"Boba tea's here. Let's head in," Hayden said, balancing the fruit in his hands.He didn't ask about Wade, but I knew he probably saw everything. I wasn't in the mood to explain, so I just followed him inside.Yuna's voice lit up as soon as I walked in. "Keira! I waited for you to get here before drinking mine!"Hayden set the fruit down in the kitchen. I glanced at him before walking over to Yuna."I've got everything ready!" she said, motioning to the drinks lined up on the table, her eyes sparkling.But I couldn't even think about drinking anything. "You can have mine," I said, my heart still heavy."Really?" Yuna's eyes sparkled, and she laughed. "I'm not that greedy."Even so, she started splitting the drinks. "Why'd it take you so long? Hayden was worried. As soon as he dropped off the groceries, he went looking for you.""I ran into a friend," I said, half-truthfully."You've got so many friends. I hope I can make more someday," Yuna said, sliding a boba toward me."Yo
"Don't get up," Yuna pressed my head back onto Hayden's shoulder, a playful smile on her face. "Keira, just stay like this with Hayden. I love seeing you two all lovey-dovey."This girl..."Hayden, Keira," Yuna's bright eyes turned serious. "I was going to wait a few more days to say this, but since we're already here, I'll say it now.""Don't start saying crazy stuff," I cut in, already sensing where this was headed.But Hayden, ever calm, just said, "Let her talk."Yuna flashed him a grin. "You really are my brother. You always get me."Then she looked back at me. "Keira, just hear me out, okay?"She giggled lightly, as if she was about to spill some silly secret, but then she coughed, squeezing both our hands tighter."I'm starting now," she announced, and the room suddenly felt heavier.Neither of us spoke, but I could feel the tension in our breathing as we waited for her to go on."Hayden, Keira... I want to be an organ donor." Her words hit like a shockwave."What are
I was kinda shocked that Hayden agreed so fast, but honestly, it just made my heart hurt more. He clearly wasn't into it, but he was doing it because Yuna wanted him to.Yuna, like she was scared Hayden might change his mind, whipped out her phone and started filling out the organ donation form right away. Watching her so focused, I realized how much light and positivity this girl had. It was impossible not to admire her."Hayden, let's do it too," I said before I could stop myself.Both Yuna and Hayden froze, eyes on me. "Keira?" Yuna asked, her voice laced with concern."Okay," Hayden replied, not even hesitating, pulling out his phone.Yuna glanced between the two of us, excitement and worry mixing on her face.It's funny how, when it's about ourselves, we can make these big decisions without blinking. But when it's someone we care about? Total hesitation.Still, Yuna didn't stop us. Instead, she grinned, turning her worry into something more playful. "Alright, we'll do this
"Take the main seats," Ron waved for Hayden and me to sit down.He didn't look anything like our deputy CEO right now. More like a guy trying way too hard to be laid-back.Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that I knew Hayden was the real power behind the company, I doubt Ron would be this chummy."Mr. Shane," I started, raising an eyebrow, "You're the boss. We're just employees. Isn't this a bit... much?"Ron paused, glancing at Hayden before giving this easy smile. "What's wrong with being friendly? We're colleagues, like family."I let out a short laugh. "Yeah, but you're still the boss. Treating us like this makes things feel kinda weird.""Mr. Shane, really, you don't have to be so polite. We won't be able to enjoy the meal like this," Hayden added.Ron waved him off like it was nothing. "Don't overthink it. That's just my style—no formalities, no drama. Right, Mr. Hart?""Maybe too informal," Hayden replied, keeping it short like usual.It was funny, the contrast betwe
"Ouch!"Ron quickly turned his head away, covering his eyes with his hand, like we'd blinded him or something.Hayden straightened up, totally unbothered. "What? Never seen two people in love before?"Ron lowered his hand. "Oh, I've seen it. Just never quite... this type of PDA."Then he turned to me. "Ms. Kay, you really do live up to your job in marketing—always coming up with something fresh."I just blinked, completely speechless."And why are you still standing there? Maybe you're good, but your guest is tired just watching," Hayden threw out, his deadpan shutting Ron up instantly.Ron slapped his forehead like it had all been a big mistake. "Look at me! You two flustered me so much, I almost forgot about the main event."He stepped to the side, making a sweeping gesture toward the door. "Boss, please."Wait, boss?!I froze as this short, round man waddled into the room, looking like he was about seven months pregnant.I had no clue who this guy was, so I instinctively
"No, he doesn't.""Honestly, I don't think he looks much like a big boss either," Ron puffed out his chest, standing taller like he was comparing himself. "I mean, come on, look at me. In terms of body and presence, how could he ever compete with this?"I rolled my eyes. "But, like, he's the one who invested all the money to start the company, right?""Yup, he's the real majority shareholder," Ron said. "Me?" He chuckled, "I may look like I run things, but I'm just another glorified employee—same as you and Hayden."His easy, playful tone actually made him seem pretty down-to-earth."Then why doesn't he run the company himself?" I asked, still not totally getting it.Ron scoffed. "What, are you dense? The guy's loaded. He owns a bunch of companies. Who has the time to micromanage all of them?"I glanced back at the private room door, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that the short, stocky guy inside was some rich business mogul.I'd spent years around the upper crus
The dinner ended smoothly, with Kylian showing none of the arrogance you'd expect from a big boss. He was laid-back, almost too casual for someone with his status.Hayden, though, stayed mostly quiet the whole meal. Besides offering me food and checking if I needed water, he barely said a word. His cool, distant vibe made it seem like he was the one in charge.Once the meal wrapped up, Kylian left in his understated Maybach, and Ron, a little tipsy from the drinks, booked a sober driver service.While waiting, Ron slung an arm over Hayden's shoulder. "So, Hayden, what do you think? Everything go smoothly tonight?"Hayden brushed his arm off with a calm look. "You've had too much to drink.""I'm not that drunk," Ron laughed, lifting his hand to clap Hayden on the shoulder again. "I know you're worried I'll say something dumb, but I got it under control."This time, Hayden caught Ron by the wrist, stopping him. "I don't like people touching my shoulders. And you probably shouldn't
All of a sudden, it felt like every cell in my body lit up, a desire spreading through me that I couldn't quite put into words...This overwhelming feeling left me feeling a little ashamed, like I wasn't being a "good" girl.I had never felt this with Jace. Even when we were together, undressed and close, it was just nerves. There was never this deep, raw hunger—this fire.But with Hayden? It was like something had been unleashed inside me, something I didn't even know existed.I couldn't wait any longer. I reached for his lips, but he pulled back, teasing me. Frustrated, I wrapped my arms around his neck, my voice a breathy whisper, "Hayden..."My voice sounded desperate, needy, like someone I didn't even recognize.I never sounded like this before. It shocked me, but I couldn't stop. This burning desire was too strong to ignore, and with Hayden, I didn't want to hold back. With him, I felt free to be exactly who I was, no pretending."Hayden..." I whispered again, kissing him