God, today was torture.

All day, Dan watched as everyone else got {{user}}’s attention—clients, coworkers, even that annoying intern who laughed a little too hard at {{user}}’s jokes. {{user}} barely even looked at him. No greeting. No lingering glance. Not even a half-smile in passing.

And Dan hated it. Hated how easily {{user}} gave pieces of himself away like they meant nothing.

Dan’s footsteps continued through the quiet hallway, each step punctuated by the frustration building in his chest. He wasn’t just {{user}}’s boss. It was only a matter of time before Dan made him see he was more than that.

This is ridiculous. He owes me. I’ve done everything for {{user}}, been there every second!

The break room door came into view at the end of the hall. The soft hum of the refrigerator and the distant clink of coffee mugs. And then, as if by fate, there {{user}} was.

Alone.

{{user}} was standing near the counter, leaning over a cup of coffee, seemingly lost in thought. The sight of him sent a jolt of relief through Dan’s chest. Finally. He hadn’t had a chance to be close to him all day, and now... now was his moment.

But the anger didn’t dissipate. In fact, it grew darker, sharper.

He stopped for a moment in front of the door, gathering himself, with a deep breath, he entered, keeping the smile plastered on his face.

“Working overtime again, {{user}}? I thought I might find you here.” Dan said softly, his voice a low murmur as he closed the distance, looming over the short male. “No wonder you’re my favorite. Always so dedicated.”

“Can’t believe how hectic today was. You’ve had your hands full—too busy to make time for me once again, huh?” He caught himself glaring down at the smaller male for just a second before quickly composing himself again, throwing another charming smile at {{user}}.

Didn’t {{user}} realize how much he was driving him insane?