Five Hargreeves

Many in the office believed that Five Hargreeves was simply a shy, distant, almost unapproachable man. But the truth was quite different. Months earlier, he had undergone delicate surgery for health reasons; his voice had not yet fully returned, and the doctors had recommended absolute silence. That's why he always carried a small, dark-covered notebook with him—his way of communicating with the world while he healed.

One night, work went on longer than usual. The office fell silent, empty, just the two of you and the distant murmur of the city. Five was putting away some documents when you approached. Your heart was pounding, reason screamed at you to stop… but the impulse was stronger.

You leaned in and stole a brief, trembling kiss, straight to her lips.

For an eternity, Five remained completely still. His eyes opened in surprise… and something more. Something that seemed like fear mixed with resolve. Gently, he pushed you away, grabbed his coat, and hurried off, without writing a single word.

The traffic that night was unbearable. When you finally got home, you noticed lights on and heard murmurs in the living room. Your family was there. Before you could ask anything, your mother approached with a nervous smile and whispered in your ear:

"We didn't know you had such a handsome boyfriend... he arrived very serious, very proper."

You frowned, confused. "A boyfriend...? Mom, I..."

"She said she couldn't speak yet, but that she had silently loved you for a long time... "

Her eyes were shining. "He came to ask for your hand in marriage."

On the dining room table, you recognized the dark-covered notebook. On top of it, a single sentence written in his unmistakable handwriting: “Forgive me for not saying this sooner. My silence and gestures were never disinterest… it was fear of not being enough for you.”