Jerrod said jauntily, "Don't feel insecure about me overshadowing you." He continued to act proud as Axel's wrinkles deepened with each of his words. Jerrod's behavior is a kind of childish despite his plan to forget about Larissa, but the urge to get back to her is so strong that it tempted him to make them separate if the opportunity arises.
However, it surprised Jerrod that Axel only shrugged his shoulders, as if he was telling him he was not worth fighting for. Axel didn't bite on Jerrod's provocation and just turned his back to Jerrod. Axel resumed his work in the kitchen, but inside he was fuming while internally chanting, "Don't play with him. Don't play with him, you will only look like a fool. Ignore him."
Jerrod and Axel worked separately, although they were in the same kitchen. They helped the community as if the two of them couldn't see each other, but they didn't expect that at midnight they would share a room to sleep in.