"Well, your sister told me something," Azazel said, breaking the usual conversation routine.

"Oh?" He replied, feeling a slight tremor of uncertainty.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not a woman," Azazel clarified. "I'm a guy."

"I already knew that," he sighed in relief, realising his sister hadn't spilled the beans.

Jane looked at her brother with confusion, but still followed him to the car. Karla and him sat in silence for a moment.

"You knew?" Karla asked, breaking the quiet.

"You call him Mr. Zel to Mum and Dad," Kreo explained to her. "Don't worry, I could just be friends with him.”

Present day, Qintara, Tenawyuv

"What friends sleep together?" Azazel's voice was laced with fury. "Don't you dare answer anything stupid."

Azazel pressed one of his hands over Kreo's mouth, but Kreo pushed it away. "My main point is-"

"Is that you want me to go with you to the Hero’s Gala as your girlfriend or something because you know no other woman?" Azazel interrupted, his voice softened.

Kreo nodded. "I know other people, but they're all fans of me, very clingy, and always taking pictures, the usual."

"That's a big event, you know?" Azazel retorted. "There must be something in it for me."

Kreo fell silent, contemplating what could convince Azazel to agree. The thought of going out, getting drunk, and ending up in bed together wasn't part of the plan of asking him to go. Right now, there is most likely nothing that could convince him.

"I'll pick up Karla earlier!" Kreo blurted out loudly, trying to break the tension.

"Erm …" Azazel replied, their differences dissipating as they shared a moment of mutual amusement.

"When's the Gala?" Azazel asked, a hint of apprehension in his voice. The thought of being surrounded by heroes from around the world and having to stick to Kreo all day made him want to object. His life felt like it was ending before he even turned 20.

"In 2 months," Kreo replied casually.

"What do I even wear?" Azazel queried. "I've been to these places before."

"I don't think they'll mind if you wear pants," Kreo answered, trying to reassure him.

"What are you going to wear then?" Azazel inquired. "With your height, I don't think anything fits."

"190 centimetres is a good height to get out of a crowd. What about you?" Kreo countered without missing a beat.

"174 centimetres," Azazel mumbled.

"Short," Kreo laughed teasingly.

"I'm average; you're the one who's a giant, towering over everyone," Azazel retorted with a chuckle of his own.

Azazel's phone alarm suddenly broke the festive atmosphere with its shrill ring. It was Friday, and the daycare was still open.

"I have to go, the children's school is ending," Azazel announced, hastily grabbing his bag.

"Wait, Azazel!" Kreo shouted, realising the dilemma. "You don't have a car, and taxis aren't allowed in this neighbourhood!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Kreo chased after Azazel, determined to help him in any way he could.

"Thanks," Azazel said gratefully as he stepped out of Kreo's car. "I'll talk to you later. Bye, love."

With a quick wave, Azazel closed the car door and hurried into the daycare. As Kreo's car pulled away, the transport vehicle arrived, dropping off the kids at the door.

"Mr. Zel!" the children chorused excitedly.

"Hi there!" Azazel greeted them cheerfully. "Get inside, get inside."

The kids rushed into the daycare, and Azazel quickly closed the door behind them. He then proceeded to prepare a simple meal for the children.

"Sorry if it's not very nice, I overslept today," Azazel apologized to the kids as he served them.

But the kids didn't seem to mind at all; they dug into their meal eagerly, enjoying every bite.

"I have a surprise for you all today," Azazel announced once the kids had finished eating. "After you've finished your homework and tuition."

The kids nodded eagerly and finished their tasks in record time, surprising Azazel with their efficiency. Suddenly, Isaac approached him

Azazel looked up from marking the tuition workbooks, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Hey, bud. Having fun?"

Before he could finish, a swarm of children surrounded him, their eager faces filled with anticipation. Azazel chuckled at the sudden commotion.

"Is there something wrong?" he asked, closing the last book.

"Where are our gifts?" the children chorused. "We've been waiting for ages!"

Azazel's laughter filled the room. "Alright, alright," he said, reaching for his bag.

Pulling out bundles of Chinese traditional fans, Azazel watched as the children's eyes lit up with delight. But before they could grab them, he raised a hand.

"Everyone, settle down and take a seat," Azazel insisted.

The children scrambled to their places, their excitement palpable. Azazel carefully arranged the gifts on his desk before allowing them to choose.

With the boys eagerly clutching their fans and the girls delicately selecting hair sticks, Azazel couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm. As the girls ran to him, begging for him to style their hair, he accepted with a twinkle in his eye.

Azazel has his own long black hair, the kids all ran to him. With skillful hands, Azazel created a variety of hairstyles, each one met with giggles and squeals of delight.

"Isabella!" a father's voice interrupted.

Azazel opened the door, bidding Isabella farewell as she proudly showed off her new hairstyle to her father.

"You look beautiful, mija," her father exclaimed as they left.

As the clock struck 6 pm, the daycare almost emptied, leaving three kids left. As the parents of the two other children arrived, Kreo joined them, fulfilling his promise. Azazel watched silently as Jane ran to Kreo, her excitement evident. Hannah and Kenneth also rushed to their own parents, their faces lit up with joy.

"I kept my word," Kreo whispered in Azazel's ear, his tone tinged with a hint of pride.

"Fine," Azazel replied quietly, acknowledging Kreo's actions. As everyone left, including Kreo, Azazel couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude mixed with uncertainty about this.

Azazel's phone buzzed with a notification from Kreo."Call me, 7:30 pm tonight," the message read.