The next morning, Yuuto arrived at work to find a letter on his locker.
A formal transfer notice.
> "Effective immediately, you are assigned to the Penthouse Division as a private server and coordinator under the supervision of the hotel's executive office."
He blinked.
The hotel owner?
Why him?
---
He climbed the private elevator quietly, nervousness growing in his chest. The hallway smelled faintly of wood and roses — expensive, controlled, perfect.
The office door was already open.
And the hotel owner stood near the window, sipping his morning espresso, dressed in gray.
"Come in," he said without looking.
Yuuto stepped inside, standing awkwardly.
The owner finally turned to face him, eyes calm and unreadable.
"I hope the transfer letter wasn't too sudden."
Yuuto shook his head. "No, sir. I just… wasn't expecting it."
The owner gave a soft smile.
"You're good at what you do. I believe talent should be nurtured in the right places."
Yuuto bowed slightly. "Thank you."
"Starting today, you'll assist with our VIP guest management. Some of those guests will be mine personally."
Yuuto nodded again.
"Let's do our best… together."
---
That afternoon
Aiden sat in the lounge café with his tablet, waiting for Yuuto to pass by — like he did every other day.
But today, he didn't.
No familiar smile.
No awkward walk.
Nothing.
He asked a server, "Where's Yuuto?"
The server replied, "Transferred, sir. He's working under executive supervision now."
Aiden frowned.
Executive?
Then it hit him.
The hotel owner.
---
Back upstairs
Yuuto delivered documents, organized event details, and responded to emails. He was sharp, fast, and always polite.
The hotel owner observed him in silence — until Yuuto brought him coffee around 5 PM.
"Sir," Yuuto said, setting it down, "your evening meeting is confirmed for seven."
"Good," the owner replied. Then casually:
"You and Aiden… are you close?"
Yuuto looked up, startled.
"I— I don't know. We're friendly."
The owner stepped closer, his voice quiet.
"Be careful. He's not as steady as he looks."
Yuuto tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
"He has… health complications," the owner said slowly. "And he hides things."
Yuuto's hands tensed slightly.
"You deserve someone who's honest with you."
The words were soft. Almost kind.
But the intention behind them was sharper than glass.
---
That night – Aiden called Yuuto.
Yuuto answered quietly.
"I didn't see you today," Aiden said.
"I was transferred. To the penthouse department."
Aiden's silence spoke volumes.
Yuuto continued, "The hotel owner is… nice. He's helping me learn new things."
Aiden's voice was low. "Be careful."
Yuuto paused. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"
"I've just known him longer," Aiden replied. "He's not the person he pretends to be."
Yuuto's voice grew colder. "And are you?"
Aiden froze.
"I didn't mean—" Yuuto whispered quickly. "I'm just confused. Everything's changing."
There was silence between them.
Then Aiden said softly:
"I miss you."
Yuuto closed his eyes.
"I know."