CHAPTER 5

Unfortunate Coincidence

Mok liked routine.

Routine meant control.

Control meant peace.

Every morning he arrived at the office at exactly 8:30 AM.

Coffee first.

Laptop second.

Work third.

No unnecessary conversations.

No chaos.

Today was supposed to be the same.

But unfortunately—

Life had other plans.

Mok walked into the conference room with his tablet in hand.

The weekly development meeting had already begun. Several team members were seated around the table.

At the front stood the project manager.

“As everyone knows,” the manager continued, “our company will collaborate with an external consultant for the new AI behavior analysis project.”

Mok nodded slightly.

Normal.

Predictable.

Then the door suddenly opened.

Late.

Of course someone was late.

Mok didn’t even look up.

Until he heard the voice.

“Sorry, sorry, traffic.”

The room went quiet.

Mok slowly lifted his head.

And froze.

Standing at the door with messy hair and an annoyingly relaxed smile…

Was Dean.

Dean Phatcharaphon Suthirak.

The same man who had been shamelessly flirting with him all night.

Dean blinked.

Then smiled wider.

“Well.”

His eyes sparkled with amusement.

“What a coincidence.”

Mok’s brain processed the situation quickly.

External consultant.

Dean.

Same project.

Same room.

Mok closed his eyes briefly.

This was a nightmare.

The manager continued cheerfully.

“Perfect timing! Everyone, this is Dean Phatcharaphon. He will be assisting our team during the project.”

Dean waved casually.

“Nice to meet everyone.”

Then he looked directly at Mok.

“We’ve already met.”

Several people glanced between them curiously.

Mok remained silent.

Dean walked into the room and sat down in the empty chair next to him.

Of course he did.

Mok didn’t look at him.

“You’re late,” Mok said calmly.

Dean leaned back comfortably.

“I like dramatic entrances.”

“This is a workplace.”

“Still dramatic.”

Mok finally turned his head.

“You’re already ignoring instructions.”

Dean smiled.

“I haven’t heard any instructions yet.”

Mok stared at him.

Then looked away again.

The meeting continued, but Dean barely paid attention.

Instead, he leaned slightly toward Mok.

“Did you miss me?”

Mok didn’t even blink.

“No.”

Dean lowered his voice.

“That sounded less convincing than you think.”

“Focus on the meeting.”

“I am.”

“You are whispering.”

“Multitasking.”

Mok pressed his fingers against his temple.

Why was this happening?

The manager eventually finished explaining the project structure.

“For the behavioral analysis algorithm, Mok will lead the development.”

That made sense.

Then the manager added:

“Dean will assist him with user interaction testing.”

The room was silent for two seconds.

Dean slowly turned toward Mok.

“Well…”

He grinned.

“Looks like we’re partners.”

Mok’s response was immediate.

“Unfortunate.”

Dean laughed softly.

“You wound me.”

“You’ll survive.”

The meeting ended soon after.

People began leaving the room.

Mok packed his tablet quietly.

Dean remained seated.

Watching him.

Finally Mok spoke.

“What.”

Dean smiled slightly.

“You’re cute when you’re irritated.”

Mok stared at him.

“I am not irritated.”

“You’re clenching your jaw.”

“That’s normal.”

Dean leaned forward.

“You’re also avoiding eye contact.”

“I’m not.”

“You just looked away.”

Mok stood up.

“Stop analyzing me.”

Dean stood up too.

“You started the challenge.”

“This is work.”

Dean walked beside him as they left the conference room.

“I can separate work and fun.”

“Then do it.”

“I will.”

Dean leaned closer slightly.

“But teasing you is fun.”

Mok stopped walking.

Dean almost bumped into him.

Their faces were suddenly closer than expected.

Mok’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“You enjoy provoking me.”

Dean’s answer came immediately.

“Yes.”

“Why.”

Dean shrugged.

“You react.”

“I’m not reacting.”

“You’re talking to me.”

Mok sighed.

“You’re exhausting.”

Dean smiled.

“And yet we have to work together.”

Mok looked at him calmly.

“I will give you one rule.”

Dean raised an eyebrow.

“Only one?”

“Be professional.”

Dean thought about it for two seconds.

Then nodded.

“Okay.”

Mok turned to walk away.

Dean followed.

“Oh, by the way.”

Mok didn’t turn around.

“What.”

Dean spoke casually.

“You look even better in office lighting.”

Mok stopped again.

Slowly turned his head.

“You’re flirting at work.”

“Yes.”

“That violates the rule.”

Dean grinned.

“You said be professional.”

“I am.”

Mok stared at him.

“You are impossible.”

Dean’s smile softened slightly.

“But you’re still talking to me.”

Mok walked away again without replying.

But this time…

the corner of his mouth moved slightly.

And Dean noticed.

Which made his smile grow wider.

This project was going to be very entertaining.

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