[INT. MEETING ROOM – DAY]
A few weeks have passed. Julien and Thomas have grown closer, but they remain cautious. However, a jealous colleague, Marc, has started noticing their unusual connection.
The scene takes place after an important meeting, where Marc decides to take action.
MARC (sarcastically, to Julien, in the hallway)
You're doing pretty well for yourself. Always getting the best projects, the boss's compliments… must be nice being the favorite.
Julien freezes, understanding the insinuation.
JULIEN
I work hard, Marc. Maybe you should try that instead of wasting your time watching others.
MARC (coldly laughing)
Oh, I'm just making observations. Funny how you're always where he is, always the first to get his attention. Maybe it's not just about work, huh?
Julien tries to keep his composure, but his hands tremble slightly.
JULIEN
I don't have to listen to this.
He walks away quickly, but his thoughts are racing.
[INT. THOMAS'S OFFICE – LATER]
Julien enters Thomas's office, visibly shaken. Thomas looks up from his screen, immediately noticing something is wrong.
THOMAS
Julien? What's going on?
JULIEN (closing the door behind him)
Marc knows. Or at least, he suspects something.
Thomas stands, frowning.
THOMAS
What did he say?
JULIEN
He's insinuating that I'm your "favorite," that I get special treatment because… because I'm close to you.
Thomas clenches his fists, his expression darkening.
THOMAS
I'll deal with him.
JULIEN (stopping him)
No! If you step in now, it'll only confirm his suspicions.
Thomas hesitates, looking at Julien with concern.
THOMAS
Then what do we do? I'm not letting you handle this alone.
Julien steps closer, his tone softening.
JULIEN
We keep going as if nothing's wrong. We stay careful. But if it gets too risky, I… I'll resign.
Thomas looks at him, stunned.
THOMAS
What? No. Absolutely not.
JULIEN
Thomas, it's not fair to you. If this gets out, it could destroy your reputation, your career…
THOMAS (intensely)
And you think I'm going to let you sacrifice everything to protect me?
Julien looks away, troubled. Thomas steps closer, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
THOMAS (more gently)
Listen to me. If anyone has to leave, it'll be me. But I don't want us making any rash decisions.
JULIEN
Thomas…
THOMAS
We're in this together. So, we'll figure it out together.
Julien exhales deeply, then finally nods.
[INT. OPEN SPACE – A FEW DAYS LATER]
Marc tries to raise his suspicions by talking to other colleagues. However, Thomas, subtly but firmly, begins delegating some important projects to other employees to prevent Julien from appearing favored.
In a meeting, Thomas...