Kaj clicked his tongue, ignoring Noah as he began to mark some basic, warm-up rhythm.
People said he was impulsive, abrasive, and blunt. In his opinion, he was just honest. There was no need for all this fake politeness. More so since he had no intention of showing this guy his good, albeit hidden, side—he had it, for real. He was pissed. Though Niels would say he was throwing a hissy fit because he didn’t get his way.
Once all the auditions had been finished, the band met with the manager and the record label’s minions. They’d discussed at length the top three out of ten vocalists that had made the cut and met their expectations—impeccable technique, attitude, charisma, vocal range, and ability to evoke emotions.
Unlike in other meetings, Kaj took part in the decision-making as he tried his best to avoid having to work with Noah—any of the dudes on the final list were incredible; he would never jeopardize the band over his own desires. But after what felt like forever, with a majority of votes, Noah ended up beingThe Chosen One. Of fucking course.
“Are you really gonna do this all the time?”
“What?” Kaj said without stopping what had slowly become an intricate pattern.
“Act like a dick to me.”
“Maybe.”
“Can you give me a hint of how long this is gonna last? Just so I know what to expect.” The exasperation was obvious in Noah’s tone.
“Until you give up.”
“You seriously can’t let go of whatever grudge you’re holding against me and focus on what truly matters here?”
Kaj didn’t answer.
It wasn’t a petty grudge. He simply didn’t want to be around the guy he’d given everything to just to see him smile, only to get his heart shattered in return.
He didn’t want to be around the guy who doubted him when he didn’t know how to put into words that he’d been abused. That he was being shamed about it at his own house to the point he felt like he was the one to blame. Sure, it had been too many years to still be mad about it. They’d been too young and naïve to foresee someone they trusted could become that type of monster, but Kaj had never done anything for Noah to think he’d betray him, no matter what he saw. That it didn’t even occur to him that it hadn’t been consensual hurt.
He didn’t want to have to see the face of the man who made him feel weak.
Who brought out the worst in him.
Who didn’t fight for him and let him go.
The past should stay in the past.
Noah huffed. “What happened between us is ancient history, you should—”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” Kaj’s tone dispassionately raised just above the sound of his drums. “You’re just an annoying papercut that never heals.”
“Does belittling me make you feel better about yourself? Because that’s pathetic.”
Kaj stopped playing, freezing halfway to the next beat, and left his drumsticks on the floor tom. Anger undulated inside of him as he clenched his jaw. He got up and strode toward Noah, towering over him when the tips of their sneakers touched.
“I don’t want you here.”
“You made that pretty clear the other day.”
“What are you waiting for, then?”
Noah huffed. “Just so you know, your shitty attitude is not going to make me change my mind. I’ve dealt with worse.”
“If you don’t like my attitude, you’re free to leave. No one’s forcing you to stay.”
“Whatever, dude.” Noah dragged his gaze to the wall on his left, crossing his arms as he reclined back on the couch.
He was either trying to put more distance between them or didn’t give a fuck about the way his presence made Kaj’s blood simmer.
“I’ve already signed the contract, so we’re gonna be spending a lot of time together,” Noah said, peering up at him. “You better get used to it.”
