The morning sun filtered through the office blinds as Yuuto busied himself with the final touches on a presentation. The upcoming gala was just a week away, and Julien's team was moving at full speed. Yuuto was proving himself—organized, dependable, and graceful under pressure.
Julien watched from his office, eyes tracing every one of Yuuto's movements like a silent song playing in his mind.
By lunchtime, Julien called him in.
"Close the door," Julien said, not looking up from his desk.
Yuuto obeyed, clutching his tablet.
Julien finally looked up with a smile. "We've got a problem. The decorator for the gala backed out. I need someone I trust to fly to Jeju Island to meet a new vendor."
Yuuto's eyes widened. "Me?"
"You've got taste. And you're the only one I want by my side." His voice dropped. "It's a two-day trip. Beautiful hotel, ocean view… just the two of us."
Yuuto's heartbeat skipped. "I… I should ask Aiden."
Julien stood and approached him. "He doesn't own you, sweetheart."
Yuuto blushed. "He's just… protective."
Julien stepped closer. "And I'm possessive. Let's see who wins."
---
That night, Yuuto brought it up over dinner with Aiden.
"A business trip?" Aiden asked, cutting into his steak.
Yuuto nodded. "It's only two days. Julien said I'd be useful."
Aiden set his knife down. "He's playing with you."
Yuuto met his gaze. "I'm not a toy. And I want to prove I can do this."
Silence stretched between them. Finally, Aiden said coldly, "Fine. Go."
But his eyes darkened with a jealousy he couldn't hide.
---
Meanwhile, Julien leaned back in his chair at home, glass of wine in hand, a sly smile on his lips.
The game had begun.
And he intended to win.