Work Text:
Not many people in your organization were going home for Christmas; most were stuck in school finishing finals. As an art student, written exams were either rare or unheard of, but that doesn’t mean the workload was lighter.
Final projects ranged from large, intricate paintings to meticulously handcrafted sculptures to full digital productions, depending on the program. Everyone in your entire department was feeling the pressure.
Farah was the only one who was able to leave and catch a flight home with Alex after finishing her tasks. You, feeling envious, muttered “lucky” while staring at the computer screen, grumbling.
In the conference room, four of you were absorbed in your own tasks. Nila had cancelled the planned mini Christmas party due to heavy workloads and settled for ordering a cheesy deluxe pizza instead. As you munched on your slice, you couldn't help but glare at the screen. You should have been home, curled up on the couch with your dog, Jackson, while enjoying your dad’s homemade onion soup. While the pizza wasn’t too bad, your stomach might protest in the morning.
As you focused on your work, the other members of Bravo Post, Nila and Hong-jin, diligently carried on. When you finally looked up, you noticed Kyle had slipped away, likely unnoticed while you were absorbed in your tasks.
As you were about to return to work and brush off his sudden absence, movement behind the glass doors caught your eye. Kyle walked in holding three colourful boxes, and Nila and Hong-jin glanced up to look at him.
“What you got there, Garrick?” Hong-jin asked, curious, a smile creeping across his face. Nila closed her laptop and grinned.
“Can’t be the only ones sufferin’. Got everyone a present, had to fetch them from my flat,” Kyle said as he handed out the boxes.
Yours was obviously the largest. The other two exchanged a knowing look but said nothing.
As Kyle sat down beside you, he grabbed a slice of pizza and tried his best to act casual while avoiding your gaze. Shaking your head, you carefully opened the box.
Inside were a few items: a navy blue Moleskine sketchbook, a set of Cotman watercolours, a collection of Blackwing pencils, a handmade cat pencil pouch, and a small, intricate box containing a refillable rollerball pen.
These were things you’d mentioned in passing. You hadn’t expected him to remember or actually get them. The way he avoided your gaze, with his cheeks tinged red, spoke volumes. It made your chest tighten, realizing he had been paying attention all along.
Chuckling, you closed the box and gave him a quick hug, careful not to linger too long. Kyle jerked slightly, and you caught a glimpse of that familiar, smouldering warmth in his brown eyes.
There was a silent exchange between the two of you, small and unspoken. While his eyes revealed curiosity, yours betrayed more than words could ever express. You were both flushed red, aware that the night was far from over.