CHAPTER NINE

The morning after 

Riven stood in kael’s kitchen, one sleeve of kael’s hoodie hanging over his hand, hair still a bit messy, squinting like the sun had personally offended him.

 Kael was already up—shirtless, coffee mug in hand, leaning on the counter like a mafia magazine cover.

Riven sleepy groan “why is your place so… Bright?” Kael while holding a mug of coffee “because it’s morning. That’s how windows work.” Riven stretched “your attitude is offensive.” Kael slides a mug toward him “drink. You’ll survive.” Riven took the mug, sniffed it, and looked surprised. “…You made it sweet?”

Kael didn’t even glance his way. “you don’t like it bitter. I pay attention.” That made Riven blink. “since when do you—”

“don’t overthink it,” Kael cut in, turning his back and pretending to check something in the fridge. Riven sipped. It was actually… Perfect. He hated how warm his chest felt. Stupid coffee. Stupid thoughtful gang boss.

Then—Kael leaned on the counter across from him, arms crossed, watching him drink. Kael asked worried but didn’t make it obvious “ did you eat anything yesterday?” Riven hesistated but eventually responded “uh… Chips.” Kael frown deepening  “that’s not food.”

Riven rolled his eyes  “you’re not my mom.” Kael grinned “no. I’m worse. I can force-feed you.” Riven choked on his sip. “that is the worst sentence i’ve heard before coffee.” Kael reached over and dropped a warm breakfast sandwich wrapped in foil on the table beside him. “eat.”

“…You made this?”

“no. I bought it when i went out.”

“you left?”

“yeah while you were sleeping again, just down the street. I came back and you were already drooling on my pillow.” Riven’s face flushed. “i was not—” Kael smirked. “there’s evidence.” Riven groaned and buried his face in his hands, muttering, “i can never show my face again.”

Kael’s voice softened, dangerously so: “don’t worry. You can just keep showing it here.” Pause. Riven peeked through his fingers. “you flirting with me, bossman?” Kael looked entirely serious now. “would it work if i was?” Riven heart rate rising “...maybe. If you keep the coffee coming.”

Kael chuckled “then i’ll stock the whole damn shelf.” Riven sighed  “you’re too smooth for 8 a.m.” Kael smirked and sipped his coffee. “and you’re too pretty for someone who just woke up.” Riven turning red, whispering “i hate you.” Kael mockingly said  “no, you don’t.”

They sipped their coffee in silence after that. Too warm. Too familiar. Like they’d been doing it for years. Like maybe they’d keep doing it for years more.

Riven was sitting at the kitchen counter, hair still messy, wearing Kael’s hoodie (again), cradling a mug of coffee with both hands like it was the only thing keeping him alive.

Kael watched from across the counter as he leaned on his elbows, black coffee in his own mug, no sugar—just like how he took his feelings.

Riven smiled “not bad for a criminal. Coffee’s decent.” Kael “that’s expensive roast from colombia, don’t disrespect it with your ungrateful tongue.” Riven fake gasped “okay, boss. Still not as good as 3-in-1.” Kael rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched.

They stayed in silence for a moment, just sipping. The kind of silence that wasn't awkward anymore.

Then Riven muttered it quietly, almost like it wasn’t supposed to come out. “might need to find a new place soon anyway. Kael, brows twitching “huh?” Riven kept his eyes on his mug. “landlord wants me out again. Says i’m three months late on rent. Which i am. He’s been banging on the door and shouting like a lunatic.”

Kael crossed arms “…And you’re just gonna… Let him throw you out?” Riven sighed  “not like i have a choice.” Kael didn’t reply immediately. Something hardened in his jaw. Riven looked up and blinked. “why are you so quiet? You’re never quiet. What’s up?”

Kael tilted his head slightly, voice dry as ever “i was just thinking how peaceful this place will be once you’re not barging in and stealing my hoodies.” Riven looked at him “oh? Missing me already?” Kael smiled faintly “no. Just imagining how clean my apartment will be without your mess.” Riven grinned “you like my mess.”

“…Shut up.”

Then—Kael casually stood, walked toward the sink to rinse his mug, and said it like it was no big deal.  “you could just stay here, y’know.” Riven blinked. “huh?”

Kael sat on the stool facing Riven “i mean, since you’re so good at freeloading anyway. You’ve practically moved in. You leave your socks on my couch. You hoard the left side of the bed.”

Riven deliberately said “i do not!” Kael face smug “you even used my toothbrush once.” Riven, gasping “that was one time—accidentally—because your toothbrush is black too!” Kael, smirking “mmhm.” (they already looks like a husband and wife on what they are doing, actually)

Riven looked at him carefully. “...are you serious though? About staying?” Kael finally turned to face him, leaning back on the counter. His tone dropped the teasing for a split second. “you don’t have to stay in some shitty apartment with a landlord screaming at you when you could be here.” Riven bit his lip, still processing.

Kael added with a smuggingly mocking face “…But only if you do the dishes.” Riven, brow raised “and if i don’t?” Kael squinted his eyes with a grin “then you’re banned from my coffee.” Riven snorted and raised his mug. “guess i’m staying, then.” Kael let out a quiet laugh  “yeah. Guess you are.”

And just like that—Kael turned away to hide the little smile pulling at his lips.

Because maybe, just maybe… He wanted Riven there every morning.

Coffee. Hoodie. Socks on the couch. All of it.