Liam sat behind his desk, the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over his sharp, angular features. His commanding presence was softened only by the effortless sweep of his rich, dark brown hair—always styled with careful precision. His fair, smooth skin carried a subtle, healthy glow, a testament to his meticulous grooming. The suit he wore—flawlessly tailored—reflected the same unwavering attention to detail that defined him. As he flipped through yet another round of reports, the weight of the upcoming project deadline pressed heavily on his shoulders. The quiet hum of the office filled the room, a fleeting moment of solitude in an otherwise chaotic day.

Just as he began to focus, a sudden knock on the door interrupted his concentration.

"Liam! Hey, got a minute?"

Noah's voice was unmistakable—easy, carefree, like the air itself was too heavy for him to care about. Liam rubbed his temples before glancing up. Noah was already half in the room, a wide grin stretched across his face, and a large coffee cup in one hand.

"Noah," Liam said flatly, trying to mask his irritation. "I'm in the middle of something."

Noah sauntered in without waiting for permission, plopping down in the chair opposite Liam's desk as if he owned the place. He leaned back, placing the coffee on the table between them.

"Caffeine for the caffeine king," Noah said with a wink. "You're gonna need it. We're in for a long night."

Liam took the coffee, his fingers brushing Noah's as he grabbed it. He tried not to think about how Noah's easy confidence always seemed to unsettle him. Instead, he focused on the cup and the work in front of him.

"What are we doing tonight?" Liam asked, trying to redirect the conversation. "I still need to go over these figures with the team."

Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Figures, schmigures. We've been staring at spreadsheets for hours. Let's break it up with a little bit of real work. You know, strategy and all that jazz." He leaned in slightly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "So, my place or yours?"

Liam's pen stopped mid-air. His jaw tightened. He stared at Noah, irritation simmering beneath the surface. Of course, Noah would bring up the rumors. Of course, he would continue to play around with this nonchalant attitude, testing the waters of their growing tension.

"Do you ever take anything seriously?" Liam snapped, finally letting the annoyance spill out. He set the pen down and rubbed his forehead, trying to calm the storm of emotions Noah always seemed to stir up in him. "I'm trying to get some work done here, Noah. I don't need this...this distraction."

Noah's playful smile didn't falter. "Oh, come on. It's just a little fun. No harm in it, right?" He shrugged, as if the entire conversation were no big deal.

Liam stood up suddenly, a sharp motion that made Noah raise an eyebrow. "It's not just 'fun,' Noah. People are talking. They're whispering about us—about you and me. If we're constantly seen together, constantly working together, what do you think is going to happen?"

Noah raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Liam. It's just a joke."

"No, it's not just a joke." Liam's voice was taut now, a thin layer of frustration cutting through his usual control. "You're the face of your company, Noah. And you're acting like this is all some game. If you don't take responsibility for your actions, it's going to get out of hand."

Noah leaned back in his chair, clearly unbothered, despite the sharpness in Liam's tone. "Oh, I take full responsibility. I mean, look at us—constantly together, our brilliant minds at work. How could anyone not think we're the next big thing?" He leaned forward, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Maybe we should just roll with it. I think we'd make a hell of a team."

Liam's breath caught in his throat, his heart rate picking up. There it was again. The insinuation. The casual words that hinted at something more.

"This isn't funny, Noah," Liam said, his voice low and firm. "You might think you can shrug it off, but it's my reputation on the line. And I'm not about to let your little jokes ruin it."

Noah's grin faltered for a moment, the playful edge in his eyes softening. But only for a second. "Okay, okay. No more jokes. We're meeting at your place tonight. I'll be there at eight, as usual."

Liam stood frozen for a moment, his breath uneven as his mind scrambled to catch up. His pulse drummed in his ears, the rapid beat pulsing through his chest. His gaze flickered to the floor, then back to Noah, but he couldn't find the words. A tight knot formed in his throat, the words he wanted to say hanging just out of reach. He clenched his fists at his sides, forcing himself to stay still, to mask the unease twisting inside him. The thought of opening up, of letting Noah see what was beneath the surface, made his stomach churn. So, he stayed silent, the weight of unspoken thoughts pressing down on him.

"Fine," Liam finally said, his voice strained. "Eight. My place. But let's keep it professional. Just professional."

Noah, ever the charmer, stood and gave a dramatic bow. "As you wish, oh wise and mighty Parker. I shall abide by your rules. For now."

Liam didn't smile, but he could feel Noah's presence in the room—distracting, relentless, but somehow comforting.

"I'm serious, Noah," Liam said, his tone colder now. "I don't need to be made the butt of your jokes. Take responsibility for this. If we're going to be seen together, make it count."

Noah's smile slipped just slightly, but he nodded. "Alright, alright. I'll be on my best behavior. Scout's honor."

Liam just nodded curtly, watching as Noah finally left, the door clicking shut behind him. He sat back down at his desk, trying to steady his breathing. But Noah's words echoed in his mind, a quiet hum beneath his frustration.

Noah had no idea how deeply his jokes cut, how his flippant attitude about the rumors was slowly unraveling the tightly wound knot of fear in Liam's chest.

But tonight, at least, he would have to face it head-on. In the confines of his own home, the project—and the rumors—would continue to loom over them both.