Chapter 3 The Heart's Secret

Day by day, as they spent more time together, Mark couldn't help but develop feelings for Jay. It was subtle at first—the way he found himself admiring Jay's determination, the way his heart picked up speed whenever Jay smiled at him, and the warmth he felt when Jay showed concern for him. But as the feelings grew stronger, Mark became terrified. Jay was his boss. There was no way someone like him would ever feel the same.

Determined to suppress his emotions, Mark started avoiding Jay. He woke up earlier than usual, prepared breakfast quietly, and left the house before Jay even got out of bed. At work, he buried himself in paperwork, making sure their interactions were minimal. If Jay called for him, he made excuses. If they crossed paths, he quickly looked away. But his efforts didn't go unnoticed.

Jay was confused at first, then annoyed. Why was Mark suddenly so distant? At home, the lively energy Mark brought with him was gone, replaced with an awkward silence. At work, he avoided Jay like the plague. Jay could tell something was wrong, but Mark refused to say anything.

After nearly a week of this strange behavior, Jay had had enough.

That morning, Jay called Mark into his office. Mark hesitated before stepping inside, his hands gripping his notepad tightly.

"Close the door," Jay said, leaning back in his chair. His voice was calm but firm.

Mark obeyed, his heart pounding.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Jay asked, his sharp eyes studying Mark.

"I'm not avoiding you, sir. I've just been busy," Mark replied quickly, trying to sound casual.

Jay narrowed his eyes. "Busy? You weren't too busy before. Something changed."

Mark swallowed hard. "Nothing changed. I just... I don't want to cross any boundaries."

Jay raised an eyebrow. "Boundaries?" He let out a short laugh. "Come and work in my office, then. That's an order."

Mark's stomach dropped. "What?"

"You heard me," Jay said, standing up. "If you're really 'just busy,' then working here shouldn't be a problem. Right?"

Mark knew he had no choice. Reluctantly, he gathered his things and moved to Jay's office. But he avoided eye contact the entire time, keeping his head down and answering Jay in short, clipped sentences.

Jay, now genuinely concerned, softened his tone. "Mark… If something's wrong, you can tell me. You don't have to act like this around me."

Mark forced a smile. "I'm fine. Really."

Jay wasn't convinced. "Then why won't you even look at me?"

Mark's hands trembled slightly as he fidgeted with a pen. He couldn't risk looking into Jay's eyes—he was afraid Jay would see right through him. But before he could respond, he accidentally bumped into Jay's shoulder.

Jay instinctively reached out, grabbing Mark's arms to steady him.

Mark froze.

Their eyes met—too close, too intense. Jay's grip was firm yet gentle, and for a brief moment, neither of them moved. Mark felt his heartbeat hammering in his chest. Jay tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching Mark's face.

"What's wrong?" Jay asked, his voice softer this time.

Mark felt like he was burning up. His legs finally obeyed him, and he pulled away quickly. "I—I need to get back to work," he stammered and rushed out of the office.

Jay watched him go, a smirk forming on his lips. Interesting.

That evening, when Jay was ready to leave, he noticed Mark still working.

"It's late," Jay said, leaning against the doorframe. "Let's call it a day."

"You go ahead. I have things to finish," Mark replied without looking up.

Jay smirked. "Are you planning to work until you pass out again? Let's go home together."

Mark hesitated. "I'd rather not. People might get the wrong idea."

Jay walked over, leaning in slightly. "Wrong idea?

How wrong?

Ohhh you mean because we're dating?"

Mark's face turned red. "We are not dating!"

Jay chuckled, clearly amused. "Then why are you acting like we are?"

Mark groaned. "Fine. Let's just go."

On the drive home, Jay suggested, "Let's eat out tonight."

"I'll cook," Mark replied.

"You've worked enough today. Let's eat out—I don't want you overworking yourself," Jay said firmly.

Mark glanced at him. "Are you… worried about me?"

Jay gave him a small smile. "Of course. You're important to me."

Mark's heart skipped a beat. "How… how important?" he asked softly.

Jay dodged the question. "Let's eat first," he said.

Later that evening, after dinner, they ended up watching a romantic movie together. Mark tried to focus, but his mind kept wandering. Every small glance Jay gave him, every accidental touch—it was driving him crazy.

Feigning a yawn, he mumbled, "I'm sleepy."

Jay patted his shoulder. "Rest here."

Mark hesitated but eventually leaned back. Before he knew it, he had drifted off.

Jay glanced at him, watching how peaceful he looked in his sleep. With a sigh, he carefully lifted Mark into his arms and carried him to bed. As he gently laid him down, he couldn't resist brushing a stray lock of hair from Mark's forehead.

Instead of leaving, he sat beside Mark, watching him sleep.

What is this feeling?

Before he could overthink it, his own exhaustion caught up with him, and he ended up falling asleep next to Mark.

The Next Morning

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, stirring Mark awake. He blinked a few times, stretching—until he noticed the weight beside him.

His eyes widened in horror. Jay was in his bed!

Mark shot up. "What—what are you doing here?!"

What did you do to me, how did you end up here?.

Jay slowly opened his eyes, chuckling at Mark's panicked expression. "Relax. I did nothing." He smirked. "Or… do you wish I had?"

Mark's face turned bright red. "I—I do not!"

Jay leaned on his elbow, grinning. "Your reaction says otherwise."

Mark grabbed a pillow and threw it at Jay. "Go to your room!"

Jay caught the pillow, laughing. "Are you kicking me out?"

Mark huffed. "No, I just—I'm going to shower." He quickly got up and rushed to the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him.

Jay lay back on the bed, smiling to himself. This is getting interesting.

From that morning onward, things changed between them.

Mark was still flustered but found it harder to avoid Jay now. Jay, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy teasing him.

At breakfast, he casually said, "You looked cute when you were sleeping."

Mark nearly choked on his coffee.

At work, Jay would call him into his office more often, making excuses just to have Mark around.

And at home, Jay had started finding reasons to keep Mark close—asking him to taste-test his food, pretending to need help with his tie, or even just sitting next to him when watching TV.

Mark tried to tell himself he was overthinking things. That Jay was just being playful.

But one night, as they stood on the balcony after dinner, Jay looked at him with an unreadable expression.

"You know," Jay said slowly, "You never answered my question."

Mark frowned. "What question?"

Jay took a step closer. "How important you are to me."

Mark's breath caught in his throat. "Jay…"

Jay reached out, brushing his fingers against Mark's.

"I think you already know the answer," Jay whispered.

Mark's heart raced. He had been so sure his feelings were one-sided. But now… looking into Jay's eyes, seeing the way they softened—he wasn't so sure anymore.

His walls were crumbling.

And maybe… just maybe… he didn't mind.