Chapter 16

| Axel |

..*..*..*..*...

Axel sat slumped on the bench, His chest rose and fell in sync with the rhythm of his panting, the strain evident in every heave. Sweat cascaded down his forehead, tracing a path over his flushed skin before disappearing into the saturated fabric of his T-shirt. His T-shirt clung to him like a second skin, the fabric saturated with moisture from the intense workout.

Axel's attention was drawn to a couple who were talking and flirting with each other. Their laughter and cheesy talking filled the air, a sharp contrast to the solitude that enveloped him. Watching them, Axel felt an unexpected pang of jealousy tug at his heartstrings. He didn't know them, but their happiness stirred something within him, a longing for the warmth of companionship he once knew.

Memories flooded Axel's mind, unbidden and unwelcome. He remembered the days when he also had someone to share his laughter with, someone whose presence filled the empty spaces in his life. But now, as he sat