A Shift in the Air

Lisa spent the rest of the day avoiding Felix.

She kept herself busy with work, only speaking to him when absolutely necessary. No small talk. No teasing. Just business.

And she could tell he noticed.

Every time she handed him a report, his sharp eyes lingered on her for a second too long. When she walked past his office, she could feel his gaze following her.

But he never said anything.

And that annoyed her more than it should have.

"If this is what he wanted, why does he keep looking at me like that?"

Felix leaned back in his chair, watching Lisa from his glass-walled office.

Something had changed.

She was still doing her job perfectly. Still smiling at the other employees. Still moving through the office like a bright light.

But with him?

She was different.

No teasing remarks. No playful glares. No little huffs when he ignored her.

It was as if she had switched off whatever warmth she used to direct at him.

And for some reason, it bothered him.

"Why does it feel like I lost something?"

Lisa stepped into the break room to grab coffee, only to freeze.

Felix was already there.

For a second, neither of them spoke.

Then, Felix glanced at her and said, "We're running low on coffee beans."

Lisa nodded. "I'll tell the supply team."

Silence.

Lisa grabbed her coffee and turned to leave, but—

"Lisa."

She stopped.

His voice wasn't as cold this time.

Slowly, she turned back. "Yes?"

Felix studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable.

Then, he said, "You're acting different."

Lisa blinked.

She hadn't expected him to say it out loud.

She forced a small smile. "I'm just focusing on work, Boss. Isn't that what you wanted?"

Felix's jaw tightened.

Lisa's heart pounded, waiting for him to say something.

Anything.

But after a long pause, he simply said, "Good."

Lisa's chest tightened.

She nodded and walked away, pretending it didn't hurt.