Guardian of my Heart // Keesoul

Competition Heats Up

Chapter 9: Competition Heats Up

Soul's circle of friends was growing quickly, and today, he introduced a new face: Theo. Tall, with an easygoing smile and strikingly pretty features, Theo had an effortless charm that instantly drew people's attention. As soon as Soul introduced him to Keeho, Keeho felt his chest tighten—there was something about Theo that set him on edge.

Throughout the day, Keeho kept a close eye on Soul and Theo. They seemed to be getting along easily, laughing and chatting as if they'd known each other for years. Keeho felt a prick of jealousy that he hadn't felt this strongly before. Soul was his to look after, his to make smile... but now, it seemed like Theo had stepped into that role all too easily.

Determined not to lose Soul's attention, Keeho decided he needed to step up his game. He casually strolled over to them, flashing his best smile as he slipped into their conversation.

"Hey, Soul! Didn't know you'd found another friend already." Keeho's tone was light, but his eyes lingered on Theo with an assessing look.

Soul blinked, glancing between the two of them. "Yeah, Theo's pretty cool. He's got a good sense of humor, too."

"Oh, really?" Keeho said, leaning a little closer to Soul. "I'd like to think I'm the funniest one here, but I guess I'll have to try a little harder." He winked, brushing his hand across Soul's arm in a way that made Soul look up in surprise.

Theo noticed the interaction, chuckling as he gave Keeho a friendly nod. "No worries, man. You're good at keeping him entertained, I can tell."

Keeho smiled, though his eyes held a glint of challenge. "Just doing my job. Soul's got high standards, you know." He turned to Soul, his voice lowering. "But I'll make sure you don't get bored, don't worry."

Soul's cheeks flushed at Keeho's tone, his gaze darting away as he tried to stammer a response. "Um... yeah, sure..."

Later that day

 Keeho felt a presence behind him. Turning, he was met with a figure cloaked in a gentle glow—the unmistakable aura of a top guardian angel. Keeho's heart raced as he straightened up.

"Keeho," the figure said, their voice calm yet authoritative. "How is your mission progressing?"

Keeho's breath hitched. He knew he couldn't reveal the growing attachment he felt for Soul or how his heart was getting tangled in the lines of duty and emotion. "It's going... well," he replied cautiously, trying to mask the uncertainty in his voice.

The figure raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in their eyes. "Just remember the rules. Don't lose sight of your objective."

Keeho's stomach dropped, realizing the weight of their words. "Right, of course," he managed to say, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning of a far more complicated path ahead.

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