Ari had expected their meeting to last three days as previously agreed per contract however, they ended up staying for two more. Due to bad weather, their private fleet was not cleared for takeoff. Luckily, the weather report had already indicated prospects of taking off that evening and Ari couldn't wait to leave.
Sharing a room with Rey felt like he were following a particular boarding school roster. He had to somehow delegate daytime responsibilities to Rey especially after noticing he'd somewhat become good friends with Ned. He didn't want to bother himself asking how the two got along. For one, Rey obviously disliked even sitting close to him and this made Ari feel a little self conscious. Every afternoon whenever Rey would come back to his room, he made sure to request a change of sheets just before he left. This meant he hardly got four hours of good sleep, always conscious of the time just incase Rey got back and he was still there. Luckily, they hadn't crossed paths yet and that made Ari quite relieved.
Ned on the other hand kept following and pestering him especially upon the misunderstanding being cleared. It put Ari in a bind that he opted to hide from Ned's secretaries through the help of the housekeeping lady he'd met on his first day. Often times, she'd help him sneak out once he was done with work and handed over to Rey then he'd return just before dinner for feedback from Ned. However, the previous night was the biggest shocker.
In truth, his life had been busy with one task after another that he hadn't thought of dating seriously. However, last night after dinner, Ned had openly proposed a relationship in the presence of Rey, who surprisingly appeared calm than usual. He neither appeared nonplused nor repulsed, rather, his expression remained blunt.
"I reserved this private dining area for us three and Mr. Rey here offered to be a witness. I didn't force him to stick around, that I promise you."
"I-I told you I don't mix work with..."
"Pleasure. I know. You've made that clear over and over but I can't seem to want you going off to someone else. I'm a jealous man, and I've had my eyes on you for a while. Now that it's out in the open you are not entangled to anyone, why not me...?"
"Are you... Do you have another meeting today?" Ari had changed the subject.
"Why do you ask?"
"You seem well suited up than your other days. You even fixed your hair differently."
"I'm flattered you noticed. I had to dress up for the occasion Mr. Ari since you are a hard man to pursue."
"Can you stop this nonsense. I wish to continue enjoying my dinner..."
"Mr. Ari, I'm a very confident man. This means I'm used to having my way but this time, I wanted my partner to be willing otherwise there is no excitement. That is the reason why I took my time preparing for today. It's always been easy asking someone to become my lover but not you therefore, I wanted to only tell you words backed by genuine affection but even that is not enough to pacify you. For that reason, I brought your secretary along with me to figure out the things you like but even he knows less about you than I do apparently.
I honestly wish you were an easy person to read. It would have been a walk in the park asking you to be my lover. Still, I want you to acknowledge my feelings, as difficult as it is. Don't brush me as you've always done. Do not be indifferent either. If you have any doubts, ask questions and I shall clarify to your hearts content.
Additionally Mr.Ari, I'll be taking a new position in my career and I wish to share my success with someone. It's time I settled down and put an end to my life of debouchery therefore, if you agree to have me, I intend to fulfill your every need. Big or small, I'll be at your beck and call."
"Enough." Ari couldn't endure any more of the embarrassment. To think Rey had been listening too made it uncomfortable. "I've heard enough."
"What's your answer then? Mr. Rey and I are waiting..."
"Why not?" Ari had asked, his eyes fixated on Rey. "I'm not tied up to anyone as you said."
"Should you be packing to your boyfriend's room?"
Ari was startled to hear Rey's voice. He'd been buried in his thoughts that he hadn't heard him come into the room. Covering himself with the duvet to the neck, he inquired how much time they had left before their flight was ready.
"Sir. Ned advised against leaving since the flight has been pushed to tomorrow morning again. Heavy storm tonight apparently so we'll have an early departure before sunrise."
"Oh..." Ari replied seeming rather dissapointed. "Okay then. Any prospects of a business venture from our newly acquired networks?"
"I've responded to most emails pertaining to inquiries so there won't be a backlog of things to follow up on our return. I've also taken the initiative to submit our final draft to Sir. Ned for perusal. He remains impressed by your work. On that note, I'm considering requesting your mentorship on how to handle clients such as him."
'Did he just pay me a compliment?' Ari wondered, ignoring the sudden warmth he felt rising up his neck and ears. "There will be more meetings such as this in future therefore I can make a recommendation to Mun about your interest in participating."
Rey stared at Ari briefly, fighting with himself over what to say. "I-I want to thank you...for bringing me here. I have interacted with people I never thought I would ever meet. During the day while you slept, Sir. Ned also allowed me the chance to exchange wisdom in the corporate world and having seen him first hand negotiating challenged my views in many ways, that includes...your...relationship. For that, I'm sincerely sorry for being judgmental of your private life, my careless assumptions of bedding clients included. I hope you can give me more opportunities to redeem myself."
Ari face flushed, his eyes unable to hide his shock. "What did you two discuss the last couple of days?"
"We touched base on personal life challenges and just like you, he too prefers men over women."
"Wasn't that already obvious?"
"Not to me. I may not agree with him confessing to another man however, it remains his personal affair. He's equally enlightened me in-depth on matters I do not wish to discuss ever again." Rey's face flushed and he turned to the side, unsuccessfully hiding what had already been seen. "All in all, congratulations...and I wish you two well."
"T-Thank you... I guess..."
"Now will you please vacate my room manager Ari. Your so called lover is the one that sent me to wake you up."
"I'm afraid you'll have to put up with me a little longer. I'll be scouting for job opportunities once I'm well rested. You may not realize what's at stake when I accepted Ned's proposal. I had earlier suggested for you to work with team leader Mun because I'll be resigning since team leader Mun is the next person more fitting for my position."
"Resigning?" Rey was baffled.
"Like I said, I don't mix business with pleasure."
"W-We just completed a big project Manager Ari. Moreover, Sir. Ned had promised bigger business to come... What about the new clients at the event..."
"You still don't get it, do you? For me to agree to be in a relationship with him means he has to cease to be my client and resigning is the best option. Equally, once we get back, I shall cease to be your boss. It is this vey reason that I'm turning down your mentorship request."