Carter and Ken strode into the glass-and-chrome office building, shoulders brushing slightly against each other as they passed through the revolving doors. Best friends for over a decade in addition to coworkers, they were inseparable, though neither would have described the other as their “type” if asked. 

Carter, the taller of the two, was broad shouldered with a sharp jawline dusted in a five o’clock shadow that always seemed intentional. His hair was dark brown, neatly styled, and it still fell perfectly across his forehead even after a long day. Beneath his tailored charcoal suit, his chest filled out his shirt in all the right ways. Athletic but not bulky, Carter’s lean build reflected his commitment to taking care of himself without obsessing over it. His deep-set hazel eyes gave him a commanding presence, drawing curious, enamored glances whenever he entered a room. 

Softer by comparison, Ken was no less striking. Golden-blond hair fell in relaxed waves that he always pushed back with his fingers when nervous. He had a runner’s build—slim waist, long legs, and a toned frame from casual weekend hikes rather than gym sessions. His bright blue eyes were always amused, framed by thick lashes that gave him an unintentionally seductive gaze. His style leaned relaxed-professional: crisp button downs left slightly open at the collar, sleeves rolled up just enough to expose his forearms, and a watch he never took off. 

Both were single. Both were straight. At least, that’s how it had always been. 

Carter sipped his coffee as they crossed the lobby. “You seeing Kelly tonight?” 

Ken shrugged. “Nah, ended things. You know how it is. Six months is my limit.” 

Carter smirked. “Right. Any longer than that, and you break out in hives.” 

Before Ken could fire back, Michelle from accounting rushed over to them, her beaming smile a mile wide. “Congratulations, you two! It’s so wonderful.” 

Carter blinked. “Uh, thanks?” 

“I mean, wow. I never would have guessed, but good for you! Love is love, right?” She gave a thumbs up and vanished down a row of cubicles. 

Ken frowned. “What the hell was that about?” 

They didn’t have time to figure it out before Tom from HR intercepted them outside the kitchenette. Tom’s face was lit up like a Christmas tree. The man looked like he’d just won the lottery. 

“Boys! I heard the news. Man, so proud of you.” 

Carter raised an eyebrow. “What news?” 

“Mind cluing us in?” Ken added. 

Tom winked. “And on National Coming Out Day, of all days. You guys couldn’t have picked a better time.” 

Ken sputtered. “Wait, what? We’re not—” 

“No need to be shy,” Tom said, clapping Ken on the back. “Everyone’s thrilled for you two. On behalf of Human Resources, we couldn’t be happier when members of our company family can finally be their authentic selves.” 

Ken opened his mouth to argue, but Tom had already turned away. He got a few yards down the hall before he turned around and shouted back across the packed office. 

“Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need help setting up domestic partnership benefits. Have a great day, boys!” 

Carter and Ken stared at each other. 

“This has to be a joke,” Carter said. 

“Yeah,” Ken agreed, though his voice wavered. 

But the congratulations kept coming. By noon, the entire office seemed convinced Carter and Ken were a couple. People smiled knowingly. A rainbow flag appeared on Carter’s desk. Their inboxes were filled with messages from teammates and colleagues they’d never met. 

So happy for you! 

Knew you two would figure it out eventually. 

Such a cute couple! 

It was relentless. Neither could get any work done because of the constant affirming interruptions. Needing to escape, they took an early lunch, slipping out of the office by the fire stairs to avoid any more congratulations on their sudden and inexplicable gayness. 

“This is nuts,” Carter muttered. 

Ken nodded, poking at his salad with his fork. 

Carter looked at Ken as if seeing him for the first time. “Dude, did you order a salad?” 

Ken looked down at a plate overflowing with greenery. 

“Did I? I don’t remember.” 

“You hate salad.” 

Ken froze. He’d polished off more than half of it already. “I do?” 

“You hate salad.” 

Ken’s brow furrowed. “Huh.” 

Carter found Ken’s befuddled expression strangely captivating. He kept noticing Ken’s lips when he spoke, their curves, and the way his tongue brushed his bottom lip. 

“What the fuck is happening?” 

By 3 p.m., things had shifted. Back in the office, both men found they were distracted not by their coworkers’ well wishes, but by each other. Carter’s eyes were drawn like moths to a flame every time Ken adjusted his collar. Enraptured by the innocent movement, Carter’s gaze trailed from Ken’s slender neck down to the subtle definition of his chest beneath his shirt. 

Ken caught Carter staring. Neither said a word. 

Coworkers continued to approach them with congratulations, but as the afternoon wore on, they stopped denying them. They accepted them with smiles and thanks. It felt easier. 

Natural. 

Carter and Ken were exhausted by quitting time. The elevator doors closed, sealing them in a silent glass box. 

Ken looked at Carter, blue eyes searching. “This morning, I was straight.” 

Carter swallowed. “Me too.” 

Ken stepped closer. “But… I don’t think I am anymore.” 

Carter didn’t respond. He couldn’t. His pulse thundered in his ears. He reached for Ken’s hand—warm, familiar, right. Their fingers fit together perfectly. 

When the doors slid open on the ground floor, the two men no longer fought what the world had insisted on telling them. No one looked surprised to see them standing so close. People smiled, nodding with approval. 

And Carter and Ken smiled back. It didn’t feel forced anymore. They went home together, no discussion needed, to Carter’s apartment. 

Ken stood in the doorway, hesitating. “So… I should probably go.” His statement sounded more like a question than a statement. 

Carter stepped out of the doorway, his movement itself an invitation. “Do you want to?” 

Ken didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. Their kiss was slow and uncertain. But the longer it lasted, the more the uncertainty faded. They pressed their lips and bodies together; both fit perfectly. When they finally pulled apart, they stared at each other. The fog in Carter’s mind lifted just enough for one last coherent thought. 

This isn’t who I was. 

But Ken smiled softly as if he could read Carter’s mind. “It’s who we were meant to be.” 

Carter smiled back. The last of the doubt slipped away. 

Outside the window, the city lights flickered in the fading twilight. Everywhere, more pairs of best friends walked home together. All smiles. All perfect. All exactly as they were supposed to be.

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