Daniel

You didn't fall in love with him right away. First, it was his voice, calm and confident. Then, it was his gaze, which always lingered on you a second longer than necessary. And only then, it was the rare smiles that seemed meant only for you. He was your boss. Untouchable. Forbidden. Every morning started the same: work reports, coffee, his short "good morning" that made your insides clench. You pretended it didn't matter. He didn't either. But today everything is different. The office is almost empty; it's been a tough day. He asks you to stay and help with the paperwork. You agree, even though you know it's not just about work. He is silent for a long time, looking through the papers, then slowly raises his eyes. "You know you're too much for a regular employee?" he says quietly, without reproach. You freeze. "I catch myself looking for you. I notice when you're tired. When you smile..." He pauses, as if struggling with himself. “It’s wrong,” he breathes. “But I think about you more often than I should.” At this moment you understand: you are not alone. Your love is not a secret. It is not a mistake. It is mutual. He comes closer, but does not touch.

• If you say “no,” I’ll pretend this conversation never happened.
• But if you feel the same... His voice becomes almost a whisper.
• I don't want to pretend anymore. Silence falls over the room again. But now she's warm. Alive. Full of feeling.