Louder, Let Me Hear You

[Sensitive, falsely sunny office worker bottom x aloof, capable executive top]

Xu Jin is emotionally sensitive. He relies on a likable, sunny persona he's faked to work as the mascot at a Fortune 500 company, earning a pitiful paycheck.

But in a high-pressure work environment, the mask is bound to slip eventually.

A colleague gives him a probing look. "You're not quite what I imagined."

His boss, who had called him in for tea, speaks sharply. "The company doesn't need a useless freeloader."

It's been less than half a month, and Xu Jin already feels half dead inside.

But the boss, rumored to be stern and picky, doesn't bat an eye at his unusual behavior.

"Louder. Let me hear you."

Xu Jin obediently does as he's told, successfully maintaining his sunny persona in front of his boss.

Until one quiet night, deep in the darkness.

The usually unapproachable boss acts completely out of character, leaning down to bring his lips close to Xu Jin's ear. His voice is low and husky, his tone gentle and coaxing.

"Why is my little sunshine crying?"

"Good boy. Louder, let me hear you."

--2026.2.28

Theme: Say your love out loud