Chapter Text
“I want a divorce.”
He harshly slid the divorce paper on the table, he didn’t care about the flying papers around and he just wanted them signed.
The man across from him finally looked at him. He lowered his gaze and only stared at the paper and didn’t even bother touching them then looked at him. His expression didn’t even change, not even a single muscle.
“Give me one reasonable explanation why would I sign this?” The man’s serious tone made him tense a bit. He could tell that he wasn’t joking around but so is he, he was done, completely done.
“First of all I don’t know why you agreed on my stupid dad for this sick marriage, Zeal.” He started.
“But I am done. Our contract says 5 years right? We have one week and a month left, and I want you to sign it within the allotted time.”
Zeal didn’t say anything about his reasoning, but instead he asked the same question again.
“Give me one reasonable explanation why I should sign this, Kaelix.” He didn’t even move while saying that sentence.
Kaelix’s frustrated sigh echoed the room, his hands clenched tightly into a fist. He wanted to punch this man in front of him.
“For frick’s sake are you a robot!? Didn’t you hear what I said??” That’s when his anger won and slammed the table.
But then again the man in front of him didn’t flinch, he was just waiting for Kaelix to respond. Kaelix almost wanted to scream, grope his hair, and bang himself everywhere.
This man in front of him is pure ass and he was not even kidding. He couldn’t stand him, not even when he had his glasses on today.
“Okay fine, I don’t feel any freedom in our marriage.” He finally answered but he meant every word, he had a few restrictions after his marriage. Don’t get him even started when it’s almost everyday he stays at home.
“Really? But I don’t recall that I told you to not do what you like to do.” Zeal replied lazily, this is getting nowhere.
Kaelix frustratingly sighed for the second time, how can he win this.
“I can’t buy what I like.”
“I provide you money to buy what you want, excluding the groceries.”
“I can’t go out.”
“I did not restrict you from going outside, Kaelix.”
“You don’t even talk to me!”
“I do now.”
Kaelix wanted to mutter a curse, he felt like he was talking to a dense wall denying his access to whatever he likes. It has always been that way on anything that revolves him, it all started from his dad’s controlling manner making him a little too accustomed by being silenced.
Kaelix was a model, under his dad’s company and command. He had to stay in good shape in which he had a lot of restrictions even before, from strict diet plan to education, body physique, and many more. His mother wasn’t even anywhere near a saint, she’s just like his husband.
However, this man is not his dad nor his mom, this man is Zeal Ginjoka, his husband in name.
He looked at Zeal Ginjoka again. A man with captivating eyes with a fierce look that shouldn’t be forgotten, his long hair that has a perfect volume, and not to mention, his mole below his lips.
If this man wasn’t running a business, he could be a model too.
“You’re still being unreasonable here Kaelix.” He snapped out from reality when he heard him reply.
Man, this sounds like negotiating but Kaelix is losing.
He didn’t know what to answer anymore but he knew that he wasn’t going to surrender— he had come this far and thus he wouldn't give up.
“You…” he spoke with a hint of uncertainty about what he would say next.
“You, you don’t….”
He almost wanted to slap his own mouth, what is he even saying in front of this man?
“Y-you don’t love me.”
That’s it, the right answer.
“Yeah, you don’t love me.” He confirmed.
Zeal paused, he was taken aback by his words.
His throat became dry, he didn't know how to respond to that, and meanwhile Kaelix felt like he won the lottery because he chose the right words to answer Zeal and actually caught his attention.
“Are you sure about that?” Zeal, who was taken aback just a few minutes ago, was already sipping coffee. Kaelix was a little surprised, he’s not going to back down too does he?
Then, he won’t exit this room until he gets what he wants.
“I am very sure, why? Do you love me Zeal?”
No answer.
See?
“And if you do, you lack showing your love for me but whatever. Don’t ask something that you don’t truly mean, you just wanted to invest in my dad's agency company because it was a win-win for both of the companies, especially for you, that’s why you married me right?”
No response, again.
Kaelix felt like he hit the jackpot, he admitted that he felt cool while saying it. He wanted to rest, not like he couldn't do that when he was married but… he just can’t handle it anymore.
This marriage life mentally suffocates him.
“That’s another factor, yes.” Zeal replied looking at Kaelix who raised an eyebrow as a reply.
“Are you saying that you love me?” Kaelix asked, arms crossed.
There’s no reply from Zeal but he was staring at Kaelix differently, it has a meaning that Kaelix could not comprehend, it is perplexing.
He scoffed, it’s a ridiculous question and he shouldn’t have asked.
“Sign it.” He replied instead, he was getting impatient.
“No.” Zeal replied.
“You have a few months more just to think about it.”
“No, Kaelix.” A stern reply.
“It’s not like you wanted me? What, do you want something else from me?” He sarcastically replied that’s when Zeal returned an eyebrow as a reply this time.
“Why are you not answering? What do you want? Do you want to sleep with me-“
“Can you just settle down first?” This time Zeal’s calm and authoritative tone replied, Kaelix immediately shut up but he felt annoyed.
“I won’t sign these papers, whether you like it or not.” Zeal turned down his proposal, which made him hates Zeal more.
He was losing it, not only was he frustrated, but he was also struggling to keep his composure. He knows he’s losing to this man, but he didn’t give up. Instead he said one last sentence before he left and slammed the door.
“You know what? I don’t know what your reason is but I am not giving up. You have to sign those papers because this is all I ever asked for in this sickeningly stupid marriage life, and if you have ever cared for this marriage then prove it to me then maybe I might change my mind.”
He stomped behind the doors, giving his final sarcastic bid before it was closed shut.
“But I know you don’t, maybe loving me will do.” That’s his last line before he left.
After those doors had closed and slammed, Zeal looked at the papers, he never felt so nervous talking to Kaelix like that. And worse, this was their only fifth time talking to each other throughout their marriage.
He was actually nervous; he thought he was visibly shaking, he never told him that was right. He was even stunned by the fact that he’s inside his office.
Little does Kaelix know, Zeal feels threatened but he doesn't even know.
‘You don’t love me’
‘If you have ever cared.’
‘Maybe loving me.’
Did he ignore him too much?
-
First day after that proposal, Kaelix woke up with an empty sheet beside him, again.
Honestly he doesn’t know what to expect but from his last words yesterday, he was hoping that there was a small ounce of guilt on Zeal. He wished to be heard, maybe this day Zeal would actually change his mind.
He got up and went downstairs to eat breakfast that Maria, their maid usually makes, and right now it is rice with scrambled eggs and there was a bottle of hot sauce on the side.
Kaelix didn’t question any further, because Maria usually cooks it with a sausage or bacon on the side. He thought that the fridge had no stock today.
He was about to grab his mug when he saw the pot of coffee inside the microwave, he was confused and in disbelief, is this how maria do their coffee everyday?
“Oh hello mister Kaelix.” Says Maria who just sweeps the whole floor.
“Good morning to you too, I have a question.”
“Oh yes, sure what is it mister Kaelix?”
“Why did you microwave the coffee?” He asked sternly but confused, he was shocked about it but he was not mad. Maria is trying not to laugh when she starts to reply he couldn’t help to feel in disbelief.
“No it wasn’t me, mister! It was mister Zeal who microwaved the coffee.” He didn’t ask Maria any further and made tea instead, then after that he took a bite from the scrambled eggs with hot sauce.
It is odd to hear that Maria mentioned ‘mister Zeal’ all of a sudden, Maria only mentioned Zeal when he already left and he will come home late before she leaves for the night.
And he microwaves coffee?? Really questionable.
But he didn’t complain any further; however, the food was a little too salty today.
-
It was a hot sunny day when Kaelix had a photoshoot on a beach.
He was wearing a fitted rash guard and a swimming trunks holding a perfectly opened ice cream, god, the urge to actually bite and lick it on a hot sunny day.
“You’re doing great!” The photographer shouted as he combed his hair on the side slightly showing his forehead.
After a few clicks from the camera, the photographer insisted on a break. All of them were hardworking, so Kaelix ordered iced coffee for the staff.
He eventually remembered that Zeal mentioned that his expenses had been covered for five years and he didn’t even know, thus he did the unthinkable and chatted Zeal.
‘I ordered 30 iced coffee, please pay for it.’
He clicked send, he should’ve done this sooner.
*seen*
One word from Kaelix’s mind, Rude.
He didn’t even say anything but nonetheless, he still put Zeal’s number and pay the iced coffee, a sudden reply from Zeal made him slightly embarrassed.
‘Wrong number.’
‘…’
‘I’ll order it instead, send me your address.’
Well if he insists, Kaelix won’t mind.
They were still on a break and Kaelix was sitting on the corner, in front of a stand fan that the staff prepared for him. He felt guilty so he switched the fan to swing so everyone could catch the breeze.
He was scrolling through his phone when he saw another post from his close friend, Freodore who’s also a model a photo of a ring and a one word caption ‘cute.’ he liked it and he saw another post from Seible who is also his close friend, a selfie of him and Freodore.
Kaelix rolled his eyes but he was actually happy for the both of them, they’re really cute.
A sudden commotion caught his attention so he stopped using his phone and was about to join in when the staff run into him.
“Sir Kaelix, Sir Ginjoka is here.”
What?
That’s when he saw Zeal in the crowd, towering everyone wearing a black turtleneck, brown trench coat and slacks, paired with his usual glasses. He was holding a two huge paper bag and offering it to everyone, Zeal saw him and suddenly. a small smile appeared on Zeal’s lips.
Kaelix was stunned, had to blink twice, no thrice to see that he wasn’t blind or dreaming.
It was hard to admit but Kaelix thought that Zeal should smile often.
Zeal was walking in front of him holding a larger size cup of coffee, he was giving it to Kaelix.
Kaelix stared at the coffee with his arms crossed then raised an eyebrow, he looked at the coffee and he saw it was his usual order and he was visibly surprised so he looked away.
“I don’t have all day, or I will hold your coffee until you finish it?” The man beside him spoke.
“I never asked you to order for me anyway.” He murmured but he could feel his ears heating up.
“I’ll throw this away then-“
“Don’t even think about throwing that away!”
He suddenly grabbed Zeal’s arm and sipped on the coffee.
Now both of them were visibly surprised and looking away.
Kaelix quickly grabbed it from Zeal’s hands and immediately drank it straight nonstop that he almost drank half of it.
But he purposely stopped midway and gave it back to Zeal.
“Here, drink this instead of a microwaved coffee, you're making me sick Ginjoka.” He huffed and walked away.
Zeal looked at the coffee that was given back to him, a small smile appeared on his face.
“He knew…”
-
Kaelix went home and saw the lights were on in the kitchen. Assuming it’s Maria, he placed his shoes in the shoe rack and shouted before going into the kitchen.
“Maria! Are you cooking? It’s okay I’m home, you don’t have to.” He announced from the living room but he heard no response and got confused.
He didn’t even mind anyway so he proceeded to the kitchen, but he almost dropped his things when he saw a different person on the kitchen counter.
It’s Zeal Ginjoka typing something in his laptop, papers scattered around the table and a mug. He was wearing a casual outfit that Kaelix never saw in his life of marriage for four years, and he doesn’t have any glasses today so he could see his eyes crystal clear.
Zeal noticed his presence, but he went back from his usual work like he was usually here.
Kaelix coughed trying to suppress his shock, never in his marriage years, never.
He was standing there awkwardly and he didn't know what to do, so he put his things on the other side of the counter and fetched himself a glass of water. He wasn’t so sure how to interact with Zeal, because if anything, he’s still embarrassed from earlier and this is their ‘one of the few’ times talking to each other… if one of them spoke.
“Maria went home, I told her to not cook dinner anymore because I thought you were going home late.” Zeal suddenly spoke behind his back still typing with a speed of light on his laptop like his life depends on it.
Kaelix didn’t say anything further. He only hummed in response, and he thought that he might just want to cook dinner for himself.
He immediately wore an apron and looked through the shelf and refrigerator to grab ingredients, and started cooking.
He cooked an enough portion to eat but he suddenly realized that Zeal was actually here, so he grabbed another plate and fork the dish into two. He placed both of the food into the counter gaining a stare from Zeal.
“Don’t mind it if you’re not hungry or if you had dinner.”
“Thank you, I’m not hungry.” He only responded with a small voice after looking at the pasta.
Kaelix stopped for a second, then ate again, he actually doesn’t know if he would feel offended or disappointed, or maybe both. Well, if he didn't like what he cooked for him then, he could just cook for himself!
-
It’s morning and he didn’t see the coffee pot in the microwave anymore.
“Mister Zeal brewed a fresh pot of coffee today.” Maria said like it actually needs an explanation, wearing her apron and holding the two breakfast plates. One is unfinished, which made Kaelix confused.
“Oh he also just went out for work.”
He sleeps here???
Kaelix’s expression is enough to prove that he is very surprised. Maria only laughed, sometimes she felt amused by her master’s actions. This is the only high paying job she would accept, she couldn’t help but to feel like she was just in a friend’s house sometimes.
“I always happen upon mister Zeal, before leaving for work.”
“What!? Maria, why are you telling me this just now!!!”
“Well, I don’t want to ruin your ranting moments and mister Zeal told me to not say anything…. I’m sorry mister Kaelix!!!” Maria exclaimed, slightly nervous that she might get fired.
Kaelix sighed deeply; he can't believe this betrayal going on.
At least now he knows that he wasn’t living with a ghost in this house for four years.
-
He was in a photoshoot again— it was a branded perfume. The director asked him to pick what perfume he would like to model and use for a photoshoot, he went to the bottle of perfumes and analyzed the smell of each one. He liked them all but some of them were just too strong, however, there’s this one specific perfume he liked. It wasn’t too strong nor soft; it was spicy and masculine, there’s a hint of sweetness and coffee on the scent.
He grabbed the greenish black bottle with a snakeskin design, ‘ANTiVENOM’ engraved on the middle of the bottle. The director immediately smiled at his choice of perfume, maybe he liked the perfume too.
He was taking a break from the photoshoot when the staff gave him chocolate for snack, he politely declined, he knew he would gain weight and his father would call him out again. Even though his father wasn’t around, he was keeping him in check most of the time.
It wasn’t anything special, Kaelix is known for his kindness during the set. Everyone would admire his gentleness and professionalism, he’s a ray of sunshine according to the photographers, directors and staff. It’s not like Kaelix doesn’t like his job, he actually enjoys the attention and posing behind the cameras but it is different when he talks about music.
For him, jazz is everything but he didn’t pursue anything musical. He knew the day that started liking music, his father would renounce the idea of him being a singer so he just gave up.
He put his headphones on and he did what he usually does, ordering snacks for the staff. He sent a message again to Zeal for the second time who only saw the message but paid for it anyway, and after a few minutes he replied again.
‘Address.’
Kaelix raised a brow.
‘Are you coming again? You don’t have to, just deliver it.’
‘How am I going to deliver, if I don’t know the address?’
Kaelix slapped his forehead, he was so assuming and he felt embarrassed.
-
Zeal came home early, he saw Maria watering a plant. Maria politely greeted Zeal and he only nodded in reply.
“Mister Kaelix brought this plant on his way home. He told me to water it once a day.” Maria spoke.
Zeal looked at the flower pot with white snowdrop flowers—he thought that it looked just like Kaelix’s hair, the soft white fluffy hair he touches every night before he sleeps.
To him, everything about Kaelix is so addicting. From head to toe, his hair, his eyes, his slender figure; the way he brings himself in front of everyone with confidence, his genuine smile, his transparency.
He has always liked him, even before this sickening marriage that Kaelix mentioned.
He has liked him since highschool.
He heard the door open, the heavy and seemingly tired footsteps motioned towards the kitchen where he was. He tried to act busy like he did yesterday, and started typing random letters from his word document.
He’s very shy, shy at Kaelix.
He doesn’t know how to say hi, he doesn’t know how to act around him.
Because it is Kaelix—his infamous crush since highschool, now, his famous model husband.
It feels so surreal to him.
And this might sound a little selfish but, he doesn't want to give up on his marriage. And he would take his husband’s sarcastic remark before he left on the day of the divorce proposal seriously, because he wanted him to know that he cared about this marriage throughout the years of living together.
However, he's just starting and he still doesn’t know what to do—but that doesn’t mean he has to be discouraged.
He won’t give up, he will do everything and he has 36 days left to prove it.