Please Be Gentle

Not Just a Man

The bathroom was filled with the lingering scent of mint from the body wash Gabriel had used.

Grace, leaning against the door, could hardly contain the racing of her heart. Just moments ago, she had been closer to him than she ever thought possible.

The memory of their proximity made her pulse race. She could still feel the warmth of his body, the way his muscular frame had been so close to hers, his striking features so defined, and the intensity of his gaze. It all made her feel like a nervous doe caught in headlights.

Wait… calm down, Grace. She mentally scolded herself. He's gay. It doesn’t matter if you were standing there naked—he wouldn't feel anything.

Grace tried to dismiss the thoughts, but it was hard. A small part of her still regretted the missed opportunity. Gabriel, so incredibly manly, giving all of himself to another man. It felt… wasted.

After a moment of self-reflection, Grace quickly grabbed her damp skirt from the floor and tried to wring out the excess water. It was a poor attempt, but it had to do. She couldn’t stay here forever, especially not when Gabriel was so clearly busy with other matters.

She slipped the skirt back on, feeling the wet fabric cling to her skin uncomfortably. Grace grabbed her bag, drenched as well, and opened the bathroom door. Gabriel was nowhere to be seen.

Where did he go? He couldn’t have just… forgotten about her, right? There’s no way he would be that rude.

With a burst of courage, Grace peeked into the bedroom. Gabriel was sitting on the edge of the bed, a man next to him. From Grace's angle, she could only see Gabriel’s profile, but it was clear the two were sitting very close.

Were they kissing?

The scene was enough to make Grace feel dizzy. She had never seen this side of Gabriel, and it threw her off completely.

“Uh… excuse me. Would you mind pausing for a moment?” Grace cleared her throat, stepping into the room to interrupt them. “I just wanted to properly thank you.”

Gabriel turned to her, his face marked with irritation. “Don’t mention it. It was nothing. Just leave,” he said, a note of impatience in his voice.

But when he saw her standing there—her white dress now completely soaked and clinging to her body—his expression changed. He couldn’t help but let out a sharp breath, surprised at the sight. The fabric outlined her curves, the way her chest rose and fell with each breath…

Grace wasn’t trying to seduce him, but there was no denying the impact she had on him. Gabriel quickly turned his back, his thoughts clouded with a desire he hadn’t expected.

“Thanks again. I’ll go now,” Grace murmured, sensing his discomfort. She wasn’t offended, but his attitude was clear. He didn’t want her there.

Just as she reached for the door, Gabriel’s deep, gravelly voice called out, stopping her.

“Wait.”

She hesitated, turning around. Gabriel had a frustrated look on his face.

“You’re just going to leave like this?”

Grace felt a flicker of confusion. “But you said not to thank you… So, um… If you’d just give me your phone number, I’ll make sure to return the shirt.”

He scowled at her words. “What do you need my number for? Just take the damn shirt back.”

Grace felt a bit embarrassed, but she pressed on. “I can’t just take it without doing something in return. Please, let me thank you properly.”

His irritation was clear, but so was the tension in the air. Gabriel had always been reserved, but Grace couldn’t understand why his usual calm demeanor felt so… strained around her.

What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel like this? Gabriel thought to himself, mentally fighting the urge to act on his frustration. Despite everything, he was drawn to her in a way that made him uncomfortable. She wasn’t even his type, and yet she stirred something deep inside him.

With a sigh, Gabriel grabbed his shirt from the bed and tossed it at her. “Fine. Wear this, so you don’t get into any trouble. I don’t want you out there looking like that.”

Grace caught it, a little surprised by his sudden change in attitude. “Uh, thank you…” She hesitated, glancing at him with a smile that, despite everything, held a certain charm.

As she left the room, she couldn’t help but wonder about him. Gabriel—was he really gay? She had never been so confused by a person before.

Outside the Hotel

After leaving the hotel, Grace walked quickly, trying to shake off the feeling of awkwardness that had settled in her chest. When she finally made it to the bus station, she noticed a couple of familiar faces lingering nearby.

Relieved that the men from earlier were nowhere to be seen, she boarded the bus and made her way home. Her parents weren’t around, but there was a meal waiting for her on the table—though it felt strangely empty in the small, quiet house.

After quickly changing into a red floral dress, Grace hung up Gabriel’s shirt and left without touching her dinner. She still had to go out and find a way to make things work. Her parents didn’t understand the pressure she was under, but they would never get the chance to.

There were more important things to worry about now.