Part 13: A Week Later

A week passed, and things between Kion and AJ had been slowly shifting. There wasn't a big moment, no dramatic confession. It wasn't like either of them had started acting completely different. But there were little things-like the way they hung out more often now, the way Kion didn't mind when AJ slid into his space, or the small touches that seemed to happen without either of them trying.

They didn't talk too much about it. They didn't need to. They were just living it, feeling each other out, letting everything unfold without rushing. But the more Kion saw AJ, the more he found himself paying attention to things he usually ignored.

It was late afternoon when Kion was scrolling through his phone in the living room. He posted a picture on his Instagram story-nothing crazy, just a quick shot of his face, catching the light just right. He didn't even think about it. It was just something he'd snapped while sitting in the kitchen, taking a break from whatever business he'd been handling.

Not long after, his phone buzzed. It was AJ, sliding up on the story with a message.

"Damn, who you tryna look good for, Pa?"

Kion smirked, but his fingers hovered over the phone for a second before he typed back. "Ain't nobody tryna look good for nobody. Just posted a pic."

"Uh-huh. Sure," AJ's reply came quickly. "You don't gotta lie to me. I see you, though."

Kion rolled his eyes, feeling the heat rise in his chest. He wasn't gonna admit it, but it felt nice-seeing AJ respond like that. There was something about the way AJ talked to him, like he was always watching, always paying attention.

"Man, get off my dick," Kion typed back, chuckling softly to himself.

The two of them went back and forth like that, the teasing natural, the back-and-forth easy. It wasn't a big deal, but it was something. Kion felt it-this little shift in how they communicated. The comfort level was there, even if neither of them had said anything outright.

Later that day, AJ hit Kion up, asking if he wanted to link. They were supposed to be going on a run for the big boss tomorrow, but for now, it was just them-no missions, no business. Just a regular hangout.

"Yo, what you doing tonight?" AJ messaged. "You free?"

Kion looked at the message, typing out a quick response. "Yeah, what's good?"

AJ slid through around 8 PM, wearing that signature grin Kion was starting to get used to. He knocked on the door, letting himself in when Kion opened it.

"You good?" Kion asked, stepping back to let him in.

"Always," AJ said with a shrug, his hands in his hoodie pockets. "Just figured I'd come kick it. Ain't really feelin' the run tonight, so..."

Kion raised an eyebrow. "Ain't no one ever 'not feelin'' the run."

"Yeah, well," AJ replied with a smirk, "I'm feelin' this more." He waved his hand around the living room, taking in the laid-back vibe.

Kion chuckled, shaking his head. "You tryna be all up in my space, huh?"

AJ grinned and walked over to the couch. "I don't mind a lil' space as long as it's yours."

Kion just gave him a look and shook his head. "You wild, bruh." He sat down next to AJ, throwing a pillow at him.

AJ caught it with one hand, tossing it back. "I'm just sayin'... if you got the space, might as well use it."

The two of them chilled for a while, talking about whatever came up-nothing serious. The same back-and-forth banter, just two guys who were more than just teammates in this game, but something else too. Neither of them really knew what it was, but neither of them felt the need to define it either.

At some point, Kion's phone buzzed. It was his cousin, texting him about some business. He put the phone down after reading it, ignoring the notification for now.

AJ noticed, raising an eyebrow. "What's up with that?"

"Nothin', just family stuff," Kion said with a shrug.

"Aight, cool," AJ replied, leaning back. He didn't press the issue. He wasn't that type. But Kion could tell his mind was turning, maybe wondering about the side of Kion's life that wasn't all about the game.

But Kion wasn't about to give him everything. Not yet.

The night carried on, no real agenda. Just two people vibing, the connection growing bit by bit. Kion found himself getting more comfortable with AJ's presence. He didn't have to keep his guard up, not with AJ.

Around 11 PM, they got a call from the big boss, telling them to meet up in the morning. The run was back on.

AJ grabbed his jacket. "Aight, I'll let you handle your business. Catch me tomorrow though, we gotta move."

Kion nodded, standing up to walk him to the door. "Bet. Be safe."

AJ gave him a look, a small smile on his face as he slid his hands in his pockets. "Always."

Before Kion could say anything else, AJ stepped closer, as if it was just instinct, and he gave Kion a brief, but intentional tap on the arm. "Later, Pa."

Kion didn't flinch this time. He just nodded, feeling the weight of the moment settle between them.

"Later, AJ."

And with that, AJ left, leaving Kion standing in the doorway, the door slightly ajar. Kion took a deep breath, staring out into the night, thinking about what tomorrow would bring-but for now, he didn't mind the quiet. He was getting used to this, the calm before whatever came next.