BE MY MAN FOR THE DAY

CHAPTER 5

Kai’s mouth fell open. He tried to speak, but no sound came out.

It felt like a storm had hit him. What could be more important than him? What could be more important than the moment they were sharing?

Leonard turned toward the door. Kai grabbed his wrist, stopping him.

“Leo… what could possibly be more important than me?” Kai’s voice cracked. “Please… just give me a little space in your life. Treat me like your boyfriend.”

Leonard exhaled, frustration clear in his eyes.

“Kai, I care about you. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to fall in love with you. I only agreed to this arrangement to make you happy. Stop trying to force something that isn’t there—it’s suffocating.”

Kai’s grip loosened. Tears welled up instantly.

He didn’t wait for more words. He turned and walked out, shoulders shaking.

Leonard started to follow, but his phone buzzed again.

A new message from Jaxon.

**BRUCE IS DRIVING ME HOME 😏**

Leonard’s eyes darkened. His expression turned unreadable.

He saved the contact as **Short Witch**.

He slipped the phone into his pocket, already forming a plan. He wasn’t someone who let others get the upper hand—especially not that short troublemaker.

Leonard leaned against the wall, mind racing.

A decision clicked. He pulled out his phone and dialed his PA.

“Noah. Run a full background check on Jaxon White. Likes, dislikes, weaknesses, strengths—everything. ASAP.”

“Yes, boss,” Noah replied instantly.

GOLDEN ECHO MANSION  

[Later that night]

Bruce pulled up in his black sedan, engine humming as he parked in front of the mansion. The golden accents on the building glowed softly under the evening lights.

“Thanks for the ride,” Jaxon said, grabbing his bag and stepping out. He glanced back with a small smirk. “See you later?”

“Wait,” Bruce said, climbing out after him.

“What?”

“Uh… can I get a hug?” Bruce asked, cheeks flushing red.

Jaxon noticed and smirked. He loved how easily some guys fell apart around him.

“Sure,” he said casually.

Bruce hugged him quickly—almost desperately—inhaling Jaxon’s scent and smiling against his shoulder.

“You smell so good,” Bruce murmured as they pulled apart.

“I know,” Jaxon shrugged. “Don’t think about me all night, okay?” He cupped Bruce’s face playfully, then turned and strolled toward the mansion.

Bruce stood there blushing, eyes lingering on Jaxon’s retreating figure.

“Cute,” he muttered to himself before getting back in the car and driving away.

NEXT MORNING  

[RYU’S ROOM]

Ryu’s eyes snapped open to the smell of fresh coffee and pastries drifting through the air.

He smiled, ran a hand through his messy hair, swung his legs off the bed, and slipped into slippers.

He tried to remember last night—everything was blurry.

*Fuck those drugs.*

He walked downstairs. The aroma grew stronger: cappuccino, blueberry muffins, bagels, glazed donuts.

His mouth watered.

When he reached the kitchen doorway, he paused.

Vincent was pouring cappuccino into a mug. But that wasn’t what stopped Ryu.

Vincent was shirtless—just joggers hanging low on his hips. His toned chest, arms, and abs were on full display. Charming. Hot.

Ryu snapped out of it and walked in.

“Morning,” he said, heading straight for the fridge. He grabbed a bottle of water and chugged it.

“Morning,” Vincent replied with a small smile.

“Did I do something stupid last night?” Ryu asked flatly.

“You did a lot,” Vincent said.

“Like what?”

“You tried to seduce me.”

Ryu groaned. “Christ. It’s the drugs.”

“Then stop using them,” Vincent snapped.

Ryu noticed Vincent hadn’t looked at him once during the conversation.

“I can’t. I’m addicted,” Ryu said casually.

Vincent finally turned, eyes locking on Ryu’s. “Your schedule is packed today. Pride High live gig at 12 p.m., meeting with Indies label at 1:30 p.m…” He paused, watching Ryu’s face fall. Lazy as ever.

Vincent poured the cappuccino and slid the mug across the counter. “Drink this. It’ll help. I’ll handle the details for the gig and the meeting. You just need to get through the day.”

Ryu took the mug, the warmth grounding him. He sipped, then looked at Vincent—still shirtless, still distracting.

“Thanks. Sorry about last night. I don’t even remember.”

Vincent’s expression softened. “Don’t worry. Just focus on today. I’ve got you.”

Ryu nodded, a small smile breaking through. “You’re the best, Vin.”

He moved closer—slowly, deliberately.

Vincent raised an eyebrow. “What are you up to?”

Ryu snatched a muffin and bolted out of the kitchen.

Vincent laughed.

JAXON’S ROOM

Jaxon sat at his vanity, combing his hair into a sleek low bum since his hair is long, He smirked at his reflection, remembering the messages he’d sent Leonard last night.

“God, I’m such a troublemaker,” he muttered, applying gloss to his lips.

A knock.

“Come in.”

Vincent stepped inside, eyes lingering for a second before he looked away.

“You’ve got a Louis Vuitton shoot at noon,” he announced.

“Really?” Jaxon asked, surprised.

Vincent nodded and left quickly.

Jaxon’s phone rang. He smirked at the caller ID.

He answered.

“Hello, pretty,” Bruce said, voice bright.

“Hello, handsome,” Jaxon replied, rolling his eyes. He was already bored.

“Why’d you call?”

“I want to invite you to dinner at my house tonight. Please don’t say no—Pinky’s gonna lose it. You’re his bias.”

“I’ll think about it,” Jaxon said flatly.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Bruce laughed and hung up.

Jaxon frowned. Where was Kai?

He left his room and headed to Kai’s.

He could hear muffled crying inside.

“Kai, open the door,” Jaxon said firmly, knocking.

“No! I’m upset. I want Leo to come pacify me, or I’m staying in here forever,” Kai snapped.

Jaxon sighed. Kai’s childishness never ended.

Now he had to deal with that grumpy bastard, Mr. Clifford.

He stepped outside, got into his car, and drove off.

PRIDE HIGH

Jeremy walked into the classroom—slim black bomber jacket, white graphic tee, ripped jeans, white sneakers. Headphones around his neck, backpack slung over one shoulder.

The first thing he saw: Lionel making out with a guy against the back wall.

Jeremy scoffed and took his usual front-row seat.

He glanced back. Lionel was still going at it.

Their eyes met.

Jeremy looked away fast.

“Phew,” he breathed.

“Why the sigh?” Lionel asked, suddenly sitting beside him.

“Nothing.”

“Why were you staring?” Lionel pressed, arms folded.

“Uh… looking for Evan,” Jeremy lied. His face felt hot.

“You like Evan, right?” Lionel grinned.

Jeremy nodded, embarrassed.

“Brother-in-law,” Lionel teased, throwing an arm around Jeremy’s shoulders. “So when are you marrying my brother? How many kids? How long do you last in bed? He likes it long—what’s your size?”

Jeremy’s brain short-circuited. Marriage? Kids? Was Lionel trying to kill him?

He rolled his eyes, almost passing out.

“You okay?” Lionel asked, suddenly concerned.

“Yeah,” Jeremy stood. “Just need air.”

He walked out fast.

CLIFFORD ENTERPRISE  

[Leonard’s Office]

Leonard was deep in work when Noah entered.

“That was fast,” Leonard said, looking up.

Noah handed him a slim folder. “Everything you asked for on Jaxon White.”

Leonard dismissed him with a nod.

He opened the file, smirking as he read. *Jaxon, huh?*

His phone buzzed—another message from the Short Witch.

Before he could reply, raised voices came from outside.

“Mr. Leonard is in a meeting—”

The door burst open.

Jaxon strode in, unbothered, smirking.

Noah hovered behind him, apologetic.

“Let him in, Noah,” Leonard said calmly. “I’m sure whatever Jaxon wants is far more important than my schedule.”

Noah bowed out, closing the door.

Leonard leaned back, eyes locked on Jaxon.

“Yeah, he’s short—but that body could start wars.”

“I’m not happy to see your face,” Jaxon said, dropping into the chair opposite him.

“Then why are you here?” Leonard asked.

“I came to talk about—”

“Strip first,” Leonard cut in smoothly. “Then we can talk.”

Jaxon narrowed his eyes. “You’re insane. Why would I strip just to talk?”

“I’m here because of Kai. He’s upset—locked himself in his room. Won’t come out until you pacify him.”

“What is he, five?” Leonard snapped.

Jaxon pressed his lips together.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Leonard said.

“You. Have. To. Come.”

Leonard smirked at Jaxon’s fire.

“On one condition.”

“What condition?”

“Until the end of today… you’re my man.”

TO BE CONTINUED...