falling?

The next morning was dangerous.

Jackson had woken up stiff-not just from the bed, but from the pure, unrelenting frustration of trying to sleep next to Kole in those damn silk shorts. Every shift of fabric, every soft exhale from Kole's parted lips had dragged Jackson to the brink of madness.

He'd spent most of the night staring at the ceiling, fists clenched, heart hammering like a drum.

Now, Kole stood barefoot in the hotel room kitchenette, spooning Nutella into his mouth directly from the jar, looking like a sin wrapped in sleep-rumpled curls and bad intentions.

Jackson glared.

"What?" Kole asked, mouth full, eyes still puffy from sleep. "Don't look at me like that unless you're planning to do something about it."

Jackson's jaw tensed. "You're disgusting."

"You're the one watching me eat this like it's foreplay."

Jackson turned away before Kole could see the flush creeping up his neck. This man-this stubborn, reckless, irresistible mess-was going to ruin him.

They were due at an interview in twenty minutes, and Jackson needed to get his head on straight. Needed to not think about Kole's legs wrapped around silk and heat and maybe Jackson's waist if the universe truly hated him.

---

They arrived at the press event arm in arm, all smooth smiles and silent wars. They'd perfected their couple act now-just enough touches, just enough tension. Fans on Twitter had already started using words like "soulmates" and "domestic."

Inside the green room, Kole scrolled through his phone while Jackson flipped through cue cards.

"You good?" Kole asked suddenly.

Jackson didn't look up. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You're just... tense."

Jackson raised an eyebrow. "I wonder why."

Kole grinned and tossed a grape at him. Jackson caught it mid-air. Their eyes met. For a second, it felt like the air shifted-less playful, more dangerous.

Before anything could be said, Rina poked her head in.

"You're on in five. Let's keep it flirty and minimal damage, please."

Kole rolled his eyes. "Tell your boy to stop undressing me with his frown."

"I don't frown," Jackson said dryly.

"You brood, then. Loudly."

---

The interview went smoothly. Kole charmed everyone with his wit. Jackson played the calm, intense husband. The host threw in some personal questions.

"So, what's one thing you've learned about each other since the wedding?" she asked with a smile.

Jackson hesitated. Kole didn't.

"He grinds his teeth in his sleep," Kole said, placing a hand on Jackson's knee. "But only when he's holding something back."

The host laughed. "Interesting. What do you think he's holding back?"

Kole turned, gaze locking with Jackson's. "Wouldn't you like to know."

The whole room tensed.

Jackson's hand tightened slightly on Kole's thigh, under the table. Kole didn't move it.

They both smiled for the cameras.

---

Back at the hotel, Kole collapsed face-first onto the bed, groaning.

"Being hot and in love for public consumption is exhausting."

Jackson removed his watch slowly. "You make it look easy."

Kole rolled over, smirking. "Admit it-you missed me last night."

"I didn't sleep."

"Exactly."

Jackson walked over, stopped beside the bed. Kole looked up at him, lashes low and taunting.

"You look like you want to say something, Wang."

"I do," Jackson murmured.

But he didn't say it. He just stared for a moment longer, then turned and walked into the bathroom, the door shutting with a soft click.

Inside, he leaned against the sink and exhaled hard.

Because yeah-he did want to say something.

He wanted to say: Get out of my head, Kole. You're driving me insane.

And worse: I don't think I want you to stop.