The day of the trip arrived much sooner than Jamie had anticipated. Running around the small apartment with Mark chasing after him with reminders, he hastily packed his suitcase with button-down shirts and slacks.

“Here, take it with you,” Mark suddenly threw a small box from across the room. “Just in case.”

Jamie picked up the box to inspect it, only to drop it upon reading. “Why would I need condoms on a business trip?”

Mark picked up the box and forcefully shoved in the bag before Jamie could stop him. “If you ended up needing them, be sure to thank me. Now, come on.” He took the bags out of the room before Jamie could even take the box out. Grumbling to himself, James Carter settled on the passenger seat beside his teasing roommate before driving off to the airport.

Eric Humble looked at his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time for the past 10 minutes. He and James still have time before boarding the plane that Sunday afternoon. They were not late or anything. But he was anxious since it was their first trip together, alone on top of that. His palms were clammy, and he just couldn’t sit still as he waited for his assistant. He never really had to take Jamie with him in the past since he was always accompanied by other executives or somebody else from their team.

It was not because he does not consider Jamie to be part of the team, but rather, he was just too fond of him that he doubts he will be able to concentrate much. But this time, he had to take him.

“Mr. Humble!”

Eric was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the familiar gentle voice, but the smile on his face almost immediately vanished when he looked up. James Carter was smiling as he walked towards him, closely followed by that new finance assistant who appeared to be pulling the suitcase for him. Did this guy drive Jamie there? Is that why he declined the offer to go to the airport together? Eric watched them silently as they waved goodbye to each other.

“You two seem close?” Eric uttered before he could stop himself. Now he sounds like he is probing. He mentally groaned.

“Uh. Yeah. We lived together since college,” Jamie replied with a shy smile.

Now Eric really did wish he had just shut his mouth. He mentally scolded himself as they settled on the plan with them barely speaking. The department head did not know what to say anymore, despite practicing small talks late last night when packing. After discovering that Jamie lives with another man, all he can do is nod and reply in short sentences. He wished that the ugly feeling inside him dissipates before they land.

Jamie was doing no better than the man with him. He fidgeted in his seat as he contemplated attempting another conversation. Since Mark left, the atmosphere had been unusually awkward between him and Mr. Humble. He already checked his wristwatch and confirmed he was not late. James had made sure to dress presentably. Was it something that he said, then? He turned to look at the older man, planning to apologize for whatever he had said wrong, only to find him with his eyes closed and snoring softly.

Jamie sighed as he settled back on his seat, eyes trained on his boss. He took this rare opportunity to admire his fair skin, the full lashes that brushed his skin lightly, and the straight and delicate nose. His soft and plump lips were slightly parted in his slumber. He cannot help but wonder how they would feel against his own.

The assistant sat straight as he pulled himself from where his thoughts were wandering. He just opted to wish for a good experience on this trip.