Somewhere Only We Know

XXIV - Saboteur

I slowly exited the elevator, letting myself float like a feather to the apartment. Though no windows were in the hallway, I could feel a cold breeze through my hair. I found comfort in this. I couldn't open the door as I pushed my key into the doorknob.

I knocked softly in case they were all asleep, "Hey, guys? Something is blocking the door."

After a few minutes, the door creaks open, revealing Jesse, who surprisingly looked well-rested despite the chaos inside. Jesse's expression shifts from sleepy to suspicious as he noticed my late arrival.

"Look who's home, honey. Where have you been?" Jesse asks, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

I tried to sidestep the question, eager to get to his room. "Out," I replied vaguely, hoping Jesse would drop it.

But Jesse wouldn't let it go. He followed me down the hallway, his tone growing more insistent. "Out where? It's pretty late."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Just out, man. Can we talk about this tomorrow? I'm exhausted." Jesse narrows his eyes, clearly not buying my attempt to brush him off. "You were with Max, weren't you?"

I stopped in my tracks, turning to face Jesse. "What if I was? Does it matter? We just talked."

Jesse's jaw tightens, clearly not happy with the idea. "You know, she doesn't need any more drama in her life. And as her brother, I don't like that you're out seeing her this late."

My evident tiredness gave way to irritation. "Drama? Do I look like I bring drama into other people's lives?"

"Whatever, Kai. You know what I mean. She's a kid, my little sister. Lay off a bit, will you?" Jesse's tone was firm, and protective.

I met his gaze, my voice surprisingly steady. "I don't know what you mean. But sure, I'll lay off if that's what it takes for you to leave me alone tonight. Now, can I go to bed?"

He watched me for a moment longer before stepping aside. "Yeah, whatever. You'll know what I mean once my fist accidentally brushes on your face."

I head to my room, shutting the door behind me with a sigh. I know Jesse means well, but the last thing I wants is to be grilled about my intentions with Max. I barely managed to close my eyes before I heard Jesse's voice again, this time muffled through the bedroom door.

"What'd you and Max talk about?"

I groaned, pulling a pillow over my head in a futile attempt to block out the sound. "Jesse, give it a rest. I'm trying to sleep."

But, of course, Jesse isn't deterred. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on with you and Max. For all I know, you two are being weird. And don't think I'm gonna believe that you'll leave her alone."

I felt my irritation rising. I tosses the pillow aside and sat up, glaring at the door. "Weird? I don't even wanna know what you mean by that. We just talked, okay? Now can you let me sleep?"

There's a pause, and for a moment, I thought Jesse might have given up. But then his voice came through again, this time with an edge. "I don't buy it. And if you are getting weird with her, I'll end your whole life. Just remember, she's been through a lot, and she doesn't need you screwing things up."

I rubbed my temples, trying to keep my temper in check. "I'm not screwing anything up. We're just friends."

He scoffed. "Friends, huh? I've heard that one before."

I uncontrollably clenched my fists, the exhaustion making it harder to stay calm. "Look, Jesse, I'm not having this conversation right now. If you want to talk about it, fine, but not through a door when I'm half asleep."