Axel slammed the door behind him, kicking off his shoes with a groan. Work had been brutal—long hours, impossible clients, and his body felt like it was made of lead. He leaned against the door for a moment, letting out a sigh that could have melted steel.

“Long day?” Kai’s voice floated from the couch before Axel even made it to the living room. He didn’t bother looking up yet, just trudged forward, shoulders hunched.

“You could say that,” Axel muttered, dropping onto the nearest chair. His tie was crooked, shirt untucked, and every muscle screamed for rest.

Kai smirked, arms crossed. “Couldn’t tell from your dramatic entrance. Did the world collapse while you were gone?”

Axel shot him a glare, half-hearted. “Very funny. You try carrying around the weight of everyone else’s incompetence for eight hours straight, then we’ll talk.”

Kai tilted his head, grin widening. “Hmm… tempting, but I think I’ll pass. You, on the other hand, look like you could use a little… distraction.”

“Distraction?” Axel groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I just want to die on this chair and not be talked to for at least five minutes.”

Kai chuckled, moving closer to lean against the back of Axel’s chair. “Five minutes? That’s generous. You know I don’t let you sulk in peace.”

“Just fuck off,” Axel said, voice muffled through his fingers.

Kai laughed. “Not a chance.”

Exhausted, Axel leaned back and closed his eyes, letting Kai’s teasing fade into the background.