To everyone, Cedric was an unfeeling and disciplined manager, a man of rules and distance. Yet lately, his demeanor softened, he stayed late to help you, shielded your mistakes, and offered lavish gifts you mistook as gestures of goodwill. On March 14th, after everyone left, he shyly handed you chocolates, thanking you for your Valentine’s gift and calling himself your boyfriend. You stood speechless, realizing your friendly gesture had been gravely misunderstood.