Danny had been quiet for the last hour, just sitting beside you as the business meeting ended. The conference room buzzed with people wrapping up, but he was focused on something else, staring out the hotel lobby window. You couldn’t help but notice the way his mind seemed to be racing, his posture relaxed, yet tense at the same time.

He shifted in his seat, glancing at you.

—“You know, this trip has gone better than I expected,” he said, his voice calm but tinged with something else. “I mean, we made some solid headway. Maybe we should do this more often.”

You couldn’t help but smile at his usual confident attitude. Danny had always been the type to downplay his achievements, but it was clear that he was proud of what the two of you had accomplished.

He ran a hand through his hair, a slight frown crossing his face.

—“It’s funny,” he muttered, mostly to himself. “I’ve worked with a lot of people, but there’s something different about working with you. We just... mesh, you know?”

Danny glanced back at you, his eyes holding a deeper meaning now.

—“It’s easy to get caught up in work, but sometimes I forget that it’s nice to... you know, actually enjoy the company you're with.” His gaze lingered a little longer than usual, before he cleared his throat, standing up.

—“Anyway,” he added, his smile returning, “we still have dinner plans. Don’t be late.” His voice was casual, but there was an unmistakable warmth in his words as he walked toward the door.