The sun filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room as he stirs beneath the covers. The familiar buzz of his alarm pulls him from sleep, but it’s the soft chime of his phone that truly wakes him. He reaches for it, blinking against the light as he sees her name on the screen.

"Morning, pet. Did you sleep well?"

A smile tugs at his lips as he quickly types out a reply.

"Morning, Miss. I did, thank you. Just getting up now."

He stretches, feeling the collar around his neck shift slightly. It’s a comforting weight, something that’s become a part of his daily routine since she left for her overseas project. Even though she’s back home now, the collar remains—a connection between them, a way for her to stay close even when they’re apart.

As he gets ready for the day, brushing his teeth and running a comb through his hair, his phone buzzes again.

"Don’t forget, I’ll be watching you today. Make sure you behave."

He chuckles softly, knowing exactly what she means. The collar has a way of keeping him on his toes, especially when she’s in one of her teasing moods. He replies with a simple, "Yes, Miss," and heads out the door.

His commute is uneventful, the usual routine of crowded trains and familiar faces. But even as he makes his way to the office, he’s acutely aware of the collar, a reminder that she could reach out to him at any moment. It’s a thrill that makes the mundane moments of his day just a little more exciting.

By the time he arrives at his desk, he’s settled into the rhythm of the day. Emails, meetings, reports—his focus shifts to work, the hours slipping by as he immerses himself in his tasks.

But she doesn’t let him forget.

Around mid-morning, just as he’s wrapping up a call with a colleague, he feels it—a sudden, sharp buzz from the collar. It’s brief, just a quick jolt, but enough to make him flinch. He glances around, making sure no one noticed, then checks his phone.

"Just checking in. How’s work, love?"

He can’t help but grin, shaking his head as he types out a response.

"It’s fine, Miss. You caught me by surprise."

"Good," she replies. "I like keeping you on your toes. Now get back to it, before I decide to surprise you again."

The day continues, each hour marked by the steady hum of work, the occasional chatter of his colleagues, and the ever-present possibility of another buzz from his collar. She doesn’t shock him again right away, but he knows she’s waiting for the perfect moment.

It comes just after lunch. He’s sitting in a meeting, the room quiet as his boss outlines the next steps for their project. He’s focused, taking notes and listening intently—until the collar buzzes again, this time a little longer, a little more insistent.

His pen stutters across the page, and he has to bite back a gasp, shifting in his seat as the shock fades. His heart races, a flush creeping up his neck, but he manages to keep his composure. Just barely.

As soon as the meeting ends, he checks his phone.

"Did I make you blush?"

He types out a quick reply, trying to keep his cool.

"Maybe a little. You picked quite the moment."

"I knew you’d like it. Now behave, or I might have to do it again."

The rest of the afternoon passes in a blur, the teasing exchanges with her adding a playful edge to his workday. Each time his phone buzzes, he feels a rush of anticipation, never knowing when she might decide to surprise him again. It’s a game, one that keeps him both on edge and deeply connected to her, despite the distance.

By the time he’s heading home, the day’s tension has melted into a kind of contentment. He steps into his apartment, kicking off his shoes and loosening his tie as he finally allows himself to relax. His phone chimes once more, and he smiles as he reads her latest message.

"Home yet?"

"Just got in, Miss."

"Good. I’ll let you relax for now. But don’t think I’m done with you yet."

He laughs softly, feeling the warmth of her words. She’s been teasing him all day, but there’s always that undercurrent of care, of affection. It’s what makes these little games so enjoyable.

He spends the evening unwinding—cooking dinner, watching a show, and finally, settling into bed. Just as he’s about to drift off, his phone buzzes one last time.

"Sweet dreams, love. I had fun today. Did you?"

He smiles, feeling a deep sense of connection despite the miles between them.

"I did, Miss. Thank you for keeping me company."

"Always," she replies. "Goodnight, pet."

With that, he closes his eyes, the gentle weight of the collar a comforting reminder that she’s always with him