Ch. 12: Jealousy's a Bitch, So AmI

It was a regular-ass Tuesday when the storm walked in wearing cologne and a killer smile.

Kael had just come back from the convenience store, slurping soda and tossing a snack at Riven, who was scrolling on his phone at the counter. All chill, normal, until the front door opened.

"Yo, Kael?"

Kael froze.

Riven looked up, eyebrows twitching at the unfamiliar voice.

And there he was.

Fucking Aeron.

Old flame, old friend—Kael wasn't even sure what the hell they used to be. All he knew was that the second he saw him, every molecule in his body screamed this is bad news.

Aeron sauntered in like he owned the place. Lean, smug, hair swept back, and that cocky smirk Kael remembered way too well.

"Didn't know you lived around here," Aeron said, pulling Kael into a hug before he could object.

Kael tensed. "Yeah. Been here a while."

Riven didn't say anything—but his eyes sharpened. Quiet. Dangerous. Watching.

Aeron's eyes flicked to Riven. "Friend?"

"Roommate," Kael said, way too fast.

"Ah," Aeron grinned. "Cool setup."

He lingered, talking like it was casual, but his hand kept brushing Kael's arm. Leaning a little too close. Riven's jaw was ticking.

"You still into that band you liked?" Aeron asked, voice lower now. "I still remember you humming that song in your sleep."

Kael's stomach dropped. "That was years ago."

"Still cute though."

Riven stood up, slow and stiff. "Kael, kitchen. Now."

Kael blinked. "Uh—"

"Now."

Aeron raised his eyebrows. "Didn't mean to start a lovers' quarrel."

"Fuck off," Riven muttered, already walking away.

Kael followed him, tension buzzing through his skin like live wires.

In the kitchen, Riven leaned on the counter, arms crossed, face unreadable.

"Okay, what was that?" he asked.

Kael rubbed the back of his neck. "He's just—someone I used to hang with."

Riven narrowed his eyes. "Hang with or fuck with?"

Kael stiffened. "Jesus, dude. Jealous much?"

Riven slammed his palm on the counter. "Yeah. I fucking am."

Kael stared at him, shocked.

Riven's voice dropped, rough. "You think I wanna watch some pretty boy from your past flirt with you like I'm not standing right there? Like I don't already—" He cut himself off, breathing hard.

"Don't already what?" Kael asked, stepping closer.

Riven shook his head, jaw clenched. "Forget it."

"No," Kael said, grabbing his wrist. "Say it."

Riven's eyes burned into his. "Like I don't already want you so bad it's driving me fucking crazy."

Kael sucked in a breath.

"Then say something," Riven hissed. "Say you want me too. That he means nothing. That this isn't one big fucking mistake."

Kael didn't say a word.

He grabbed Riven by the collar and crashed their mouths together, hard and messy, teeth and tongue and breath all colliding.

When they finally pulled apart, Kael's voice was ragged. "I want you. Only you. Don't make me say it again."

Riven stared at him, breathing hard. "Then I swear to God—if that guy touches you again—"

"He won't," Kael growled. "I'm yours."

The silence that followed was loud as hell—but it was thick with heat and promise.

And in the next room, Aeron waited, still smiling.

But that smile would die soon enough.

Because Kael had already