The meeting was really long and totally technical. Akira was not able to grab much as she wasn't aware of the base model of the game. But she was really impressed to see the level of creativity and ingenuity people had. She appreciated the amount of effort that was going in to create a successful gaming model. In her graphics design course, she had studied in depth about the design concepts and practical approach as well, but the practical usage at this huge level was really new for her.

She was vigorously taking notes of whatever new she was hearing. As Raymond was her mentor she was scared that if she didn't do well enough he would even fire her. She didn't have the courage to look at him. Not after what happened before. She wanted to channel all her focus into listening to what other people were saying. But unfortunately, she wasn't able to.

She could sense that he was looking at her. That was making her even more uncomfortable. She couldn't even relax on the chair. She was sitting all stiff like she was in some attention position. And to top it off the low temperature was killing her. Since the rest of her teammates were all guys they were mostly wearing jackets and full-length clothes and probably there were used to the war room temperature. But wearing just a sleeveless A-line dress, she felt like her spine was freezing.

So two-three times when it became unbearable, she rubbed her arms and sometimes her palm. At one point when she was writing down something, she could feel the cold wave hitting her. She rubbed her arm again and by mistake, her eyes looked in the direction of Raymond. He was looking at her intently. She felt like she was caught off-guard. Their eyes met for a second but they both looked the other way the next moment.

Surprisingly within three to four minutes, the room started becoming warm. Since there was centralized air conditioning control it looked like someone had increased the temperature. Instantly Akira felt relieved, it was like God was finally showing her some mercy.

In the second part of the meeting, people started explaining to Raymond what new could be added as part of joint combat operation in the game. But it seemed like he wasn't impressed with any of the suggestions at all. He had asked Akira the same question in the interview as well, so when Akira listened to the suggestions which her team members were giving, she felt a bit embarrassed. In her head, she remembered her answer and said to herself,

"Wow, Akira just listen to the suggestions people are giving and compare with the answer that you gave to Raymond. How could you be so dumb?"

Raymond looked at her and he could easily see that she was lost in some thoughts as she was literally doodling in her notebook.

"So anybody got any other other ideas?", Raymond asked.

Again pin drop silence prevailed in the room since nobody had anything else to offer. This guy was all about quality and people were disappointed that they were letting him down.

"The thing is sometimes to solve complex question you need not look for complex solutions. Sometimes simple solutions also work", he said and glanced a quick look at Akira. She was listening to every word that was coming out of his mouth with rapt attention.

"Why not try to introduce an opposite-sex companion for the dueling combat? That way a girl can pair with a guy and make a team and a guy can pair with a girl and make a team. That way in the combat its always one girl-boy team vs another girl-boy team", said Raymond and concluded with his solution.

Akira couldn't believe what she heard. That was her solution. She had told about it in her internship interview. A moment before she was embarrassed for giving such a solution when people were giving solutions related to Rank, Weaponry and what not.

The room was now filled with sudden applause. The team members were impressed with the solution given by Big Boss. But Raymond suddenly raised his hand and interrupted them all and said,

"But this solution was given by one of you, who probably is scared to even look at me. So I had to do the honors."

He was earlier teasing her with his glances every now and then but now he was teasing her even with his words. But no one in the room understood what he just said except for two people. One being Akira and the other being Raymond.

Akira hung her head low and started staring at her notebook. Her ears were burning. Something was unsettling her. She could feel the pit in her stomach getting deeper. His words, his voice was hovering all around her. Raymond could see that Akira looked all flushed. Somehow that made him happy. No matter how much he tried to hate her and distance himself from her, he always ended up doing the opposite.

The meeting ended and slowly people started leaving the room as it was lunch-time. Akira didn't get up from the chair fearing that he would have to cross Raymond while going out of the Raymond.

Raymond sat glued to his chair jotting down some notes on his laptop.

"Hey Akira, come join us for lunch", said Simon who was just about to leave.

"Oh yes", said Akira and finally got up.

Blood boiled inside Raymond's body. It seemed like marking his territory didn't have any effect.

Just when both Simon and Akira were about to cross Raymond and exit the room, Raymond said,

"Excuse me, Ms. Akira. I have something to discuss with you. Simon, she will join you after 5-10 minutes".

"Ok", said Simon and left the room but deep down he knew that something wasn't straight. He didn't want to speculate much so he paced towards the Cafeteria.

Akira stood there silently staring at the floor. Her heart wanted to just steal one more look at his handsome face but somehow she just controlled her urge. After Simon left the room, she asked-

"You wanted to discuss something me, Sir?"

"Well I want to but how will I discuss when you don't even like to look at my face?", Raymond spoke and looked at her with his eyes filled with numerous questions.

She looked up and saw his angelic face and her heart literally skipped a beat.