Axel strode into the company building with an unusually bright expression tugging at his lips. The early sunlight filtering through the tall glass windows did nothing to dim the satisfaction in his eyes. His steps were light, almost springy. For one, he is happy because he was able to earn some money last night through doing what he loves 'hacking'. And also, despite Jayvaughn not returning, Axel had managed to sleep peacefully. He told himself he didn't miss him—not even a little. Not at all.
But that peacefulness shattered the moment he entered the lobby.
There, like a scratch on vinyl, stood Dessie, smiling sweetly up at Jayvaughn.
Axel's smile vanished like a puff of smoke. His jaw clenched, eyes narrowing as an instant wave of irritation coursed through him. Of all the things he expected to ruin his morning, seeing Dessie cozying up to Jayvaughn was at the top of the list.
Without thinking, he changed course and began marching toward them, his aura growing darker with every step. But just as he got within earshot, Dessie spotted him—her eyes flickered in recognition—and suddenly, she flung herself toward Jayvaughn as if she were some tragic heroine about to faint.
Axel nearly exploded.
His hands curled into fists at his sides, but before he could charge in and knock her away, something happened that slightly soothed the inferno inside him. Jayvaughn moved.
Gracefully, almost lazily, Jayvaughn stepped back, allowing Dessie's arms to slice through the air and miss him entirely. Axel almost laughed out loud in triumph. Serves you right. The only regret was that Dessie didn't fall flat on her face—she managed to catch herself, barely.
Still, Axel didn't pause. He reached them in a few more strides and spoke without even acknowledging Dessie's existence.
"Why didn't you call me last night to tell me you weren't coming back?"
Jayvaughn turned his head toward him, clearly unfazed by Axel's tone. "Did you wait for me?"
"No," Axel scoffed immediately, rolling his eyes. "Who waited for you? I went to bed early and slept like a baby, because—thank the heavens—you weren't there to annoy me."
Jayvaughn's lips twitched with amusement. "Right."
Dessie, who had recovered her balance but not her pride, bristled. Her heart sank as she watched Jayvaughn respond—respond—to Axel. Normally, Jayvaughn didn't bother with small talk, especially not with people he didn't care for. He used to treat Axel with the same indifference, but this… this was different. There was banter. Eye contact. Flirting.
She shook her head in disbelief. No way. Jayvaughn can't be flirting. Not with Axel. That's absurd.
Trying to salvage her presence in the conversation, Dessie cleared her throat and said sweetly, "Mr. Draxler, as I was saying before… I really don't know where those online rumors came from. I want to assure you, they're false."
Jayvaughn blinked at her, clearly confused.
"What rumors?" he asked flatly.
Dessie's confidence faltered, but she pressed on. "Just… things people are saying. But I promise they're all untrue."
Jayvaughn stared at her like she'd grown two heads. "I don't know why you think you need to tell me that," he said, tone colder than usual. "But I don't care."
Dessie's face fell into a pitiful expression. "You're the owner of the company," she murmured, "so I thought you should know..."
Axel rolled his eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn't fall out of his skull. He couldn't take it anymore.
"My dear sister," he said, his voice laced with venomous sarcasm, "instead of explaining things to your fans—you know, the ones who actually care—you ran straight here to bother someone who has absolutely nothing to do with you. Honestly, I'm starting to think there's something seriously wrong with your brain."
Dessie's face scrunched into an even more wounded expression, and this time, she looked at Jayvaughn as if silently begging him to defend her.
Axel was unimpressed. How many times is she going to pull this pitiful look? Doesn't she have any other move in her book?
He turned to Jayvaughn. "Let's go. We're getting late."
Jayvaughn hadn't said anything, but before he could reply, Axel grabbed his wrist and dragged him away.
On any normal day, such an act would be laughable. Jayvaughn was taller, heavier, and would never let himself be pulled by someone else. But this time, he let Axel lead, a faint, amused smile ghosting across his face.
They entered the elevator, and only then did Axel release his grip. His fingers dropped reluctantly, and his face was a stormcloud.
Jayvaughn watched him quietly, noticing the tension in his jaw, the way his brows furrowed as if the whole world had personally offended him.
Before Jayvaughn could ask what was wrong, Axel spun to him, fire blazing in his eyes.
"Why did you stay to talk to Dessie?" he snapped.
Jayvaughn lifted a brow. "You're still mad about that?"
Axel scowled. "Answer the question."
Jayvaughn's lips tugged upward. "Are you… jealous?"
Axel's expression changed instantly—panic flickered across it like lightning. He took a step back, pointed a finger at Jayvaughn, and whisper-yelled, "W-Who's jealous?! I was angry on your behalf! I was angry because someone like Dessie—ugh—was targeting you. And for your information, I see you as a… a friend, even though you're unbelievably annoying."
Jayvaughn's smile faded.
"Friend?" he repeated, his tone dropping into something dark. "You called me a friend?"
Axel blinked, confused. "Yeah. You are a friend. If you're not a friend, do you want to be my enemy or something?"
Jayvaughn let out a low laugh—not the kind that carried warmth, but one that sent shivers down Axel's spine. It was demonic. Dangerous.
"Then tell me," Jayvaughn said as he stepped forward, his presence suddenly overwhelming, "do friends do this?"
Before Axel could respond, Jayvaughn slammed him against the elevator wall with a force that stole the breath from his lungs. The next thing Axel knew, Jayvaughn's lips crashed onto his in a fierce, unrelenting kiss.
Axel's eyes widened in shock.