Jax paced in front of the private jet of Ruan's company; his eyes fixed on his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. He had been checking his time since he was informed to arrive thirty minutes early before the plane took over, but it had been over an hour, and there was no sign of Ruan. He felt frustrated that he had to wait that long when they had already set the time for the meeting.
He had barely gotten any sleep ever since he got the offer to be Ruan's manager because he had to learn everything about him in days, and even though he wanted to complain that the time was too short, he couldn't because he had already signed the contract. More like he had already signed his life away.
Exactly one hour and thirty minutes later, a black van arrived at the front of the jet, and Ruan emerged from the black Van in his iconic style, unmistakable even in casual attire. Jax had seen him dressed up like that multiple times, so he immediately recognized him when he saw the brown Nike sneakers, the black Joggers, and a white hoodie that covered his face.
Jax instantly locked eyes with Ruan as he approached the jet with Guards around him, swiftly carrying his luggage and heading into the jet. He frowned just as Ruan walked past him. He expected that he would say Something, explaining why he was suddenly late, but he just walked past him, his eyes fixed ahead, and climbed the jet stair without a word.
''wha…'' He wanted to say Something, but he followed after him, wondering what was happening to him and why he didn't exchange any words with him. He entered and sat on the opposite side of the Luxurious cabin, trying to catch Ruan's eyes. ''Hey, what's going on?'' he asked, attempting to break their silence and figure out why he was not talking to him.
Ruan didn't respond. Instead, he slipped on a sleek headset, his eyes fixed on the screen before him.
''I am…''Jax tried to say Something else, but one of the guards approached him and handed over to him a sleek black bag. ''what is this?''
''From the CEO, Sir,'' The guard in front of him responded, his voice low and his face expressionless.
Jax took the bag, confusion etched on his face. ''This is?'' he asked and looked toward Ruan but did not look back at him; his eyes were closed.
''The CEO's instruction, sir,'' he replied, stretching his hand forward. ''Please surrender your phone, computer, and any other personal devices. The bag already has everything you need.''
Jax's eyes widened in surprise because he never expected to hear that. It was not what he was told, but he understood why they were doing that. They still didn't trust him and thought he would record everything on the island on his phone and maybe share it with the world, but Jax was not like that.
He would never betray their trust, but he didn't like how they didn't even trust him enough to travel to the island with his devices. He opened his mouth to ask for more explanation, but the captain's voice interrupted him.
''Gentlemen, we are preparing for takeoff, please fasten your seatbelt.''
One of the hostesses approached them and exchanged words with the guards, who nodded in response and turned slowly to Jax. ''please, sir, do hand over your devices.''
Jax looked towards Ruan, hoping that he would say Something to support him, but Ruan's eyes were still closed, and he didn't seem interested in their discussion. Heaving a deep sigh, Jax handed over his devices to the guard, and the guard bowed and exited the jet. He wondered what was happening and why he felt he was under their control. He rummaged through the bag, his fingers closing around a sleek boxed iPhone 15 pro and a laptop, which he didn't bother checking. He sighed and wondered what to do with the phone.
The hostess, a poised woman, walked over to him with a smile and reminded him to stow his bag in the overhead compartment. Jax complied, securing the bag and then fastening his seatbelt.
The captain's voice came over the intercom once more. ''Gentlemen, we are headed to Azura Island, Calonia City. My name is James, and I can assure you that it is going to be a smooth 10 hours flight, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.''
Jax took a deep breath and gazed out the window as the plane descended the runway. He couldn't help but think about how different this experience was from his usual economy flights. The luxury jet's plush seats and ample legroom made him feel like royalty. There was no noise since it was only him and Ruan traveling.
Once the plane was airborne, Jax turned his attention back to Ruan. His headset was gone this time, but Ruan's eyes were closed, and his chest rose and fell with slow, steady breaths, looking like he had fallen asleep. Jax couldn't help but wonder what was happening behind the closed eyelids.
''why are you staring at me like Jax?'' Ruan asked with his eyes closed.
Jax's eyes widened, and he almost gasped out loud, wondering how Ruan knew he was staring at him because his eyes were still closed.
''I wasn't staring,'' Jax said quickly.
Ruan's lips curled into a smile as his eyes fluttered open. He turned his head around, and his gaze locked onto Jax's. As their eyes met, Jax felt a strange, tingling sensation in his chest. It was as if his heart had skipped a beat, and then he started racing as I had just finished a marathon. Ruan's eyes seemed to bore into his soul, and he felt a shiver run down his spine; he tried to look away but couldn't as if he was held captive.
''Do you have anything to say something to me, Jax?'' Ruan's voice was low and husky, but it made Jax's heart raced again.
''I…'' he stuttered, unable to say anything. How could he say anything when Ruan's eyes were fixed on him?
Ruan sighed and broke the staring competition, looking away. ''If you have nothing to say to me, stop staring at me, '' he said, closing his eyes again.
''Excuse me?'' Jax's eyes narrowed, a spark of anger igniting within him. Ruan had made it sound as if he was staring at him because he wanted to. ''you are the one to talk,'' he said. ''I arrived here one hour thirty minutes before you did.''
Ruan didn't respond, his eyes still closed.
''you…'' Jax sighed as his frustration grew. He had a lot to say to him, but he knew they were not closed, and he had to choose his words carefully and speak like a professional. ''you ignored me when you walked in acting like I wasn't even there.''
''And?'' Ruan retorted, his eyes fluttering open again. ''Do I have to say anything to you? Is that part of your job as my manager, Jax? I know you were asked to keep track of my every move and act like my babysitter, but I don't need you doing that!''
''That is not what I am trying to say. I just want to know why you came late because I care about…''
Ruan cut him off, a low husky chuckle escaping his lips. ''you care about me?'' he repeated, his tone laced with sarcasm.. ''care when you are being paid to come on the trip with me?'' He turned to face Jax and chuckled again. ''Don't pretend with me, Jax, we both know why you are here. It's about the benefits, the perks, and the access to the luxurious lifestyle. You are just like the others, pretending to care when you don't.''