I swiftly shut the door to my office. None of my other employees need to hear this conversation.
"Asher?? How the hell do you know who Saturn Hilz is?" I demand. I'm more anxious than anything. I cannot let this information leak and spread around the office.
"Well… you know… I just really like the BL novels you write. It's not often that I get to watch other BL series because of work and my personal life. If I watched the shows on my phone or computer, then anybody could see it and judge me for it. With books and web novels? It's much easier to read in public since nobody ever pays attention to a book or the tiny words on my phone screen…" Asher responds softly and lowers his head to look around the floor.
Asher's response shifted me inside. He's much like me. We both have something we enjoy, but we're too scared to be public about it. We fear the backlash of others around us. I understand deeply where he is coming from. I take a deep breath before answering.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable about liking BL. It's just that I have a company to run. I cannot let this hobby of mine get exposed. My reputation would be torn to shreds, potential clients might even terminate contracts," I sigh loudly, " Let's just not mention this to anyone. Alright?"
"Mr. Shultz, don't you worry one bit! I won't tell a soul. Besides, none of your work traces back to you. If I told anyone, I'd probably get attacked for having one of those books in the first place!"
I let out a small laugh, "Well that's settled! I'm glad we're on the same page--"
"Well, actually, I do have one teeny tiny condition. Could I get early access to your chapter updates? It'll be even easier for me to read in public since technically it won't even be published yet--"
"Fine… you've got a deal. Don't make me regret this. Just keep it on the hush-hush," I hesitate and shake my head, "What's your number? It'll be quicker for me to send you snippets of the updates this way."
Asher's face lights up with pure joy. He pats around and pulls his phone out of his pocket. We exchange numbers and I kindly lead him out of my office. Asher seems like a good guy. He just doesn't want the judgemental eyes of society staring him down for something he likes. I get that completely. I, too, wish things were much easier for queer representation in film and literature.
I sigh and take a seat back at my desk. This is definitely not how I planned my morning to go. I might as well add the finishing touches to this chapter. I have a sweet supporter of mine waiting for early updates. It's such a compliment that someone appreciates my work this much. I smile and begin happily editing my work.