HOOKED • A Novel By Chriiscore

CHAPTER 19

• OMNIPRESENT •

Kendell slightly opened his eyes, blinking against the morning light streaming through the window. He shifted, feeling the soreness in his body from the night before. damn you teo

Catéo was still asleep beside him, his arm draped protectively over Kendell. Carefully, Kendell slipped out of bed, he tried to stand up but once he fully got his 'balance', he fell right onto the floor on his knees and hands.

Kendell mustered all of his strength to stand, he saw one of Catéo's leftover robes and just shimmied it on, he heard some laughing from downstairs and some distant voices, he tip toed, or
at least tried to, downstairs.

As he descended the stairs, the voices became clearer. Kai and Kora were already up and seated at the dining room table.

Kai noticed Kendell first, his eyes widening with surprise and amusement. "Well, look who decided to join us," he said, nudging Kora.

Kora turned around, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Good morning, Ken. Sleep well?" she asked, barely concealing her laughter.

Kendell tried to maintain his composure, though his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Morning," he muttered, making his way over to the table. "Yeah, I slept fine."

Kai smirked. "You sure? Because it sounded like you were doing a lot more than just sleeping last night."

Kendell groaned inwardly, wishing he could disappear. "Can we not talk about that, please?" he pleaded, taking a seat and hoping this conversation would not be happening right now.

Kora giggled but then gave Kendell a more sympathetic look. "Alright, we'll give you a break. But seriously, it's good to see you happy."

Kendell managed a small smile. "Thanks, Kora. I appreciate it."

Just then, Catéo appeared at the top of the stairs, rubbing his eyes and looking a bit disheveled. He glanced down, seeing Kendell at the table, and quickly descended the stairs to join them. "Morning, everyone," he said, trying to sound casual.

Kai and Kora exchanged glances before bursting into laughter again. "Morning, Catéo," they said in unison, their voices filled with amusement.

Catéo chuckled, clearly aware of the situation but not letting it faze him. Catéo took his spot next to Kendell and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

"Soooo later tonight I have my first drag show back." The table went silent untill the three started to cheer Kendell on.

"But.. I want to do it alone." Kendell said as he started to sink into his seat, he wanted to be free on his night back with drag but he just afraid on how everyone would take it, especially Catéo.

It was silent, you could hear a pin drop from canada, untill Catéo spoke up.

"Absolutely not." he said dryly, Kendell snapped by his next into Catéo's direction.

"I'm sorry???" Kendell replied, his voice rising in disbelief.

Catéo's expression hardened. "Do I need to remind you what happened before you went alone.. hm? When you let Angelo beat you to a pulp, i'm not letting you do that to yourself again." Catéo crossed his arms while Kendell looked like he was about to kill him right then and there.

"That was a long time ago, Catéo. I've learned from it. I can take care of myself now," Kendell retorted, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Clearly, you can't," Catéo shot back, his tone icy. "You're too naive to understand the risks. I'm not letting you go out there alone and get hurt again. You think you can handle everything by yourself, but you can't."

Kendell's face scrunched with anger. "This isn't about you deciding what's best for me, Téo. This is about my big night back into drag, I don't need you father over me, like I said.. I am going alone Téo and you cannot stop me."

Catéo's eyes narrowed. "You're being reckless and stupid, Kendell. If you think for a second that I'm just going to stand by and watch you put yourself in danger, then you're delusional."

Kendell was speechless, he just scoffed, he scooted away from the table and stormed out the house... robe and all.