Chapter 42: Another dinner date
The following days became hectic for Knox. From waking up early, preparing Knoa to send to daycare, going out of his way to cook for Azrael and driving him to work, then going to his own and working relentlessly for the upcoming launch of their brand collection.
At night, before going back home, Knox would sometimes cook dinner for Azrael at home first and would have to endure his endless bickering. As soon as he arrived at his apartment, Knoa was already sleeping, the house was swept clean and there was already food cooked for him.
Shawn yawned as he stepped out of his room after he heard the entrance door open. He pointed at the food over the table by his lips as he rubbed his eyes, "I cooked for you. I can reheat it for you if you want to eat now."
Knoa smiled gratefully, he sat on the chair after putting his backpack in the corner, "I’m sorry about all this, Shawn. You were supposed to only take care of Knoa, but you’re taking care of me as well. I’m so thankful."
Shawn rolled his eyes at him, "Geez. It’s not like you’re a stranger, you know. And I’ve been looking out for you even when you were still studying here. You always look like you’re about to faint anytime. I really wanted to approach you back then and befriend you, but you were so wary toward people."
’Ah, the old days,’ Knox thought as he reminisced how guarded he was back then. People were considerate of his situation but their pity and awkward smile only added to his burden back then. He was immature then, feeling uncomfortable from receiving help from other people, instead of appreciating their efforts to lighten his load.
Shawn pushed the reheated braised pork and a bowl of rice to him as he spoke, worry was evident in his voice, "But how come nothing change even now? You still look so exhausted. Don’t push yourself too hard, Knox."
Knox nodded and mumbled his ’thank you’ to Shawn with a small smile. He started eating even though his body really just wanted to lie down. If he even skips meals, then his health will surely deteriorate.
Shawn quietly sat on the seat across from Knox. He cleared his throat to steal his attention, and when Knox lifted his head and looked at him, Shawn scratched his temple and parted his lips to speak, "Uhm...I may not...working in a corporate setting but I still know how it works."
Knox stared at Shann, puzzled. Shawn added, "I mean, it doesn’t make sense that you go to work at six and go home at eight. You’re literally working twelve hours a day...every day. Knox, is young master Athan enslaving you?"
Knox paused. He averted his eyes and coughed, "No."