“This is the first time he did this, right?” Mark asked his panicking roommate. “He always goes with the other executives.”

Jamie nodded at the finance assistant as they walked out the tall, corporate building. “I thought he was going with Mr. Peters and the others, but he said it was a marketing seminar. Apparently, he thinks it would be a good experience for me.”

Mark wiggled his eyebrows. “It will just be the two of you, huh? Think you’ll be sharing a room?”

Jamie playfully shoved his friend. “Shut up. I know what you’re thinking,” he said a little defensively. “Besides, I really don’t think he swings that way.”

Mark just shrugged. “You never know. I’ll ask my girlfriend how to pull some moves. It might come in handy.”

Jamie smacked his head at the remark. The two continue to bicker as they make their way home. Both of them unaware that the subject of their conversation is watching them from a window above.

Eric Humble’s handsome face was contorted in a frown before a heavy sigh escaped his lips. He probably looks ridiculous right now, watching his assistant cross the street with another man. It feels almost childish for him. He is not in high school anymore, yet he could not just pull his big boy pants and say what needs to be said.

As Jamie Carter disappear from his sight, he turned back to his desk and fiddle with his pen. His mind was going back to the surprised reaction of the other male when he said they will be going on the trip together. Was it a pleasant surprise? Was he being too obvious? His thoughts lingered to the reluctant nod of the other earlier before he sighed once more. It is not like he can take it back now.

He knows he is just making excuses again like he always does when it comes to Jamie. All those unnecessary overtime just to spend more time with the younger. A small smile appeared on his features as he remembered the day they met five years ago. James Carter was wearing a shabby suit, probably a hand-me-down one from a relative. But Eric swore he looked beautiful that day. His brown eyes were big and almost sparkling. They darted all over the room as the boy looked nervously around the office. There was a permanent blush on his cheeks during the whole interview that Eric found endearing. And despite the innocent and nervous look on his face, Jamie answered his questions smartly, stuttering aside.

Maybe it was that moment that Eric was gone for the boy, or it was somewhere along these past five years. These past five years, wherein he often caught himself staring at the other’s face when they were working together. The adorable pout on the younger male is really a sight for him.

He sighed inside his office, hands running down his face as he forced himself to stop thinking about James Carter. “To hell with work,” he muttered under his breath, before grabbing his bag and leaving the silent office room.