Dark. Whether it had always been scary, or had always been soothing…depended. Ryan, however, was more into the amalgamation of dark and strands of scattered light. He says it is calming.
Ryan, stationed by a wide open window, with a desk placed directly in front, finds himself seated in a chaotic display of scattered papers. In the aftermath of the chaos that unfolded at The Raven's Meal, Ethan's security personnel proved their reliability, resulting in the CEO granting the brunette a well deserved break.Ever since that fateful first day as Ethan Smith's assistant, Ryan has been tirelessly toiling away, devising strategies to compensate for the losses incurred. If Ryan were to be completely honest, he views LOVESICK as an application designed to mend broken souls— as per its name claims; it is supposed to heal sick souls with…love, albeit in a manner distinct from his boss's explanation…"those who are in love, are sick," the brunette remembers word for word oh so well!In Ryan's perception, this app is intended to alleviate the anguish of individuals who are lonely…who have no one by their side, who are yearning for a shoulder to lean on, who are longing for companionship and love— rather than adhering strictly to Ethan Smith's description.It is all rather perplexing. None of these make any sense; the CEO of a highly regarded dating app, experiences a feeling of revulsion upon encountering discussions about love, at the same time while his company does not seem to be anything more than a cutthroat competition.A burst of air escaping Ryan's mouth, the man contemplates if he is truly making the correct decision. Then again, perhaps he is simply following his destiny…after all, every event takes place for a specific purpose, doesn't it? Even if that purpose seems to be incomprehensible at present. Throughout his life, the brunette had always been the type to perceive the biggest possible picture and firmly believes that something positive arises from every situation.The relentless wind, incessantly lashes at his countenance, causing Ryan to shut his eyes, savouring this very current moment, serene with being nowhere else but…here. Right at this minute, at this hour, he feels a sense of wholeness, a gratification, because, though only momentarily, Ryan is engaging in his work— a work which he loves. Ryan loves 'love'.The wind once again strikes Ryan's visage, but this time, not without the forceful impact of stacks of papers. The dishevelled sheets now twirl around the room, looking like a whimsical enchantment is going on, "Hey!" Ryan chirps, "Don't act like this!!" Rising from his wooden chair, he gazes dumbfounded at the papers, clumsily trying to gather them.But, as far as Ryan remembers, he never liked organising things…-In front of his bathroom mirror, stands Ethan Smith, the company's boss, his face devoid of emotions, reflecting the aloofness he maintains both within and outside the office. Each day is interchangeable— just another opportunity to assert the power he holds.As the shower water cascades, submitting towards the floor, steam envelopes the bathroom, blurring the sleek granite countertops. Ethan enters the streaming water, his obstination leaving no room for pleasure… each drop lands on his skin with icy precision, almost what feels like he is challenging his own body to feel any semblance of warmth.His faithful attendants, Sarah and Jane, await Ethan's emergence from the portal to warmth, poised to complete his morning routine. Jane holds Ethan's freshly pressed navy coloured suit, Sarah holds Ethan's pair of polished shoes, ready to carry their duties. Both Jane and Sarah had caught fleeting glimpses of Ethan Smith's vulnerability, his humanity, secluded moments when his mask slipped— even then Ethan adeptly concealed those intimate fractures from prying eyes.The ravenette steps out from the shower, the steam curling around him, highlighting his chiseled physique, but even the wisps of vapour seems hesitant to touch the man's cold skin. He towel-dries himself methodically, his movements precise and efficient, he is always too calculating— he always has to preserve energy.Jane walks ahead, holding the suit, while Sarah extends the polished shoes for Ethan to slide his feet into. The three of them are communicating and moving with measured words, backed up with intentional gestures. It is a choreographed performance of servitude.The attendants dresses Ethan, their actions mirroring the CEO's stoic demeanour. Sounds of buttons being fastened, the rustle of fabric confirming to his body, and the snug fit of Ethan's shoes merge into an echo of efficiency. Ethan's iciness had permeated their beings, moulding them into perfect reflections of his frigid existence.With his appearance impeccably in order, nothing allowing disoriented fashion, Ethan strides towards the grand staircase, Jane and Sarah trailing behind. Each step reverberates raucous, through the expansive mansion, amplifying the aura of authority he bags everywhere he goes.Upon reaching his office on the ground floor, an imposing space that mirrors Ethan's disposition, the attendants observe his commanding presence. Now, the office begins to hum with silence, a stark contrast to the bustling energy in Ethan Smith's absence.With a subtle acknowledgement to Jane and Sarah, the CEO quietly proceeds towards his own designated cubicle, leaving the two attendants to tend to their remaining tasks for the day. Ethan adjusts his tie a few times before positioning himself by the transparent sliding doors. The doors part ways, Ethan's attention shift to the rectangular workspace, at another person who is already present— Ryan has already arrived?The morning sunlight weaves its golden rays delicately along the contours of Ethan's jaw, casting a gentle, warm yellow radiance upon his face.On this particular day, Ryan hasn't dedicated excessive time to perfecting his appearance, a fact that is quite apparent. The assistant simply is adorning a striped tee in yellow and white, paired with denim jeans. Ryan's hair is messy too. Strangely, Ethan finds himself drawn by this effortless look— a silent acknowledgement that Ryan appears most appealing when he embraces authenticity, without trying too hard, going through all sort of troubles, only to make an impression."Ryan…""Oh. Mr. Arrogant…" Ryan gasps. The brunette had never imagined that his seemingly aloof and unapproachable boss, the fiercely competitive CEO, could also possess such striking beauty— this universe, is indeed made up of paradoxes. In retrospect, Ryan realises that he has never truly taken notice of Ethan's physical traits. The golden hues of sunlight create an ethereal aura around this mesmerizing man, offering an explanation for why those who judge Ethan solely based on his appearances are left in awe. Ethan's jet-black hair is shimmering with greater intensity, enriched by touch of the sun's warm threads. Ethan's eyes become increasingly piercing… Ryan cannot tear his gaze away either.The always proudly confident boss and his haplessly clumsy assistant stand, their eyes interlocked in a profound connection…"Good morning, Mr. Haug— ahem, sSir!" It clicks. Was it not Ryan himself who lectured about the overrating of appearances, just a day prior? And yet, here he is, contradicting himself. "Good morning, Sir!" He says, pushing aside the allure of his boss's etheral beauty and focus on the matter at hand. "I decided to arrive early today, and begin working, for all the time that had been lost the previous day. One of the guards directed me to this room.""Good morning, Mr. Miller," still chewing a a chunk of trance, Ethan enters the cubicle with deliberate steps, the glass doors sliding shut by themselves. "I appreciate your efforts.""I have spent the night thinking about several ideas for implementing in LOVESICK," Ryan avows nervously, "Would you be interested in hearing them? If you give your approval, I can then develop the specifics and send you the corresponding documents.""Of course. Please proceed," Ethan settles into his plush leather chair behind the imposing mahogany desk."So," Ryan flips through the page of his journal, "When discussing dating apps, the first thing that comes to mind, is undoubtedly love. And within the realm of love, there is a word which is intricately intertwined: myth. Now, I'm not saying myths are inherently negative, but they don't always work for everyone. Sometimes, what we these days know as myths, can evoke euphoria, other times they can be overwhelming."Ethan, relaxing comfortably asks, "What are you exactly proposing?""Let's offer the app two options. We can divide users into two groups: those who accept and can handle, in fact want myths. And those who prefer more balanced, calculated approach. They can choose which category suits them best. If they have trouble categorising themselves, LOVESICK can create a personality quiz to assist them. Of course, like any other quiz, it won't be perfect, but it will at least provide valuable insights, an idea about what choices should they make.""Could you maybe provide some examples, Mr. Miller?""Certainly," Ryan glances at his journal briefly, "For instance, there's a common saying that love means sacrificing everything. Personally, I believe that healthy love involves compromise and mutual support, but it doesn't require sacrificing one's well-being or values necessarily. Both partners should at least try for a balanced relationship. However, someone might completely hold a different perspective. They may romanticise sacrifice, seeing it as a way to both express and receive love. Since love itself has no fixed definition, its aspects and components are equally diverse, varying from person to person.""Hmm. That's a perspective I hadn't anticipated," Ethan marvels, realising that none of his other robotic employees had suggested such an approach. "Unique! Can you provide more examples?"Ryan, slightly displeased, declares. "Jealousy is a sign of love," he continues, "In my opinion, jealousy often stems from insecurity and can lead to controlling and toxic behaviours. Healthy relationships, on the other hand, are built on trust, respect and open communication, rather than just possessiveness. However, once again, some individuals may find jealousy 'endearing', 'adorable', as long as it remains within certain boundaries and is accompanied by certain communication. Although it may be risky, we should not attempt to 'fix' anyone who finds a touch of jealousy enjoyable," Ryan drops his eyes, pondering further,"Another very common myth, myth for me, truth for someone else, is, love means always being together. According to me, it's really not, then again people differ, choices differ. For me, a healthy relationship allows space for individuality and independence.""It seems you have devoted a considerable amount of time thinking about ways to enhance LOVESICK," the CEO commends, "Impressing me is no small feat, others have tried too. But I must admit, I'm impressed."Ryan proudly takes a deep breath, his heart swelling beneath the yellow-white T-shirt. "I gave it my all.""Now, do me another favour, and email me everything you just explained,'' Ethan instructs. "Look, I am solely seeing it from the view of profits. Because your ideas actually have the capability of attracting more users, I am trusting you, since I have no idea or experience about these kinds of things anyway. I'll print them out and create both digital and physical copies for the folders. So, please act promptly.""Um…" Ryan flicks his tongue against his front teeth, "But I don't have a laptop.""Then use your phone?" The dark-haired individual scrunches his face, reducing it from amusement to disdain in no time. "What are you? One time you're the smartest person alive under this roof, and then you say things like these? What kind of nonsense excuse is that?""I wasn't trying to offend you," Ryan hangs his head— does he always have to mess things up, by hook or by crook? "I'll try typing on my phone, but it's challenging to write on such a small screen," Ethan's assistant admits, "If it's not too lengthy, it's still manageable. But these ideas…they're extensive and filled with intricate details.""Damn it!" On the desk between separating them, Ethan forcefully pats his own laptop, "I will handle everything else concerning the folders. You only need to do the typing. Just input the text here," he allows Ryan temporary use of his own laptop for a short period.Expressing his gratitude, Ryan's lips mould into a smile…he takes possession of the laptop and draws it nearer. Just as he is about to open it, he is startled by a sharp whack on his arm and a loud cry of "WAIT!"Caught off guard, Ryan springs up from his chair— his boss can be truly unpredictable at times, "Wh- what's the matter?"In certain instances, Ryan's superior can display a great deal of true unpredictability, causing Ryan to question, stammering, "Wh- what's the matter?""Please excuse me," the older individual retrieves his device, indicating, "I must take care of something immediately first."Ryan takes a few steps backwards, distancing from the chairs, "Calm down," Ethan appears to be guarding a secret, not wanting anyone else to discover it, whatever it may be, but concealing it nonetheless. Further, Ryan adds, "I've learned how to operate desktops and laptops while in school, so rest assured that I won't accidentally delete any of your important files. In any case, I believe that you have backups.""That's not the real issue…" Ethan hastily clicks away at the keyboard, keeping whatever he is working on out of sight from the another pair of eyes towering. "I also don't have the habit of snooping around," Ryan's face breaks into an embarrassed pulp, "Just thought I would mention it.""Can you pleas
"Mr. Haughty…"Bathing the room in a radiance, the morning beams softly trickle through Ethan's majestic floor-to-ceiling windows. Every movement is agonisingly deliberate; Ryan's fingers were trembling when they reached out towards the ornate handle. In Ethan's mind, the brunette's path to the teapot is fraught with danger, unbeknownst to him. But Ethan, ever vigilant or maybe…apprehensive more than 'watchful', senses an impending catastrophe. With one sudden surge of concern, he darts towards Ryan, his long limbs encircling the assistant in a cautious fervour, creating a fortress of warmth and safety— their bodies meld together, their faces impossibly close…again, last time it didn't end well. A single heartbeat echoes like thunder resonating in the wind, within the cage of Ryan's ribs, he is enveloped in Ethan's sturdy embrace. Time stretches out, each second a labyrinth of anticipation. Their eyes lock… and an immutable connection. Strange. In Ethan's arms, Ryan finds solace? A
"HOW DO YOU ASSUME TO REGARD ME?"Uncanny— the CEO's thunderous roar slices through air, reaching unimaginable heights. A decibel so unimaginable, that it can be called uncanny. Ryan staggers, clutching his chest, relieved that he miraculously didn't plummet somehow over the balcony railings, shattering his bones on impact. The jolt rattles the brunette to his core, an uncomfortable stream of intensity shaking him."What on earth has he gotten himself into this time?" The thought prowess only for a split glimpse before the possessor of the doubts dismisses it, convinced that venturing into the lion's den of his boss's affair is not really too much of a wise choice, it will only label him as nosy. A flicker of concern crosses Ryan's face. Should he risk being labelled as an intrusive busybody, meddling in the affairs of others? "No. It's best if I don't," he weighs the potential consequences, conflicting thoughts racing at the back of his mind. But in the fullness of time, Ryan's compas
"So you're just like everyone else, Mr. Miller…"The relentless echoes of words resonate through the walls, each syllable penetrating Ryan's resolve like a thousand knives. And still, the brunette presses on, his feet carrying him forward— at the end of the day, he is a 'good-for-nothing.'But Ryan wouldn't falter. Gracing his fist around the cold steel knob, he refuses to turn back. He refuses to be labelled as just another mediocre soul, destined for insignificance. No, not this time. Not when his heart burns with a fire that no insult could extinguish; from infancy Ryan had learned how to stand straight without letting anyone bend his back.The rhythm of the latter's footsteps quicken, matching the raided heartbeats that thrum in his chest. He could practically taste the displeasure seeping from Ethan's very core, "Go. Just go!" The man seethe, a desperate plea blanketed in a poisonous command.Ryan releases his hand on the doorknob, his body shifting ever so slightly, imperceptible
"And what if he really is my assistant, Sarah?"Gut wrenched, two of the heads cork towards the owner of the speaker— Ethan Smith himself is shoving an ID card to the receptionist, that reads,Name: Ryan Miller Age: 19 yrsDOB: 01/01/20xxSex: maleGender: malePosition: Personal Assistant Address:Contact info: 9176xxxxA chaos brewing in Ryan's heart reaches its tempest tossed crescendo. Doubt and panic titillate his every fibre, rendering him immobile— how the hell did Ethan show up? Ryan is stuck in an agonising limbo. Web of assumptions entangle Ryan's thoughts. Could it be that Taylor, his supposed confidante, betrayed him, snitched on him? Or worse yet, had Ethan, his employer, caught onto the intricate net of deceit he had spun? Followed Ryan because the ravenette doesn't trust his assistant an inch? And if Sarah was playing any treacherous game, the receptionist with secrets concealed beneath her deceptively pretty, innocent face? The infinite possibilities stretch out; poss
Ah, the intriguing enigma that is Ryan. Our tale begins with the cryptic utterance of those words, "I was waiting for you, Ryan."Oh, how now the brunette must be wrestling with Cameron's existential riddle that lies within! What heads or tails is meant by dear Cameron by a proclamation similar to that? How does one usually respond when someone says something like this?With a smirk that could rival the prettiest of art pieces, mocking Ryan's confusion, "Just… you're quite an interesting personality," words drip with honeyed garnishing— the tantalising bait which dangles before our protagonist. And how does Ethan, ever the guardian of propriety, react? With a touch of rudeness of course, barging into their conversation, with what to him seems like righteous indignation, "May I have the pleasure to know why exactly would someone like you be waiting for someone you haven't even known? For MY assistant?" He wants, practically oozing with scepticism up until. Cameron, ever the master of
"I asked him to come a little late today, I don't want him to find out. You told me you will take care of it, did you?" Ethan steadily paces back and forth, clearly riddled with distraught, his mind a tornado of anxiety accompanying frustration. Heavy scent of mahogany permeates in the air, mingling with a rich aroma of caffeine wafting from the untouched cup on his desk, drowning only by a melodious cacophony of faintly chirping birds coming from outside— lines of worry etch themselves deep into Ethan's forehead. "How did Cameron become privy to our visit to the beanery?" An undercurrent of fear rushes through the CEO. Only one explanation remains— the dreaded realisation that Cameron had stumbled upon the publicly shared social media posts when those were yet to be expunged. It was an act of carelessness, a mistake of folly on Ethan's part, and now they are here paying the price. "I'm well aware that it was you who posted the threat on your profile," his voice hushed, Ethan finds h
"Are you, by any chance, single, Ryan?" Jack Bennett asks, "I'm Jack Bennett by the way, you can call me Jack."With bated breath, Ryan had primed himself for what he had thought to be a mundane conversation centred around work, resolving doubts, defending mechanisms. Never did he expect a seemingly innocent inquiry would penetrate the brittle walls of his personal life. Ryan's heartbeats quicken, a forced smile dancing on the dais of Ryan's shivering lips. This unimaginative snooping into Ryan's boundaries had caught him off guard, unsure of how to answer to that. Nervously, his fingers scratch at the transparent top, a futile attempt to ease the dryness that plague his throat. The jug of water sits untouched, a spotlight on Ryan's discomfort— he is self-conscious even when it comes to the simplest jobs like drinking water, if it's to be done in front of everyone."Jack!!" Ethan's voice slices through like a blade. LOVESICK'S strict policy of safeguarding their employees' confidential