My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

The evening sky stretched across the horizon in hues of burnt orange and deep purple, the last rays of sunlight fading into the promise of night. Axel stood near the office's main entrance, bidding goodbye to his colleague, a polite smile fixed on his face. His colleague, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a jovial laugh, patted Axel on the back as they exchanged a few parting words.

"Good work today, Axel," the man said, chuckling. "Let's hope tomorrow's easier on us, eh?"

Axel let out a short laugh, nodding. "Let's hope so. Have a good night."

As the man walked away, Axel's smile lingered for a brief moment before fading entirely. The lightness in his laugh and the warmth in his expression evaporated, replaced by a cold mask. He turned on his heel and headed toward his car. The parking lot was dimly lit, shadows pooling beneath the cars.

Unlocking his car with a press of a button, Axel slid into the driver's seat and closed the door with a muted thud. Inside, the air felt different—more confined, more still. He rested his hands on the steering wheel for a moment, his eyes staring blankly ahead. A heavy sigh escaped his lips before he turned the ignition, the car's engine purring to life.

The drive back to his apartment was uneventful, the city's bustling nightlife just beginning to stir. Neon signs flashed here and there, and the sidewalks were dotted with people heading to bars, restaurants, or simply wandering aimlessly. Axel paid them no mind, his thoughts elsewhere. His fingers tapped against the steering wheel in a steady rhythm, a habit born of impatience and the need to occupy his restless mind.

When he reached his apartment building, Axel parked his car in the underground garage and took the elevator to his floor. Axel's reflection in the mirrored walls stared back at him, not much expression and distant.

Once nside his apartment, Axel shrugged off his jacket and draped it over the back of a chair. He glanced at the clock on the wall, its hands ticking steadily toward 6:30 p.m. He muttered under his breath, "It's time for the meeting," and walked over to his desk.

Sitting down, Axel opened his laptop and powered it on. His fingers moved deftly across the keyboard as he navigated to the encrypted platform. Moments later, the familiar chime of an incoming video call sounded. He straightened his posture and clicked to accept.

The screen displayed a man in his late forties, his features sharp and severe. His dark hair was streaked with gray at the temples, and his piercing eyes seemed to scrutinize everything they landed on. Axel addressed him respectfully. "Good evening, Manager."

"Axel," the man greeted, his voice low and measured. "How are things progressing with the library?"

Axel nodded, his tone steady. "The library is secure. No issues so far."

The manager's eyes narrowed slightly, as if searching for any hint of doubt in Axel's words. "Good. Make sure it stays that way. That place is too important for any slip-ups."

"Understood," Axel replied.

The manager shifted in his seat, his expression taking on a more calculating edge. "Now, let's move on to your "main job". How is it going?"

Axel's jaw tightened subtly, but he answered without hesitation. "So far, so good. The subject is clear. She isn't one of them."

The manager nodded slowly, his gaze unwavering. "That's reassuring. But don't let your guard down. We need to be absolutely certain she isn't hiding anything."

"I'll keep monitoring her," Axel assured him.

The manager's tone shifted, taking on a note of curiosity. "What about Elion Vaelorian? What's the latest on him?"

Axel's fingers curled slightly into fists under the table, though his expression remained neutral. "I haven't been able to get a direct answer from the woman about their relationship. But from what I've observed, they seem to be in some kind of... relationship without a defined status."

The manager raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, a 'friends with benefits' arrangement, then?"

Axel's jaw clenched, and he forced himself to nod. "Yeah, something like that."

The manager chuckled softly, the sound lacking any warmth. "Let's just hope she doesn't get... tainted." His tone was laced with disdain, the word 'tainted' hanging in the air like a threat.

Axel's silence stretched for a moment, his gaze dropping to the table. The manager noticed and leaned forward slightly, his voice turning more serious.

"You know what to do if that ever happens, right?"

His breath hitched slightly, almost too subtle to catch, and he hesitated before answering. "Yes," he said finally, his voice low.

The manager studied him for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair, seemingly satisfied. "Good. Then I don't need to worry. Keep me updated."

"Understood, sir."

The manager gave a curt nod. "Goodnight, Axel."

"Goodnight."

The call ended, the screen going dark. Axel stared at his reflection in the blank screen for a long moment. Slowly, he closed the laptop and leaned back into the couch, letting out a heavy sigh. His head tilted back against the cushions, and he closed his eyes, the weight of the conversation settling over him.

The apartment was eerily quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the AC and the refrigerator in the kitchen. Axel's mind raced, replaying the manager's words. The mention of 'tainted' lingered in his thoughts, a bitter reminder of the unspoken rules he was bound to.

He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers trembling slightly as he exhaled shakily. For a brief moment, the cold facade he maintained slipped, revealing the exhaustion and conflict hidden beneath. But it was fleeting. Axel straightened, forcing himself to regain composure.

The night stretched on, silent and unforgiving, as Axel sank deeper into the couch, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. Despite the stillness of the room, his mind remained anything but, haunted by the choices he knew he might have to make.

"No. Don't be stupid, Axel. Everything's fine."

Right...

Right?