Charlotte crashed onto the bed, limbs sprawled like a drama queen in a soap opera. Her eyes glittered, wild with curiosity, and her voice came out in rapid-fire bursts.
What happened? When did you meet him? What did he say? Did he text again?
King tried to stifle a laugh, raising a hand. One question at a time.
Charlotte sat up slightly, unbothered, leaning closer as if proximity would get her answers faster. Fine. So? Spill.
King drew in a breath, shoulders slightly slumped from the emotional weight he'd been carrying all day. Still, he walked her through it all, how he bumped into James by pure chance, how they only exchanged a few words, and how that was enough for Win to completely lose it. He described the cold silence on the ride home, the sharp exchange of words once they got there, and the way DM from James still sat in his inbox, unread, like a sealed letter he was too afraid to open.
As he talked, Charlotte's face twisted. Her mouth curved downward, and her nose scrunched in judgment.
She suddenly jolted upright like something bit her. Win. Ugh. If I catch him just once I swear I'll drag him by the ear in public.
King burst into laughter, the sound unguarded. Can you even reach his ear?
Charlotte threw a pillow at him but laughed too. Barely. Still, the man deserves it.
Her expression turned mock-serious, brows furrowed in exaggerated frustration. Honestly, I can't even stand near him. That energy? Too controlling. He'd probably have me arrested for breathing too loudly.
King wiped the laughter tears forming at the corners of his eyes. You're impossible.
Yeah, and I'm also right. Charlotte folded her arms. But back to James. What do you think? Be honest.
The laughter faded from King's face. His fingers twisted together in his lap. I don't know, he said quietly, gaze fixed on the floor. We barely talked. And I never replied to his message, he probably thinks I wasn't interested.
Charlotte tilted her head, studying him. Do you even think James… likes men?
I don't know. King's voice came out barely above a whisper. He's just like Win. Handsome, confident, and rich.
Charlotte gasped like he'd said something sacrilegious. Excuse me? She pointed at him, scandalized. Don't you dare compare Mr. Potential to that emotionally constipated menace?
King gave a nervous laugh. Win's not… all bad. He's just.
Nope. Charlotte sliced the air with her hand. Stop right there. Save it. I refuse to listen to another word from a man whose love life is held hostage by guilt and gaslighting.
His eyes widened, then softened as he chuckled in disbelief. You're not wrong.
She scooted closer and dropped her tone, speaking more gently now. Even if James doesn't swing your way, one thing I know for sure is he'd never make you feel like you had to shrink yourself just to be loved. That already makes him miles better than Win.
King looked away, smile thinning out until it disappeared completely.
Charlotte's hand slipped over his. You deserve more, King. Someone who sees you. Not someone always trying to reshape you.
He didn't get the chance to respond. Her hand shot out and grabbed his phone from the bed in one smooth, criminal motion.
Hey, he started, reaching to take it back.
Unlock it, she said, cool as ever.
Wait, what? No. What are you doing? He pulled back slightly, but her finger hovered confidently over the screen.
The second his face registered and the lock screen slid away, her thumbs were already flying.
Charlotte, he hissed, eyes wide as he lunged half-heartedly. What are you typing stop.
Too late.
She read aloud with theatrical flair, "I'm so sorry for the late response. Life's been hectic and I've barely had a minute to breathe. How have you been?"
King stared at her, stunned. I can't believe you just did that.
She handed the phone back with a satisfied smirk. Oh, I did. And you're welcome.
He groaned, collapsing backward on the bed and covering his face. He's not going to reply. It's been too long. He probably thinks I ghosted him.
Charlotte flopped beside him, grinning. Please. If he's the one, he'll reply. Watch.
Almost as if on cue, the phone buzzed in his hand.
They both froze.
King slowly lowered the screen from his face. The first message lit up his screen.
"It's okay, I was a little worried, but I'm glad to hear from you. Hope everything's okay on your end?"
Charlotte grabbed the nearest pillow and screamed into it. He's so sweet I could cry. Can I marry him instead?
King didn't respond. He was frozen in place, reading the message over and over as if afraid it might vanish.
Then another ping.
Charlotte leaned in over his shoulder. Told you I should be your PR manager.
And then came the final message.
"If you're free sometime, maybe I could buy you a drink or dinner? Or we could do something you like. I'd like to see you again."
Charlotte let out a squeal so loud it could've shattered glass. Oh my God. This man is quality. Do you see how smooth that was?
King stared at the screen, heart beating so fast it echoed in his ears. His fingers moved on their own.
"Let me check my schedule and get back to you?"
The little heart appeared. James had liked the message.
Charlotte rolled her eyes playfully. Okay, but why didn't you just say yes?
King exhaled slowly, his grip tightening. "Win."
Charlotte blinked. "Oh. Win."
Then, dramatically, she threw herself back on the bed. Right. That guy.
A silence settled. Not heavy, but undeniable. The air shifted again, serious.
King's smile was weak this time. How do I tell him I'm going out?
Charlotte's eyes lit up mischievously. Easy. Use May.
"May?" he echoed.
Yeah, just say you're going out with your girlfriend. You know Win won't question it if it's May. But if you say me? She laughed. He'll probably handcuff you to the furniture. He'll lock the doors and swallow the key. That man knows I'm the hookup queen and I'm on a mission.
King laughed, genuine this time. The hookup queen?
She flipped her hair. "My power is unmatched. One night out with me, and boom James becomes your boyfriend.
You're ridiculous.
And you love me.
He smiled softly. Unfortunately.
Charlotte grinned. Anyway, Win knows if I take you out, you're not coming back single.
They both laughed again, the room warm with shared affection. But beneath the laughter, something else lingered. Something quieter.
Even when King laughed, that ache in his chest didn't go away.
Win still felt like home even if home hurt sometimes.
Back in the living room, Win dropped his pen with a heavy sigh. Papers lay scattered across the coffee table, next to two mugs of cold coffee. The last contract had just been saved and filed.
"Finally," he muttered, leaning back and rubbing the back of his neck.
Mike stretched with a groan, arms overhead. You sound like we just ran a marathon.
It felt like one. Win's voice was low, tired. He glanced at the clock. We've been at this since lunch.
Mike gave him a knowing smirk. Didn't hear you complaining when the figures came in strong.
Profit speaks louder than fatigue, Win replied with a tired smile.
Mike leaned back, relaxed. So. Drinks?
Win raised an eyebrow. Here or are you dragging me out?
Depends. Can I tempt the almighty Win into a night off?
Win hesitated. A smirk ghosted his lips. Maybe. If you're buying.
Done. But only if you admit I carried the whole damn meeting.
In your dreams.
Win stood and stretched, reaching for his phone. I'll take King out to eat first. Then we can meet up.
Mike raised a brow. Surprised.
Win paused. Surprised about what?
Mike leaned back, casual but sharp. That you're fine with him hanging out with girls… but not guys.
Win's fingers slowed on the screen. His gaze lifted.
Mike just smiled. It confirms what I've always suspected.
Win narrowed his eyes. Which is?
You know exactly what you're doing, even if you won't admit it.