Behind The Veil Of Power

We step into the room, and Zayn closes the door softly behind us. The air feels different—less charged, almost... inviting. He turns to me, his expression unreadable but not hostile, and says, 

"I gave Mika the rest of the day off."

It's such a simple statement, but it immediately sets the tone. No interference. No distractions. Just us.

We sit down across from each other, and for the first time in what feels like forever, the silence between us isn't suffocating. It's reflective, maybe even a little hesitant.

Zayn is the first to speak. 

"Look, Kattie, I know things have been... tense. But we can't keep doing this. Not like this."

I nod slowly, my fingers toying with the edge of my sleeve. 

"I know. I don't want this either. But Zayn, you've been keeping so much from me. And I get it, you're trying to protect me, but it makes me feel—"

"Shut out." 

He finishes for me.

"Yes."