Time passed, and February 13th arrived. Since it was a Sunday, the corporate office was completely empty and silent. Ashu was alone on the main floor, carefully hanging bright decorative streamers across the high walls.
Suddenly, a heavy hand patted his shoulder from behind.
Ashu jumped in surprise, spinning around while clutching a roll of decorative ribbons against his chest.
Kael stood there without his black mask, offering a relaxed smile. "Let me give you a hand."
Ashu stepped back, waving his hands hesitantly. "Sir? How could I let the company owner do manual labor?"
Kael stepped forward and took one end of the ribbon. "Relax, Ashu. Just pretend I'm your best friend today."
Kael stacked a small side table on top of a heavy wooden desk, climbing up to secure the streamer high on the wall. He tossed the remaining end down to Ashu, who caught it smoothly.
Next came the balloons. They began filling red and pink balloons with sparkling glitter, but their clumsiness caused half the glitter to spill across the polished floor.
Kael blinked, staring down at the shiny mess. "Shh. Let's finish decorating first. We'll clean the floor before anyone notices."
While Ashu held the neck of a balloon open, Kael reached into the supply bag, pulled out a plastic funnel, and froze. He turned to Ashu, holding the funnel up with a deadpan expression. "Hey... what's this?"
Ashu looked at it and smiled awkwardly. "I think... that's a funnel, sir."
Kael sighed softly. "We could have saved ten minutes if we used this from the start." He looked around the messy room and added, "Maybe I should leave a bowl of almonds on every desk tomorrow so everyone's brain works a little better."
Ashu turned toward the main wall. "Can we hang the main banner now?"
Kael nodded, picking up a large white banner. Written across it in elegant silver lettering were the words: I love you, Vrinda.
Kael smiled warmly as he smoothed out the fabric. "You're quite a romantic person, Ashu. I wish I was half as romantic as you."
Ashu's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, sir... aren't you married?"
Kael burst into laughter. "My face looks nineteen! Sometimes traffic officers stop my car and ask for my ID because they think I'm driving under age!"
Noticing a box of party poppers on the side table, Kael tilted his head. "What are these for?"
"My friends are going to set them off when she says yes," Ashu smirked.
Kael set them down neatly. "Fair enough." He clapped his hands together, dusting off his palms. "Honestly, it looks really good in here."
Looking at the extravagant setup, Kael put his hands on his hips with a teasing smirk. "I think I need to cut your salary."
Ashu gasped, frowning in panic. "Why?!"
"Because you're spending your entire paycheck on proposal decorations," Kael joked. Then his gaze sharpened slightly, though amusement lingered in his eyes. "And I'm going to assign you extra work, too."
Ashu immediately caught his meaning, bowing his head in apology. "I'm sorry, sir! I promise I won't listen to any more office gossip, especially from the female staff!"
Kael laughed out loud, clapping a firm hand on Ashu's shoulder. "I'm just joking with you. Be chill."
Ashu wiped a hand over his face in relief. "You really scared me for a second, sir."
Kael walked over to the floor-to-ceiling glass window, looking out at the clear afternoon sky. "I hope tomorrow's weather stays sunny and peaceful like this."
Ashu looked down at his shoes, a flicker of anxiety crossing his features. "Sir... what if she rejects me?"
Kael sat down on the leather sofa, leaning back with a playful wink. "Then we both go out and drink."
Ashu smiled nervously, sitting on a nearby chair. "Deal."
"Right, I almost forgot—I came here to grab a file," Kael said, standing up. Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Seeing Sara's caller ID, he answered. "Hey, Sara. I'm currently helping one of my employees set up a romantic proposal."
Ashu leaned in, whispering quietly, "Who is that?"
Kael smiled into the receiver. "My boss."
Ashu placed a finger on his chin, thinking. Boss...? Then a sudden realization hit him, and he grinned knowingly. "Ah! Is she your girlfriend?"
Kael nodded and called out loudly, "Yeah, that's her!"
He tapped the screen to end the call, but Sara had already heard every word over the speaker before the line disconnected.
Ashu pulled out a handkerchief, wiping a sheen of sweat from his forehead. "Phew... setting up all this made me break a sweat, even in winter."
Kael grabbed a fresh bottle of cold orange juice from his office mini-fridge and handed it over. "Drink this. It'll cool you down."
Ashu gulped down the whole bottle in one go. "Are you heading out now, sir?"
"Yeah. I'm locking up this floor," Kael replied, picking up his folder. "Did you buy a ring and flowers?"
Ashu nodded, reaching into his coat pocket to pull out a velvet box and a bouquet of red roses. "I got a simple silver ring. Take a look."
Kael opened the box, inspecting the band closely. "It's elegant and clean. Simple designs suit working professionals best."
The elevator chimed as it reached the underground parking garage.
"Thanks for your help today, sir," Ashu said sincerely as they stepped out. "You made everything move twice as fast."
"Don't worry about it," Kael replied, unlocking his sports car.
Ashu looked at him thoughtfully. "This is the first time I've seen your face without the mask for this long."
Kael tilted his head with a smirk. "How do I look?"
"Honestly? You look younger than me," Ashu confessed with a laugh.
Kael chuckled, getting into his car. Ashu climbed into his own vehicle, feeling relieved and prepared for tomorrow. Both engines roared to life, and the two cars pulled out of the parking into the evening light.
When Kael stepped inside the bungalow, Sara was waiting near the living room entrance, crossing her arms with an annoyed glare.
"So!" she said firmly. "You're the one spreading rumors that I'm your girlfriend!"
Kael tilted his head in confusion. "What rumors?"
"To your employee over the phone!" she frowned.
Kael let out a soft sigh. "Sara, if I tell people the truth—that you're my system assistant or an ancient spirit—do you think anyone in this normal world would believe me? Should I call you my sister instead?"
Sara blinked, her defensive posture melting away as she sat down on the sofa. "I... suppose you have a point."
Kael walked over and kneeled on one knee in front of her, looking up with complete sincerity. "If it really bothers you or makes you feel uncomfortable, I won't ever say it again."
Sara looked at his earnest face, her annoyance turning into a soft, gentle smile. "No... I was just being oversensitive. It's fine."
She stood up, walking toward her bedroom. "I'm going to rest for a bit."
Kael watched her door close softly, scratching the back of his head. "What a complicated girl," he whispered with a faint laugh.
Then his expression turned serious. He thought about everything Sara had endured before meeting him—the betrayals, the centuries of isolation, and the people who must have made her feel unsafe.
Kael clenched his fist tightly, a quiet resolve burning in his eyes.
I'll make sure she never feels insecure around me again.