Noah's POV
The morning sun warmed the top of Noah's head as he and Diamant walked toward the company entrance. It was his first day back—his first attempt at acting normal since the hospital.
His steps were steady now. His body stronger. His heartbeat calmer.
Still… Diamant walked beside him like a silent guardian, close enough that Noah could feel the heat of him.
"You're sure you're ready?" Diamant asked for what felt like the hundredth time.
Noah smiled. "Yes. I promise."
Diamant's eyes studied him like he didn't quite believe it, but after a second, he nodded.
Inside the building, employees rushed over.
"Noah! You're back!"
"Are you any better now?"
"We're so relieved—"
Diamant moved gently but firmly in front of Noah, his presence instantly controlling the room.
"Give him space," he said, voice calm.
Everyone backed up.
Noah exhaled, touched but also embarrassed.
But he couldn't deny how safe he felt.
His new desk was by the window, sunlight spilling across neat stacks of files. When he sat, Diamant bent slightly toward him.
"If you feel even a little dizzy, message me," he said.
"I will."
"If you get tired—go home."
"I will."
"And if anyone bothers you—"
"I'll tell you," Noah cut in with a small laugh.
Diamant softened. "…Good."
But when he left the office, Noah felt strangely empty.
---
Evan's POV
Evan stood leaning against Diamant's office doorway as his friend returned from yet another check on Noah.
"That's the fifth time," Evan said.
Diamant didn't deny it.
"He's recovering," Diamant replied. "I should check on him."
"And the sky is blue, and water is wet," Evan said dryly. "But that's not why you're hovering."
Diamant sent him a sharp look, but Evan wasn't intimidated.
"You're in love with him," Evan stated plainly.
Diamant didn't flinch. He just looked away.
Evan stepped closer.
"Diamant, he clearly feels something too. You told him your feelings at the hospital, right?"
Diamant's voice dropped. "…Yes."
"And?"
"He… didn't say anything," Diamant admitted quietly. "He was hurt, weak. I couldn't expect him to respond."
Evan sighed.
This man was brilliant in business, terrifying in war-room negotiations, and absolutely clueless in love.
"Then let him answer now."
Diamant stiffened. "Evan—"
"Just let him talk," Evan insisted. "He deserves the chance."
Diamant said nothing.
But he didn't argue.
---
Noah's POV
Work went smoothly until midday… though everyone kept stopping by.
"Do you want water?"
"Your color looks better today."
"Don't push yourself."
They meant well, but Noah felt slightly smothered.
Then one employee leaned too close behind him, reaching over his shoulder to point at his screen. Noah instinctively tensed—
And the office door opened instantly.
Diamant stood there.
"Noah. Come with me."
Noah blinked. "What—?"
"Now."
Confused, Noah followed him down the hallway.
"Diamant?" Noah asked. "I was just—"
"He stood too close," Diamant said quietly.
Noah blinked. "Oh… you saw that?"
"I see everything," Diamant murmured.
Noah's face warmed.
They reached the stairwell where it was quieter. Diamant's voice dropped even lower.
"I didn't like how uncomfortable you looked," he said. "I'm sorry for pulling you away abruptly."
Noah's heart squeezed painfully in his chest.
He didn't want to live in that silence anymore.
He didn't want to keep pretending he didn't feel something beautiful and terrifying.
Evan's push replayed in his mind—Tell him. He already told you. Let him hear you too.
Noah inhaled, then tugged lightly at Diamant's sleeve.
"Diamant… I— I have something to tell you."
Diamant's eyes sharpened. "What is it?"
Noah's voice trembled.
His cheeks warmed.
"I… I like you," he whispered. "A lot. More than I should. I've been trying not to, but I can't help it. You're— you're kind. And gentle. And patient with me. And every time you look at me, I don't know how to breathe."
Diamant stared at him.
Noah panicked. "A-and I know I'm weak, and I know I'm still healing, and—"
Diamant's lips curved slowly.
Softly.
Warmly.
"Noah."
Noah froze.
Diamant reached out, brushing a thumb across the corner of Noah's sleeve—barely touching, but enough to make Noah shiver.
"I already told you," Diamant murmured. "Back in the hospital."
He leaned closer.
"And I meant every word."
Noah swallowed.
Diamant's next words were a whisper, warm and deep enough to make Noah's heartbeat stutter.
"Love you more."
Noah's knees nearly gave out.
Diamant caught his elbow, steadying him instantly.
"You're adorable when you're flustered," Diamant murmured with a smile.
Noah covered his face with both hands.
"D-Diamant…!"
But Diamant only chuckled softly—a sound so rare and gentle that Noah almost forgot how to breathe.
---
Later, in the same day
Evan walked past, caught sight of Noah's red face and Diamant's impossibly soft smile, and smirked.
"Well," Evan said casually, "looks like someone finally confessed."
Noah squeaked.
Diamant glared at Evan.
Evan raised his hands in surrender.
"All I'm saying is—about time."
Noah hid behind his tablet.
Diamant brushed Noah's hand with his fingers—brief, but protective.
And Noah knew with absolute certainty…
Coming back to work today wasn't the important part.
Confessing was.
And Diamant's gentle, warm response?
It wrapped around his heart like a promise.