Chapter 2: His Giant Mushroom

Chapter 2: His Giant Mushroom

I sat on a bench, watching people walk their dogs, couples jogging, kids running around. I hugged myself, letting the early morning breeze hug me back.

“Joanna!”

The sound of my name pulled me from my thoughts.

I looked around, confused.

“Joanna!”

The voice was familiar. Too familiar.

I turned—and my heart skipped a beat.

It was him.

Justin.

Wearing a sleeveless workout shirt, jersey shorts, basketball shoes, his phone strapped to his arm with headphones trailing from his ears. And of course—sunglasses almost covering his whole face.

Still, I’d know that jawline anywhere.

I stood up, pointing at myself. “Me?”

He didn’t answer, but raised his hand and crooked his finger. “Joanna. Come here.”

My legs moved before my brain could stop them.

Our eyes met halfway, and for a moment—it was like the world around us blurred into nothing. Just me. Just him. And that stupid, irritatingly handsome face.

That’s when I heard it.

A bark.

I looked down and saw a huge golden retriever sitting obediently at Justin’s feet.

He looked down at the dog and said, “Good job, Joanna.”

…

Wait. What?

Did I hear that right?

My jaw dropped. “What did you just call her?”

He casually took the frisbee out of the dog’s mouth, flung it into the grass, and said again, “Fetch, Joanna.”

The dog ran. I froze.

My brain lagged.

Did… did he seriously name his dog after me?

“What the hell, Justin?!”

He turned to me, smirking like he just unlocked a new way to mess with me.

And that’s when I knew it.

He wasn’t just my boss.

He was my walking, talking, nightmare of a romantic entanglement.

And I was completely, stupidly, irrationally stuck.

“Oh, what happened to you? You just went outside and now you’re turning into a Bakekang?” Katastrophe wasn’t done teasing me. She came closer, raised one eyebrow, and looked straight at me. Naturally, I raised mine back and just ignored her.

Honestly, if I told her the truth, she’d probably just laugh and say that dumb Justin named his dog after me. Yep, that dog with those ridiculously long ears—so cute, I almost wanted to pinch those ears every time, but nope! Because of—ugh—Justin being Justin, naming his dog after me. What’s his problem? Was he teasing me? Or maybe he thinks I look like a dog or something, so naming the dog after me made sense to him.

Wait, didn’t he hate dogs before? What changed? Now he’s got a dog? People do change, I guess.

Anyway, since Katastrophe already prepared breakfast, I just went straight to the table and almost devoured everything she cooked. If she didn’t complain, I probably would’ve eaten it all. But nope—she reminded me there was barely anything left for her.

Later that morning, I walked into the office, and my forehead immediately creased when I heard running water. You know that sound? Like someone’s showering? Yeah, that splash-splash-splash. My brain went on full panic mode.

What if a pipe exploded in Justin’s office? Even if I was still annoyed with him for naming the dog after me, I had work to do!

I was early today because Mr. Thompson had told me yesterday—no more being late. My being late yesterday was the first and last time, he said. So I didn’t hesitate to go straight into Justin’s office.

It’d be really bad if important papers got soaked because a pipe broke, right?

Looking around, I didn’t see any water damage. I even went to his desk and nearly smiled seeing the huge pile of papers he needed to sign and approve.

I checked carefully for water leaks in his office but didn’t find any. Still, the sound of water splashing continued. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on a door at the far right side. It was almost camouflaged with the wall paint—same color on the door and even the handle.

I walked slowly toward it and pressed my ear to the door. Yup, definitely water splashing.

Well, I guess it’s okay if I check Justin’s bathroom, right? He wasn’t there yet, and I was doing this for work!

I grabbed the doorknob, relieved it wasn’t locked, and gently opened it.

“Damn!” / “Aaaah!” I squinted, almost swearing as I covered one eye—but honestly, it was useless because I was staring right at Justin’s naked body!

Oh my God.

That jerk was seriously hot. His legs? Muscles everywhere, hair all over, and his skin was noticeably fairer than mine. Meanwhile, my legs were light brown—jealous much?

I slowly looked up, and Justin said—

“Don’t look!”

But I’d already seen… the snake.

What the heck.

It looked like a snake but shaped like a giant mushroom. The head looked exactly like a mushroom.

Urgh. I couldn’t focus on my work anymore because all I could think about was Justin’s pale mushroom.

I swear, I could probably apply to be the official mushroom Tinder or tomato model. My cheeks were burning red—I was definitely blushing.

Thank God after that embarrassing moment, Justin stayed inside his office. He didn’t give me any orders either, so I just went back to doing my job as his secretary—answering calls, booking appointments, and emailing his schedule.

Around 11 AM, Justin opened his office door, and I immediately sat up straight. What a miracle seeing him out so early. What could be so urgent?

I felt my cheeks flush again when our eyes met.

I thought maybe he was going to see someone else—honestly, I’d be thankful for that. Every time I saw him, that awkward moment replayed in my head, along with the giant mushroom image.

I swallowed hard repeatedly when my eyes drifted down between his legs.

I was about to look away when I heard a soft thump-thump—I quickly averted my eyes from his thighs and forced myself to look at his face.

But damn it! The moment I looked up, my imagination went wild again.

Justin and me, in a room—just the two of us.

“Damn! Joanna, will you stop daydreaming about me? It’s working hours,” he barked.

He said it so authoritatively. I bit my lower lip, nearly asking how he knew I was daydreaming about him.

I shook my head and avoided his gaze before replying.

“Take your things. We’re going to visit Site Four,” he said, turning his back and walking out.

Site Four? Where’s that? I just hoped I could keep up so he wouldn’t leave me behind.

Once again, I was riding in Justin’s car. Like yesterday, he insisted I sit shotgun, and before we left the Smith House, I even got a sermon.

“What the fuck, Joanna! I’m not your goddamn driver! Move your pretty ass and sit here!” He pointed to the passenger seat.

So now, we were on our way to Site Four, wherever that was. I scowled.

Luckily, the site was close; the ride took only a few minutes.

When he parked inside a wide lot, I jumped out and took in the scene.

Construction workers were busy at their tasks, big trucks and machines everywhere. Some workers stole glances at me. I couldn’t help but feel shy.

After all, Katastrophe lent me a skirt—a mini skirt better suited for parties than the office.

Some whispered while staring, and I just looked away. I’m not used to being the center of attention, especially from men.

I almost wished I could go back to Justin’s car and pretend I had a sudden illness. These guys looked like they wanted to eat me alive! Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.

Suddenly, Justin’s sharp voice cut through—

“What are you looking at?! Go back to work! Damn!” His English was perfect, and his glare was deadly.

The workers quickly returned to their jobs, and I glanced at Justin. His look was fierce, still dissatisfied. He scanned me from head to toe and frowned deeply.

I couldn’t help but pout. What did I do now?

“Let’s go. I have urgent matters with Engineer Lopez,” he said, turning and walking away.

Of course, I followed. I wasn’t expecting him to stop suddenly—until I bumped into his back.

“Ow! Your back is so hard, Justin,” I murmured, realizing what I said too late.

I bit my lip, holding back my breath as he turned sharply toward me.

His face showed no emotion, making me more nervous than ever—until he said,

“I am your boss, Miss Cruz. Treat me like one.”

The next thing I knew, he was already far ahead, talking to some workers he had scolded earlier.

I stood there, stunned that he insisted on calling me Miss Cruz—my last name—like it mattered that much.

That was the day. The day I realized—Justin was a mystery wrapped in muscle…and damn, I couldn’t stop thinking about that damn mushroom.

I couldn’t believe it. That arrogant Justin of mine hadn’t even bothered to tell me he planned to tour the entire construction site today! And of all times, why did it have to be when the sun was scorching hot? He could’ve at least waited until later, when the heat would soften. Sigh.

To be continued...