he’s Korean, he had to do military service for about 2 years, but he can now relax. In the meantime, the food arrived, and we’re all eating and listening to Jason tell his life story. It makes me realize that I don’t know Jason that well. It also makes me feel a bit guilty. I didn’t even ask. Granted, he arrived yesterday, but still, I could’ve asked.

"And now? Where do you live now?” I zoned out for a second, so the question comes as a surprise. I look up from my plate; Jessica’s the one who asked the, in my opinion, unimportant question. Anxiety bubbles up, hoping and praying that he remembers my plea and follows up on his promise.

"Ah, well, funny story, actually,” he starts, and my anxiety triples. I feel a bit nauseous as I take a sip of water.

“As of yesterday, I officially moved into a shared house. Before I started working yesterday, I was living in a hotel for the time being. I actually arrived last week, so I’m still getting used to things, to be honest.” He runs his fingers through his hair, perhaps a nervous tick. But then again, why is he nervous? I should be nervous, which I am. A lot. Why did he say he lived in a shared house? Next question: How are your housemates? 100%.

"Oh, just last week? That’s quite recent, actually.” Isabella mentions.

"Yeah, but I’m settling in quite nicely. Also, my housemates are amazing.” He sips his drink, and his eyes glance down at me for a second before setting down his glass again. “When I’ve acquired some more income, I’ll move, but for now, it’s nice.”

It seems like the girls are satisfied with his answer as they continue with their conversation, and I’m happy to join it again now that the main topic isn’t my housemate anymore. Anything to change the topic to something normal and ordinary.

When we return to the office, I wait until everyone is off the elevator before I run after Jessica. “Jessica, do you have a moment?”

"Yes, of course. What is it?”

Walking towards her office, I tell her about Mr. Miller and how he keeps asking me to do simple things—things that are not my job. I show her the printed paper as well, pinpointing where my problems occur.

"Right… How long has he been doing this?”

"Ever since I got him as a client from you.”

"Hmm,” Jessica thinks. “Thank you for letting me know. And don’t worry; I fully agree with you. Although being an 'older' client comes with some perks, he shouldn’t abuse his power to have you do things that are not in your job description. I’m sure you have better things to do.” She walks into her office and gestures for me to come in too.

“Don’t worry. I’ll give him a call. Now,” She clasps her hands together. “What are your thoughts about Jason?”

I don’t see this question coming, so for a second, I don’t know what to say. What does she want to hear? That he’s living in my house, our house now? That he’s cute? That he’s totally my type?

"How is he doing on the team?” She asks again, a look on her face.

"Ah, right.” Of course, she wants to hear about his job progression. “Well, he’s very hardworking. He asks a lot of questions, but they’re all good questions, so I don’t mind it.” I think back on what he said yesterday evening: that he wants to start this notebook to help him keep track of things. “He also showed me some work today that he did yesterday evening, he said. It’s a notebook where he writes down what he learned that day. I think that’s good and an example of him being hardworking.”

"Good, good,” Jessica hums. “Do you think he’s a good fit for the team?”

I think about it for a second. I remember all the times I wasn’t a good fit for the team, or so they’ve said. “Yeah, I think so. Of course, it's too early to say anything about it, but he’s doing really well. He’s getting us coffee, for example, and is trying to bond with the team. He’s doing well.”

That evening, when I came home, Jason had gone home earlier, so I arrived at a house that smelled like chicken. Warm, crispy, and juicy chicken. I hear laughter coming from the kitchen, and I quickly take off my shoes, coat, and bag. I come out of the hallway, into the kitchen, and see Sam and Jason cooking together.

For a second, I’m stunned, and I don’t believe my eyes. While it’s still weird to see Jason in my kitchen with my apron, it’s even weirder to see Sam in the kitchen at all. “Hello, this looks cozy.”

Sam turns around with a big smile. “Yup, we made chicken together. Isn’t that nice?”

Her headache seems to be completely over, and I have a feeling this is her way of trying to make up for the way she behaved yesterday. Or not, but I’d like to think that way. “Sure, it's nice to come home to a home-cooked meal made by my sister and coworker."

Jason laughs. “Jessica gave me a compliment today, and I have a feeling it has something to do with my mentor, so I wanted to thank you. Sam wanted to help me out, so here we are.” He goes to the cupboard. “Let me set the table in the living room.” He grabs a few plates and walks to the living room. Clutter fills the house as Sam stirs the pot with what seems to be some sauce.

"How was today?” She asks.

"Good. Why?”

"True, but then again, you’ve never had a male coworker work with you and live together with you.”

I laugh. “And why’s that important to you?” I feel annoyance simmering underneath my skin.

Her face contorts as if she’s smelling something bad. “It’s not. I have known you longer than just today. I’ve seen the look you give him.”

Despite her harsh words, I blush, but I try to keep it at bay. “Geez, relax.” I say it a bit too loud. "There’s nothing happening. Neither of us wants anything, anyway.”

"Good. You can have anyone, but don’t start anything with the guy we’re living with.”

"Okay, whatever. Says the girl who came home drop-dead drunk yesterday.” The moment the words leave my mouth, I already regret them. I’m the older sister, so I should hold my tongue, always keep the peace, and don’t lash out. Sam’s eyes glisten, either from withholding tears or controlling anger. I want to apologize, but then Jason comes back from the living room.

“So, everything is set. Let’s eat!"