Drop comments, and I promise to drop another chapter later. Xx.

Aahil's gaze remained fixed on the sea outside, his hand firmly wrapped around the can of Coca Cola, which he twirled lightly, seemingly deep in thought. His lips formed a straight line, and his eyes showed no emotion.

Seated in the corner of the five-star restaurant, he reveled in the silence it offered, aside from the slight hum of people's conversations. It wasn't enough to disturb anyone; in fact, it was almost nonexistent.

Nonetheless, the slight hum helped maintain his train of thoughts. It was easy to tell he was detached from the environment, given the way his eyes stared deeply at the sea outside, courtesy of his seat by the window.

Still, his stance exuded a wave of unparalleled attractiveness. Draped in luxurious comfort, he wore the Korean designer J. Koo cashmere turtleneck sweater that gracefully embraced his figure. The plush cashmere fibers caressed his frame gently.

The sweater boasted a refined silhouette, accentuating his masculine physique with its impeccable tailoring. Its deep navy color added a touch of understated elegance, while the turtle neckline and ribbed cuffs offered a classic yet contemporary appeal. The subtle brand logo discreetly embroidered on the chest signified the sweater's exclusivity, elevating it to a coveted status symbol.

For bottoms, he donned his designer black tailored pants, boasting a timeless and classic design that complemented his sense of style. Tailored to perfection without being overly tight, they allowed him to move with ease and confidence.

The black fabric was a testament to his refined taste, exuding an air of elegance that effortlessly suited any occasion. Carefully chosen for its high-quality material, it draped smoothly and gracefully over his legs. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship was evident in every stitch and seam, enhancing the overall allure of the pants.

Completing his outfit with Oxford leather shoes, he added an extra touch of class to the ensemble. The rich and supple leather of the shoes perfectly complemented the dark hue of the pants, creating a striking and well-coordinated look. The Oxford shoes added a touch of formality without being too rigid, making them a versatile choice for a range of events.

Despite all that being the result of little effort into picking out what to wear, he surely pulled it off without a doubt.

He enjoyed the silence and peace that came with being alone, until that bubble of his was burst by the appearance of a new individual, his voice piercing through the realm of silence in Aahil's mind.

"Taking a soda in a five-star restaurant. If not Aahil Tafida, then who?" came the voice belonging to one person Aahil could recognize anywhere. He didn't even have to put an effort into doing so.

The person occupied the seat opposite Aahil, as if he was asked to do so. Aahil made no move to acknowledge him; his gaze remained fixed outside, but he was aware of the man's annoying presence.

"—I knew I'd find you here."

Aahil sighed slightly, the sound barely audible. He brought the can to his lips, not before letting out a soft murmur. "How do you know I'm here?" Given that being seen in a restaurant like that would give people the impression that he was there with someone.

But in reality, he wasn't. He happened to enjoy being alone and the peace that came with it. Especially since the restaurant was reserved for the elites, it was like their own personal space where they could enjoy their time freely without having to worry about being on the headlines of the next tabloid.

The restaurant maintained its exclusivity, and its finesse as well. They took care of all the rumors of their guests as long as it was within their turf. That's what Aahil loved about it.

He didn't have to worry.

"Easy. I know you," the guy stated, waving it off. "It's not the first time you traveled halfway across the city just to avoid interacting with others." At that point, he was used to Aahil pulling one of his many disappearing acts whenever things got rough like that.

"You've never found me before." Aahil didn't buy that explanation. It made sense in a way, but at the same time, it couldn't have been that easy. "Who gave you the tip?" He knew there had to be a third party.

There's no way the guy managed to find him like that. He'd been avoiding everyone for a reason. He didn't want to be found easily.

The guy folded his lips in, knowing he'd been caught. Knowing playing around the bushes and dodging it wouldn't be of any help, he decided to simply give out the name. "Aadil," he stated with a sigh, "he gave me the exact address."

Why wasn't Aahil surprised? The man was the only one who could find him anywhere he wanted, no matter how hard he tried to hide. Well, him and a woman equally as powerful as him, or maybe even more. But well, that's another story entirely.

"—your dearest cousin gave it away in exchange for annoying you as much as you did to him." The guy casually shrugged.

The corner of Aahil's lips tilted slightly at the mention of his cousin, whom he traveled back to Nigeria to see. Although that was the excuse he hid behind, he refused to admit he did so to avoid his own problems as well.

He had a feeling Aadil knew already though. The man knows everything.

Besides, they grew up as siblings, given Aahil grew up in the arms of Aadil's mother; they were practically siblings. Naturally, he enjoyed annoying him.

Seems someone is out to get back at him for that though.

Shaking his head slightly to discard the thought, Aahil found himself inquiring. "Since when have you and Aadil been close?"

"Since we decided to team up and annoy the crap out of you," the guy responded casually. "It's a siblings thing." He piped in.

Aahil yet again found himself blowing out a discreet breath. Taking another sip of his drink, he slanted his gaze to the man seated across him for the first time, his eyes pinning him with a knowing look. "Why are you here, Dean?" he already knew he was going to give him a crap response, so he was quick to add. "I want facts."

This time around, it was Dean's turn to sigh, his earlier larking expression disappearing and being replaced with a serious one. When he spoke again, his voice held every ounce of seriousness. "I'm here to scout you."

Aahil looked away, dismissing the issue. "I doubt you flew halfway across the

world just for that."

"I was already here, why not take the opportunity to do so now? Besides, you've been dismissing it, I ought to do it formally."

"The Captain of a whole team scouting me? Don't let the tabloids hear about that, they'll go crazy." That was his subtle way of saying no. He had said that one too many times already; Dean was just too persistent.

He's been using every means he possibly can, every little chance to ask.

Dean ignored the remark, knowing better than to allow himself to get indulged in that statement. Aahil is capable of doing so.

"Why don't you join Premier City Club and just leave City United? We'll offer you better conditions, and you know it." He'd lost count of how many times they've had that conversation.

Each time Aahil dismisses it in the name of it being a casual and unofficial offer. This time around, Dean was trying another approach despite knowing it might not work.

"—they don't appreciate your talent, Aahil, and we both know it. You work harder than anyone I know, and look at what's going on now. They are planning to leave you alone in the mud despite it being their fault you're in this situation."

"Dean—"

"No, I'm serious. We both know what's going on, and you are resigning anyway, why don't you join a better team?" It wasn't just about recruiting Aahil as a footballer, a talented one and one that will without a doubt help their team reach high heights. It was about them as individuals. He couldn't just stand and watch Aahil being treated like that.

If he were in Aahil's shoes, he knows the man would help him with no questions asked. That's what their relationship meant. Why couldn't he do the same? He has the means to do so anyway.

Besides, City United, Aahil's soon-to-be former team, and Dean's team, Premier City Club, have been rivals for the longest time, despite City United being ahead. If they have Aahil on their team, they would reach higher heights.

Aahil shook his head, placing the half-drunken can of soda on the table between them. He hadn't ordered anything else aside from that. He didn't miss the weird look the waiter gave him earlier when he placed such an order, but he didn't care.

He can be weird at times. He knows. There's no need for people to be judging about it.

"I'm resigning, yes. That doesn't mean I'm joining another club."

"They don't want to let you go easily though." Dean pointed out, "they're still withholding the resignation."

Aahil's eyes narrowed slightly. "Where did you get such inside information?" Yes, the resignation hadn't been accepted, hence why it hadn't been made public. To everyone, he's still very much a part of City United and is preparing for the World Cup.

In reality, he was simply about to disappear from the sports world.

That aside, information of each club is highly confidential, especially not to other clubs. Aahil hadn't told a single soul, not even his family.

How could Dean know?

Dean didn't bother to beat around the bush. "Kimura." God bless the woman. She seems to be worried about Aahil just as much.

Aahil shook his head. Why hadn't he thought of that? Of course, Mia Kimura would rant to Dean about it. She wouldn't to others, but Dean seems to be an exception that she's willing to risk her job for. Though, he would never let any information given to him out. He wouldn't put her at a risk like that.

"I would handle my resignation, you should drop this issue as well." Aahil voiced out eventually. He was starting to get sick of it. "I'm not joining, that's it."

Dean parted his lips to say something, to argue further and push the topic even more. However, upon seeing the look Aahil gave him, he couldn't bring himself to speak again.

Later then. He'd convince him eventually.

Sighing, he sank back in his seat and crossed his arms, then brought forth another topic. "I heard the fashion industry is going crazy trying to get you." He teased. "Which one are you taking? Pay's high, and men's fashion is in season. You're still a hotshot, you know. Too many brands are rushing to get you."

Aahil pulled a horrified face, shaking his head almost instantly. "None." His hand reached out, his fingers lightly drawing circles on the soda can he'd placed there earlier. "I wouldn't be made to wear such horrendous outfits in the name of fashion."

The number of ridiculous outfits he'd been made to wear during his career for brand promotions were insane. The fashion industry is slowly turning into a crazy world because what in the name of God are some of the ridiculous outfits they make these days?

Dean tsked, "I don't know about that. But, I think you'll look good in a Hanbok." He suggested, chuckling lightly.

Aahil narrowed his gaze at the man, and just like that, the tension from earlier dissipated. "Why don't you wear it?" Dean seems to share the same hate passion for the fashion industry as much as he does.

"I won't mind actually." Dean suddenly agreed to it, which Aahil found suspicious. If it wasn't, then the stupid grin the man pulled was enough to raise questions. "It seemed I've found love at a Hanbok shop."

Aahil quirked a brow, eyes narrowing slightly. "You? Finding love?" It wasn't that Dean was a player or a bad person; he just had a long line of women after him.

It made sense with his appearance, actually.

His olive skin tone carried a warm and sun-kissed glow, adding a touch of Mediterranean allure to his features. His eyebrows, neatly groomed, arched gracefully above his expressive eyes. The eyes were a captivating shade of deep brown, often sparkling with curiosity and a hint of mischief. They radiated a natural charisma and warmth that drew people in.

His nose was straight and well-proportioned, seamlessly fitting into the overall harmony of his face. It added a touch of regality and character to his features. Beneath his nose, his lips were full and inviting, with a natural, subtle smile that lit up his face. The charming twinkle in his eyes often found its way to his lips, adding an element of approachability and friendliness to his demeanor.

His jawline was chiseled and defined, framing his face with a hint of masculinity. The contours of his face were smooth, further enhancing his handsome appearance. He kept a well-maintained and neatly trimmed beard, accentuating his facial structure and adding a touch of sophistication.

Standing at approximately six feet tall, his height commanded attention, giving him a confident and commanding presence. His physique was athletic and well-proportioned, reflecting his dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

He was a sight for sore eyes. Hence, being swamped by women made him have little interest in relationships. He had a history of having a few girlfriends, but none seemed to last because it didn't feel right.

So, for him to

say he's found love, Aahil found it hard to believe.

"Yes, me, love." Dean dismissed the suspiciousness lacing Aahil's tone. "Also, while we're on that note, what's up with you asking me to find you a cab agency a few days back? I know you have a car; why did you need one?" His eyes narrowed this time around.

He'd been meaning to ask because it's too suspicious.

He couldn't have gotten it for a lady, right? That would be the scandal of the season. The hottest issue. Oh, how the press would eat it up.

Aahil Tafida in a relationship? That's a first.

Aahil's mind instantly went back to a woman making herself look ridiculous on the streets while trying to find a ride. From him asking Dean to find an agency for him, to him ordering a cab for her.

The corner of his lips slanted slightly, remembering the furious look she pulled when he drove past her and ignored her.

Then, he found himself answering. "It's for shortcake."

Dean's brows furrowed, confusion masking his features. "Shortcake?" What the hell is the man spewing now?

Aahil on the other had his mind elsewhere. That woman sure is feisty, kind of like a cat. A cute one though.

He looked up, suddenly looking serious about something. "I suddenly want to have a cat." He grinned. "A short and feisty one."

Dean was convinced at that moment that there's something wrong with Aahil. What the hell is he yapping about a short cat? Does that even make sense? How can a cat be short?

Something is definitely off about the man. There has to be.

Because even if it didn't make any sense
, it seemed to have done so for Aahil because he seemed to have made up his mind regardless.

He's getting a cat.

***

Assalamu alaikum, supppp everyone!

How are you liking the book so far? And the updates? Should I make it once a week or twice? Abi we should continue like this? 🙂

I'm going back to school next week unfortunately but worry not! I've got yall covered. I can say I'm halfway across the book so that's something. The difficult part is always the middle anyways.

So Dean and Aahil know each other! Who saw this coming? And he's apparently a footballer as well.

Aadil got mentioned here as well! Who missed him? I promise, I didn't abandon his book. I have a few chapters draft, but I'm scared if I start and there's no motivation I might end up abandoning it for real.

I think I'll write it when I can, and when im done with this book if I'm good with it, I can start releasing Queen of Spades then. Thank you for your support really, I appreciate it.

And why aren't you tagging people now? The comment section is open, tag at least one person to read this as well. Pleaseeeesseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. That was a long please, so, PLEASE!

Alright, make i carry my slippers and go. But before then, comment as well biko, ehn, comment so I can know your thoughts.

Thank you.

Love, Jannah Mia ❤️