MILES
As, my brother, Jackson, and my friends trooped out of the soccer field, the cool autumn breeze rustled through the nearby trees, swirling leaves around our feet. The setting sun casts long shadows across the empty bleachers, giving the surroundings an eerie feel. The victory cheers still lingered in the air as we made our way towards the parking lot.
"So are we going straight to the party?" Erin asked suddenly as we made our way to the car, and we looked at her, surprised by her sudden enthusiasm.
"Um, I think you guys should go ahead; I forgot to ask Mom's permission," Charles said, so Erin and I both nodded.
"Me too; how about you, Miles?" Erin asked, so I smiled as I was about to speak, but Jackson interrupted me.
"Tyler will pick him up," Jackson said while looking at his wristwatch. Suddenly, a familiar voice of a man called to me from behind me, curiosity piqued so I slowly turned only to see Tyler.
"Miles!" Tyler called my name once more, waving his hand as he made his way towards us with a bright smile on his face. He was still dressed in his soccer jersey, with a white towel draped around his neck and a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. I waved back at him, trying my best to suppress the excitement and happiness that welled up inside me.
"And here he is, right on time!" Jackson said with a mischievous glint in his eyes, which made Erin and Charles chuckle in anticipation.
As Tyler approached, his contagious enthusiasm seemed to fill the air around us. I couldn't help but notice how his dirty blonde hair clung to his forehead, damp with sweat. His gray eyes sparkled with excitement, and I found myself mesmerized by his carefree spirit.
"Hey, you guys!" Tyler greeted us, his voice brimming with energy. From this distance, I can smell his favorite cologne from his soccer jersey, wet from his sweat.
"Hey Ty, congratulations!" Jackson greeted Tyler as they shook hands. My two friends, Erin and Charles, also joined in to congratulate and praise Tyler. It was no surprise, really; he had just been awarded the title of Most Valuable Player for his soccer team.
Tyler was always the one who scored the most goals for his team. His skill, agility, and determination were unmatched, and it was evident in every game he played. He had saved his team from countless defeats and turned them into exhilarating victories.
"Hi," he greeted me as he turned to me, his voice cutting through the haze of my thoughts. Startled, I snapped back to reality and met his piercing gaze. Instantly, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips, mirroring the warmth in his eyes.
His smile widened at my response as if my congratulations had ignited an inner fire within him. Curiosity overwhelmed me, drawing me closer to him. "Congratulations!" I said sincerely, my words carrying genuine admiration.
He chuckled softly, his laughter dancing in the air around us. "Thank you," he replied, his voice imbued with charm.
"Okay, so we'll go ahead first, Miles, Tyler? We'll see you guys later," Jackson said, pushing my friends Erin and Charles away from us.
"We'll see you guys later!" Charles added a laugh.
"Ciao!" Erin shouted, waving her hand at us.
As the last rays of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Tyler and I found ourselves standing alone on the edge of the parking lot. Our friends had all departed, leaving us with only the whispering wind for company.
"Miles, it looks like it's getting dark and night is approaching," Tyler remarked, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I glanced around, noticing how the surrounding trees stood tall and formidable, their branches reaching out like long, gnarled fingers against the dimming light.
A sense of adventure sparked within me, although it was accompanied by a flicker of unease. Nonetheless, I gathered my courage and turned to face the encroaching night. Oh, yes, I'll go first," I replied, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "I'll see you later, then." I attempted to smile, but it only came out as a half-hearted grin.
Tyler chuckled, his eyes reflecting the fading sunlight. "And where do you think you're going?" he asked, almost laughing, his eyes twinkling mischievously. I couldn't help but smile back at him, captivated by the way his laughter illuminated his handsome face.
"I'm going home; didn't you say you'd pick me up at nine?" I replied, sounding a little more bemused than I intended. But his laughter only grew louder, filling the air around us with contagious joy.
"Oh, darling," he chuckled.
My brows furrowed and I can't help but give him a suspenseful look with a grin on my face.
"Did you just call me, Darling?" I asked mischievously.
"I did not." He replied avoiding my gaze.
"You did" I teased.
"I did not!" He said once more, chuckling and his cheeks blushed.
"Anyway," Tyler began, his voice carrying a nervous tremor, "I was thinking, since you're here now, how about we just have dinner together? I know a place."
His words hung in the air, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. My heart skipped a beat, and a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. This unexpected invitation held the promise of something beautiful, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation.
I chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension. Tyler joined in, his laugh filled with relief as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. The walls of uncertainty crumbled, replaced by the warmth of our shared laughter.
"Sure," I replied, my eyes shining with a newfound courage. "That sounds great."
Tyler signaled for his head to follow him to his car, which we both climbed into simultaneously. I fumbled to fasten my seatbelt as he set his duffle bag on the passenger seat. Tyler quickly grabbed the seatbelt and adjusted it for me, which caught me off guard and made me stare at him. He looked at me and grinned after adjusting the seatbelt, so I grinned in kind.
"Thank you, Ty," I said, genuinely touched by his thoughtful gesture. He nodded, his warm smile never leaving his face, as he buckled up his seatbelt as well before starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot. Silence enveloped the car. I stole a glance at Tyler, trying to decipher the meaning behind his gesture. Was it an act of kindness or a simple reflex? Whatever the reason, the warmth in his eyes made the nerves inside me settle.
As the city lights danced along the horizon, I found myself lost in the enchanting allure of the world passing by outside his car window. The night was still young, and so were we, two souls embarking on an unexpected journey. The question slipped out of my lips before I even had time to ponder its implications: "Where are we going?"
His eyes never left the road as he spoke, his voice calm and confident. "My place," he replied simply, his words weaving a subtle mystique into the air. Surprised by his response, I turned to face him, and our eyes met.
"Yes, I called Morris; do you still remember him? My butler?" He asked, smiling, so I just nodded. My God, I cannot believe I'm going to his place!
"But how about the party?" I asked.
"Clark will take care of that, so don't worry. By the way, do you drink alcohol?" he asked me back, his gaze unwavering.
"Yes, but only a little; you know I'm afraid of being drunk," I replied, almost laughing, so he also grinned. I stared at him for a few seconds, observing his whole face. So handsome. His deep gray eyes crinkled at the corners as his grin widened. It was one of those infectious smiles that could light up a room.
"Um, congratulations again to you, Ty," I said, breaking through the cacophony. He turned his gaze towards me, a look of pleasant surprise washing over his face. The sweet smile he wore refused to fade away as if permanently etched onto his features.
"Thank you for being there, Miles; I wouldn't have done it without your support," he said, and I felt my cheeks flush, so I avoided making eye contact. I could hear his gentle chuckle, and it sent a wave of excitement rushing through me.
"Honestly, I was worried earlier; I thought you wouldn't come," he said with a hint of relief in his voice, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned my gaze towards him, studying the genuine concern etched across his face.
"Hey, I have no intention of missing your game, and you know that," I said to him, grinning mischievously. "Yeah, I know," he replied as he looked away, focusing on the road ahead. I caught a glimpse of him biting his lower lip, a nervous habit of his. My cheeks flushed, and I turned my gaze towards the passing streets, hoping he hadn't noticed my reaction.
"Again, thank you for being there, Miles; it's like your presence is my lucky charm and the reason why I always feel motivated to win every game," he told me with a grateful smile. The moment he said those words, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. It was as if I held a secret that could change everything. But I decided to suppress my emotions and simply smile back at him.
TYLER
I couldn't contain my excitement as our team celebrated another victory. Our undefeated streak continued, and with each win, my happiness grew. But today, my jubilation reached new heights for a very specific reason. Miles.
Miles had been by my side throughout the entire game, silently encouraging me with every play. He wasn't just a special friend; he was my pillar of support, always there to push me when I needed it most. Despite my soccer talent, I admit that there was something special about having Miles around during my games.
"Again, thank you for being there, Miles; it's like your presence is my lucky charm and the reason why I always feel motivated to win every game," I told him with a grateful smile. As soon as I said those words to Miles, I noticed both his flush and his silence.
After a while of driving through the bustling city, we arrived at the luxurious penthouse I called home. The gleaming glass exterior of the building reflected the shimmering city lights, creating a surreal ambiance at night. I parked the car before the entrance, its engine purring contently as I turned it off. Excitement tingled in the air as my friend, Miles, and I stepped out of the vehicle and made our way inside.
As the elevator doors opened on the top floor, we were met with the opulent sight of my penthouse. The spacious living room greeted us with its modern design, adorned with unique artwork and stylish furniture. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows framed the panoramic view of the city skyline, amplifying the grandeur of my high-rise abode.
"Good evening, Tyler," Paps greeted me with a warm smile. He was a tall, distinguished gentleman with an ever-present air of sophistication. Paps had been a part of our family for as long as I could remember, serving as our loyal butler, a second father to me, and a trusted confidant of my Dad, Hanz.
Miles marveled at the extravagant space, his eyes widening with awe. I chuckled, accustomed to the reaction my penthouse often evoked from visitors. 
"Hi, Paps," I replied with a smile.
"I see you brought Mr. O'Malley tonight, Tyler," Morris teased, using his usual playful tone. He extended his hand to Miles, ready to introduce himself.
"Nice to see you again, Mr. O'Malley; I'm Morris, Tyler's butler if you still remember," said Morris in a smiling introduction to Miles. Miles, although initially caught off guard by Morris' comment, couldn't help but smile in response. He had always admired Morris' lighthearted spirit and kind nature.
"How can I forget you, Morris?" Miles replied with a smile while accepting Morris's hand, and they both shook hands. "Nice to see you again too."
Miles already knew Morris because they both met during our trip to Palawan, Philippines, many years ago. It was a breathtaking journey that left an indelible mark on our lives. And I am impressed by how Miles still hadn't forgotten Morris even after all those years had passed.
As fate would have it, Miles and Morris crossed paths once again. They let go after shaking hands, their connection seemingly stronger than ever. To catch up on lost time, Miles and I eagerly followed Morris to the kitchen, where he still hadn't stopped talking since their reunion.
"I'm glad to see you together again," Morris exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with joy. "But then seeing you guys reminds me that I'm getting old. Look at yourselves; you've grown up so much!" he chuckled, his laughter echoing through the room. Miles and I exchanged amused glances, acknowledging the truth in Morris' words.
"You don't look old, Morris; the truth is you look like the younger version of Benedict Cumberbatch," Miles commented, his eyes crinkling with amusement. The truth in his words resonated with the room, and they all burst into laughter.
Morris chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, Miles, I appreciate the comparison, but I would hardly say I resemble the great Benedict Cumberbatch."
Miles shrugged, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "Come on, Morris! You've got that strong jawline, those intense eyes, and that distinctive British charm. It's uncanny!"
I joined in on the laughter, unable to deny the resemblance. Staring at Morris, I couldn't help but see the faint echoes of the renowned actor in his features. It was as if time had somehow looped back, granting Morris a glimpse into his youth.
"Okay, fine, I'll take that as a compliment," Morris happily said to Miles with a wink.
As we sat in the cozy kitchen, engrossed in our lively conversation, the sound of the doorbell pierced through the air. Startled, we paused, exchanging curious glances. The unexpected interruption threw a veil of mystery over the room, temporarily shrouding our joyful atmosphere.
"Hang on, let me just check that," said Morris, his brows furrowing as he glanced at the door. But before he could leave, he stopped and turned back to us. 
"You guys enjoy your dinner. If you need anything, just call me, okay? And Tyler, please take a quick bath before you leave and head to the party, alright?" Morris said, his voice firm but gentle.
"Yes, Paps," I replied, so he smiled and nodded before leaving. I looked at Miles and caught him picking up a cookie from the table. His guilty eyes met mine, and he quickly stuffed the cookie into his mouth, trying to hide the evidence.
"Miles!" I exclaimed, shaking my head in amusement. "We're not supposed to eat those until after dinner, you know."
Miles grinned, his mouth still full of cookies. "I couldn't resist; they just looked so delicious."
I rolled my eyes and chuckled, knowing exactly how tempting my homemade treats could be.
As we heard the door open, a familiar voice greeted Morris. "Hi, Morris." Miles and I both heard it. Startled, we jumped up from our seats at the kitchen table and turned to see who it was.
"Good evening, Miss Cross. What brings you here at this hour?" Morris questioned with a hint of curiosity in his voice. Miles and I exchanged mischievous glances, barely containing our laughter.
"Jessica!" we blurted out in unison, struggling to stifle our amusement. Our hands clamped over our mouths, attempting to muffle the uncontrollable chuckles escaping our lips.
"I'm here to see Tyler; is he here? I just saw his car parked in the parking lot, so he must be home," said Jessica.
"I'm sorry, Miss Cross, but he just left." Morris lied, so I was surprised.
"Really? Okay, thanks, Morris, and please tell him I came by." Jessica informed
"Alright, Miss Cross, I'll inform him right away when he gets home," Morris said, and then they exchanged goodbyes before we heard the door shut. Morris immediately returned to the kitchen and said, "That was close!" He exclaimed, taking a deep breath.
I laughed and shook my head, still amazed at the close call we had just experienced. Morris, my loyal butler for many years, had once again saved the day. His quick thinking and composure prevented a potential disaster that could have jeopardized everything.
I leaned against the kitchen counter, grateful for Morris's presence in my life. "I don't know what I would do without you, Morris. You always find a way to keep things under control," I said, my voice filled with genuine appreciation.
"Why did you lie to Jessica, Morris?" asked Miles, his voice laced with concern as he sat at the kitchen table, devouring a cookie.
Morris sighed. "Because I don't want you two to be disturbed by that girl," he explained, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Besides, Tyler requested this, and I don't want his efforts to go to waste just because of a spoiled kid."
Miles nearly choked on the cookies he had been eagerly munching on, his eyes widening in disbelief.