Chapter 2

• His gracefully slicked-back blond hair made him incredibly attractive. Despite looking younger than he really was, he possessed a mesmerizing charm.
• “Sir. I'm sorry, I'm just a little nervous.” Jonathan lowered his head, feeling embarrassed. His attempt to appear confident faded as he faced the CEO's cold eyes.
• “That's okay. Let's get started. Tell me about your vision for the future.” The blond glanced at him briefly before returning his gaze to the paper in his hands.
• “I want to be a producer, I mean, I am a music producer. I'm looking for a chance to show that I deserve to be here, and I have a lot to offer.” Without success, Jonathan searched his mind for the rehearsed words he had prepared on his way to the company.
• “Alright. You're quite young. Can you commit? I like to hire people I know will live up to the company's name,” Elliot inquired.
• “I'm very responsible, Mr. Park. I already live on my own, and I'm used to having responsibilities. My determination and persistence wouldn't allow me to squander such an opportunity.” The young man knew he was only five years younger than Elliot, but he understood the questioning, as people his age aren't always taken seriously in their commitments.
• “I've listened to your music. Did you produce it all by yourself? They're… interesting. Tell me about your creative process.” Though he didn't admit it, Elliot was impressed with Jonathan's talent; he not only produced well but also had an incredible voice.
• As the brunette presented his best arguments for Elliot to hire him, the older man couldn't stop his eyes from wandering to the first two buttons open on Jonathan's shirt, partially exposing his defined chest.
• He felt a magnetic attraction to his appearance without even realizing it; his eyes wandered to Jonathan's lips, noticing the beauty mark just below his lower lip.
• The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly as Jonathan continued to discuss his creative process. Elliot's initial stern demeanor softened, replaced by a thoughtful expression as he absorbed the young man's words. Despite the professional discussion, there was an unspoken tension in the air, and Jonathan couldn't help but feel the CEO's gaze lingering on him.
• “Your music has a unique touch. I appreciate creativity. But talent alone isn't always enough. What sets you apart from other producers?” Elliot leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the polished surface of his desk.
• Jonathan, feeling the weight of Elliot's scrutiny, took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I believe it's my ability to connect with the emotions behind the music. I don't just produce sounds; I tell a story with each composition. I immerse myself in the narrative of the song, and that, I believe, is what makes my work stand out."
• Elliot's eyes continued to explore Jonathan's features, and the young producer couldn't ignore the palpable tension in the room. Sensing the shift in dynamics, he cleared his throat, attempting to refocus the conversation.
• "I've had to overcome challenges to get where I am. I've faced rejection, criticism, but I've persevered. I see this opportunity as a chance to prove myself, to contribute something meaningful to this industry," Jonathan explained, his voice steady despite the underlying nervousness.
• Elliot's gaze finally lifted from the papers in his hands, meeting Jonathan's eyes directly. There was a momentary silence, and then he nodded, acknowledging the response. "You've got ambition, and that's commendable. We value dedication and passion here."
• As the interview progressed, the conversation delved into the technical aspects of Jonathan's work, but the magnetic undercurrent persisted. Elliot, despite his composed exterior, found himself captivated not only by Jonathan's musical prowess but also by his physical presence.
• Realizing the distraction he was causing himself, Elliot decided to end the interview prematurely before the other person noticed the evident internal confusion in his expression.
• “Alright, Jonathan. That's enough. Leave your information with the assistant; she will inform you of your schedule. It's a temporary position for a trial period. If you pass, you'll be hired permanently. If you have any conflicts, let us know, and we'll contact another candidate.” This time, Elliot didn't look at him, keeping his eyes fixed on the computer screen.
• Jonathan worried that he had been cut off, fearing that he might have said something inappropriate, but he didn't mind when he realized he had secured his long-awaited opportunity.
• “Thank you very much, Mr. Park. I won't let you down.” He bid farewell, grateful.
• Upon leaving the room, Jonathan received his schedule and a temporary badge that granted him access to the building. He felt the euphoria coursing through his body as he read his name next to the Empire logo. He couldn't wait to share the news with his family.
• […]
• Upon arriving home, he opened the fridge, hoping to find something to cook, but was disappointed to find only some old vegetables and nothing salvageable. He reached for his phone, looking for a delivery app and, in the meantime, searched for a movie to watch.
• He called his parents to share the news, and although they didn't consider his profession as something serious, they seemed happy for him. Jonathan had given up fighting against his parents' backward thinking; they were older and very traditional. They didn't understand how much music filled him and clung to the idea that he'd be much better off attending a traditional college and pursuing a common career.
• Since he was young, Jonathan had never been a conventional boy. He felt like a puzzle piece destiny played on his parents by giving them a son different from everything they had imagined.
• Distracted, he heard his phone beep, noticing a message from Hugo congratulating him and saying that he was waiting for the results of his interview. After replying to his friend, Jonathan couldn't resist searching for Elliot Park's name on Google, curious to learn more about his future boss.
• Looking at the photos he found, he noticed how Elliot always had a closed expression on his face. There wasn't much information about his personal life beyond what the media already knew; he seemed like a very reserved person. Jonathan was curious to know what he was like in his private life, but at the same time, he knew this kind of information shouldn't be of his concern.
• He was startled by the doorbell ringing, and in a hurry, he ran to the door to pick up his meal. He put on one of his favorite movies to celebrate his small but significant achievement. Jonathan had lost count of how many times he had watched “Call Me By Your Name,” but every time, he was moved.
• For a moment, he felt envious of the love that Elio demonstrated for Oliver, with all the fury of teenage passion, so intense that it seemed to pass through the screen and devastatingly hit the viewer. Before falling asleep completely, he thought that perhaps he had been alone for too long and reflected, trying to understand the feelings that had been awakened within him.