Unwritten chemistry in his eyes

I straightened my blazer for the third time in five minutes, but no amount of tugging could make me feel less like an imposter. Through the glass wall of the interview room, I could see him-Daniel Ross. Calm, composed, laser-focused on his laptop screen. "Relax, Maggie. Just be yourself."That’s what HR told me. The door opened with a soft click, and the HR manager gave me an encouraging nod. “Daniel will see you now.”No turning back.I stepped inside, smoothing my sweaty palms against my pants. Daniel slightly stood up, offering his hand with a warm smile. Until now I realized how tall he was-easily over six feet—with the kind of lean build that suggested he spent more time buried in research papers than at the gym. Yet, there was a quiet strength to him, the kind that came from standing for hours over lab benches and hauling heavy equipment without complaint.His hair, a mess of soft, dark brown curls, looked perpetually disheveled, as if he had run his hands through it one too m

My first week had gone by fast. I was doing my best—memorizing protocols, organizing reagents—but at least I hadn’t spilled anything catastrophic or contaminated anything. Yet. I still haven't met all my colleagues in the lab. In other words, I also need time to identify their faces to match names.I glanced toward Liam, who was bent over his workstation. He’d been patient all week, teaching me how to handle measurements without making me feel like an idiot. But honestly, part of the job was… exhausting. The machines didn’t always listen, and when they didn’t, patience became the name of the game. Blood samples occasionally got stuck in the system, and when that happened, we had to call engineering to fix it, to not breaking the entire system.Eva, on the other hand, made things feel seamless. She was like the lab’s unofficial guide to keeping Daniel from firing anyone. Around her, the lab always felt less like work and more like being coached by a cool older sister.Daniel, though? D

The hum of the centrifuge faded into the background as I sent the data file on my laptop. The numbers blurred slightly, but I kept my eyes glued to the screen. It was easier to focus on the test results than the tightness in my chest that had been lingering all morning.But I couldn’t ignore it forever.I glanced at my phone, face down next to the pipette rack. I hadn’t checked it since lunch, and for good reason.Still, I flipped it over.3 missed calls – MumMy stomach twisted. I tapped the screen, scrolling the message waiting with the missed calls."You’re avoiding me. Don’t forget what today is."I didn’t need the reminder. I knew exactly what today was. How could I forget?Four years.“You were supposed to pick his call.”I closed the message, locking the screen before the memory could drag me under.Eva’s voice broke through the fog.“Hey, we are going to the kitchen for a coffee break. You want to join?” She lingered at the bench next to mine.I forced a smile. “I’ll catch up

The apartment smelled of tea and cookies as I walked through the door. I didn’t realize how tense my shoulders were until I stepped inside and let the door click shut behind me. Compared to the frozen weather outside, stepping inside felt like heaven.I sighed, long and heavy.“Hey, you’re home early,” Claire’s voice drifted from the kitchen.I set my bag down by the door and followed the scent of tea. Claire sat cross-legged on the countertop, stirring milk into a steaming mug.“It’s Friday,” I replied, leaning against the doorframe.She grinned, handing me a cup. “I know you—tea with lots of milk, no sugar.” Claire had this way of anticipating things—like she could read people without them saying a word.I took a sip, feeling the warmth settle in my chest."you are the first person I know who adds most milk in the tea." she said softly, hopping down from the counter, "you look like you need it."I raised an eyebrow. “Is that your polite way of telling me I look terrible?”“I didn't

The lab felt louder than usual. Maybe it was just the contrast to the quiet of the weekend—or maybe I was imagining things.I slipped through the main entrance, my eyes drifting toward the office area—the seat that Daniel usually sat. Empty. I let out a breath, adjusting the strap of my bag over my shoulder.Okay. No weird eye contact today. It’s just Monday.I made my way to the locker, dumping my bag. Too little sleep and too much overthinking from the night before settling in my chest.It was fine. Saturday had just been one of those awkward moments. Daniel probably didn’t even think about it.As I walked from the locker area back to the kitchen, I heard footsteps—and laughter—from down the entrance.I turned my head slightly.There they were.Daniel and Eva, walking in together.I blinked. Did they… come in together?Eva tucked her hair behind her ear as she spoke, leaning in just a little closer to Daniel. Whatever she said made him smile. Not his usual polite nod, but a real, ea