The Rival

A new executive named Adrian joined the company and immediately showed interest in Book.

Force became impossible to control.

He interrupted meetings, stole Book away during lunch, and even challenged Adrian to a basketball game.

“You’re acting like a child,” Book complained.

“I am a child,” Force answered proudly.

Book laughed so hard he nearly cried.

Force stared at him softly.

“I like hearing you laugh.”

The words made Book’s chest tighten.

Late one night, Force finally confessed.

“When my parents died, I became CEO too early,” he admitted. “Everyone expected me to grow up overnight.”

Book listened quietly.

“So I acted childish because… I was afraid. If I acted serious all the time, I felt lonely.”

Book gently held his hand.

“You don’t have to pretend around me anymore.”

Force looked at him with vulnerable eyes.

“Then stay with me.”

Book smiled.

“I already am.”

Months later, the company noticed changes in Force.

He still joked around, still annoyed Book every morning, and still argued about coffee.

But now, he smiled more genuinely.

And every evening, after work ended, Force would wait outside Book’s desk with a soft expression.

“Ready to go home?”

One sunset, while standing on the rooftop of the company building, Force finally said the words he had hidden for so long.

“I love you, Book.”

Book smiled warmly.

“I love you too, childish CEO.”

Force laughed before pulling him into a gentle hug as the city lights sparkled around them.

And for the first time in years, Force no longer felt alone.

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