Lead The Way (BL)

TWELVE

(unedited)

"Are you alright?"

Gene stood up and plastered on a smile. "Yes, I'm alright."

"Are you sure? You look...sad."

"No, I'm fine."

An awkward atmosphere settled over the two men. Gene was aware he was the cause of this but he didn't try to clear it. Why bother? He had nothing else to say to this man nor did he have any reason to, and when he thought that, he was about to take his leave when Ace suddenly spoke.

"Oh right, I came to tell you that you have made it to the second round," Ace said smiling. "I'm sure you were already told what to expect in the second round but if you want to know anything else, I can help you. I heard about your circumstances from Rose."

Gene's eyes narrowed and only then did he look this other man over.

Ace is a pretty and refined looking man, with gentle eyes and a kind face. Gene couldn't feel any sort of ulterior motives coming from this man either but that didn't dissolve the suspicion in his mind. They say your worst enemy is the one you least suspect. By following this mentality whenever he was unsure, like right now, Gene had managed to survive in the business world without any major mishaps. He hopes this will be the same in this new life.

But that still doesn't help him to know why Ace would offer to help a man he barely knew and one who wasn't very...favoured within the company except by the big boss. Not to mention, he hadn't been selected yet....so, just what was Ace doing? Was he trying to use Gene as a stepping stone towards the main boss? Gene couldn't help but think there was more to this offer than meets the eye. How could there not be more to it?

Gene bluntly asked. "Why would you help me?"

Ace blinked in confusion. "Because I can?"

Gene didn't believe a word that came from the man's mouth but he at least made it seem like he did and smiled. "Then, thank you for the offer."

He didn't reject the offer but he also didn't outright accept it. You have to find out someone's true motives by playing nice before you make a decision on whether you are going to become friends or get rid of them. This is what Gene was thinking.

Seeing as he was getting nowhere with the other man, Ace inclined his head and left. The smile he was wearing curving higher up his face when his back was turned.

Gene watched the other man walk back into the building and when he was left alone once again, his smile disappeared.

Just then his phone rang.

--------

Gene returned home by taxi when it was late-night. He had been sorting out some other things with Rose and then later went out for dinner with Sofia who had called him earlier.

During the trip home, Gene was thinking mostly about his son but also about the small conversation he had with Ace. Most people would have gladly taken up the young man's offer, especially those auditioning to join his group. He was the leader who you would want to curry favour with. But Gene didn't even put the man in his sight. He knew to keep up a good front but that was only to gain more insight and because this man was friends with his son. He also didn't accept the other man's help because he didn't like owing others a favour.

While brooding, Gene pulled up to his home and paid the fare.

Gene was still lost in the clouds all the way until he entered his home. He was about to walk straight to his room to get changed when a face suddenly popped up in front of him. Gene jerked back in surprise.