**Chapter 39: Secrets and Bonds***Bing's POV*The room buzzed with the soft hum of machinery, but to Bing, it felt quieter than usual. They sat at their workstation, their fingers hovering over the keyboard, but their mind wasn't on the task in front of them. It was becoming harder to focus lately—too many distractions, too many thoughts they couldn't push away.Bing had always been good at maintaining their professional, calm demeanor, keeping personal matters neatly tucked away. But the complexity of their situation with Safari was beginning to fray the edges of their carefully constructed facade.They glanced around the room, making sure no one was paying attention, and allowed themselves a brief moment of vulnerability. The secret meetings, the stolen touches—this had all been happening long before anyone else knew, before the story unfolded to include them. It had been reckless, but Bing couldn't deny the pull they felt toward Safari.His nickname for them, "Bling," was a small but significant sign of the bond they shared. He only used it when they were alone, away from the prying eyes of their colleagues. It was a term of endearment that carried a weight Bing wasn't sure they were ready to bear.Their thoughts drifted to the countless moments they'd spent together, moments that were both comforting and terrifying. Safari was so different from them—open, warm, and far less guarded. Bing had tried to keep their distance, to maintain the boundaries between personal and professional, but those boundaries were becoming increasingly blurred.The door to the room creaked open, and Bing quickly straightened up, returning their focus to the screen in front of them. Safari walked in, his usual confident stride softened by the warm smile he reserved just for them."Hey, Bling," he greeted, his voice low and affectionate.Bing's heart did a familiar little flip at the sound of the nickname, but they kept their expression neutral, offering him a brief nod. "Safari," they replied in their usual calm tone.He leaned against the edge of their desk, his hand casually brushing against theirs. The touch was small, almost insignificant, but it sent a wave of conflicting emotions through Bing. It wasn't the first time he'd touched them like this—small, secretive gestures that hinted at the deeper connection they shared."Everything okay?" Safari asked, his voice laced with concern as he studied their face.Bing hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, everything's fine," they said, though they knew it wasn't entirely true.Safari didn't seem convinced, but he didn't push. Instead, he moved closer, his hand now resting on their shoulder. "You've been a bit distant lately. You sure you're okay?" he asked gently.Bing met his gaze, feeling the walls they'd built around themselves waver slightly. But they couldn't let them fall. Not now. "I'm just tired," they said softly. "It's been a lot lately."Safari nodded in understanding, his thumb brushing against their shoulder in a comforting gesture. "I get it. It's been tough for all of us," he said, his voice warm and reassuring.Bing looked away, trying to steady themselves. The guilt of keeping so many secrets was weighing heavily on them, but they couldn't let Safari in—not fully. They cared for him, but this was still work, and they had to keep their priorities straight."Thanks," Bing said quietly. "But I'm okay, really."Safari gave their shoulder a light squeeze before pulling away, his smile soft but tinged with concern. "Just remember, Bling, I'm here if you need anything."Bing nodded, forcing a small smile. "I know. Thank you."As Safari left the room, Bing let out a slow breath, their mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The situation with Safari was getting more complicated by the day, and they weren't sure how much longer they could keep up the charade.But for now, they had no choice. The secret meetings, the hidden touches—these were the only things they could hold onto, even as the weight of their choices threatened to overwhelm them.
