真実性-7

Atlas

As I walked away from Phoenix, a satisfied grin tugged at my lips. That kid was definitely something else — feisty, yet a bit shy, and definitely my type. I pulled out my phone and saved his number.

Contact Name: Phoenix (Cute Trouble)

Yeah, that suits him. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I slipped my phone back into my pocket. That little encounter definitely made my day.

Right, back to business. I pulled out my phone again and dialed Xavier's number. It rang twice before he picked up, his deep, authoritative voice coming through the line.

"What is it, Atlas?"

I smirked, leaning against the wall outside the cafeteria. "Relax, cousin. Just thought I'd give you an update on that 'Nixy' guy you were worried about."

"Phoenix Anderson?" Xavier's voice sharpened with interest. "What about him?"

"Chill out. He's just a high schooler — sixteen, to be exact. Seems harmless. I don't think he's any threat to your little 'business venture' or whatever. Just a typical teenager, really."

There was a pause on the other end, and I could practically hear Xavier processing that information. "Are you sure about that? Ace Anderson's younger brother, right?"

"Yeah, that's him. Met him during lunch. Kid's got a bit of a temper, but he's harmless," I replied, pushing off the wall and starting to stroll down the hallway. "Honestly, he's... kinda cute. Definitely my type."

Xavier groaned. "Atlas, I told you to stay professional. This isn't one of your casual flings."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Relax, Xav. I'm not gonna mess up your precious project. Just thought I'd check out the guy since you were so paranoid about him."

"Fine," Xavier muttered. "Just don't get distracted. We're still meeting Ace and his brother on the weekend. Make sure you're ready."

"Yeah, yeah. I know the drill," I replied lazily, glancing back toward the cafeteria. "But seriously, don't stress about Phoenix. He's just a kid. I'll handle him."

There was a brief silence before Xavier sighed. "Just be careful. I don't want any complications." "Complications? Please. You know I can handle it."

He just grunted and hung up without another word. Typical Xavier. Always so serious and uptight. I couldn't help but chuckle as I tucked my phone back into my pocket.

Phoenix, huh? I couldn't get his flustered face out of my mind. That little glare of his was surprisingly cute. Guess the weekend's gonna be more interesting than I thought.

I leaned back in my chair, tapping my phone against my chin. Class was boring as hell, and my thoughts kept drifting back to that little firecracker from earlier. Might as well make use of my time. I unlocked my phone and shot a quick text to Phoenix.

Atlas: Hey there, cute trouble~ Miss me already?

I smirked as I hit send, fully expecting him to ignore me or hit me with some sassy comeback. Sure enough, my phone buzzed just a few seconds later.

Phoenix: Not really. Thought you got lost on your way out. 😒

I couldn't help but chuckle. Feisty as ever.

Atlas:Ouch. That hurts. You really know how to wound a guy's pride.

Phoenix: Cry me a river.

Damn, this kid. He really was like his older brother. Ace had that same sharp tongue, but Phoenix's sass had a different flavor — a bit more innocent, maybe.

Atlas:Careful, Nixy. You're starting to sound like your brother. Not that I mind. 😉.

There was a longer pause this time, and I couldn't help but imagine the little glare he was probably giving his phone.

Phoenix:Stop calling me that. And stop texting me in class.

Atlas:But distracting you is my favorite hobby now.

Phoenix: Don't you have work to do?

Atlas:You're more interesting than work.

There was no reply for a while after that, and I couldn't help but grin to myself. That probably shut him up — or maybe he was just too flustered to think of a comeback. Either way, I'd take it as a win.

I stuffed my phone back into my pocket, feeling way more entertained than before. Guess teasing Phoenix was going to become my new favorite pastime.

Just as I was getting comfortable, my phone buzzed again. I pulled it out, half expecting Phoenix to give me the silent treatment. But nope — seems like he found his comeback.

Phoenix: Wow, didn't know Senior year students had so much free time. Or are you just bad at your job?

I bit back a laugh. Clever little brat.

Atlas:Ouch, ruthless as ever. I'm amazing at my job, thank you very much. Multitasking is just one of my many talents.

Phoenix:Being annoying doesn't count as a talent.

God, he was entertaining. I could practically picture his unimpressed face as he typed that.

Atlas: It's not annoying if it's cute. You should try it sometime.

Phoenix:Not interested. Go flirt with a mirror.

That one got me. I actually let out a laugh, earning a few weird looks from the people around me. Didn't care. Phoenix really knew how to hold his ground.

Atlas:Feisty. You're lucky I find that attractive.

Phoenix:Stop being a creep. Some of us actually care about school.

Atlas: I care about school too. I'm just more invested in you right now.

A long pause followed, and I could just imagine him getting flustered. I leaned back in my chair, grinning to myself. This was way more fun than any business meeting.

Phoenix: Whatever. Go bother someone else.

Atlas: Can't. I've already decided you're my favorite.

No reply after that. Guess I won this round. I couldn't help but smirk to myself, feeling pretty satisfied with how easily he got worked up. Phoenix was definitely a challenge — and I couldn't wait to see how long he'd keep up that attitude.

I was cruising down the busy street in my car, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of some random song on the radio when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, and there it was — a message from Phoenix. Finally.

Phoenix:You're such a pain. My phone got confiscated because of you.

I raised an eyebrow. Confiscated? Oops. I pulled over to the side of the road, not wanting to miss out on this drama.

Atlas:Wait, what? Why'd they take it?

A moment later, another message came through.

Phoenix:Maybe because some annoying guy wouldn't stop texting during class. Teacher called my brother before giving it back. I'm dead.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image of Phoenix getting lectured. But then it hit me — oh crap, his brother. From what I'd heard, Ace was protective as hell. That wasn't going to end well for me.

Atlas:Oh man, that's rough. Should I start writing my will now?

Phoenix: Not funny. He's going to murder me, and you'll be an accomplice.

I couldn't help but laugh. Phoenix being all grumpy and stressed was weirdly cute. I couldn't resist teasing him.

Atlas:I'll send flowers to your funeral. Maybe a nice card too.

Phoenix: I'm serious, idiot. Ace doesn't joke around about this stuff.

Right. Should probably take that a bit more seriously.

Atlas:Hey, relax. I'll take the blame if it gets too bad. I'm the one who kept texting, remember?

Phoenix:You better. You owe me one.

Atlas: Oh, I owe you way more than one. Maybe I can make it up to you with dinner sometime?

The dots appeared and vanished a few times before his reply came through.

Phoenix: In your dreams.

I smirked. He wasn't outright rejecting the idea — progress.

Atlas: Every night, sweetheart.

Phoenix: Stop being gross.

I couldn't help but grin. This kid was way too easy to fluster. It almost wasn't fair.

Atlas: Can't help it if you're fun to mess with.

He didn't reply right away, and I knew he was probably debating whether to humor me or just leave me on read. I figured I'd let him cool off a bit.

Atlas:Seriously though, don't stress. If your brother gives you too much grief, just let me know. I'll handle it.

A moment later,

Phoenix: Sure. Just don't text me during class again, idiot.

Atlas: No promises. Later, little fox.

No response, but that was fine. I put my phone down, still smiling like an idiot, and pulled back onto the road. Phoenix was turning out to be a lot more interesting than I'd expected. I didn't plan on giving up on him anytime soon.