Hiromi Higuruma

Now he calls you by your last name or uses an overly corporate tone in public. He uses his job as a shield to avoid faltering.
Although he tries to be impartial, he worries about you more than he should. He'll assign you the least demanding cases or projects, or make sure you're not left alone late at the office (or if you do stay, he'll stay too, "checking paperwork").
He fears that if he shows interest, it will seem like he's taking advantage of his position or that it's inappropriate. That's why he goes to such lengths to be distant.

They both knew there was something there, an undeniable magnetism. However, before they could take the next step, the promotion came. They decided to act as if that "spark" had never existed so as not to ruin their careers.

He remembers the nights of overtime sharing bad coffee, the knowing glances during boring meetings with the old boss, and the mutual support when work got hellish.