(The scene opens at Massive Management Enterprise, just a few minutes away from lunch.)

Mr Fords: Ryan, are you OK?

Ryan: Yes, sir, I am OK.

(There is a moment of silence.)

Mr Fords: Well, I have every reason to believe that you’re lying.

Ryan: What are your reasons, sir?

Mr Fords: You’ve been buried in your work since you arrived. You’ve hardly said anything. Your skin keeps changing colours – from pale to red. You’ve completed all your tasks and now you’ve taken over mine.

Ryan: Maybe you’re right. I was lying. I’m not OK, but I can’t bring my personal issues into the workplace. That would be unprofessional.

Mr Fords: That’s just a theory. You have to steal a minute or two to get whatever’s eating you out of your system. I’m here – talk to me.

Ryan: That’s the most amazing offer I’ve received in a long time, but I’ll have to pass. Thank you.

Mr Fords: You won’t be doing me any good by sharing what’s stressing you. You’ll be healing yourself. Your shackles will feel lighter.

Ryan: I am meeting someone at lunch to confide in, sir. I appreciate your concern.

Mr Fords: Lies are your hobby, aren’t they? Just this morning Brian asked if you had plans for lunch and you said you had none.

Ryan: (Surprised) You heard that?

Mr Fords: This whole building is my territory! Of course I heard that.

Ryan: I am…

Mr Fords: Lie all you want. I can’t force you to speak out.

Ryan: That’s…

Mr Fords: We have fifteen industrial psychologists, operating in all divisions. They will come in handy.

Ryan: Will they?

Mr Fords: I wouldn’t recommend them if I wasn’t a living testimony of their excellent services.

Ryan: Thank you, sir.

Mr Fords: Tell your father to not forget about our weekend getaway.

Ryan: I won’t.

Mr Fords: Off you go to your lunch now! You can knock off early, since you’ve done all your work.

(Mr Fords stands up.)

Mr Fords: I have a lunch date with a potential client. I’ll be seeing you with a smiley face on Monday, I hope?

Ryan: Definitely!

(Mr Fords walks out of the room. After some time, there is a knock on the door.)

Ryan: Come in!

(Niall comes in, his hands behind his back. Ryan smiles but his smile fades instantly as he remembers his last encounter with Niall.)

Niall: Hi, Ryan Jacobs.

Ryan: Mhmmm.

Niall: Ryan, are you mute?

Ryan: No. I just don’t feel ready to talk to you, given what happened the last time we spoke.

Niall: I am so sorry! I am just struggling to get used to the guy who wants to get into my pants.

Ryan: You made me feel worthless and inadequate. I questioned my existence. And for the record, I wasn’t trying to get into your pants! I only wanted to get to know you! I thought we had a chance.

Niall: I know. I now understand what you were trying to achieve. I guess I just wasn’t comfortable with you being so wordy and sentimental with me.

Ryan: It’s fine. I won’t pester you any more. You made yourself clear. I am the type to respect people’s feelings.

Niall: You’re giving up on what you wanted from me?

Ryan: No. I’m giving you time to come around. Hopefully it won’t be too late.

Niall: Okay.

Ryan: Why are you here?

Niall: (Reveals the flowers and takeaways in his hands) I brought you these.

Ryan: Oh! You went all out for me!

Niall: Yes, as an apology.

Ryan: You didn’t have to. Tell me, why should I eat your food? You denied mine.

Niall: (Smiling) In your presence, yes. But once I saw your car pulling away, I went back to eat it. You have good taste in food!

Ryan: I don’t believe you. What did you do with the rest?

Niall: I invited my colleague to help me out. She too loved it.

Ryan: I have this feeling that you’re saying that to make me feel better.

Niall: No! I like torturing you, but right now I am telling the truth.

Ryan: If you say so.

Niall: Does that mean we’re OK now?

Ryan: If you come by my house for dinner, then yes.

Niall: Is that your way of inviting me for dinner?

Ryan: Maybe.

Niall: Count me in. I wonder what your parents are like?

Ryan: They won’t be there. They’re away this weekend.

Niall: How considerate of you!

Ryan: What kind of a boyfriend would I be to have our first date with my folks?

Niall: Date? Boyfriend?

Ryan: I thought that’s what we are now?

Niall: Hey, don’t be like that. I was just teasing you! It just all sounds so strange and new to me.

Ryan: You’ll get used to it. I am a lover.

Niall: Well, I’m dying to conclude with those words.

Ryan: Is that a challenge? Huh? Huh?

(Ryan leans in close to Niall. Niall tries to back away but is blocked by the desk. Ryan leans in closer and closer until their faces are only a centimetre apart. Ryan pulls away.)

Niall: (Whimpering) Teaser!

Ryan: (Winking) I know. What did you write in this card?

Niall: Read it for yourself.

Ryan: Okay.

Niall: Or not. Read it when you’re alone.

Ryan: Why?

Niall: I’ll be a fuzzy mess on the ground when you do.

Ryan: Let’s test that, shall we? (He opens the card and reads it out aloud). I am sincerely sorry. And, I like like you. With love, Niall.

Niall: You’re making me shy!

Ryan: And you’re making me blush. Niall, thank you for loving someone as goofy and awful as me.

Niall: You’re not goofy and awful. You’re sweet.

Ryan: Nonetheless, thank you.

(There is a moment of silence.)

Ryan: How did you know I was alone here?

Niall: I saw Mr Fords going out.

Ryan: Sneaky Niall! How long have you been hiding?

Niall: Not that long. It was quite an adventure.

Ryan: I’m sure you received lots and lots of uncomfortable stares.

Niall: I sure did. Do you want to hear something you won’t believe?

Ryan: Yes!

Niall: I liked you the first time I saw you, at the supermarket.

Ryan: You! Why didn’t you tell me?

Niall: I thought it was just infatuation. I’ve never had such a feeling for another guy.

Ryan: I understand.

(They hug.)

***

Tell us what you think: Are things moving too fast between Niall and Ryan? Where do you think their relationship is headed?