Leo smile

Jaxon froze for a heartbeat, eyes locked on Leonard. He scanned the CEO’s face—searching for a smirk, a twitch, anything that said this was a joke.

All he found was dead seriousness.

“Are you sure you don’t need a doctor? You might be sick for asking that,” Jaxon said, brows knotted as he leaned back in the chair. “Kai is your boyfriend. Treat him like one. He’s my best friend—I can’t watch him this depressed.”

“If you’re not ready to agree to my condition, use the door,” Leonard replied coldly, nodding toward it.

“Leo… I’ve never begged anyone for anything in my life, but please come see Kai,” Jaxon said sincerely.

“Repeat what you just said,” Leonard ordered.

“I’ve never begged anyone for anything in my life, but please come see Kai,” Jaxon repeated with an eye roll.

“Before that.”

“Leo,” Jaxon blinked.

The nickname hit Leonard like a spark. Why did it sound so damn good coming from Jaxon’s mouth? His eyes darkened.

“If you don’t agree to my condition, don’t bother trying to convince me. Use the door,” Leonard said firmly, voice commanding.

Jaxon sighed, frustrated. Despite having a boyfriend, this man still wanted him to play along. This was beyond madness.

“Okay.”

“Okay what?” Leonard faced him, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“I’m ready to be your man—only until 7 p.m. Beware, I’m only doing this for Kai. No strings attached,” Jaxon replied smoothly.

“While you’re with me, you don’t talk to any guy, don’t talk about any guy, don’t even think about them,” Leonard said.

“Sure, boss,” Jaxon rolled his eyes arrogantly.

Jaxon checked the time on his watch. “I have a Louis Vuitton shoot in an hour.”

“I’ll drive you there,” Leonard stood. Jaxon stood too.

“I can—”

“Be a good boy and follow Daddy,” Leonard cut him off, his hand sliding around Jaxon’s waist.

Jaxon gulped. That deep, alluring voice sent a shiver down his spine.

“I’m only doing this for Kai,” Jaxon muttered to himself. “After today, we won’t see each other again.”

They walked out of the office together, then the building.

They slid into the car and sped away.

KAI’S ROOM

Kai’s room was practically a shrine to Leonard. Posters and framed photos of him covered the walls—some candid shots, others glossy magazine clippings. A notebook full of doodles and notes about him sat on the desk. Every corner reminded him of Leonard.

He sat on his bed, clutching a photo of Leonard, eyes glazed with admiration and longing. It was clear he was deep in this—maybe even a little lost.

“Why does he feel so close yet so far,” Kai whispered, fingers tracing the edges of the picture.

He smiled hopefully. Jaxon could move mountains for him. Even lay his life down if asked. Kai was certain Jaxon would bring Leonard here.

One way or another.

His stomach growled loudly. He hadn’t eaten since morning and didn’t plan to—unless Leonard fed him with his own hands.

PRIDE HIGH – CAFETERIA

Evan stepped into the cafeteria, grabbed his coffee, and glanced around while sipping.

His gaze landed on Pinky.

Pinky bit his lip hard, trying to hold something back.

Evan looked at the guy next to Pinky. Everything became crystal clear.

Evan purposely dropped his pen, bent to pick it up—and saw the guy fingering Pinky under the table.

So disgusting, Evan muttered, standing back up.

He grabbed a spoon from a nearby table and sauntered toward them.

“Yo,” the guy said, trying to act normal.

Pinky opened his mouth to speak but moaned instead. “Fuck.” He bit his lip.

Evan scoffed.

Evan extended the spoon to the guy. “Use this instead of your finger. Don’t want you getting your hands dirty.”

Everyone laughed.

Pinky jerked the guy’s hand away, breathing ragged with fury.

“Just admit it, bitch! You’re jealous because you’re still a virgin. No guy wants to date or sleep with you, dirty rag,” Pinky insulted.

“Talking to you is a waste of time—and time is money,” Evan fired back with a glare.

“Oh please, the real sickness you have is lack of sex, Virginia, mother of virgins,” Pinky laughed, voice dripping sarcasm.

The students burst into mocking laughter.

“Yo, bitch,” Pinky raised both middle fingers at Evan.

“Our parts are called private, but yours is a public toilet,” Evan shot back, laughing too.

Pinky clenched his fists.

• God, I’m loving this.  

• Evan vs Pinky.

A guy rushed into the cafeteria.

“Everyone—Ryu is performing live at the stadium right now! Hurry!”

Before he finished, people were already rushing out in crowds.

Pinky forgot about the fight and ran—but his pants slipped down. He tripped over them and fell flat.

Evan casually snapped a photo. He wasn’t running like the rest.

“Nice one. Calling him a public toilet was hilarious,” Jeremy said, strolling toward him, clapping.

Evan’s cheeks burned red like tomatoes.

“Are you blushing?” Jeremy asked knowingly.

“No… uh… it’s a cream reaction. Bleaching,” Evan lied.

“Okay, cool… see you tomorrow then,” Jeremy smiled and turned to leave.

“Aren’t you going to the stadium?” Evan asked, heart racing.

“No, I have something to do.”

“Like?”

“It’s personal,” Jeremy said softly and walked away.

“Evan, just tell him you like him and stop playing these games. It’s annoying as fuck. I thought you were brave,” Daniel smirked, walking up.

He’s the classic “bad boy” type—lean, tall, messy dark hair, leather jacket over a band tee, ripped jeans, scuffed sneakers. Sharp eyes always looking for trouble. The only real friend Lionel and Evan have.

“Stop it—you’re making me nervous,” Evan pouted, sliding his arm around Daniel’s waist.

“Where’s Lionel?”

“Lemme guess—fucking a guy in a corner,” Daniel joked.

“Not just any guy… it’s Sab. You should’ve seen how he begged for it. After everything, it wasn’t even good,” Lionel said, walking in with a frown.

“Ew,” Evan made a face.

“Tell me more, dude—was his ass tight or what?” Daniel smirked.

By then Evan had already left.

MIAMI BEACH – LOUIS VUITTON SHOOT

The crew buzzed around, setting up iconic Louis Vuitton luggage against the waves.

Leonard sat in a special chair, waiting for Jaxon to appear.

He could feel the stares from staff members. He didn’t care.

Jaxon arrived in a sleek monogram swimsuit—drawing awes and gasps from everyone, even the guys.

He was extraordinary.

Leonard stared with unreadable eyes—like Jaxon was the only person in the world who existed.

At this rate, the god of beauty should be jealous.

Because Jaxon was about to replace him.

BROADWAY

Vincent’s black SUV cruised down Broadway as the sky turned orange-pink. Ryu, fresh from his Pride High gig, was still buzzing, stage makeup smudged, hair loose, grinning.

“Your set was insane, Ryu,” Vincent said, eyes on the road. “You owned that stage.”

Ryu laughed, tired but thrilled. “Thanks! The crowd was electric. Still buzzing.”

Ryu checked his phone, scrolling through fan messages. “Got a lot of love after the show. Makes the late hours worth it.”

Vincent nodded.

Ryu dialed Kai’s line to check on him.

No answer.

“Weird,” Ryu muttered, feeling uneasy.

When he noticed Vincent glancing at him, Ryu slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small bag of white powder.

He sniffed it discreetly.

His brain screamed madness. His eyes turned red.

THE MODERN – RESTAURANT

Leonard and Jaxon settled into a cozy corner table. Soft jazz and gentle conversation filled the air.

Leonard glanced at the menu, then up. “What are you in the mood for?”

Jaxon smiled, scanning the options. “I’m thinking—”

“Steak, medium-rare, truffle fries,” Leonard said, closing his menu.

He knew Jaxon’s favorite. How?

They called the waiter. Leonard ordered: “Seared scallops, steak medium-rare, truffle fries, and a bottle of your house red.”

The waiter nodded. “Excellent choices. Anything else?”

Jaxon added, “Sparkling water for me, thanks.”

“Coming right up,” the waiter said and left.

“God, I can’t wait for 7 p.m.,” Jaxon bit his lip, flaunting his hair sassily.

“How did you know my favorite?” Jaxon asked curiously.

“It’s in your I* bio,” Leonard replied calmly.

“Oh,” Jaxon mouthed.

Their eyes locked. Leonard looked away first, settling his gaze around the room.

Soon the waiter arrived with their food and wine, set it down, bowed, and left.

Jaxon stared at the food, then at Leonard. He hadn’t ordered anything.

“Aren’t you going to eat? I’m not sharing,” Jaxon said, already digging in.

He moaned in ecstasy as the flavors hit.

He ate like a kid—yum yum.

Leonard watched him, like a lecturer studying his favorite student.

Something rare happened.

Leonard’s lips curved into a genuine smile.

TO BE CONTINUED...