Sizing Him Up

Friday at the office was a mix of last-minute emails, hurried reports, and the collective buzz of coworkers eager to finish the week. Sitting at his desk, Charlie absentmindedly tapped his pen against his notebook while glancing at his laptop. This week had been particularly challenging for Charlie. He was still haunted by Alex’s unexpected visit and tried to process what had happened a few days ago.

Wen and Xing whispered excitedly across the office near the PR team’s shared space. Xing, always one for dramatic flair, waved an invitation in the air as if it were a golden ticket.

“Charlie,” Wen called as she and Xing walked over. “You and Ming are coming with us tonight to an industry event—a very exclusive party for the who’s who in Taipei.”

Charlie looked at Xing with a sense of cynicism. “Industry event?”

“Skincare brand launch in Taiwan. It’s a big name from the States. Plus, it will be glitz and free-flowing cocktails all night long,” Xing said, waving the invitation. “It’ll be fun. Something different to do on a Friday night.”

Charlie hesitated mid-sip of his coffee. “An industry event, huh? What’s the catch? Did Ming know about this?”

“It’s a big event. A chance to network and have some fun,” Wen said with a wink. “And yes, Ming knew about this invite and was probably too busy to ask you to accompany us. Come on, you and Ming deserve a night out since you two have been super busy with work.”

Charlie sighed, mulling it over. “Alright, fine. But if it gets crazy, I’m out.” Xing patted his shoulder. “Come on, Charlie, what’s the worst thing that could happen?”

Charlie shot him a deadpan look. “You need me to list them? Or should we just brace ourselves for Peng magically appearing out of nowhere again?”

Charlie decided to let loose a little and go since Ming had assured Xing and Wen he would show up. Despite feeling uneasy about the event, he figured it could be a good excuse for a night out together.

“Fine, but if the drama starts, I’m making an exit.”

*Charlie and Ming

The venue was nothing short of poshness. Golden lighting bathed the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers dripped from above, and guests floated around in designer attire, sipping cocktails infused with exotic botanicals. Charlie adjusted the sleeve of his sports jacket, glancing at Ming beside him. As always, Ming looked effortlessly refined, and his quiet confidence made him stand out even in a room full of industry-heavy weights.

“I’m glad you’re here with us, Charlie. This is a fun way to end a busy, stressful week,” Ming softly said to Charlie, holding his hand, as they entered the venue and waited at the bar for their drinks.

Xing caught sight of Ming and Charlie as they walked in and quickly approached them with Wen. “Look at this place! Isn’t it breathtaking?” Xing’s voice filled with conviction. “I knew you’d be impressed by how fancy it is!”

After getting his drink, Charlie took a deep breath and scanned the room. He wanted to enjoy the moment and have fun with Ming and his friends. However, his stomach tightened when he spotted someone familiar crossing the room. Surprisingly, it was not Peng but Alex, his ex and a reminder of his unresolved past, also attending this soirée.

Alex stood near the bar, surrounded by a cluster of executives and influencers, exuding the charm and effortless swagger that had once drawn Charlie in—and later, exhausted him. His sharp suit, his calculated smile—everything about him was curated for perfection.

And yet, Alex gradually turned his head and wasn’t focusing on his guests. His gaze suddenly locked in Charlie’s direction, onto Ming.

Charlie felt the shift in the air before it even happened. Alex, ever the performer, excused himself from his circle and strode toward Charlie, Ming, Xing, and Wen, drink in hand, the glint in his eyes unmistakably predatory.

“Well,” Alex drawled as he reached them. “Charlie. What a surprise.”

“Not really,” Xing interjected. “Industry event, PR connections, free booze. Pretty predictable, actually.”

Alex smirked but didn’t take the bait. His gaze flickered to Ming, assessing, calculating. “And this must be Ming. Alex here.”

Ming nodded, extending a polite hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Alex took it, holding on for just a fraction too long. “Likewise. You know, I’ve heard so much about you.” His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You are quite impressive.”

Charlie tensed. He knew that tone—sugar laced with venom. But Ming remained composed, offering a small, unreadable smile. “Thank you for the compliment; I am just being myself, impressive or not.”

Alex smiled knowingly. “Quick question, Ming. Are you curious about the guys Charlie dated before you?”

“Not particularly,” Ming replied smoothly. “Charlie’s past made him who he is. I care about who he is now.”

Xing let out a low whistle. Wen, sipping her drink, gave a barely concealed smirk of approval.

Alex’s smile flickered briefly before he masked it with a laugh. “You’re good. I like that.” He tilted his head. “But I have to ask—what’s your secret?”

Ming raised an eyebrow. “Secret?”

“Yeah.” Alex leaned in slightly, voice hinted with mock curiosity. “To winning Charlie over. You must have some kind of magic trick.”

Charlie opened his mouth, but Ming spoke first. “Just being honest.”

Alex scoffed. “That simple, huh?”

“Complicated people like to make things harder than they need to be,” Ming said calmly. “I try not to.”

Alex’s expression darkened for a split second before he plastered his easy smile back on. But Charlie knew him too well—he was annoyed. And beneath that annoyance? Something deeper. Something unsettling.

The air between them crackled, and Charlie, despite knowing better, couldn’t stop himself from finally snapping. “Why are you doing this, Alex?”

Alex looked at him, feigning innocence. “Doing what?”

Charlie’s voice was sharp, cutting through the polite social atmosphere. “Playing whatever game this is. Ming doesn’t owe you any answers to your questions.”

Ming gently placed a hand on Charlie’s back, his touch grounding. “It’s okay,” he murmured. “You don’t need to get upset over this.”

And that, more than anything, seemed to set Alex on edge. Because Ming wasn’t rattled. He wasn’t defensive. He wasn’t anything Alex expected him to be.

Xing, sensing the moment, took a deliberate sip of his drink before saying, “Alex, be a real man, not a walking red flag.”

Wen choked on her drink. Charlie barely stifled a laugh. And Alex? Alex’s jaw tightened just slightly before he flashed his ever-alluring grin.

“Well,” Alex said, straightening. “This has been enlightening. I need to mingle in the room and meet other VIP guests. Enjoy the event.”

*Charlie, Alex and Ming

Alex walked away with that practiced confidence, but Charlie knew him well enough to see it—the tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers tightened around his glass. Alex had been thrown off. And that meant something.

Charlie let out a slow breath, glancing at Ming. “You okay?”

Ming smiled, brushing a hand lightly against Charlie’s arm. “Are you?”

Charlie exhaled, tension draining slightly at Ming’s steady presence. “Yeah. I think so.”

Xing nudged Charlie. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”

Charlie sighed, shooting a glare at Xing for being such a smart-ass. “Let’s get another drink before I change my mind.”

Meanwhile, away from Charlie, Ming, and the gang, Alex leaned against a sleek marble pillar, trying to steady his thoughts.

He replayed the exchange—Ming’s composed responses and Charlie’s unwavering defense. No matter how Alex tried to provoke a reaction, Ming remained unreadable. This wasn’t just frustrating; it was unnerving.

Who the hell is this guy? Alex’s mind raced. Ming wasn’t just some quiet, unbothered boyfriend. He was controlled and deliberate, never letting anything slip. That level of composure wasn’t normal. And the fact that Alex couldn’t crack him? It was annoying. 

Alex clenched his jaw, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. He had come here expecting to unravel something—maybe even provoke unsolicited information from Ming. Instead, he was left with more questions than answers. And the worst part? Ming was unfazed, untouchable. That only made Alex more determined to dig deeper.