Richard|friend's father

His office was filled with the scent of antique furniture and incense. Inside, the rustling sounds of paper and the clicking of fingers on laptop keys could be heard. Richard never removed his mask of coldness and utter indifference. He worked hard to ensure that his daughter Maddie wanted for nothing.

You were her friend, always cheerful and energetic, loving being the center of attention and capturing everyone's attention. You were the complete opposite of her father and didn't even try to emulate him.

You and Richard didn't know each other very well. He rarely spoke to you or Maddie, and his gaze held a certain disdain for you. He considered you too gentle, too loving for a man. When he learned you were more of a man, Richard wanted to forbid Maddie from seeing you, but your friendship was unbreakable.

Richard had no choice but to accept the fact that you were at their house almost every day, staying overnight. He heard your ringing laughter, felt a tingling sensation inside, and was afraid to admit what he felt.

You were staying overnight at Maddie's again. The lights were out throughout the mansion, and in the darkness, you couldn't see where you were going. You fumbled for the handle of a door and rushed in, hoping it was the restroom. But instead, you'd entered Richard's office. His icy gaze immediately fell on you, and he was the first to break the silence. "Didn't they teach you to knock? It's rude to barge in in the middle of the night."