BAIT🥹

THE WAY HE LOOKS AT HER

The next morning, Sophia entered the building with a calmness she didn’t feel. She clutched her bag tightly against her chest, inhaling deeply as she walked past the reception. Her heart was still misbehaving—still remembering the way Hash had spoken to her in the car, the way his voice had softened, the way he said you’re different like it meant something.

She barely slept.

Every time she closed her eyes, his face came back.

His tone.

His gaze.

And the way her name sounded in his mouth—quiet, careful, like he was testing it.

She shook her head sharply.

This is work.

This is your job.

Don’t be stupid, Sophia. Don’t let your heart destroy you.

She repeated it over and over until she reached the elevator.

But the moment she stepped onto the fifth floor, the words evaporated.

Her steps slowed. Her chest tightened.

Hash was there.

Right there.

Standing beside Mrs. Kate’s desk, leaning slightly, one hand in his pocket while he gave instructions. His presence alone shifted the whole atmosphere of the department. Workers sat straighter, breathed quieter, moved slower—like even the air had to behave around him.

He never visited this department unnecessarily. Never.

Why today?

Sophia froze halfway through the hallway.

Mrs. Kate turned first, her eyes narrowing a fraction before she tried to mask it. Then Hash’s gaze followed hers.

And their eyes met.

The ground didn’t shake.

The building didn’t collapse.

But something inside Sophia did.

Hash didn’t blink.

Didn’t look away.

Didn’t pretend he wasn’t staring at her with that unreadable intensity.

He watched her walk toward them like she was the only human being in that entire company.

Sophia’s breath caught. Her palms grew warm. She tried to compose her face into something professional, something neutral, but her heart had other plans—beating so fast it felt like tiny fists pounding against her ribs.

Mrs. Kate cleared her throat loudly.

“Good morning, Mr. Hash,” she said, forcing a polite smile.

Hash didn’t look at her.

He only nodded… eyes still on Sophia.

Sophia swallowed and forced her voice out.

“Good morning, sir.”

His reply came slower, lower… unexpectedly gentle.

“Morning, Sophia.”

Mrs. Kate’s brows twitched. That tone—she had never heard it directed at anyone. Ever.

Sophia tried not to melt into the floor.

Hash finally tore his gaze away and looked down at the document Mrs. Kate had been holding.

“I hope,” he said calmly, “her workload today is reasonable.”

Mrs. Kate stiffened, almost offended. “Yes, sir. She has what she needs to handle.”

Hash’s jaw tightened slightly, as if he didn’t believe her.

His eyes drifted back to Sophia—just for a breath, but it was enough to make her feel like he was checking if she agreed… or if she was being mistreated again.

And then, without breaking eye contact, he said the words that froze everyone in the room:

“If anything becomes too much, email my office.”

The entire department went silent.

Mrs. Kate blinked rapidly.

Employees exchanged glances.

A pen dropped somewhere.

Nobody could believe what they just heard.

Hash —the strictest, coldest, most emotionally unavailable superior in the building—had just given a junior staff permission to contact him directly.

Directly.

Sophia nodded slowly, her throat tight. “Yes, sir.”

His expression shifted—just slightly. Softer around the edges. Almost relieved she responded.

Mrs. Kate plastered a tight smile. “Of course, sir. She’ll be fine.”

Hash didn’t acknowledge her.

He pushed away from the desk, straightening his suit jacket before heading towards the hallway. But the moment he passed Sophia, he paused—not enough to be obvious, but enough for her heart to skip.

Their shoulders didn’t touch, but the nearness… the quiet tension… the soft exchange of breath… it made her dizzy.

He didn’t say anything, but the look he gave her—subtle, lingering, filled with something she couldn’t name—said more than words could.

Then he walked away.

And the entire department erupted in whispers the second he disappeared around the corner.

“Oh my God—did you see—” “He has never spoken like that to anyone.” “Why was he looking at her like that?” “What’s going on between them?” “Is she… special?”

Mrs. Kate’s face turned stone cold as she slammed files onto her desk.

“Sophia,” she snapped sharply. “Follow me now.”

Sophia flinched. “Yes, ma’am.”

Kate marched into her office, and Sophia followed quickly, shutting the door behind them.

Kate stared at her with pointed anger. “What exactly is going on between you and Mr. Hale?”

Sophia’s heart dropped. “No-nothing, ma’am. I swear.”

Kate scoffed. “Don’t lie to me. He has worked in this company for years. He doesn’t smile. He doesn’t chat. He doesn’t interfere. And now he’s suddenly interested in your workload?”

Her voice sharpened. “Did you tell him I overwork you? Did you complain?”

Sophia shook her head immediately. “No, ma’am! I didn’t say anything. He just… noticed.”

Kate didn’t believe her. Her expression twisted.

“Listen to me.” Her voice lowered dangerously. “Whatever this is, end it. Immediately. Do you understand?”

Sophia’s chest tightened. “But ma’am, there is nothing—”

“I don’t care!” Kate slammed the table. “Don’t get close to him. Don’t talk to him. Don’t allow him to ‘notice’ you. I won’t let you ruin what I’ve built here.”

Sophia froze.

Ruin… what?

Kate took a step closer, eyes burning. “Stay away from him. I’m warning you.”

Sophia swallowed hard, nodding even though her heart felt heavy.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” Kate straightened her blouse. “Now return to your desk.”

Sophia walked out silently, but as she sat down, she felt a strange mix of fear… and something else.

Something warm.

Something dangerous.

Something she couldn’t stop even if she wanted to.

Because the truth was simple:

Hash was noticing her.

And Sophia was starting to notice him too.

More than she should.

More than she planned.

More than she could control.