CHAPTER 15: Stirring Emotions

Leo woke up feeling refreshed, his sleep having been deep and rejuvenating. He washed his face, put on his clothes, and made his way to the main room, where he found Kian sitting and watching the news on TV. "Good morning," Kian said, his eyes still fixed on the screen.

"Good morning," Leo replied, taking a seat across from Kian at the table.

Kian nodded to the spread before them, saying, "Breakfast is ready." The same warm and welcoming lady who had greeted Leo on his first day was now standing in the doorway with a teapot in hand, pouring hot tea into their glasses. "Good morning," she said with a gentle smile.

Leo glanced at the clock and noticed it was already 8:00. "Don't you have to go to school?" he asked Kian.

Kian took a sip of his tea before responding, "I'm going after breakfast. What about you?"

Leo took a bite of the jam-covered bread in front of him. "I don't feel like going today," he said. "I'm going to spend the day preparing for the Olympiads instead."

Just then, Kian asked, "By the way, where's your phone?"

Leo's brow furrowed as he thought back to their argument the previous day. "Ah... it fell on the ground during argument and got ruined," he replied sadly.

*

As the evening wore on, Leo retreated to Kian's study room, preparing for Olympiads. Kian, who had been attending classes with an unusual spring in his step. Harry sensing the positive energy coming from his friend, walked into the room and splashed down on the couch in front of Kian.

"Let me analyze the situation," Harry said, his eyes fixed intently on Kian's face. "You've been in a great mood all day, not even looking for Leo, who's not here at school. And it doesn't bother you at all. It can be concluded that you and Leo made up, and you know where he is, right?"

Kian's gaze remained steady; his expression unreadable. "It Is unfair to yourself to use your intelligence for such things," he replied, his voice even and calm.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Right?" he asked again, his tone skeptical.

Kian nodded once; his jaw clenched. "At my house" he said.

Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Your house? How long is he staying?"

"We agreed on a week," Kian replied, his voice still calm and even. "But I have no intention of letting him leave."

Harry's face fell. "Are you keeping him with threats or something?" he asked, his tone accusatory.

Kian's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Violence, threats, fear...things I wouldn't do when it comes to Leo," he said confidently. "It would only push him further away."

Harry shook his head. "Now I see why there haven't been any dark clouds hanging over you all day."

As the door swung open, Mateo stormed into the room, his face twisted in a scowl. "You kicked me out of the party, Kian?" he accused, his voice laced with aggression.

Kian's calm tone was a stark contrast to Mateo's. "Go out, knock on the door, then enter the room," he replied, his eyes never leaving Mateo's face.

Mateo's scowl deepened. "You're joking, right? Answer my question," he demanded.

Kian's expression remained impassive. "I told you to knock on the door."

Mateo's face reddened with frustration. "You're serious? You're actually serious?"

Kian raised his voice slightly. "I told you to knock on the door!"

Mateo's eyes flashed with anger, but he knew Kian wasn't kidding. He turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him. A moment later, he was back, knocking twice on the door.

"Enter," Kian called out.

Mateo pushed open the door and strode back into the room. "Did you kick me out of the party?" he repeated, his voice still rough with anger.

Kian nodded curtly. "Yes."

Mateo's face fell, and for a moment, he looked crestfallen. Then his expression hardened once more. "'How can you do that, everyone is making fun of me for getting kicked out," he spat.

Kian's eyes narrowed. "And you were making fun of a girl you didn't even know," he reminded him.

"I didn't start it," Mateo protested. "She insulted me first."

"By not wanting to dance with you?" Kian asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Mateo's face twisted in a snarl. "It was just a dance. Nothing would have happened if she had agreed."

Kian's eyes narrowed. "Why do you think everyone should agree with you?"

Mateo's gaze faltered for a moment before he sneered. "I have learnt these from you."

Kian stood up, his movements fluid and controlled. "If you trying repeat my actions, then do it properly." Kian's expression remained serene. " Have you ever seen me insult or threaten anyone in front of others?"

Mateo shrugged. "No."

"When will you realize that your every move is being watched? Your connections and reputation are important to your future, do you think a businessman with a violent past can be trusted?" he said.

Mateo's face darkened once more. "I understand you," he said, his voice low and menacing.

Kian raised an eyebrow. "I doubt it."

"I'll punish that girl, Mary, and the boy who knocked me down without anyone knowing," Mateo declared, his voice trembling with rage. "And then I'll clear my name."

Harry stood up seeing him talking about Leo in front of Kian. "Sit down" Kian instructed to Harry.

"What exactly are you planning to do?" Kian asked, his tone cold and detached.

Mateo's smile was feral. "I'll make them kneel down and apologize to me," he hissed.

The room fell silent as Kian's gaze locked onto Mateo's face; his expression unreadable as always.

The room was heavy with tension as Kian's smile spread across his face, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You won't do anything," he said, his tone dripping with confidence.

Mateo's eyes narrowed. "I heard you are close with Leo, but I didn't believe it. Are you protecting him?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Kian's smile faltered for a moment before he recovered. "When you know I'm close with Leo, how dare you say that you'll make him kneel before you?" he sneered, his tone roughening.

Mateo's jaw clenched. "You don't care what happens to others, Leo shouldn't be an exception. I will punish him as I said."

Kian laughed loudly, the sound sending a shiver down Mateo's spine. The atmosphere in the room grew thicker, like a storm cloud gathering on the horizon. "Your courage impresses me, I must admit," Kian said, his voice dripping with condescension. "But there are things you seem to have forgotten. You're still living as you wish because of your mother's law company and your father knows nothing about your actions. I wonder how Minister Albane would react if he saw the videos of violence and harassment circulating about his son... or if he woke up one morning to see it splashed across the news."

Mateo's eyes flashed with worry as Kian's words struck home. He could feel the weight of Kian's gaze bearing down on him like a physical force.

"You've grown up around me for so long, I can almost understand why you'd want to be like me," Kian said, his voice taking on a menacing tone. "But I guess intelligence is your problem. Don't test me, Mateo. I can destroy your life."

With that, Kian turned away, leaving Mateo feeling trapped and helpless. He hesitated for a moment before turning and leaving the room in silence, his heart heavy with foreboding.

 "Do you think he will do something?" Harry asked, his tone casual, but with a hint of curiosity.

Kian's expression was blank. "He doesn't have the guts, he is coward" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It's getting late, I'm going to grab something to eat. You want to join me?" asked Harry.

Kian stood up, his movements abrupt, and began to collect his belongings. "I'm going home," he said, his voice still low and distant.

Harry's smile faltered as he watched Kian pack up his things. "I forgot there is someone waiting for you in the house," he said.

As Kian turned to leave, Harry's eyes locked onto his friend's face. "Meanwhile, do you still want me to stay away from Leo or help you?" he asked, his words laced with a mix of concern and curiosity.

Kian's gaze flickered back to Harry's, then away again. "What do you think?" he replied, his tone neutral.

Harry hesitated for a moment before responding. "Well, I won't try to be close, but I won't ignore him if I see him," he said finally.

The unspoken understanding hung in the air like a challenge as Kian left the room without another word.

*

Kian's feet moved with a sense of purpose as he strode through the house, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been searching for Leo everywhere, but it seemed he was nowhere to be found. That was, until he heard the faint sound of sizzling and chopping coming from the kitchen.

His curiosity piqued, Kian pushed open the door and stepped inside. The warm glow of the kitchen enveloped him, and his eyes landed on Leo, his eyes shining with a warm light as he expertly cooked up a storm. He looked up, his gaze meeting his, and a radiant smile spread across his face.

"Welcome," he said, his voice husky and gentle.

Kian's thoughts froze. For a moment, he simply stared at him, his mind reeling with the sudden attack of emotions that had taken up residence in his chest. He had never felt this way before. It was as if his heart was expanding, growing larger to accommodate the warmth and light that seemed to come from Leo's presence.

"Come sit down, I've prepared chicken in the oven," Leo said, his words dripping with warmth.

Kian nodded again, still feeling a little dazed. He excused himself to wash his hands, needing a moment to collect himself. In the bathroom, he stared at his reflection in the mirror, trying to make sense of the chaos mixing inside him. He didn't know what this feeling was, but he knew it felt...good. Really good.

He took a deep breath and rejoined Leo in the kitchen. The aroma of roasted chicken and steaming vegetables wafted up, making his stomach growl with hunger. Leo placed a plate in front of him, and he dug in with gusto.

 "Delicious," he said, looking up at Leo with a smile.

Leo smiled with pride, his eyes sparkling like diamonds in the dim light of the kitchen. "I'm glad you like it," he said, taking a sip of his own fruit juice.

Kian felt himself sinking deeper into the warmth of his presence, feeling like he was losing himself in the depths of his eyes. "Lady didn't come?" he asked finally, breaking the silence.

Leo's expression turned serious for a moment before he replied, "She came, but her daughter had a fever and I told her to go. I took responsibility for cooking dinner myself." He paused, his gaze lingering on his face. "I hope you're enjoying it."

Kian nodded again, feeling like he was drowning in the depths of his gaze. He didn't know what was happening to him, but one thing was certain – he never wanted this feeling to end.

Kian's phone buzzed on the table, breaking the silence between him and Leo. He glanced at the screen; his expression unreadable. There was written on the screen: Sima. Kian's gaze remained on the name for a moment before he turned his attention back to his meal. Leo, sitting across from him, noticed the brief distraction.

"Is Sima your girlfriend?" he asked, his tone casual but with a hint of curiosity.

Kian's lips curled into a subtle smile, and he continued to eat his food without looking up. Sensing Kian's amusement, Leo's eyes dropped, and he muttered under his breath.

"You never asked me anything about myself before," Kian said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And your first question about my love life?" He emphasized the last word with a raised eyebrow.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to," Leo said, his tone light and nonchalant, as he returned to his meal.

"Harry, Sima, Elsa, Mateo and I grew up together," he said, Looking at Leo's eyes.

Kian's expression remained neutral. "So, you're close to them?" Leo asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"No," Kian replied curtly. "I can make an exception for Harry, but the others would only try to use me for their own advantage in the future."

Leo's curiosity got the better of him. "Then why do you let them around?"

Kian's gaze didn't waver. "Because I'll use them either."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "So, you don't make a relationship unless it's good for your future?"

Kian's smile was enigmatic. "That's the rule in my society."

The conversation took a turn that made Leo feel uneasy. "And me?" he asked hesitantly. "What good can I do for you?

Kian's expression turned calculating. "What do you think you can bring to the table?" he asked without laughter.

Leo thought for a moment before speaking up. "I want to study finance and mathematics as a double major. It might be beneficial for your company."

Kian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Our finance and audit team are the best in the country."

Leo's enthusiasm wavered slightly before he pressed on. "And investments... I'm interested in those too."

"Leave that to our experts," Kian replied.

Leo felt a pang of disappointment. "It seems I have nothing to offer you."

Kian's gaze never wavered. "If I'm sitting with you at my home right now, be sure I have already planned your role."

Leo felt a little bit confused, his voice barely above a whisper, "What role exactly?"

Kian's eyes seemed to bore into his soul before he asked, "Do you really want to hear the answer?"

Leo hesitated for a moment before collecting himself and forcing a laugh. "I'll put some food on," he said, trying to break the tension.

Kian's smile was kind, as if he knew exactly what was going on in Leo's mind.

As the night drew to a close, Leo settled in the main room, the glow of his computer screen casting a warm glow on his face. He was engrossed in checking his mail when the sudden ring of the doorbell pierced the air. He creaked secretly, realizing that Kian was still in the shower. Rising from couch, Leo made his way to the door and swayed it open, revealing a courier standing on the porch with a small package clutched in his hand.

"Sign here, please," the courier requested, holding out a pen and tablet.

Leo's brow furrowed as he scanned the label. His name, Leo Atkins, was scrawled across it in bold letters. Confusion creased his face - he hadn't ordered anything. The courier handed over the package and bid him farewell, leaving Leo to wonder what was going on.

As he entered the room, still holding the package, he called out to Kian, who emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a bathrobe, dripping wet and rubbing his hair with a towel.

"A package arrived at your house with my name on it," Leo said, eyeing Kian suspiciously.

Kian's expression remained impassive. "If it's yours, you should check it out," he replied, his tone devoid of emotion.

Leo hesitated for a moment before unwrapping the package. Inside, he found a new phone. His eyes narrowed as he turned to Kian.

"I didn't order this," he said flatly.

"I've ordered it for you," Kian replied, his voice calm and unapologetic.

Leo's gaze lingered on Kian's face, searching for some explanation. "Why would you do that?" he asked finally.

Kian shrugged. "You didn't have a phone and I needed to contact you."

Leo's eyes widened in indignation. "You think I'll just accept it?"

Kian's expression didn't change. "I bought it with your money."

The words hung in the air like a challenge. Leo's mind reeled as he tried to process what was happening.

"What are you talking about?" he demanded.

 "You won that boxing match and were awarded $10,000 as prize money. You should be paid as the winner," Kian said.

Leo's eyes locked onto Kian's face once more. "And you're saying that money came from the school's budget?"

Kian nodded. "Yes, it did."

Leo felt a pang of unease as understanding dawned on him. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Thank you for the phone," he said finally. "But I don't need any more of that money."

For a moment, they stood there in an uncomfortable silence before Kian broke it by saying, "Well, I'm going to go get dressed."

Leo knew that Kian has already analyzed the character of him. He knew that Leo would not accept the phone if he said that he bought it himself. It was as if Kian had a crystal ball that revealed the deepest desires and fears of those around him, allowing him to craft arguments that seemed almost tailored to Leo's soul.

Leo felt like he was trapped in a game of chess, with Kian as the grandmaster and he as the pawn. Every move Kian made seemed calculated, every word chosen with accuracy. Leo knew that he needed to tread carefully, lest he fall into the trap of Kian's making.