unspoken feelings

Levi stood in the grand hall of his father's mansion, feeling the weight of expectation pressing down on him. The lavish chandeliers glowed warmly above, casting their golden light over the marble floors, but even the beauty of his surroundings couldn't ease the tension creeping into his bones.

His father, Mr. Leon McLaren, sat across from him in his luxurious armchair, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. He studied Levi with sharp, expectant eyes before finally speaking.

"Levi, you're twenty-five now. It's time you start thinking seriously about your future—about settling down. A man of your position needs a woman by his side. Someone who will support you, build a family with you."

Levi exhaled, already knowing where this conversation was headed. He had expected it sooner or later. His father was never one to let things be when it came to appearances and legacy.

"I've given it some thought," his father continued, "and I believe blind dates would be a great way for you to meet potential partners. I'll arrange everything."

Levi's stomach twisted uncomfortably. "Father, I don't think blind dates will work for me. I'm… just not interested."

Mr. McLaren frowned, setting his glass down. "Not interested? Levi, you can't afford to be so dismissive. You've spent too much time buried in work. It's time to prioritize your personal life."

Levi clenched his jaw. How could he explain to his father that it wasn't a lack of interest in relationships—it was who he was interested in? And that person was Jaceon.

His thoughts drifted to Jaceon, to the moments they spent together. The way Jaceon moved with an effortless grace, his sharp wit, his intense eyes that seemed to look right through him. Levi had always admired him, but somewhere along the way, admiration had turned into something deeper. It had become something he couldn't ignore.

The realization sent a rush of conflicting emotions through him. Jaceon's presence had become something he relied on, something that brought him comfort and unease all at once. When Jaceon wasn't around, a strange sense of emptiness settled in his chest, and at first, he'd convinced himself it was just because he had few close friends. But the more time passed, the clearer the truth became.

It wasn't just friendship. It was something deeper, something more dangerous.

He was falling in love with Jaceon.

Levi ran a hand through his hair, feeling the frustration build. "Father, I appreciate your concern, but I don't need you arranging blind dates for me. I'm capable of finding someone on my own."

His father let out a sigh, shaking his head. "Then why haven't you? You can't tell me you don't have time. You're wealthy, successful, and respected. What more do you need before you start thinking about your future?"

Levi hesitated before answering. "Maybe I just haven't met the right person yet."

That was a lie. He had met the right person. The problem was, that person was the last person he should ever fall for.

His father studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Fine. But I won't wait forever, Levi. A McLaren needs to leave behind a legacy."

Levi swallowed hard, nodding before excusing himself from the conversation. He needed space, time to think.

Later that night, Levi found himself staring at his reflection in the mirror, his thoughts a tangled mess. His mind kept drifting back to Jaceon. How could he even begin to tell him? Would Jaceon laugh? Mock him? Or worse—reject him completely?

Little did Levi know, the man he was falling for wasn't just dangerous because of his presence.

Jaceon wasn't even human.

He was something else entirely. Something dark, something powerful. A demon sent to destroy him.

Yet, despite everything, Levi couldn't shake his feelings. He was drawn to Jaceon in ways he couldn't understand, couldn't control. He knew he was playing with fire, but it was already too late.

The flames had consumed him.