"Yes."
After finishing the whole box of sushi, Josh stood by the window and explained:
"The red ones are for the highest rank, for the leaders. The white ones are for regular workers..."
His profile was sharp, with deep-set eyes and a high nose bridge.
His voice was low and clear, and I could see his Adam's apple moving up and down.
The entire atmosphere around him exuded an alluring aura.
I rested my chin in my hands, gazing at him dreamily.
Suddenly, Josh turned around, our eyes met, and he smiled.
In his dark eyes, it felt like countless stars were sparkling.
In that moment, I impulsively leaned forward and kissed him.
But just as Josh began to respond, I suddenly pushed him away.
Pointing to the helmet on my head, I asked, "Do you have any other coworkers who are leaders?"
Josh looked at me with a strange expression and hesitated before answering, "Yes, that's my uncle."
Something felt off, but I couldn't quite place it. Just as I was about to ask more, Josh said, "You still have work this afternoon. Let me take you back."
That's fine.
As Josh and I headed out, the group of workers who had been gathered immediately turned their attention to us.
Feeling the eyes of so many people on me, I couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.
I whispered to him, "Your coworkers are pretty nice, huh? They even walked me out, like I'm the big boss or something."
Josh hesitated and shielded me from their gaze:
"Uh... yeah, they do take care of me most of the time."
"Ah, everyone is so sweet!"
...
In the blink of an eye, Josh and I had been in a passionate relationship for over half a year, and during that time, I successfully obtained my graduation certificate.
Lately, Josh had been acting mysteriously, avoiding eye contact when talking to me.
"What's wrong? Are you hiding something from me?"
Josh, sensing that I was pressing him, finally explained, "I've seen your ID card, and I know your birthday is coming soon. I'm planning a surprise for you."
Hearing that, my heart bloomed with happiness.
Finally, the day of my birthday arrived. When I came home, Josh was standing at the door of my rented apartment holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Eleanor, happy birthday."
Though giving flowers is a bit cliché, that darned sense of ritual still made me feel completely touched.
When I saw he had prepared a candlelight dinner for me, just like in the movies, I was even more delighted.
I hugged his neck and kissed his cheek, "Thank you, Josh."
He smiled with his lips pressed together, "Don't say silly things. I have a gift for you too. Go ahead and open it."
Holding the beautifully wrapped gift box, my heart was racing.
