B E A N F E A S T
noun [been-feest]

An annual dinner or party given by an employer for employees.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You bit your lip as you watched the names being pulled out from the small box. You didn't realise that tiny strips of paper could determine your fate...

Well, it's not that deep. These strips of paper basically assign you a partner for the rather childish and, sadly, boring games.

It's the fifteenth anniversary for the company you work at, Dunder Mifflin, a paper dealer to various customers. You work in customer service and do decently well. People are happy with the way you interact. You've been on social side of approach your whole life, having to talk to family and friends, and strangers, over time.

"[y/n] and... James, make the next pair!" Your boss, the branch manager, called out and you felt your heart cease functioning.

You noticed him smiling at you and giving you a small wave, which you returned nervously.

James was from the sales team. He's one of the best salesmen the branch has to offer. You would be thrilled to have him on your team if you didn't have a thing for him. You've only talked to him a couple of times even though you both work very close to each other.

It's sad... you think he probably doesn't notice you at all.

But that smile, it could mean something.

Stop overthinking it, You thought and looked back to your boss.

"... And those are the teams sorted out everyone!" He cheered then smiled goofily and hastened to his office. You frowned as everyone walked slowly back to their cubicles. You didn't feel like going back to work, you felt... happy all of a sudden.

*****

You shut your computer off after saving the spreadsheet that was open on it. You gathered your things then slung your bag over your-

"Um... [y/n]?"

You turned back with alarm at someone suddenly speaking from behind you. You raised a brow when you realised that it was James.

"Sorry, hi. I just wanted to let you know that I'm happy to be on your team," He stated and you smiled softly.

"Me too J-James."

He tapped the cubical side lightly with a glimmer in his eyes then walked away. You watched him quietly then quickly turned back to your things, biting your lip and grinning.

You adored his Scottish accent and his deep blue eyes and the way his hair bounced and looked combed but messy at the same time... You adored him in general.

You stood up and walked over to the office main door, noticing one of your colleagues sitting at her desk and smirking at you.

"What?" You raised a brow and she winked at you, making you laugh, "Stop it Stacy!"

*****

2 days later...

You looked around the restaurant, while straightening your black dress, for any sign of your partner. You hoped he'd find you pretty tonight, you don't put much effort in your daily office look-

"[y/n]?"

You turned back as someone, a young man, called out your name. You spotted a blazer and tie wearing individual approach you in a hurry and you clenched your jaw.

"J-James, you reached here!" You spread your arms out and gave him a quick hug. He pecked your cheek swiftly, making you feel hot.

"You look beautiful," He whispered before stepping away from you. You smiled then held his arm, "Same to you James. I mean, you look handsome, not... beautiful."

He smiled widely then led you over to the large table for fifteen people set up for the office dinner.

You took your seat where your name was labelled and James sat beside you. You smiled at him quickly, feeling a rush of anxiety flood your body.

An awkward twenty minutes pass and the rest of the office members gradually fill up the empty seats at the table. Towards the end your boss arrives and James leans closer to you.

"And your think that the leading man would come early to this event," He chuckled and you raised a brow, smiling widely. He moves closer then whispered, "If you agree to continue talking to me on this fine evening so I don't use to talk to anyone else, I think it won't be that bad."

You licked your lips then nodded your head, "You have a deal James."

*****

Although there were games and the exchange of words on the company and the employees', your attention was constantly on James, and his on yours. You found and realised that he is in fact a very interesting and vibrant individual, with a great personality and a refreshing sense of humour. A couple of your colleagues gave you both looks from time to time.

"James I wish..." You sighed then stopped talking.

"What's wrong?"

"I... wish I knew you this well since the start," You continued and looked deeply into his eyes.

"Me too [y/n]... me too," He frowned, "But hey, at least we got around to knowing each other now. Cheers to that."

He raised his drink glass and you raised yours, clinking the tips and taking a sip-

"... And that is the conclusion of the evening. Thank you all for being here, and being a part of this company for a whole now," Your boss said, "I'm glad that I know each and every one of your suckers, ha ha ha!"

You raised a brow and laughed a little, James shook his head with a smile. One of the employees started to clap awkwardly and everyone else then joined in, cheering on.

As waiters started to clear the table up, employees gathered hair things and stood up from their seats. They exchanged greetings then walked towards the exit.

You felt a pang of sadness at the realisation of the evening coming to an end. You wanted to spend more time with James, it intensified your crush on him.

You stood outside at the sidewalk, the wind blowing your dress and making you hug onto your coat tightly. You placed your hands in your pockets and looked to the bricked ground.

"Well I'll see you at work?" You asked and he nodded his head. James wrapped an arm aroundnyour waist and smiled.

"I hope that's not the only place I see you from now on," He said, "Would you like to go out for a movie next Friday? I've got two tickets, a friend of mine gets these discounts."

You grinned, "That sounds brilliant! Count me in."

He nodded his head then kissed your cheek lightly, "Goodnight [y/n]. Have a lovely weekend."

You pressed your lips together and sucked in a sharp breath, "You too James."

He helped you to the taxi then saw you off. He waved at you as the car drove away. You smiled to yourself, feeling the start of a new friendship blossom.