SINCE he was a kid, Jerome Yao believes that everybody needs a partner. To have a reason to live. To be inspired. To be happy in love.

But in reality, he never try approached anyone. He loves being alone in his messy bedroom, in front of his laptop.

Why not? His job don't need to go out. Yes, he is a commission artist. He is making video for others, doing artworks, accepting school projects, editing, drawing and graphic designs. And the payment he recieved is enough to buy food for once a week. Sometimes, a big help to his loving mother pay the bills.

"Roro, the dinner is ready!" His mom almost shouting but for him that's the most sweetest voice.

"Five minutes, mom!"

"Okay, it's my graveyard shift. And you know, your dad's business trip extended for one more week so you are on your own again. Bye-bye, dear."

"Take care, mom!"

After that, he heard the shut door sound. The timing is right, he already finish today's last project. He just have to click the white box icon.

Send.

Satisfied, he stretched his arms and stand up. No matter how busy he is, he will never forget to eat.

Jerome is the only child of the two busy parents. His father Jestoni, is a Chinese businessman married to his mother Laura, a Filipina registered nurse.

Now that he is alone there's so many things running wild in his mind. So, he came back in his room right after brushing his teeth. He wants to write something, a different from the usual.

In front of his laptop again, Jerome browsing on his social media account, no, it's a dummy account. Of course, not his real face. He used a fake name too. It's Toro Morato.

He started public posting for the first time about his artworks, and the amount he needs. He even add his contact number. Just give it try. If no one notice, it will be deleted.

Hello, there! This is one of my artwork collections. You like it? If you do, I'll give it to you. Just pay me the said amount below.

By the way, this my phone number +63999*******

He has few followers here so it's really not good to expect. But after a minute or two, the post got reacts, comments and shares. Even his phone is vibrating. He also recieved a non-stop call. This is crazy! What exactly is he doing?

But yeah, just continue. No one can stop him now that he got what he wants. He scrolled up and down. He is full of curiousity while reading every comment carefully. But there's one here made his forehead furrowed.

Are you for real?

Where did you get these?

Poser!

Tell us the truth. This is not yours.

I know the real artist. And I am his biggest fan.

Don't try me, I'll report you.

He was shocked. Typing a reply as fast as he can.

No, please! Text me. I will explain.

Whatever! Eventhough he sounded like he is begging in the reply section. He just want to clarify things. But tonight, at least he is happy. He found out that his real account as a Jerome Yao has a loyal fan.

While waiting for a reply and text, he decided stalking the timeline of that stranger. They're not friends. Not his followers either.

...Kael Marcus Shen...

...Yao Jerome's Property...

...wo xihuan ni...

No pictures. No public posts. It's a private account. But reading his name under that guy's name is making his heart skip a beat. No. It is pounding right now. And this is the very first time.

The wait is over. He heard a vibrate sound again. He already knew, it was Kael after reading the message.

+63927*******

Now, explain.

08:45 PM

^^^+63999*******^^^

^^^That was me.^^^

^^^08:47 PM^^^

As simple as one, two, three. No lies. Just honesty. And hoping that Kael will not that slow to understand what was his replied mean.

And then, browse again on his laptop. But of course, this time he changed the privacy of the posted photos from public to only me. After that, he logged out.

The next thing he did was shut down the computer so he can comfortably climbed up over the bed. He want to go to sleep.

But his phone vibrates again and again. He can't ignore that so just get it and checked.

+63927******

It was a relief. Thank you.

I'm sorry I was harsh.

Good night.

09:00 PM

Jerome closed his eyes smiling. Tonight is not a bad night. He met Kael, a fan of him.

WALKING back and forth. Biting his nails. It's been days since the last time Kael texted him. Jerome, didn't move his laptop since then. No projects. No income. Looking on the bright side, his bedroom is perfectly arranged. No dust. No dirt.

But of course he can 't escape for the fact, he is not in his usual self anymore after that night. There's something inside him screaming. He wants to know that guy but he is afraid to make the first move.

Ah, this is insane! What is really am I thinking these days?

"Son, are you in there? Your mom told me that you're not busy today. Wanna accompany me to my office? You can bring all your things."

The invitations really saved him unexpectedly. He rushed to open the door and he saw his father with a coat and tie standing there, waiting patiently to his response. And never once in his life rejected his dad.

"Alright. Just give me a minute."

And the old man smiled. "Hen hao," said in Chinese it means 'great'.

They are not super close like the other father and son. Whatever he wants, his father don't mind as long as it's about making money. They really are alike when it comes to that. Even his mother didn't meddle about these things. Just mind their own each other business.

"Good morning, Boss. Good morning, Sir Jerome." The staff in uniform stand up straight, greeted them in chorus.

"Good morning!" His dad greeted back.

Yao Techno and Appliances is the name of this company. From the house, it's thirty minutes ride by car. It is not the biggest one, but there's a lot of employees behind of his father's successful business. And he is aware of everything because he secretly observing people whenever he's here.

He choose to stand by in his dad's office. He turn on the aircondition. Sitting on the sofa, then lie down after a while. Checking on his phone. Sit back again. What a boring day!

"What now, son? Do you want me to give you something else to do? You're making me dizzy."

He can sense the irritating tone from his dad's voice that's why he says, "Yes, please."

"Okay, as you wish. Now, go out and observe then report it to me everything you see."

So simple! He thinks he can do it. He's been trained here in his college days.

"Yes, boss!" Confidently stand up, salute to his father busy in front of the computer then he excuse himself and leave happily.

From the moment he got out of that room is the exact time something bumps into him. No, it's someone base on what he's holding in his arms right now. A young man, a college student, he guess but the words come out from his mouth is, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

He didn't get an answer. The guy is just staring at him. A moment later, he heard footsteps coming from somewhere.

"Did you see the new intern?"

"You mean, Marky?"

"Yes... the manager is looking for him."

After hearing those chit chats, he knew it already. This guy is what they are talking about. The exact said name is on his nameplate.

"I... I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't do it on purpose." The young man rushed to distance himself, blushing. "Can you forgive me?" Bow his head. Both left and right hand stick together like he is praying. No, he is begging.

"It's alright. You are the newbie here, right? What school are you from?" he asked while examining the uniform.

"B University, Sir."

Amazed, Jerome reacted, "Oh, really? That's my school. I graduated Business Marketing last year."

That guy covered his mouth into shocked as if something is really surprising right here.

"What is it?" Jerome is curious.

"You are... you are the..."

He don't understand what this man trying to say that's why he go near him. A little bit closer. "I am, what?"

But the intern blushing again, putting down his hands and say, "Please, excuse me, Sir and I am sorry for being rude... for that night and today."

That words, go round and round, spinning in Jerome's mind.

"Wait... what?"

And when he finally understand, this guy name 'Marky' was not in front him anymore. But it's not too late, he believes their path will cross again.

The company is not that big.

Jerome chuckled. Today is really interesting.

Kael Marcus "Marky" Shen, locked himself to the men's restroom. His right hand on his chest.

"Why of all people? And I slipped my tongue just like that? What if he got angry with me? What to do now?"

Inhale and exhale.

He get the cellphone out from his pocket and dial someone's number.

"Hello.. what is it, Big brother?" the other line answered.

"Hey, Mika-sis, please tell me that Jerome Yao have nothing to do with this company that you recommend. Please, I wanna know right now."

"Why? Did you met him already? Is he handsome in person?"

He rolled his eyes. "Yes, very handsome but the first meeting is awkward... I bumped into him and you know what? He hold me like a girl."

In the other line, he heard his sister's screaming.

"That's romantic! Then, what did he say? What did you do, right after that? I want to take down notes all the details. Say it, say it."

He shook his head. "Stop it. You're too loud!"

"You can't blame me. I have mental blocked for almost a week and all of the rest of my novels got no updates."

He suddenly remember that his sister is a Boys' Love fan and a romance writer too.

"Okay, okay, I will tell you later. But little sis, I want to transfer to another company. You know, my situation here is not what you we're thinking. I can't face Jerome anymore. He is too good to be true."

"Why? He is your idol, right? You like Arts because of him."

"Yeah, but I felt insecure. He is rich and spoiled. He can study and do whatever he wants. And I? I choose this course, Electrical Engineering because of Mama wanted me to be one... like Papa."

"Big brother, don't be like that. You promised me that we help each other to become successful and when the time comes, we will do what we want. We can travel around the world so we can find where Papa is."

He did hung up the call after hearing those words. Yes, for her sister he will never give up.

Kael decided to go out of that restroom but to his surprised he saw Jerome to the right side of the door.

Calm down, Kael. He didn't heard everything. He didn't. He is just passing by, at the back of his mind trying to ignore the boss's son presence and started walking.

"Done with your drama, huh."

No way! This is impossible. He bit his lower lip and keep on hoping that this is not happening. He continue walking.

"Kael Marcus Shen, let me clear some things here!" Jerome followed and grip Kael's arm.

"I am not the rich one here, that's my father. And you said you want to transfer because you felt insecure? Oh come on! I am busy making money on my own. I study Graphics Design with my own efforts. My college degree is just for dad's. And now, I am asking you... is it worth it to feel insecure to a guy like me?"

Speechless, Kael glanced at Jerome while thinking that all this time they are just the same. His idol have some difficulties too.

"But you are more lucky than me." He added and Jerome smiled.

"Yeah, I think I am because I have a fan like you."

That words made his heart beating so fast. This guy is really an idol.

I really like him! I really do!

He is screaming inside his head like a girl. This feeling is good. He don't want to stop being a fanboy.

"You're not in your post in the whole morning and you just here?"

Hearing something like that, the happiest time of his life is quickly vanished. The strict manager is here.

"No, Manager Li, he's with me." Jerome saved him by that.

But the manager just glare at them. So, he rushed to distance himself and walked away. Enough for today. He have to get back to training.

Before he got in to the Quality Control Department, his phone rang. It's his message tone. He look around and checked carefully. Everyone is busy so he is free to read that text. And even though the contact name he saved is just an initials, he can help but to smile.

JY

Be good. Text me later.

10:45 AM

And that's the first thing he did when he got entered to the small apartment where he live. He texted Jerome while smiling.

^^^I just got home, how about you, Sir?^^^

^^^07:30 PM^^^

"Eh, my Big brother is happy." Mika in the living room with the tablet in her hand. "Say, how was it to be hold in Jerome Yao's arms?"

"It was amazing!" He is not in his normal self because he is reading Jerome's reply.

JY

Me too. Have you eaten?

07:31 PM

He bit his lower lip and smile. He even stomped his feet. What a wonderful night it is!