The Rat got the job

(Seph's POV)

"Thank you so much, Ate Sasha." I expressed my gratitude to ate Sasha. She's one of my neighbors and also the closest one to me aside from his husband, kuya Adon.

(A/n: Ate means older sister. Pronounce as Ah-Te.")

She gave me a wide smile. "You're welcome. Now go inside before the cold night air gets to you."

"Yes. You too, take care."

We exchanged smiles before I closed the creaking metal door of my temporary shelter. I walked towards my wooden cot to put down my only sling bag and then went to the small wooden table to place the plate of food that Ate Sasha had given me.

The kindness of my neighbors always eases my exhaustion. Ate Sasha is ten years older than me, already married with kids. It's really heartwarming how she's kind to everyone here.

I am deeply grateful that my neighbors have a sense of compassion. I've been staying here for a few months now, so I've become familiar with the people around me, and I can confidently say that most of them are kind—not all, but the majority.

I started unbuttoning my polo but stopped midway when my phone rang. I took it out from my pocket and read the message.

From: Stef

Kuya, Mom is asking about you. She said to take care and not overwork yourself. We miss you, Kuya. :3

I let out a deep sigh. I had no balance left to reply since I used up all of my load this afternoon. I hesitated to reload because my money might not last until next month, especially because I had just sent my paycheck to Mom earlier, the salary from my side job at the convenience store nearby. As for the companies I applied to today, there was still no confirmation.

I suddenly remembered what happened yesterday at the last company I applied to. My cheeks flushed in embarrassment, but I shook it off.

"The CEO was probably drunk yesterday." I exhaled and lightly patted my cheeks. "You did the right thing, Seph. That was the right thing to do."

I reached into my old pants' pocket for the remaining money I had. I pouted when I saw that only one fifty-peso bill was left in my budget.

"Never mind, I can go a few days without eating." I muttered to myself before putting back the bill in my pocket.

I could manage. I had no choice because I couldn't touch the money I had set aside, as that was meant for my fare back home to the province once I received the response from those companies where I applied.

I was about to continue taking off my polo when I heard a loud knock on the metal door of my makeshift shelter. Curious, I quickly approached the door to open it, thinking it might be Ate Sasha coming to retrieve the plate.

"Ate Sasha, I haven't transferred the food y—" I stopped mid-sentence as I opened the door after seeing the person standing proudly in front of me. "Y-you're the..."

She rolled her eyes while snapping her fingers in the air. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm the one and only gorgeous CEO from yesterday."

"A-ah..." I swallowed hard. "Right."

"Aren't you going to invite me in? Like, it's already dark outside." She asked, one of her eyebrows raised as if she judged everything about me already the moment she saw me.

"W-what are you doing here?"

She gave me a once-over from head to toe before smirking and running her fingers across my exposed chest, making me flinch.

"Nice chest, very manly." She bit her lower lip and winked. "Is this your way of seducing me back?"

I hurriedly covered my bare chest, my face turning red in embarrassment as I widened my eyes at her.

"W-what? N-no—"

"Then excuse my beauty, I'm coming in." She cut me off and brushed past me, striding in with her head held high.

I followed her as she stopped in the middle of the room, scanning her surroundings. She pouted her lips and crossed her arms under her chest, looking unimpressed at every part of my small home that her gaze landed on.

"Hmn... Organized, even though this place sucks." She ran a finger along the plastic drawer on the side, inspected her finger, then raised an eyebrow. "Clean and neat, but everything is low quality. Easily destroyed by storms, easily burned in fires."

She stopped and faced me with a raised chin. I even took a step back when she snapped her fingers on my face.

"In short, you're living in a very cheap house that everyone calls a 'barong-barong.'"

I frowned. O-kay? Is she insulting me?

"What are you doing here?" I repeated my earlier question, ignoring her insults.

She gasped dramatically, even clutching her chest in disbelief.

"Well, hello to you too, Mr. Lazaro?" She said sarcastically while fanning herself with her hand. "My god, what kind of question is that? You should be happy to see me. How rude of you."

She was dressed decently now, unlike yesterday when she was only in a robe with lingerie underneath. Now, she looked sophisticated, standing before me as if she weren't the same woman I met yesterday. One look, and I could tell that everything she wore was expensive—from her clothes and shoes to the branded bag. Her earrings, necklace, and watch glimmered with what seemed to be diamonds.

Yes, she was indeed the CEO I met yesterday. I've never met someone as elegant and luxurious as her.

"Omg, can you please stop staring at me like that? I'm getting attracted."

I swallowed nervously. "H-have a seat." I gestured to the wooden cot.

She raised an eyebrow at me but still sat down, crossing her legs. However, the look on her face showed her obvious disgust, as if she was reluctant to sit there.

"I really didn't expect you to be poorer than a rat, Mr. Lazaro."

I didn't respond immediately. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't insulted, but I just let it go. It was true, after all.

Her head tilted slightly as if she was reading my thoughts.

"I know you have a question in mind." She raised an eyebrow. "Go on, ask me."

Despite my hesitation, I gathered my courage.

"I just want to know why you're here and how you found out where I live."

"I read your resume yesterday, and I came here to tell you that you're hired."

She said it so nonchalantly, but my heart nearly jumped in excitement. I'm hired? I got the job? I have work now!

B-but...

"Y-you didn't have to come all the way here just to tell me that."

There's such a thing as texting or calling, right? My number was on my resume. Besides, this area was dangerous—it was an alleyway where crimes like robbery frequently happened.

She frowned, looking genuinely confused by my reaction.

"Don't you want to see my gorgeous face again?"

I was speechless. Her tone sounded pouty and disbelieving. Gorgeous face? Okay. She wasn't lying, but did she really have to say it so bluntly?

"Ahm... I-I just didn't expect it."

A proud smile spread across her lips as she twirled the ends of her orange hair.

"Well, of course. No poor guy like you would ever expect a rich goddess like me to visit. Like, you're so lucky to have a boss like me. I even offered you a friendly massage. Don't you know how much it hurt my ego when you declined?"

F-friendly massage?

I gasped upon remembering the massage she was referring to and discreetly covered my manhood when she bit her lower lip harder while letting her eyes roam over my body.

Was it just me, or was she practically assaulting me with her gaze?

"It's late. Do you want me to walk you to the jeepney stop?" I changed the topic.

"Jeep?" She grimaced. "You mean that cheap, long transportation vehicle with no air conditioning but full of air pollution and sweaty commuters instead?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"Oh, no thanks." She flipped her hair. "Don't worry, honey. I came with my best friend here, and we have a car."

A car? Aren't they afraid of getting robbed?

I was about to say something when her phone rang. She took it from her expensive bag. Her phone was bigger and fancier than mine, which I had been using for years.

She quickly read a message before shaking her head, putting her phone back in her bag as she stand up.

"I have to go."

I quickly got up and walked to the door.

"I-I'll walk you out." I opened the flimsy metal door for her.

"No need."

"B-but it's dangerous outside—"

I froze in place when she grabbed my collar, and before I knew it, her lips brushed against my cheek. Her long nails traced along my jawline as if outlining it.

"I'll see you in my office, Seph." She whispered seductively before walking away with a smirk.

I stood still for a few seconds before my brain finally processed what had just happened. Feeling my face heat up in embarrassment, I quickly covered it with both hands.

"What is her problem?" I stomped my foot in frustration at her antics.

How am I supposed to face her tomorrow? I'm too embarrassed to see her! Doesn't she feel awkward at all?

***

I swallowed hard as I stared at her building. I knew it was still early since it is only eight in the morning, but what could I do? She didn't give me a specific time. Besides, my anxiety from the day I applied for the job had doubled—not because I was afraid of making mistakes at work, but because of my boss.

I vividly remember how I scrubbed my cheek with soap last night, trying to erase the imprint of her lipstick. It wouldn't come off with just one wash. I was terrified of what else she might do to me as soon as I started at this job. I barely got any sleep thinking about her and her behavior—she was too bold. I kept wondering if taking this job was a mistake. Every time I recalled the CEO's actions, I always had second thoughts.

I really wanted to back out and reject the job, but then I remembered how hard I worked to find a decent one. More importantly, I thought of my mother and my siblings. As the eldest, I had to support them and make sure they had food and an education.

So, without hesitation, I walked into her building.

"Good morning." I greeted everyone I passed by.

When I reached the floor where her office was—the same place where we first met—I went straight to the front desk to announce my arrival. Most of the employees here were men, which made me feel somewhat comfortable.

The receptionist was also a man, leaning back in a swivel chair with his feet propped up on the desk, playing a mobile game on his phone.

At first glance, he didn't seem like an employee. Aside from the fact that he was undeniably handsome, his floral polo and slacks looked expensive.

"Hi, good morning," I greeted. "I'm Seph. I'd like to speak with the CEO. Is she in?"

He tore his gaze away from his phone to look at me. His eyebrows rose as he scanned me up and down, as if confused by my presence.

"She's still in a meeting."

"A-ah, I see." I scratched my head. "Do you know when she'll be done?"

He frowned at me as if annoyed by my question. "Did you book an appointment with her? Because I'm pretty sure I haven't seen the name 'Seph' in her appointment logbook."

"No, but—"

"Then I'm sorry, but I can't help you, dude. Vero specifically said not to disturb her today because she has a lot of shitloads to do."

D-dude? What kind of office employee talks like that? He addressed the CEO like they were classmates—no 'Miss' or 'Ma'am' at all.

"But…" I looked down.

"You can just wait for her if you want." He went back to his game.

I blinked a few times before nodding. "Okay. I'll wait."

"Suit yourself."

Left with no other choice, I sat on the bench in front of the front desk and did as he said—which is to wait.

(Third Person's POV)

The door to the meeting room in Veronica's company swung open.

One by one, the investors and a few of her employees exited, along with Veronica herself, who was too focused on explaining something to one of them.

"I want these papers finalized by the weekend so we can start the project." She ordered the man holding the folders.

"Yes, Miss Vero."

"Don't 'yes-yes' me if you're not actually going to finish it. Are you just trying to impress me?" She rolled her eyes, making the man blush in embarrassment.

The investors and employees laughed, but they quickly fell silent when they saw Veronica's unimpressed expression as she crossed her arms.

She even muttered, "WTF?" before rolling her eyes, completely unconcerned that she was with investors.

"I didn't say that to make you laugh. I was asking him a question, you dimwits." She clicked her tongue before shaking her head. "Now, finish the tasks I gave you this week, or I'll fire all of you."

"Yes, Miss!"

"Well then, if you have nothing else to say, get the hell out of my sight."

In less than a second, her employees scattered as if they had disappeared into thin air. The investors, now her official business partners, chuckled.

"I really can't believe I'm officially one of your business partners now, young Verdan." Said one of her investors, it's a short old man with a large belly.

"Same. I can't believe it either." She smiled insincerely and shook his hand. "Don't you have work to do, Mr. Sy?"

The old man laughed before shaking his head. "Don't worry, I have tons of work today."

"Then why are you still here? Leave already." She shooed him away together with the other investors.

Instead of being offended, they laughed again before bidding her farewell. She nodded but didn't bother seeing them off—not even to the elevator. Her? Escort someone? Hell would freeze over before that happened.

Smirking, she flipped her hair back and turned to the front desk, slamming her hand on it.

"Hey, douchebag, what's next on my schedule?"

Theodore lazily glanced at the computer, his feet still on the desk.

"Inspection of the ongoing construction of one of our new projects."

"We have plenty of new projects, stupid. Which one?"

Theo rolled his eyes. "The Verde IV condominium in Pasay city."

She nodded, then accidentally glanced toward the waiting area.

"Theodore? When did that poor guy arrive?" She pointed at the young man sitting there with his head down.

"Since 8 AM. And please, Vero, just call me Theo."

She turned to him. "What?"

"He's been waiting for exactly…" Theo checked his watch. "Five hours, 16 minutes, and 28 seconds. It's already twelve fifty-four PM."

Vero's lips parted before she turned back to Seph.

She bit her lip, her gaze darkening. "He's hot."

Theo groaned. "Then go, bite him already."

She grinned. "Asshole."

"Bitch."

She ignored Theo and strode toward Seph, her heels clicking with every step.

She was excited. For the first time, a man excited her.

As her feet stopped right in front of the sleeping Seph, she knelt down before him without hesitation. She didn't care that her revealing dress would expose something it shouldn't with just a slight bend. 

"Vero? What are you doing?" Theo asked in confusion, peeking from the front desk. 

She ignored her friend, a smirk forming on her lips as her hands slowly trailed up the thighs of the man sitting with his legs crossed. Her fingers wandered over his black slacks, inch by inch, teasingly slow. 

When she finally reached his belt—its color faded from age—her nail accidentally snagged on it as she attempted to undo it. 

"What do we have here?" She tapped her fingers against it and giggled. 

She licked her lips, her gaze traveling up to Seph's face, which remained peacefully bowed in sleep. 

"Someone needs my 'friendly massage' for being a very good boy." She purred before pulling down the zipper of his slacks. But the moment she caught sight of his boxer briefs, her eyes widened in surprise. 

"Oh, hello there, big boy." She chuckled. "I'll do it with my lips." 

"What the actual fuck, Veronica?!" Theo shouted. 

Theo immediately jumped up, hurriedly running toward them and yanking her away from the unsuspecting, sleeping man. 

"Oh, c'mon, Theo! Don't be such a killjoy!" She protested, laughing. 

"No! You're being crazy again!" 

"Let me go!" 

Theo's grip on Veronica's waist tightened. "No!" 

"Theodore!" 

"One more word, Veronica, and I'll tell your brother!" 

Veronica let out a frustrated scream as Theo carried her away by the waist. 

"Get off me! Theo!" 

They were just about to leave when someone grabbed Theo's shoulder—only for him to be met with a solid punch. 

"Oh my gosh!" Veronica gasped as Theo dropped her. 

Theo fell to the floor, clutching his jaw, glaring at the owner of the fist that had just landed on him. 

"Are you okay, ma'am?" Seph asked as he turned to Veronica. 

"Oh my gosh!" She gasped again. 

But it wasn't because of the punch—her eyes were now locked onto Seph's boxer briefs. 

"That's a lot bigger than I thought." She murmured with a giggle as she tried to picture in her head the monster hiding beneath that boxer. 

"W-what—" Seph stammered, eyes darting between his slacks on the floor and the two people before him. In a panic, he quickly snatched up his pants. "W-why—why…" He turned away, utterly flustered. 

"Sorry." She bit her lip, as always. "I can't help it. It looks delicious, though." She ran her tongue over her lips. 

Seph's entire face burned red with embarrassment, steam practically rising from his skin. He slapped both hands over his face. 

'Dear floor, just swallow me whole please. I want to disappear.' He silently pleaded.