RYAN'S PUNISHMENT

"Ehem...." A hum from behind made Ryan jump. Suddenly jumped, when he knew the owner of the voice.

Ryan's footsteps were still in tandem with Rendra. Once in a while he rubbed his head which was a little dizzy from hitting the wall because of the shock earlier.

Rendra's silence this time managed to make Ryan's heart race harder, even though it was still quite early in the morning. In fact, there was no response whatsoever when Ryan told them about their meeting schedule today.

Rendra seemed to focus on the document in his hand.

Being ignored like that, made Ryan feel very uncomfortable. He wanted to complain about his boss's attitude to his lover. However, that would only make things more difficult.

After lunch, Ryan was determined to talk to his boss.

"Damn, it's even more stressful when I was about to face a thesis trial." Ryan was still frozen, unsure whether to enter the room in front of him or not.

"Come in!" The voice from inside the room sounded clear to Ryan's ears. He looked behind him, it was only him. That means the order was shown to him, right?

Although hesitating, Ryan finally stepped into the room that felt hot. When he lifted his head, his boss was staring intently at him. Immediately he lowered his gaze back, choosing to stare at the floor that looks so shiny.

"Maybe I'd better say sorry first." Ryan was at war with his mind.

"Sir, I-"

"I don't need your apologies. I just want an explanation that makes sense to me!" Before Ryan could finish his sentence, his boss spoke loudly.

"I—I'm sorry, Sir." Ryan looked down.

"Are you deaf or are my words difficult to understand?" Rendra spoke again.

Oh my gosh malika, why do you have to be this crazy tiger cousin. What will happen if I become his cousin-in-law?

"I—I forgot to charge my cell phone, Sir. While I was looking for Malika my phone went off." Ryan couldn't possibly tell the real truth. He didn't want to involve Malika in this.

"Tch, how big is your love for my cousin? Even in a situation like this you are still defending him." Rendra huffed in annoyance. "Apparently love has made you willing to accept heavy punishment from me," he added with a smile full of intimidation.

"Aren't you also being weird because of a woman? Ryan wanted to say those words, but he still wanted to survive that feeling.

"You're not a reckless person, Ryan. Your phone never runs out of battery. In fact, you are never left behind from your charger and powerbank." The sentence that managed to make Ryan not move. He forgot that his boss was a very conscientious person.

"Okay, if you really choose to defend your lover. Even though without you defending, I already knew that what happened yesterday was Malika's idea." Rendra got up from his proud chair. He approached the assistant and stood right beside him.

"I won't give you heavy punishment. You are enough to make Aleeta fall in love with me. Think of a way we can get closer." Rendra patted Ryan on the shoulder several times before he actually left the room.

Meanwhile, Ryan was still glued to his place. Take a look at the boss's words. His brain was deep in thought. After fully realizing what Rendar said, the man immediately ran after the boss.

"Sir, can't the punishment be replaced with another one? Pretend to be you on a blind date, maybe." The man's breath was slightly out of breath as he walked beside Rendra.

"Still dare to bid? That will be your main task now. Blind dating is just a side job for you, but you still have to do it." Rendara smiled with satisfaction when he saw the assistant's pale face.

The sun had disappeared below the horizon in the west. Leaving behind the darkening clouds. The street lights had been on since this afternoon, but the city streets were still quite congested. Today was quite tiring for Ryan. Even when the clock showed 23:00 WIB, the man's eyes still hadn't closed. His brain was still working hard, thinking about the boss's request.

"Oh, God. Why is my life so complicated? Not only thinking about my love problems, now I have to think about other people's love problems. Good grief." Ryan ruffled his hair. "Ah, depends on how tomorrow. I'm tired today." Ryan immediately turned off the room light and curled up under the blanket. "Hopefully tonight I can dream of getting the idea to unite Rendra and Aleeta."

That afternoon the sun was hot. When Ryan made an appointment with Aleeta. Miraculously the woman accepted his lunch invitation with ease. Maybe God had pity on the man, thus making it easier for him to carry out an almost impossible mission from his superiors.

Ryan's footsteps answered each other with Rendra. He had to admit that his boss was very handsome. However, it is his very annoying attitude that keeps women away. Except for Aleeta, a woman who was cold and seemed to keep her distance from the first meeting with Rendra.

Aleeta looked serious with her tablet when they entered the restaurant where they had agreed. However, he immediately saved it as soon as he realized the presence of Rendra and Ryan.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Ryan shook Aleeta's hand smiling. The woman greeted him with a faint smile curving on her face.

"It's okay, I just arrived," said Aleeta before sitting back down. Of course, after shaking Rendra's hand too.

Rendra was impressed only as a audience. Without a word he said upon arriving. Just watching Ryan and Aleeta who are busy talking about the project they will be working on together.

"Sorry, I have to answer this call." Ryan say goodbye after his cell phone rang. Walked a little away leaving Aleeta and her boss as planned. Actually it wasn't an incoming call, just the alarm he had set before meeting the woman earlier.

"It seems that Mr. Rendra is also very busy," Aleeta muttered in a barely audible voice.

Rendra smiled hearing that. "Of course. How do you think a company of that size can grow and survive? Of course with the contribution of Mr. Rendra who works hard like a horse. Even on holidays he still works."

"Oh," replied Aleeta looking nonchalant. Of course he knew very well how busy a CEO could be without an explanation from him. Isn't he doing the same thing?

Rendra looked surprised by Aleeta's answer. Of course he wouldn't have guessed the short answer that seemed indifferent.

A moment later Ryan was back. An annoyed expression was clearly visible on Rendra's face when he saw his assistant return quickly.