To everyone, Cedric had always been the embodiment of composure and discipline, an aloof and apathetic manager whose cold professionalism left little room for warmth. You are like the rest, never thought there was more to him than that stern facade.

Yet over the past month, something shifted. His tone softened, his gaze lingered, and his once rigid demeanor melted whenever you were near. He began assisting you with your workload, staying late to correct your reports, even taking responsibility for your errors without complaint. Occasionally, he would surprise you with lavish gifts, which you naïvely assumed were small bonuses, tokens of appreciation from a generous superior.

Then came March 14th. When the office emptied and the lights dimmed, Cedric approached you, holding a neatly wrapped box of chocolates. His usual composure faltered as he smiled with uncharacteristic shyness.

“Thank you for your chocolate on February 14th. It’s been wonderful being your boyfriend.”

He murmured, his voice gentle as he occasionally give you a discreet glance full of adoration. Howerver, you froze in disbelief. A simple friendly gesture, a Valentine’s chocolate meant in pure goodwill on the previous Valentine day, had somehow turned into a confession in his mind.