CHAPTER FIVE

Kael was leaning against the wall outside campus, scrolling through his phone, sunglasses on like he was guarding the gates of hell with caffeine. Riven walked toward him with a paper bag in one hand and two iced coffees balanced in the other. Kael noticed him approaching, tilted his head. “you’re carrying two. That’s bold. Got a date?”

Riven didn’t even break stride. He handed one over without looking him in the eye. “it was a buy-one-get-one.” Kael took it, examining the label. “my order. No sugar. Extra shot.”

Riven muttered, “weird coincidence.” Kael smirked. “you’re blushing.”

Riven forcingly responded fast “i’m not!” “you are. It’s kinda cute.” Riven looked horrified. “say that again and i will spill this on your shoes.” Kael took a long sip. “mm. Tastes like desperate affection.” Riven nearly faceplanted into the sidewalk. “i hate you.” Kael raised his coffee in mock toast. “you’re welcome.”

[this isn’t a routine (except it is)]

The next day, kael was already waiting at the usual bench. Riven walked up slowly, acting like he was just passing by.

Kael spotted a familiar figure across the café and smirked. “oh wow. You again.”

Riven didn’t even look up from the counter where he was collecting his order. “coincidence,” He replied flatly, though the two coffees in his hands suggested otherwise.

Kael raised an eyebrow. “you’re holding two coffees again.”

“habit,” Riven said, walking past him—and then, rather than finding a seat elsewhere, he slid into the seat right beside kael.

Kael turned to him, amused. “you’re sitting next to me.” Riven hesitated for a bit, then muttered, “you’re not that annoying today.” Kael grinned. “you’re getting soft.” “you’re delusional,” Riven snapped back, but there was no heat in his voice.

Kael leaned in a little, eyes twinkling. “you’re mine.” Silence. Riven choked on his drink, coughing into the sleeve of his hoodie. “i—excuse me?” Kael leaned back just slightly, enough to see the flush creeping up riven’s ears. He smirked. “i mean my favorite little entertainment source,” He said smoothly. “don’t get your hopes up.”

With a scowl, Riven tore the wrapper from his straw and flicked it at Kael, hitting him in the arm. “you suck.” Kael chuckled. “still here though.” Riven turned his face away, sipping from his drink to hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. “…Shut up,” He muttered.