Sweet Devil [BL]

Chapter 148. A Den of Vipers

"Are you sure you're feeling good enough to go back to work?" Misha asked with a 'I wanna tuck you back in bed right now' look on his face. "Like, you're really, really sure?"

Rubbing his forehead, Jake didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Had Misha always been this much of a mother hen...? It had almost been a month since the incident, and though he was still not used to the blind spot on his left, the pain had long abated. He was fine. Besides, he couldn't stay cooped up in his room forever, nor could he continue to avoid his mother. He had rested long enough, and it was time to get things done. However, his "caretakers" didn't share his opinion.

"I'm also worried," Gabriel admitted. "Your workplace is a viper den, and I'd rather you didn't jump headfirst into it alone. You—"

"Alright, Misha is going to be late to school," Jake interrupted his brother, shooing them away. "I'm old enough to take care of myself, so stop worrying! And Misha, don't forget to go to work tonight. Although Stephan said he didn't mind, you have skipped work for an entire month. Any other boss would have fired you already!"

"Stephan has been skipping work too!"

"He's the employer; you're the employee," Jake reminded him. "Anyway, I won't be there tonight, so you have no reason to skip work."

The teenager clicked his tongue, the clogs in his head turning as he tried to think of a comeback. But nothing came to his mind, and he could only snort a reluctant "got it". It seemed he'd have to get ready for work after school today. Ugh, why did he accept to work for Stephan again?

"Still, I—"

"Be careful on the road," Jake cut short the conversation, gesturing to the front door to let them know it was time to go.

Since earlier, they had been standing in the entrance hall—Jake had escorted Misha and Gabriel to the entrance to see them off. But if he had known the teenager would take the opportunity to try convincing him not to go to work, he'd have stayed in his room. Goodness, they already had this conversation a million times!

"We—"

"See you tomorrow," Jake interrupted once again. "Now off you go!"

However, Misha didn't move an inch as if rooted to the floor. Instead, he pursed his lips, something akin to annoyance and worry flashing across his face. And, of course, Gabriel followed Misha's lead and stayed still like a statue. His brother was smiling, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Come on, guys, look at the time," Jake said with a drawn-out sigh. "You're going to be late, both of you!"

But only silence responded, and the two didn't even pretend to listen to him. It was like talking to air.

They were deadlocked like this for about a minute before Jake finally gave in. "Fine, fine, I got it! I swear I'll call you if something happens and let you know. Happy now?"

Only then did Misha seem to come back to life. A smile bloomed on his face as he lunged forward to hug Jake, startling him into freezing. "I'll keep my phone with me, so don't hesitate to call, ok? You're forbidden from shouldering everything alone! No matter how small the problem, you gotta call us. Even if I'm in class and Gabriel is working."

That being said, Misha veered on his heels and ran to Gabriel's car in the driveway. Jake blinked, then glanced at his brother. He pointed to the teenager's back and asked in a befuddled voice, "I thought he hated physical contact."

"He does."

"Then, why did he hug me...?"

"Well, he does hate being touched, but when he holds someone dear, he tends to crave their warmth and seek it."