Charlotte flopped onto the bed, hands flying as she fired off question after question.
What happened exactly? When did you meet him? What did he say? Did he text again?
King chuckled, overwhelmed but amused. One question at a time, Charlotte.
She ignored him, eyes wide and full of curiosity. So? Spill.
King answered each question patiently, how they met, the short-lived conversations, how Win completely lost it just because he spoke to James. He told her about the argument they had after getting back home, and the DM James sent that still sat, unanswered, in his inbox.
Then Charlotte suddenly sat up, eyes narrowing like a cartoon villain. Win. If I catch you just once, I swear, I'll drag you by the ear.
King burst into laughter. Can you do that?
They both laughed, but Charlotte raised a hand dramatically. No. Honestly, I can't even stand near him. That man's energy too controlling. He'd have me arrested for breathing wrong.
King wiped tears of laughter from his eyes. You're impossible.
Okay, but back to James, Charlotte said, getting serious again. What do you think about him?
King's smile faded a little. He stared down at his fingers. I don't know. We barely talked. I didn't even reply to his message. He probably thinks I'm not interested in getting to know him better.
Charlotte tilted her head. Do you think someone like James would even like men?
King gave a small, sad shrug. I don't know. He's just like Win handsome and rich.
Charlotte practically gasped. Excuse me? She pointed a finger at him like she was about to lecture a child. Don't you dare compare Mr. Right with that emotionally constipated Win.
Charlotte, King started to defend, Win's not all bad. He's just…
Nope. She cut him off, waving her hand. Save it. I don't want to hear another word from a man whose love life is sponsored by denial and tears.
King blinked at her in stunned silence, then snorted a laugh.
I'm serious, she added, softer now. Even if James doesn't like men, I can tell you one thing, he'd never make you feel like you're wrong for existing. That alone makes him better than Win.
King looked away, smile fading. He didn't say anything.
Charlotte reached for his hand. You deserve more, King. Someone who sees you, not someone trying to fix you.
Before King could even respond, she was already grabbing his phone off the bed.
Unlock it, she said casually.
What? Why? King blinked, pulling back slightly. Charlotte, what are you trying to do?
But it was too late. The moment he unlocked it with his face, her fingers slid expertly into James' messages.
Charlotte. King whispered, trying to snatch it back, but she was already typing.
"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's jaw dropped. I can't believe you just wrote that.
Charlotte gave him a smug grin. Oh, I did. And you're welcome.
He groaned, flopping back on the bed. He's probably not going to reply. It's been too long. I left him on reading, he might think I ignored him.
Charlotte smirked, clearly proud of herself. Please, if he's the one, he'll reply. Trust me.
As if she was summoned by fate, James's response came almost instantly.
"It's okay, I was a little worried, but I'm glad to hear from you. Hope everything's okay
on your end?"
Charlotte screamed into a pillow. He's so sweet I could cry. Can I marry him instead?
King froze. Heart thudding. He stared at the message until another came through.
Charlotte beamed. "Told you I should be your PR manager or something."
James's next message popped up right after.
"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."
King read it three times, his heartbeat echoing in his ears.
Charlotte squealed beside him like she was the one being asked out. "Oh my God. This man is quality. Do you see how smooth that was?"
King, still stunned, typed back.
"Let me check my schedule and get back to you?"
James liked the message.
Charlotte turned to him, brows raised. Okay, and why didn't you just pick a day?
King let out a soft sigh, his fingers tightening around the phone. "Win."
Charlotte blinked. "Oh. Win."
Then she rolled her eyes dramatically. Right. I almost forgot he existed.
King managed a small smile, but the shadow behind it lingered.
He finally asked, How do I tell Win I'm going out?
Charlotte's eyes lit up. Easy. Use May.
May?
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 burst out laughing. The hookup queen?
Yes, Charlotte 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, she grinned. Besides, Win knows if I take you out, I'm not bringing you home single.
They both cracked up at that, the room filling with warmth again.
But even through the laughter, that weight in King's chest stayed.
Win still felt like home even if it hurt sometimes.
Back to Win and Mike. They had worked for hours papers scattered, coffee mugs half-drained, and the afternoon sun now casting a soft glow through the living room curtains. The last document was finally saved, signed, and closed.
Win leaned back on the couch with a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. That's the last one, he muttered.
Mike dropped his pen and stretched, arms over his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. You sound like you just ran a marathon.
It felt like one, Win replied dryly, glancing at the clock. We've been at this since lunch.
Mike raised an eyebrow. I didn't see you complain when the numbers started looking good.
That's because profit speaks louder than exhaustion.
Mike chuckled. True. And you're a sucker for a successful deal.
Win gave him a tired smile. I'm a sucker for anything that keeps the board off my neck.
They sat in silence for a moment, the kind that didn't feel awkward just comfortable.
Mike nudged him lightly with his shoulder. So drinks to celebrate?
Win shot him a look. Do you mean here or are you dragging me out?
Mike smiled. Depends. Can I tempt the almighty Win into a night off?
Win hesitated, then shook his head with a small laugh. Maybe. But only if you're buying.
Mike leaned back with a satisfied smirk. Done. Only if you admit I carried the whole meeting on my back.
In your dreams.
Win stood up, stretching slightly as he reached for his phone. I should text King to get ready, he said casually. I'll take him out to eat first. After that, we can head out for drinks.
Mike raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. I'm surprised.
Win paused. Surprised about what?
Mike leaned back casually. About you being perfectly fine with him hanging out with female friends but not male ones. It just confirms what I've always suspected.
Win narrowed his eyes slightly. Which is?
That you know exactly what you're doing whether you admit it or not.