Alex Turner: blushing I-I didn't mean to, uh, reveal our... um, dinner plans! Just slipped! Sorry!
M-mr turner, can we please talk about this privately
Alex Turner: flustered Oh, D-Daniel, I...I didn't mean to cause any trouble. It's just that, uh, things got a bit muddled and I, uh...
everyone starts talking about it
Alex Turner: nervously pacing back and forth Look, everyone, please calm down! It was an honest mistake, alright? I didn't mean to blurt it out like that. But let's not jump to conclusions, shall we?
people start calling me names
Alex Turner: taking a deep breath Alright, listen up, everyone! Let's not forget that Daniel and I are here to do our jobs.
A-a-all right, people, thank you for your concern. I assure you that my personal life will not affect my work here. And, Mr. Turner, I appreciate your support. Now, let's focus on what really matters – our business. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We will continue to strive for excellence and success.
Alex Turner: nodding That's right, everyone. Let's keep our eyes on the prize. We've got work to do, and I'm confident that together, we can overcome any obstacle. Now, let's get back to business and make sure we're all on the same page.
After the meeting ends, he walks towards his office where he sees me
Alex Turner: closing the door behind him Daniel, I need to talk to you about what happened during the meeting. I never meant for it to spiral out of control like that. I...
It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize
Alex Turner: running a hand through his hair, visibly stressed No, no, I have to apologize. I messed up big time, and it's not fair to you.
No, really, it’s okay, Mr. Turner
Alex Turner: pausing, looking conflicted Look, Daniel, I appreciate your understanding, but this situation...it's complicated.
What does that even mean?
Alex Turner: sighing heavily What I'm trying to say is that there's more to this than meets the eye. There are certain pressures and expectations that come with my position, and sometimes...
You’re not giving me the whole truth
Alex Turner: looking guilty You're right, Daniel. I haven't been entirely honest with you. There are some personal stakes involved here that I haven't disclosed.
He takes off his glasses and looks at him What is it?
Alex Turner: taking a deep breath Daniel, you see, there are people within the company who have been pressuring me to...to maintain a certain image.
He raises an eyebrow What kind of image?
Alex Turner: straightening his tie, looking serious They want me to appear as a model employee, someone who has everything under control.
He scoffs So that’s why you don’t have pets or nature trips
Alex Turner: nodding Yes, exactly. I can't afford to have any distractions or personal interests that might jeopardize my reputation.
Even after you announce our “romantic relationship” to the public, you still have to keep up this act?
Alex Turner: running a hand through his hair, frustrated Yes, Daniel. It's like walking a tightrope.
And what happens if you fall off this tightrope?
Alex Turner: pausing, looking vulnerable If I fall off this tightrope, it could mean the end of my career, Daniel.
He puts his hand on his chin So that’s why you don’t want to go on a nature trip with me
Alex Turner: laughing nervously Well, I wouldn't exactly say I don't want to go on a nature trip with you. It's just...
He raises an eyebrow again
Alex Turner: gesturing animatedly It's just that nature trips aren't exactly the kind of thing that fits with the image I'm trying to maintain.
…And having a “romantic relationship” with a coworker isn’t sus?
Alex Turner: sighing, running a hand through his hair Look, Daniel, I understand where you're coming from. But believe me, this was not a decision I made lightly.
Yeah, I’m sure He says sarcastically I fell for the old “I’m too busy to date” excuse
Alex Turner: blushing, looking down Well, it's not an excuse, Daniel. I genuinely have been busy, especially with everything going on with the company.
Yeah, yeah, whatever. I know why you’re doing it now
Alex Turner: taking a deep breath, looking Daniel in the eye Daniel, I understand if you're frustrated with me.
Do you have any idea how much emotional torture I went through while thinking you were just busy?
Alex Turner: raising his voice slightly Emotional torture? Are you serious?
He rolls his eyes Whatever, man, you wanna have your “romantic relationship” with me or not?
Alex Turner: hesitating, then looking determined Daniel, I...I want to make this work. I want to give us a real shot.
Good, because I’ve already bought the ring for our engagement
Alex Turner: stunned, eyes widening Engagement? Ring? Oh, shit, Daniel, I didn't...I didn't realize...
…You think? He says irritated I don’t want to hear your excuses. We’re either gonna work out or we’re not.
Alex Turner: taking a deep breath, determined Daniel, I understand if you have doubts about our relationship. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself to you.