CHAPTER ONE

[the first or not? encounter]

It started with the two annoying idiots clashing and enganging on a dumb heated argument inside a convenience store, in the drinks section.

Kael didn’t usually bother with convenience stores. But Jace had been annoying about that new imported energy drink, so here he was—hood up, expression cold, wallet out. No one paid him any attention, except for the idiot currently blocking the refrigerated aisle, well not really…

“move,” Kael muttered, sharp and low.

The guy—thin but sharp-eyed, with messy hair and oversized hoodie and bandages —glared at him like Kael had just insulted his ancestors. “you could say excuse me, y’know. Or did basic manners die with your sense of fashion?” Kael blinked, slowly. “you’re in the way.”

The stranger crossed his arms. “and you’re a walking red flag. What’s your point? Idiot, can't you see i'm arranging the drinks tsk ” He rolled his eyes.  That was the moment Kael should’ve walked away. Instead, he stepped forward, eyes narrowing. “you always this mouthy, or just stupid in public?”

The guy scoffed. “only when jackasses like you show up thinking they own the place.” Kael opened his mouth—ready to fire back—but the cashier cleared his throat. “hey. No fighting. This isn’t a fight club. You break something, you buy it. Riven, go back to work you knuckle head!"

Kael gave a humorless smirk. “you’re lucky i’m in a decent mood. Do your job right, idiot"  The guy raised a brow and rolled his eyes, brushing past him with intentional shoulder contact. “yeah? Lucky me.”

They didn’t exchange names. Just scowls.

The next evening, Kael slouched in the driver's seat and drove through the suburbs. His right hand subordinate had texted earlier about a client who’d defaulted on another debt—the son of a sick mother, tons of school fees, and apparently, a string of broken payment promises.

Kael didn’t care about the excuses. He was just there to check if the guy was serious about paying. If not, then he’d collect. He reads the file lazily until he stopped cold at the attached id photo.

“ have i ever meet someone who makes me want to kick a wall just by opening their mouth? Yes, it was not that long ago. This. Is. crap "

An hour later.

Kael didn’t usually waste time on small fry. But this one had a debt trail ugly enough to warrant a personal visit. Some college student, barely managing rent, way overdue, no solid collateral — but his name kept popping up. And the amount? Not big. But consistent. Like someone slowly drowning. Kael walked through the busted gate of a cheap apartment complex, jaw tense. hot evening, cracked pavement, dogs barking two blocks down.

Apartment 2c. He knocked. No answer.

He knocked again, sharper this time. Then a crash — a pan, maybe? Then angry footsteps. The door jerked open. “what?!” Kael blinked. Ruffled hair. Thin shirt. Eyebrows furrowed in pure irritation. And then— “oh hell no,” The guy spat. “you?”

Riven scoffed. “maybe not with that smug, punchable face. You the same jerk from the convenience store yesterday evening?” Kael tilted his head. “you the brat who called me a ‘walking red flag’?”

“i stand by that,” Riven snapped, already trying to close the door. Kael’s boot caught it mid-swing. “Riven Axel Guevarra?” Riven stiffened. “…Who’s asking?” Kael pulled the folded record from his jacket and held it up. “me.” Riven’s face twisted. “of course. The universe hates me.” Kael didn’t smile. But he did lean in slightly. “you’re late. Again.” “yeah? I’m late on a lot of things — rent, homework, therapy. Got a list?” Kael’s mouth twitched. Not quite a grin. But close. “you got attitude. That won’t pay your debt.” Riven crossed his arms. “and you’ve got a face i’d love to throw a mug at. That won’t make me richer.”

There was a moment — sharp silence between them. Tension thick, like the air before a thunderstorm. Then, kael noticed something. The faintest bruise along riven’s wrist, half hidden under his sleeve. A déjà vu hit him like a brick. A hallway. A shaking hand. A flinch. A bruise. His eyes flicked up. No way. It was him. That boy.  Kael said nothing. Didn’t show it. Just stood straighter, jaw locked.

So, i actually met him two times? One side of him is bruised, fragile...while this side is more of a brat... fierce huh.  Thinking, in his inner monologue, he sighed then smirked.   “i’m not here to fight,” He finally said, more controlled now. “just to talk.” “oh? You usually threaten people with your voice alone?”

Kael didn’t answer. He studied him again — the sharpness in his words, the way he held himself like a wounded animal with bared teeth. Yeah. It was definitely him. And for the first time in a long while, Kael hesitated.