30.

30.
Johan
Waking up with Jessica pressed against my side made my stomach turn.
Her arm was draped over my chest, nails digging lightly into my skin like she was afraid I would disappear if she let go. I stared at the ceiling, jaw tight, then carefully shifted her arm away. She mumbled something in her sleep and turned over, hair falling into her face.
I sat up, rubbing my eyes.
So much effort, so much noise, and Halo was still there, sitting quietly at the back of my mind like he owned the place. No matter how hard I tried to drown him out, he kept floating back up.
I stood and pulled on my robe.
Jessica had talked a lot last night. Too much. But between the useless flirting and bragging, pieces slipped out. Halo’s name came up more than once. His classes. His art. The way lecturers spoke about him like he was as if he were untouchable. Like he was rare.
That was enough.
In the shower, warm water ran down my neck as a smile slowly curved my lips. I did not need much. Just a spark. Just a reason for him to look at me instead of my brother.
When I came back out, Jessica was still asleep, limbs tangled in the sheets, mascara smudged beneath her eyes. I watched her for a second, then turned away. Men were simpler. Stronger where it mattered. They bent, but they did not break so easily.
By the time I stepped into the hallway, my mood had lifted completely.
I knocked on Halo’s door.
No answer.
I paused, listening. Nothing. I frowned, then chuckled under my breath. Of course. He was smart enough to get downstairs early. To eat before Lucian arrived and turned the room cold.
I found him at the dining table, shoulders hunched, fork moving fast. Pancakes were stacked high on his plate, syrup smeared messily. He chewed like he was afraid someone would take the food away if he slowed down.
When he noticed me, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He still said hi.
I dropped into the chair across from him. “Slow down,” I said lightly. “You eat like a chipmunk hoarding food for winter.”
He shot me a look, cheeks full. “You look like one.”
I laughed. He did too, just barely. The tension eased. His foot bounced under the table, then stilled. He reached for another bite.
I watched his hands instead of his face.
“You should come with me later,” I said, casually, like it meant nothing.
His fork froze.
“Where?” he asked, voice careful.
I shrugged. “Somewhere better than this.”
He did not answer right away. His gaze flicked to the doorway, then back to his plate. His shoulders drew in slightly, like he was bracing.
Then Lucian walked in.
The shift was immediate. Halo straightened, eyes lifting, hope flickering for half a second before it died. He greeted Lucian softly.
Lucian did not respond.
He spoke only to me, his tone smooth, asking about my sleep, my plans, like Halo was furniture. Like he was not there at all.
I saw it then. Halo’s fingers tightened around his fork. His jaw clenched. He swallowed hard, forcing another bite down even though his appetite had clearly vanished.
“Fine,” Halo said suddenly, voice flat. “I will come.”
Lucian’s attention snapped to us at once.
His eyes cut toward Halo, sharp and questioning, as he had just realized something was slipping through his fingers.
I lifted my cup, hiding my smile behind the rim.
Perfect.
Halo was quieter after we left the house.
Not the sharp kind of quiet. Not the defensive one. This was worse. The kind that sat heavy in the chest and made you want to shake the person just to see if they were still there.
The luxury car purred beneath us, smooth leather, tinted windows, the city sliding past like a movie scene. I had a cap pulled low, dark glasses on, hoodie zipped up to my chin. Anyone looking in would never guess who I was.
Halo did not even glance at me.
He sat by the window, knees pulled slightly inward, fingers folded together in his lap. His reflection kept appearing in the glass, pale face, eyes distant, lips pressed tight. He looked smaller like this. Folded into himself.
Annoying.
I cleared my throat. Nothing.
“So,” I said finally. “You are not even going to comment on the car?”
He blinked once, then shook his head slightly. “It is just a car.”
That stung more than it should have.
I leaned back, watching him. “Most people would be freaking out right now.”
He shrugged. “I have seen nicer.”
Lie. Or maybe not. Either way, he did not look impressed. He looked tired.
I sighed. “You messaged me earlier.”
That got a reaction. His fingers tightened, knuckles paling.
“I said I was sorry,” he muttered. “I was rude.”
“You were,” I agreed easily. “Very.”
He flinched, then nodded. “I know.”
Silence fell again. The city noise was muffled, like we were underwater.
“You said you were ready for help,” I continued. “That is new.”
His eyes dropped to his knees. “I do not like asking.”
“Clearly.”
He huffed out a weak breath that might have been a laugh if it had more life in it.
I studied him for a moment, then spoke before I could stop myself. “Lucian avoids you on purpose.”
That did it.
Halo turned slowly, finally looking at me. “What?”
I met his gaze. “He avoids real conversations. With anyone. Especially you.”
His brows pulled together. “Why?”
I smiled, small and knowing. “Because he is afraid.”
“Of me?” His voice cracked slightly, and he hated himself for it. I could see that much.
“No,” I said. “Of liking it.”
His lips parted, then closed again. He looked away fast, cheeks coloring.
“That is not true,” he said, too quickly.
“Isn’t it?” I leaned closer. “Think about it. He ignores you, then explodes. He pushes, then pulls back. He acts like you are nothing, but the moment someone else gets your attention, he suddenly sees you.”
Author’s note: hi lovely readers, sorry for the extremely long break. I was struggling with my studies, and it got tough to do both writing and studying. I honestly didn’t think I had readers, so I apologize to anyone I made wait so long. I am so sorry. (bows apologetically) however I promise to write at least 40k words this month or more ;)