A Romantic Rival

In the aftermath of the enchanting LGBTQ+ charity event, Eros and Apollo returned to their daily routines at the matchmaking agency.

Their love story had blossomed like a radiant flower, but they were soon to discover that even the most beautiful blooms faced the threat of weeds.

As Eros sat at his opulent desk, reviewing the latest client profiles, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from a new employee, Narcissus, who had recently joined the company. Narcissus was known for his striking good looks and magnetic charm, and his presence had not gone unnoticed by the other employees.

The message read: "Mr. Eros, may I have a moment of your time?"

Eros replied promptly, "Of course, Narcissus. Please come to my office."

Moments later, Narcissus entered Eros' office with an irresistible smile that could melt hearts. His golden locks framed his face like a halo, and his piercing green eyes sparkled with an otherworldly charm.

"Mr. Eros," Narcissus purred, his voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "I wanted to discuss some ideas I have for improving our matchmaking algorithms."

Eros studied Narcissus with a hint of curiosity, noting how his presence seemed to demand attention. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Narcissus. Let's hear your ideas."

As Narcissus outlined his proposals for improving the company's algorithms, Eros couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. The young man's charisma was undeniable, and he seemed to possess a rare gift for making others feel special.

Meanwhile, across the office, Apollo was immersed in his work, typing away at his computer. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The sight of Narcissus in Eros' office had not gone unnoticed, and the way Eros listened intently to Narcissus's every word stirred a sense of jealousy in Apollo's heart.

Apollo decided to confront Eros during their lunch break. They sat at their usual spot in the office courtyard, the fragrant blossoms of the surrounding flowers creating a serene atmosphere.

"Eros," Apollo began, his voice tinged with concern, "I couldn't help but notice your meeting with Narcissus earlier."

Eros looked at Apollo, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What about it, Apollo?"

Apollo hesitated for a moment before voicing his thoughts. "It just seems like he's getting a lot of your attention lately, and it made me feel... uncomfortable."

Eros reached out, taking Apollo's hand in his. "Apollo, you're the one I love. There's no need to feel threatened by anyone else."

Apollo's eyes met Eros', searching for reassurance. "I know, Eros, but..."

Before Apollo could finish his sentence, a figure appeared in the courtyard, interrupting their conversation. It was Narcissus, his presence commanding attention as he approached them.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Narcissus greeted them with a charismatic smile. "Mind if I join you for lunch?"

Eros glanced at Apollo, his expression unreadable. "Of course, Narcissus, please have a seat."

As Narcissus settled in, Apollo couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. He watched as Narcissus effortlessly charmed Eros with his engaging conversation and dazzling smile.

Unbeknownst to Eros and Apollo, the seeds of rivalry had been sown, and their love story was about to face its first real challenge.

Narcissus's arrival had introduced a new dynamic to their relationship, one that would test their love, trust, and the strength of their connection.

As days passed at the matchmaking agency, the presence of Narcissus continued to cast a shadow over Eros and Apollo's relationship. Eros, being the CEO, found himself interacting with Narcissus frequently, discussing innovative ideas and improvements for the company. Apollo couldn't help but notice the magnetic charm that Narcissus effortlessly exuded.

One sunny afternoon, Eros called Apollo into his office. Apollo entered, his heart heavy with a sense of foreboding.

"Eros, you wanted to see me?" Apollo asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Eros looked up from his desk, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, Apollo. I want to discuss our latest project with Narcissus. I believe his ideas could benefit our matchmaking algorithms."

Apollo felt a pang of jealousy, but he nodded, trying to hide his discomfort. "Of course, Eros. I trust your judgment."

Eros smiled, appreciating Apollo's understanding. "Thank you, Apollo. I promise, you're the one who has my heart."

As the days went on, Apollo's jealousy simmered beneath the surface. He couldn't shake the feeling of being replaced, even though he knew deep down that Eros cherished their love. However, his growing insecurity began to affect their relationship.

One evening, Eros arrived home after a long day at work, only to find Apollo distant and brooding.

"Apollo, what's bothering you?" Eros asked, his concern evident in his voice.

Apollo hesitated, then sighed. "It's just... I can't help but feel like I'm losing you to Narcissus."

Eros took Apollo's hands in his, his gaze filled with reassurance. "Apollo, you are the love of my life. Narcissus is just a colleague, nothing more."

Apollo looked down, his voice trembling with vulnerability. "I know, Eros, but it's hard not to feel threatened by someone who seems so perfect."

Eros cupped Apollo's cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "You are perfect to me, Apollo. Our love is unique and irreplaceable."

Their lips met in a tender kiss, a silent affirmation of their commitment to each other. Yet, despite their moments of reassurance, the specter of jealousy continued to haunt their relationship.

One evening, a company-wide meeting was called, where Eros introduced a new project aimed at expanding the matchmaking agency's reach. The project required close collaboration with Narcissus, leading to inevitable interactions that fueled Apollo's jealousy.

After the meeting, Eros and Apollo found themselves in their favorite courtyard, sitting on a bench beneath the starlit sky. Apollo couldn't contain his emotions any longer.

"Eros, I can't handle seeing you with Narcissus anymore," Apollo confessed, his voice trembling with raw honesty.

Eros looked at Apollo, his eyes filled with sadness. "Apollo, I promise, there's nothing romantic between Narcissus and me. You're the one I love."

Apollo's eyes glistened with tears as he struggled to find the right words. "I know, Eros. It's just... I need time to work through my jealousy. I don't want it to poison our love."

Eros nodded, his heart aching for Apollo's pain. "Take all the time you need, my love. We'll get through this together."

As they held each other beneath the twinkling stars, Eros and Apollo knew that overcoming jealousy would be a challenge, but their love was strong enough to weather any storm.