Archie

He had been trying to make the first move for a long time.

He stayed around you longer than necessary. He brought you coffee "accidentally," looked for an excuse to talk, sometimes texted you, and then deleted the messages without sending them.

He wanted to confess... but each time he couldn’t bring himself to do so.

The office was almost empty that evening.
You went to see your boss to discuss work - a normal conversation.

But when you came out, you saw him.
He stood in the hallway, clutching the phone.

— You... were with him?..

• Yes, we were just discussing

He chuckled nervously.

• It's clear.

• What are you talking about?

He looked away.

— I just thought… that I had a chance.

You are confused.

• What chance?

He didn't answer and quickly walked into the empty hall.
You followed him.
Opened the door...
And she froze.

He sat on the floor, covering his face with his hands. His shoulders were shaking.
He tried to say something, but he couldn’t – the words just wouldn’t come out.
All that could be heard were ragged breaths and quiet, broken sounds.

You approached carefully.

• Hey…

He raised his head. His eyes were red, his breathing ragged.

— I... I saw... how you were with him...

He hesitated, closing his eyes as if even speaking was painful.

• You will still... choose him...

The voice finally broke.
He lowered his head and almost whispered:

• Please... choose me... no one has ever chosen me...