The hum of keyboards and soft footsteps filled the elegant office floor of Veerayut Corporations. Morning sunlight spilled through the wide glass windows, bathing everything in golden warmth. Employees bustled around with coffee cups and files, but two young men leaned casually near the corner of the executive wing — eyes slyly trained on a particular glass cabin down the hall.
Thanwa sipped a cold drink from the office vending machine, nudging his brother Pakorn with his elbow.
"She's back at her desk," Thanwa muttered, a small smirk playing on his lips.
Pakorn followed his gaze, eyes landing on Aarohi, who was seated across the glass cubicle, organizing her files, unaware of the two pairs of mischievous eyes watching her.
"Yep," Pakorn said, leaning against the wall casually. "And look at big bro—he's been staring at his laptop for five minutes and hasn't typed a single word."
Thanwa tried to hide a grin. "You think it's because he's still thinking about the elevator incident?"
Pakorn chuckled. "Still thinking? I bet he replayed that moment like a hundred times last night. Did you see the way he caught her? Full-on hero moment."
Thanwa laughed under his breath. "Yeah, and then froze like a statue while she stared up at him. If I hadn't said anything, they might've stayed like that forever."
"I swear," Pakorn said dramatically, crossing his arms, "I heard music playing in the background. Like, cinematic music. It was destiny, bro."
The two brothers burst into muffled laughter, quickly covering their mouths when a junior employee passed by, giving them a strange look.
Then, Pakorn nudged Thanwa again, this time more serious. "But jokes aside… did you notice something in Rithvik's face today? Like, he felt something."
Thanwa nodded, looking toward their older brother's cabin. "Yeah. I saw that too. A flicker of emotion. He looked… human again. Less cold."
Pakorn's voice dropped lower, thoughtful. "Do you think she's the one?"
Thanwa paused before responding. "Maybe. It's too soon to tell, but if she is… then we can't just sit back and wait. We've got to do something."
Pakorn's eyes gleamed. "You read my mind. Operation Love Across the Horizon is officially a go."
Thanwa raised a brow. "That's a cheesy name."
Pakorn shrugged, grinning. "Suits the drama. You can't deny the romantic tension. Yesterday, the whole office was buzzing. 'Did you see Mr. Rithvik catch the new intern?' 'He actually touched someone?' 'He SMILED?!'"
Thanwa laughed. "They acted like they saw a unicorn."
Then, they both turned serious.
"I want him to be happy, Pakorn," Thanwa said quietly, watching Rithvik flip through documents distractedly.
"I know," Pakorn replied, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. "He's always been there for us. Took over Dad's empire. Gave up so much. But he shut his heart long ago. Aarohi might be the light he doesn't know he needs."
Thanwa nodded. "Then we help them. Slowly. Gently. No rushing."
"Agreed." Pakorn smiled. "But also... let's have a little fun. You distract Rithvik later. I'll assign Aarohi to assist him with his reports."
"You mean force proximity strategy?" Thanwa grinned.
"Exactly." Pakorn winked. "Classic romance plot device. Always works."
And just like that, the mischievous yet well-meaning brothers clinked their coffee cups like swords before heading back to their respective departments — planning to rewrite their brother's lonely destiny.
Operation Love? Officially underway.
---
Scene: Subtle Moves and Silent Schemes
Aarohi had just settled into her seat after organizing her desk, the soft hum of office life surrounding her — printer whirring, people chatting lightly in the break corner, phones ringing distantly. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, preparing to start the day's assignments, when two shadows loomed beside her desk.
She turned to see Thanwa and Pakorn, smiling a little too sweetly.
"Umm… morning?" Aarohi greeted cautiously.
"Morning!" Pakorn chirped. "Rith—I mean, sir is calling you."
Aarohi blinked. "Sir? Mr. Rithvik?"
Thanwa nodded seriously. "Yes, he just said he needs help urgently."
She immediately stood up, concern flickering across her face. "Okay, I'll go."
Thanwa and Pakorn stepped back, trying hard to hold in their smirks. Aarohi rushed toward the executive office, her heels clicking softly against the marble tiles. As she approached Rithvik's door, she knocked gently.
"Sir, may I come in?"
Inside, Rithvik Veerayut had been reviewing an important document when he heard the knock. Looking up, his expression flickered — a brief surprise when he saw Aarohi standing there.
"Yes. Come in," he said, voice calm.
Aarohi entered, nervous. "Sir, you called me?"
Rithvik raised an eyebrow. "I did?"
She paused. "Your brothers told me you needed help…"
He glanced sharply toward the frosted glass panel beside his door. And there they were — Thanwa and Pakorn, crouched like cartoon villains, peeking through the corner with exaggerated 'we're not here' faces.
Rithvik exhaled silently, his sharp instincts catching on instantly. So they're at it again, he thought.
He glanced back at Aarohi, who stood there sincerely waiting, clearly unaware of the prank.
"No," Rithvik said smoothly, "But since you're here, take this file to Manager Pim. She's waiting on it."
"O-oh, yes sir," she said, a little embarrassed.
He handed her a slim folder — his fingers accidentally brushing against hers. It lasted barely a second, but something stirred in both of them. Aarohi's breath hitched just slightly; Rithvik's gaze lingered a fraction too long before he looked away.
She quickly took the file and nodded, "I'll give it to her right away."
As Aarohi turned and walked out, she noticed Thanwa and Pakorn darting to the side like two kids caught stealing cookies.
Rithvik leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.
"They've lost their minds," he muttered under his breath, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. A small, hidden curve. One that hadn't appeared in years.
---
Scene: The Interrogation
As soon as Aarohi exited the room, Rithvik's voice called out, calm but edged with authority:
> "Thanwa. Pakorn. Inside. Now."
The two brothers froze mid-sneak.
Thanwa's eyes widened. "Bro… did he just…?"
Pakorn gulped dramatically. "He used that tone. We're dead."
They slowly turned toward the glass door, trying to look as innocent as possible, straightening their shirts and putting on sheepish smiles as if they were just passing by.
> Click.
The door opened. Rithvik stood at the entrance, arms folded, one eyebrow arched.
> "Should I ask, or will you confess?"
Thanwa looked at Pakorn.
Pakorn looked at Thanwa.
Neither spoke.
> "Inside. Both of you," Rithvik said again, voice cool like ice.
Like guilty puppies, they slinked into the office.
---
Inside the Lion's Den – Rithvik's Office
Rithvik returned to his chair, calmly flipping through a file while both brothers stood like school kids awaiting scolding. The silence was heavy for a few moments.
Then:
> "So?" Rithvik asked without looking up. "What exactly were you two doing outside? Taking a survey on office flooring? Or are you applying for security guard jobs?"
Thanwa cleared his throat. "Actually… we were just… admiring the modern glass aesthetics. Great transparency. Very feng shui."
Rithvik glanced up, unimpressed.
Pakorn jumped in. "And also, uh, we were practicing stealth. You know, for our mental health—like how monks stay silent."
Rithvik leaned back slowly, locking his fingers together under his chin.
> "Funny. Because to me, it looked like two overgrown kids trying to eavesdrop on a private conversation."
Pakorn scratched the back of his neck. "Well technically… we weren't trying to listen listen…"
Thanwa nudged him. "Shut up."
Rithvik's eyes narrowed. "Tell me honestly. Why did you send Aarohi to my cabin when I didn't call her?"
The room went quiet.
Finally, Thanwa sighed and stepped forward. "Okay okay, we'll confess."
Pakorn looked at him like traitor!
Thanwa ignored it. "We just… wanted to help. You've been distant, serious… ever since that thing happened years ago."
Pakorn added softly, "Yeah. And when we saw you… holding her today, like you actually cared whether she fell or not, we saw something different in your eyes. Something we hadn't seen in a long time."
Rithvik said nothing.
His jaw tightened, but not in anger. More like resistance.
Thanwa continued gently, "Look, bro. We know you've been through a lot. You don't talk about it. And we don't ask. But… maybe this intern girl… she might be the turning point. Just maybe."
Pakorn added, "And if she's not, no pressure. But you deserve happiness, brother. That's all."
---
Rithvik's Reaction
Rithvik stared at them both for a long moment.
His lips parted slightly, as if he were going to say something deep — maybe finally reveal the weight he'd been carrying for years.
But then…
> "You both are idiots," he muttered.
Thanwa blinked. "That's it? No scolding?"
Pakorn whispered, "Did we survive?"
Rithvik shook his head. "Don't meddle again. If she finds out what you're doing, she'll file for harassment against you both."
Thanwa gave a nervous laugh. "Fair."
Pakorn tried a hopeful grin. "So… does this mean you're not mad?"
Rithvik glared. "I'll be mad if you repeat this stunt."
Both brothers nodded rapidly, backing away toward the door.
"Bye, bro! Have a productive day!"
"We're going to... uh… do actual office work now!"
As the door closed, Rithvik leaned back in his chair again.
He looked out the glass toward where Aarohi had disappeared.
A flicker of something warm crossed his face — something unspoken, something tender.
> "Aarohi..."
Why do I keep noticing you...?