Episode - 01

The office was too quiet. It wasn't just peaceful; it was the kind of heavy silence that makes your ears ring.

Ren Avery stood in the middle of the room. He kept his back straight and his chin up. It was a habit from his years on the basketball court—looking strong even when he felt like he was losing. He was standing in Joel Vance’s world now, and he refused to look weak.

Five years. Five years and six months had passed since they last spoke. Ren had counted every day, even if he didn't want to admit it. And now, this was how they finally met.

Joel didn’t say hello. He didn't even stand up. He just sat behind his huge, dark desk and watched. His hands were folded, and his face was calm—too calm. It was the look of someone who knew exactly what was going to happen.

“Sit,” Joel said. It wasn't a suggestion.

Ren didn’t move. “I’m not here to talk. I’m here to warn you. Stay away from this.”

A tiny smile appeared on Joel’s lips. It wasn't a friendly smile. “That’s a shame,” he said softly. “Because you don't really have a choice.”

Joel slid a file across the desk.

Ren looked down at it. He saw rows of numbers, official stamps, and his own signature at the bottom of the pages. It was all his debt in six months. Every loan and every mistake his dad had made over the last few years was right there on the paper.

Ren’s jaw tightened. “I’ll pay it back,” he said, his voice turning cold. “I don’t need your help.”

Joel tilted his head, looking at Ren like he was a puzzle he had already solved. “I already paid it,” Joel said.

The room went completely still. Ren felt the blood drain from his face. His fingers twitched at his side, but he kept his expression frozen.

“…Why?”

It was a small question, but it felt huge.

Joel stared back at him. He didn't look away for a long time. Then, he finally spoke. “Because I can.”

Ren knew that was a lie. Joel never did anything just because he "could." He always had a reason.

“What do you want?” Ren asked. He didn't ask 'how' or 'why' anymore. He knew there was always a price with Joel.

Joel leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on Ren’s. “You,” he said simply.

The word felt heavy, like a physical weight dropping in the room. Ren didn’t move, but something flickered in his eyes—a mix of pain and memory.

“…Be specific.”

Joel tapped the papers on the desk. “I want to manage you. Your brand, your career, your public life. Everything.”

“Sounds like a cage,” Ren said.

Joel’s smile grew just a little bit. “Call it what you want. I Call it investment”

They stood there in silence for a long moment. Ren finally stepped closer to the desk. He picked up the contract, but he didn't look at the words. He looked straight at Joel. His eyes were sharp, searching for the truth.

“Is this revenge?” Ren asked.

Joel didn't answer.

“Is this because of what happened back then?” Ren’s voice was quieter now, almost a whisper.

Still, Joel said nothing. The air in the room felt thick and hard to breathe.

Then, Joel stood up. He moved slowly, but the energy in the room changed instantly. He walked around the desk until he was standing right in front of Ren. They were too close now—just like they used to be years ago.

“Do you really think, I'd invest five years of my life just to get my revenge on you?" Joel asked quietly.

Ren didn’t move back. “Wouldn’t you?”

Something in Joel’s eyes turned dark. It wasn't anger; it was something much deeper and more painful.

“…Sign the contract, Ren,” Joel said softly.

Ren looked into his eyes. For a split second, it felt like the old Joel was looking back at him. Then the moment passed.

“Fine.”

Ren picked up the pen. He held it over the paper, his hand shaking just a little.

“...This doesn't mean anything,” Ren whispered.

Joel’s voice was just as soft. “It was same back then.”

Ren’s hand froze. The memory of their past hit him like a physical blow. He let out a long, tired sigh and closed his eyes for a moment.

Then, he signed his name.

And just like that, everything changed. They weren't just two people from the past anymore. They were something new, and there was no going back.

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