KaidenMy phone buzzed with a message from River, Just landed. Be out soon.I smiled as I leaned against my car, surveying the arrivals as I waited. As promised, I was here to pick him up. He had an early flight so I cancelled whatever I was doing just to get him.That shows how important this was to me. I wanted to show him that I was serious about this and that I needed him to give it his all.I shoved the phone back into my pocket and straightened up as the sliding glass doors parted. River Wilder strode out, duffel bag slung over his shoulder, looking effortlessly composed despite the long flight I assumed he took. He had the air of someone who knew exactly where he was going and what he was doing.I wouldn’t lie, he was a very attractive man. Even my whole body tingled as our eyes met. If I wasn’t so dedicated to Sage? I wouldn’t mind having a thing or two to do with my engineer.I straightened just as he came to me, "Kaiden, I presume?" He asked, a slight smirk tugging at his
SageThey said it’s never a good idea to meet your idol. Your illusion of him or her could be shattered.It’s a saying I carried with me and I made sure I obeyed every single one of it. That’s why my idols and role models are always stuck in my room. I have always imagined what I would do when I meet them and after deciding that I would barely hold it in, I decided they would be good to remain in my room.The next morning, I trudged into campus, barely holding back a yawn. I was on a mission to complain about my lack of an internship. While everyone else had already been placed in their respective place of choice, I was left in limbo, and I was beyond frustrated.I have worked so hard in school, so hard that I already planned where I wanted to do my internship. I became the teacher’s pet just so he would have a good word for me.All the late nights reading and straight As I had incurred all my previous years was supposed to speak for me but surprisingly, I was left out.Rumors had bee
SageI practically sprinted to Kaiden’s house, my heart still pounding with excitement. I could hardly believe what had just happened at school. River Wilder, my idol, the man whose work I’d worshipped since I could spell "engineer," was my new professor. How was this even real?I looked up at the sky, if this was how the universe answered my prayers then there are a couple more things I would like to ask.Kaiden’s front door was unlocked, as usual. I let myself in, calling out as I kicked off my shoes. “Kaiden, where are you? You won’t believe this!”I heard a grunt from the living room. He was sprawled on the couch, phone in hand, looking every bit like someone who’d been lazing around all day. “What is it now, Sage?”I threw my bag onto the floor and plopped down beside him. “I haven’t told you this yet but I was passed over for my internship.”“You did? Why didn’t you tell me?”I waved him off, “I was going to sort it myself so I headed to school today and kept hearing this rumo
SageI stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of my best button-down shirt for what felt like the hundredth time. The sleek fabric hugged my shoulders perfectly, and I paired it with dark slacks that gave me just the right balance.My red hair was styled neatly for once, and I even spritzed a hint of cologne, something I rarely bothered with.You know, so I can smell really good.“You know,” Kaiden drawled from his spot leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, “you’ve never dressed up this much for me. What’s so special about today?”I shot him a glare through the mirror. “Don’t start.”He smirked, pushing off the doorframe to saunter into the room. “I mean, I’ve known you for years, Sage, and not once have you ever put this much effort into seeing me. Who’s the lucky guy?”“River Wilder,” I said without missing a beat, turning to face him, “I told you I would be going to welcome him today.”He froze for a moment before his smirk faltered. “Seriously?”“Yes, seriously,
SageFor a moment, I just stared at him, waiting for the punchline. When it didn’t come, my brain short-circuited. “You ownNovatech?”“Yes.”My mouth opened and closed several times before I managed to speak. “You—how—what—”He chuckled, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Surprised?”“That’s an understatement!” I exclaimed, still trying to wrap my head around it. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Because I wanted to see how much this opportunity meant to you. And now I know.”I slumped back in my chair, feeling like I’d just run a marathon. “This is insane.”I fell silent.What more could I possibly say?I have always wanted to work in Novatech so much that I never imagined I would hear the words.Hearing those words was like music to my ears, a melody I never wanted to end. I stared at River, my eyes wide with disbelief. Was this actually happening? Was I really about to work alongside the River Wilder, my lifelong idol?“You mean I
SageDinner with River was a dream come through, to say the least. He chose a casual diner near campus, one of those cozy places where students had soul food. Kaiden and I always come here because the food has an amazing taste.The place itself wasn’t fancy but it had a good view which helped calm my nerves.River sat across from me with his posture relaxed, a man completely at ease in his own skin. I, on the other hand, was fidgeting with the edge of my napkin, trying not to act like a complete fool in front of my idol.The waiter brought our food, I opted for something simple like a cheese burger. He chose a chicken salad.So…what’s been your favorite project so far? Like, the one you’re most proud of?” I asked.He set down his glass of water, his lips curling into a thoughtful smile. “That’s a tough question. Each project was something I was proud of, but if I had to choose, I’d say the Nexus Tower in Singapore.”My eyes lit up. “The one that integrates those vertical gardens? That
Sage“You’ve always been drawn to Novatech’s work, haven’t you?” He asked, his voice cutting through my thoughts.I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Their focus on innovation and functionality while still maintaining aesthetic appeal is something I’ve admired for years. I used to collect articles about their projects and pin them to my wall.” “That kind of passion will serve you well.”I beamed, so he said. I was not going to let him or myself down now that I have gotten this job. I was going to prove to him that I had what it took to be the next him.Just as I was starting to relax, he leaned forward slightly with his expression practically unreadable. “Sage, is it okay if I ask you something personal?”I blinked, caught off guard. “Uh, sure. What is it?”“Do you have a boyfriend?”I froze, the question surprising me more than finding out he took time to teach us. There was a sudden drop in temperature and I wasn’t sure I couldn’t handle this. Of all the things I expected him to ask,
KaidenI was fucking furious.I slammed my hand against the steering wheel,“Shit!” The anger in my chest made it so tight that I struggled to breath. I drove off, ignoring Sage’s frantic calls.My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I didn’t even have to check to know it was him. His name flashing on the screen only fueled my irritation. I shoved the phone into my jacket and focused on my destination.I didn’t know where I was going but I just needed to drive. My vision was tinted red from the rage. It was a miracle I made it out of there without exploding.By the time I parked in front of the sleek, modern building, I was practically vibrating with anger. I slammed the car door and stalked inside, my boots echoing against the polished floors as I made my way to the elevator. When I reached his door, I knocked aggressively,no, pounded.The door swung open, revealing River. He stood there, his expression calm, as if he wasn’t the source of my current misery.Yes, I came to his house. “Ka
SageThe next morning, Kaiden and I walked to school in silence. The meal we shared was so brief and he stayed with me. The professor didn’t come home and when I called him, he said he was working late and we should enjoy ourselves.I knew it was because he didn’t want to spend time with Kaiden. After their argument, they have been tense with each other.I didn’t want to Interfere in their problems as it could escalate into something I wouldn’t be able to control.I looked at Kaiden, I know we have already talked about this but I was so curious.I wanted to ask him again about where he’d really been that day, but the tension in his jaw warned me off. Still, I couldn’t help myself. “So,” I started, kicking a loose pebble on the sidewalk, “you never really told me where you went. Like, actually went.” His steps didn’t falter, but his grip tightened around the strap of his backpack. “I told you. I needed to clear my head.” “Yeah, but that could mean anything,” I pressed. “You just
SageI stood just outside the hospital’s main entrance, staring at the parking lot like it was a war zone. The discharge papers were crumpled slightly in my grip. I could feel my fingers tremble, but I didn’t loosen them. The sun was bright, the day clear, but I felt like I was standing in the middle of a fog, one that hadn’t lifted since I was attacked.Kaiden mentioned he would come and pick me up, hence the hesitation. I felt like if he wasn’t here to do that, I wouldn’t go. “Ready?” His voice pulled me out of my head.I turned toward him. He had one hand in his pocket, the other adjusting the strap of my duffel bag slung over his shoulder. His hair was a little messy, like he hadn’t even bothered with a brush this morning, and his hoodie looked slept in. But his eyes, his eyes were alert. “I don’t know if ready’s the word I’d use,” I admitted. My voice sounded too thin to my own ears. “I feel like I’m being pushed out of safety and right back into the middle of whatever this me
KaidenI slept at my place after the detective dropped me off. He was looking at me like he had a lot to say about what happened but I didn’t.Yes, I overreacted but I couldn’t go back there. I felt suffocated and the only thing I needed was freedom. I needed to find my answers and not let it extend to my relationship.I decided to go see Detective Bryan. The man in charge of narcotics. The one who might know what the hell was really going on. I hadn’t told Sage or the professor anything. Not yet. I couldn’t, not until I had something real. Something more than just paranoia and late-night shadows tailing me.I sat hunched over my laptop in a dingy little café two blocks from my apartment, the place reeking of burnt espresso and desperation. I typed in “Detective Bryan, Narcotics Division, city PD” and hit search. A few articles came up. He was decorated, involved in several high-profile raids. One article had a photo, square jaw, stern face, early forties. Not someone you’d expect to
SageI woke to silence. Not the peaceful kind, the kind that sets your skin crawling with dread, like the air itself is holding its breath. The clock on the wall read a little past 3am and I could see the shadows stretched along the floor, motionless. I looked around and noticed with a slight disappointment that Kaiden wasn’t here. I blinked twice and turned my head toward the small couch across the room. No professor either.My heart sank.They were gone. Both of them.I have never felt so alone. I thought they would both stay with me so I won’t be scared. But I was a big boy and could handle myself.I sat up slowly, the sheets slipping off my chest as I scanned the dim room. Maybe they went for a walk. Maybe Kaiden needed air and the professor tagged along. Maybe I was being paranoid.Or maybe something was very, very wrong.I was about to slide out of bed when the doorknob turned.I froze.The door creaked open, and the harsh fluorescent light from the hallway spilled into the r
KaidenI left the hospital with a gnawing unease in my gut. I hadn’t told Sage or the Professor the full truth, that I needed to test Raines myself, to see if he was really on our side or if he was playing us. If I had voiced my suspicions, the professor would have warned me against it, and Sage… well, Sage would have insisted on coming with me, injuries be damned. But this was something I had to do alone. I couldn’t pretend for the life of me. If the detective wasn’t on our side then I needed to know now, to save myself the trouble of finding out later.I know that the professor was just trying to be cautious but the detective was kind of my friend so I needed to give him the benefit of the doubt.I stared at my phone for a long moment before making the call, my thumb hovering over his contact. This was a gamble, if he was dirty, I might be tipping my hand. But if he was clean... I needed to know. Taking a steadying breath, I hit dial. He answered on the third ring. "Kaiden?"
KaidenThe note terrified me, I wouldn’t lie. I kept the smile on my face for the nurse’s benefits. I didn’t want them to be asking if I was okay and interrupting my peace.Those words, scrawled in jagged letters sent a chill down my spine that lingered long after I first read them. I had spent the night restless, checking the locks on the doors twice, then three times, before finally settling into a chair beside Sage’s hospital bed. He was still unconscious, his face bruised, his breathing steady but shallow. Whoever had done this to him had a message, and now it seemed that message was meant for me. I had no idea how to protect him or even protect myself. It felt like everything we did was a waste of time and we were heading nowhere.I didn’t bother sleeping again because I was so anxious. I was tempted to call the professor and explain to him but I knew he would drive down here the second I call him.By morning, Sage was stable, still asleep but no longer in danger. I made sure
Kaiden I stood next to the professor, watching the detective’s face shift between concern and indifference as he closed his notebook with a heavy sigh. “We’ll look into it,” the detective said. “But if you’re asking me for guarantees—” “I’m not,” I cut in, trying to keep my voice steady. “Just… do your job.” He gave me a nod that felt more like a dismissal. And then he walked off, disappearing into the murmuring noise of the precinct. When I called detective Raines, he said he had been assigned to a case and directed us to his partner in the precinct. We had to go there but it didn’t seem like it was working out for us. The professor hadn’t spoken since the detective left us. His arms were crossed tightly, jaw locked, his usual calm gone. He looked like a man barely holding himself together, and that scared me more than anything. He usually had answers. He always had a plan. But now? His phone rang. He glanced down, muttered something under his breath, and answered. “Hello?”
SageI should have listened to the way the wind shifted. They say when your instincts are telling you something then it’s the truth.It was barely past six when I stepped out of the lecture hall, my bag slung over my shoulder, the sky overhead bleeding into a deep shade of lavender. The university courtyard had mostly cleared, and the usual evening buzz was thinning out as students filtered off to their lives. I’d stayed back for office hours, lingering too long over an unfinished paper, too caught up in making it perfect to even consider that other things could be waiting for me.Maybe that’s why I didn’t notice them at first. Maybe my mind was too full of shadows.My phone buzzed in my pocket, but I didn’t reach for it. The wind carried a chill I couldn’t place, the kind that crawled along the back of your neck and whispered you’re not alone.I turned down the path toward the side parking lot, my sneakers crunching over the scattered leaves. It wasn’t until I passed the library’s da
KaidenI couldn’t let this go undocumented."Get that one, too," the professor said behind me, nodding toward a shelf tucked beneath a peeling poster of a lingerie model. "That might be a brand marking."I crouched down and took the shot, my fingers trembling slightly. I hated this. Hated how close we were to it all. Hated that it still smelled like burnt sugar and copper in the air.When I straightened and turned toward the professor, I caught a glimpse of the client's retreating silhouette through the dusty window—he was halfway down the alley now, ducking behind a dumpster.Something about him tugged at me.“I’ve seen him before,” I said slowly.He looked over. “Where?”“I… I don’t know,” I admitted, frustrated. “Something about him feels familiar.”“Could’ve been at one of those parties,” the professor said, his voice cold. “A lot of those clients showed their faces when they thought they were invincible.”I nodded absently, trying to reach into the fog of my memory. There were so