Never needed to. Never wanted to. I’m not even sure what constitutes as a date.
I looked it up. That did not help.
Every definition used the wordromantic, a word I then proceeded to research. Again, the results were inconclusive.
How could I be something no one could properly define?
I need it clear. Black and white.
The only enticing element of a ‘date’ is knowing I will be with Jasmine.
Alone.
And I want that.
Ezekial has just finished his call with Delphine. He’s informing us ofthe five-day cooldown period, which I pay attention to, because it means we’ll have five days with Jasmine before the barrier comes down.
Five days to woo her. To date her. But I still don’t know how to date.
We’re all sat in his office—except Jasmine, unfortunately. She wanted to check on Kacey and her sister, because she is kind and selfless and everything we are not. I couldn’t follow because she asked to go alone, and we have no right to keep her with us… and I know my brother has been monitoring her on the atrium cameras.
“…which means we’ll need to work down the chain of command. Inform the Lead Commanders, speak with the units, then the trainee enforcers, before we send out something official to the district. Maybe shut the Council building for a few days? Give the units a break before we begin training again...”
I hear my brother’s words, but I find myself disinterested. Distracted. Skimming an article on my phone titledThe Art of Dating.
“Zeek, your brother has other things on his mind right now.” Sai turns to me with a sly, knowing smirk. “Something with red hair, a killer smile, and legs that he wants—”
“Jealous?” Sai’s mouth hangs open—wordless and shocked by my abrupt interruption.
“My, my. Didn’t think you had it in you, mate.” He chuckles. “Jealous? Nah. Just waiting for you to fuck up so I can swoop in and save the day.” He winks.
I force myself to remain still against the door, even though the shadows creep out.
“Brother, did you hear anything I said?” Ezekial asks, but there’s a softness in his tone, a slight lift to his lips like he too finds my discomfort pleasing.
“Five days. Inform units. Trainee enforcers. Days off.”
“Like the perfect little robot,” Sai mutters, grinning wide when my gaze snaps to him. He holds up his palms. “Okay, my bad. Dark Sai is kicking my ass lately.”
I slip my phone into my pocket, followed by my hands, and stare hard at the floor, studying the faint shimmer in the marble tiles.
“I don’t know what I’m doing.” It slips out, and the room falls silent.
Sai leans forwards in Ezekial’s chair, elbows on the desk. “Sorry, man. Didn’t realise you were actually this eaten up about it. Listen—”
I focus on him, hating the fact I actually want his advice. Need it.
“You’ve already spent time alone with her, more than most of us…” he mumbles the last part, eyes glinting dark, thenshakes himself. “Just do what you did then, talk, but be more… romantic.”
Romantic.
That word again.
Did Sai forget who I am? What I am? How that word means nothing to me?
I stare at him, expressionless. Waiting for a follow-up. A strategy. Something I can use.
He doesn’t.
