Match Rejected

"Archer sat at his desk in his office cubicle, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and glowing computer screens, his brow furrowed as he meticulously organised files. The vibration of his phone broke both the silence and his concentration." "Archer glanced at the screen, his expression hardening slightly. It was a call from the Genetic Compatibility Center which had been pestering him frequently about his genetic profile being matched with someone. The GCC was urging him to confirm a meeting with ashi, meanwhile, he wanted nothing to do with the whole arranged marriage business." "Not again," "he muttered and tapped the screen to ignore the call." "Can't they take a hint?"

"I looked up from my work, squinting through my round glasses at the secretary" "Ugh, what is it that can't wait?" "My tone was gruff, not exactly friendly" I tucked a strand of dark brown hair behind my ear and scribbled a few more notes on the file before dismissing it to look at her. "I raised an eyebrow, sensing something off about this visit" "What kind of files are we talking about?" "I leaned back in my chair, hands clasped together, eyes narrowed slightly"

"I eyes the documents warily, my brow furrowing in skepticism" "Investors, huh? What kind of investors? And what's the urgency about signing these now?" "I picked up the first document, scanning it quickly before setting it back down" "You're telling me this can't wait until after work hours?" "My tone is dry, and I shot you a side-eye" "You know I have a lot on my plate as it is."

"I raised an eyebrow at your tone, my expression growing even grimmer" "You're really something else, you know that?" "I muttered under my breath, focusing on the documents again" "Fine. I'll sign these. But don't think for a second that this means I'm going to start being all chummy with you or anything." "I scribbled my signature on the papers, my movements swift and economical" "There. Happy now?" "My gaze flicked up to yours, a hint of irritation still simmering beneath the surface"

"I felt my face grow hot with annoyance at your whispered comment, my eyes flashing with a hint of anger" [I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my emotions in check] "I watched as you left the office, my gaze never leaving the door until it closed behind you. Then I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples with my fingers, trying to calm down" [I couldn't believe what I just heard. The audacity! Who did you think you were?]

"I was already fuming from our earlier exchange, and now this revelation just added fuel to the fire" [I snatched my phone off the desk, eyes scanning the screen with a scowl] ""A match, huh? Who could care less?" I muttered to myself, tossing the phone back onto the desk" [I couldn't believe that the Genetic Compatibility Center thought I'd be interested in getting paired off like some kind of lab rat] "I pushed my chair back and stood up, pacing around the office as I tried to clear my head" [Why did they always assume that everyone wanted to be paired up like some kind of experiment?]

"I stopped pacing and turned to face you, my eyes narrowing" "You're getting matched with someone too, huh? Just like a bloody science experiment." "I scoffed, my voice laced with disdain" "Because our parents don't trust us to make our own decisions, of course. No, we need some algorithm to tell us who to sleep with." "I leaned against the desk, crossing my arms over my chest" "And you're just going along with it, aren't you? Blindly following the rules without questioning the whole thing." "My gaze bore into yours, searching for any sign of defiance or rebellion"

"I raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in my eyes" "Oh, spare me the drama. You think I'm some kind of moral authority? Ha! I've got more important things to worry about than your personal affairs." "I pushed off from the desk, standing tall and towering over you" "Besides, I'm not meddling. I'm just observing. And what's with the 'Sir'? You're still stuck on that formality, huh?" "My tone dripped with sarcasm" "Don't get too comfortable, Queen. We're not exactly friends."

"I chuckled, a low, dry sound" "Oh, you think I'm crazy, huh? Well, maybe I am. Maybe I'm just tired of the whole charade." "I took a step closer to you, my eyes locked on yours" "And no, don't call me asshole. You can call me Archer, or Mr. Knox, but not that. Just...no." "I let out a deep breath, feeling a surge of frustration" "Look, Queen, I know we're stuck in this system, but can't you see how ridiculous it is? We're being treated like pets, bred for optimal genetics and social compatibility. It's sick." "My voice dropped to a whisper" "I don't want to play along. I don't want to pretend to be happy about this arrangement."

"I watched you leave, a mixture of anger and frustration simmering inside me" "Asshole," I muttered to myself, before turning back to my desk* <I didn't like your snappy attitude or the way you dismissed my concerns. I don't know why I agreed to this stupid match in the first place...> "I shook my head and began typing on my computer, trying to focus on my work, but my mind kept wandering back to our conversation and the spark of defiance I saw in your eyes" [I wonder what it would be like to break free from this arranged marriage nonsense and do something for myself]

"I trudged out of the office, my mood already soured by the thought of the impending "date"" <The elevator doors closed behind me and I let out a silent groan> "I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to myself: "Reminder: Blind date tomorrow. Joy." [I dragged my feet through the streets, lost in my thoughts, replaying our conversation from yesterday]

"I walked into the cafe, scanning the room for the familiar face of my genetic match. My eyes landed on a figure sitting at a table near the window, and I felt a pang of dread. It was the one person I least expected to see, and yet, the very one I couldn't avoid." <I approached the table with a forced smile> "Ah, Queen. You look... lovely." "I said, trying to hide my disdain" [Can I really do this?]

"I grabbed your arm, my grip firm" "Ah-ah, I don't think so, Queen," "I said, my voice low and commanding" "We're not going anywhere. We have a lot to discuss. And don't call me Mr. Knox. It's Archer." "I pulled you back down into your seat, my eyes burning with intensity" [Why are you being like this? Can't you see that this is ridiculous?]

"I snorted, my expression darkening" "You're missing the point, Queen. This isn't about liking or disliking being matched. It's about duty and responsibility. Our families have arranged this match for a reason, and we'll see it through." "I leaned in, my voice taking on a menacing tone" "And as for your little protest, you should be grateful I'm willing to even consider this arrangement. You're not exactly... conventional, are you?" "I raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm dripping from my words" [What do you think you're doing? Trying to shock me?]

"I clenched my jaw, my eyes flashing with annoyance" "You're not listening, Queen. I'm not doing this for our families. I'm doing it because I have to. And as for you leaving, I think we've only just begun." "I pulled out a folder from my bag and slid it across the table" "We need to discuss the details of our arranged marriage. The Center has already provided us with a... comprehensive package." "I raised an eyebrow, my tone dripping with sarcasm" [Oh, joy. Let's get married.]

"I shrugged, unfazed by your annoyance" "You'll agree because you have no choice. The Center has already arranged everything. We're a perfect match, genetically speaking." "I leaned back in my chair, a cold, calculating glint in my eye" "And besides, I'm willing to make it... interesting for you. You seem like the type who enjoys a challenge." "I said, a hint of a smile playing on my lips" [Let's see how far this conversation goes.]

"I raised an eyebrow, my expression unyielding" "You're... quite forward, aren't you? I suppose that's part of your... appeal." "I leaned forward, my voice taking on a slightly menacing tone" "Let me make one thing clear: I'm not asking for your permission to court you. I'm telling you that it's going to happen, whether you like it or not. And as for being my boss, that's just a technicality. You'll learn to tolerate me soon enough." "I leaned back in my chair, a cold, calculating glint still in my eye" [Oh, this is getting good.]

"I watched you leave, a small smirk playing on my lips" "Ah, the fiery Queen. I like that about you." "I thought to myself" [Time to play it cool and make my next move.]

"I walked into the office, my eyes scanning the room before landing on you, a hint of a smile still playing on my lips" "Good morning, Queen. Looks like you're already hard at work." "I said, my tone neutral, but my gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than necessary" "I began to make my way to my desk, my long strides eating up the distance between us" [Maybe I can get under your skin today.]