Confession

"We need to crash the Nexus Night Ball. Get in, gather intel on any shady dealings, and get out. Simple, right?" Yona said, tapping her foot impatiently.

Kaia raised an eyebrow. "Uh, yeah, because we totally look like the kind of people they'd want at a fancy gala. They'd toss us out the moment they saw our faces."

Yona shot her a look. "Don't compare me to you. Kiaan, you've other important business, right? Why not let us handle this one."

Kiaan blinked, "Wait, what?" He glanced between them, confusion creeping in. "Sure... go ahead. I'll do something else." He turned to Kiki, who was practically bouncing with excitement. "Come on, Kiki, let's leave them to it."

Kiki grinned, practically glowing. "Yes, Sir!" he chirped. With a flick of Kiaan's fingers, a soft white glow flickered in the air, and the man lying on the ground vanished.

Kaia raised an eyebrow. "You really kicked him out of here, huh?"

Yona shoved her hands in her pockets, looking unbothered. "Yeah, I figured. President wanted us to investigate, anyway. Kiaan was just here to play the role of the cheerleader by cheering your mood because of what happened before and not saying that he is the only leader left in the Apostle for now so there must be a lot of work given to him."

"Well, he's a good guy," Kaia said, scratching her head. "Keeps us company and does his duties efficiently and fast. No wonder everyone likes him."

Yona exhaled slowly, her eyes softening. "He's... one of the few who cares. Unlike me."

Kaia gave her a quick glance. "Uh... okay, moving on. How are we getting into this place? You've got a plan, right?"

Yona crossed her arms and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Well... how about sneaking in?"

Kaia's eyes narrowed. "Sneaking in? Really?"

Yona smirked. "Yeah, I'm brilliant. You'll see."

Before Kaia could respond, her face froze. She stiffened, her breath shallow.

"Kaia? What's wrong with—" Yona cut herself off, noticing the change in Kaia's expression.

Slowly, Kaia turned her head, and there she was. The nightmare. The ruthless, heartless, monster of a woman. Granny. Panting like she had just wrestled a bear into submission.

Yona groaned. "Not again. Run!"

And just like that, the sounds of rifles firing, tanks rolling, and explosions echoed through the alley. The chaos felt almost... normal at this point.

A man nearby stopped, squinting down the alley, his face pale. "What the heck's going on in there?"

"Is there a war?!" someone else asked.

One person shrugged, then the rest of the crowd went back to minding their own business, pretending they didn't just hear the sounds of an impending apocalypse.

***

"What is up with this weather lately?" Thalia muttered, staring at the gray clouds from the balcony while hurriedly collecting laundry. She came inside, arms full of clothes, and started ironing while half-watching TV.

"Oh no," Thalia groaned, her eyes widening. "Where's Kaia's shirt? Did it just... fly away?"

Knock knock.

"Who's knocking at this hour?" Thalia tilted her head in confusion, setting the iron down as she made her way to the door.

Kyros was leaning casually against the doorframe, one hand on the wall like he was posing for a magazine cover. In the other hand, he held Kaia's shirt, folded with military precision. "Is this yours?" he asked, trying his best to look charming—and failing miserably.

Thalia raised an eyebrow. "My shirt's not usually ironed and folded like a professional did it."

Kyros smirked, running a hand through his hair. "Oh, you know... a little perfectionism never hurts. You didn't know that about me?"

Thalia let out a short laugh. "No, I didn't, but it's not terribly surprising."

"Well, aren't you going to invite me in?" Kyros flashed a grin.

Thalia shrugged and stepped aside. "Sure, come on in." Kyros walked in, and she shut the door behind him.

"So... your mom not home again?" Kyros asked, looking around as if he belonged here.

"She's a doctor," Thalia said, heading to the kitchen. "She works late, so yeah, I'm usually home alone."

"Don't you feel lonely?" Kyros asked dramatically, sitting down on the couch in a way that made him look like he was auditioning for a role in a romance movie.

Thalia put on an apron, rummaging in the cupboard. "Sometimes," she called back, "but it's fine. Want some tea?"

"Sure," Kyros replied, his gaze lingering on the family photos on the wall. "You know, if you ever feel lonely, just call me."

Thalia froze, half-pouring the tea. "Really?" Thalia felt herself smiling unconsciously. Wait, why my heart is racing all of a sudden?

Kyros flashed a grin. "Of course. And... well, I wanted to ask you something, but I guess you already know the answer from back in the realm…"

Thalia blinked, confused. "What...?" Is he talking about that time when I? Thalia's face suddenly became red. Her heart throbbing like crazy. Is he gonna?

Kyros hesitated, his face turning a shade redder. "Can we—"

Suddenly, his eyes locked on a childhood photo of Thalia on the wall. His expression shifted, a pained look crossing his face. "This?" His hand pressed to his chest, and he collapsed onto the floor, gasping.

"Kyros!" Thalia jumped into action, rushing to his side. "What's going on? Are you okay?" She panted, completely confused and concerned.

She threw his arm over her shoulder and helped him to her room, sitting him down on the bed. "Take deep breaths," she said, wiping the sweat from her forehead, eyes wide with concern. "You're fine. Just breathe." 

Kyros slowly lay his head in her lap, his breathing evening out. "Thalia…"

"Are you okay now?" Thalia forced a smile, gently stroking his hair.

"Yeah," Kyros whispered, his hand reaching up to gently touch her cheek. She didn't pull away. Slowly, his fingers caressed her skin, and he stared into her eyes. "I... I like you."

Thalia's heart skipped a beat. "I like you too," she blurted without even realising, her smile impossibly wide. "It's like I've been waiting forever to hear you say that."

Kyros's expression shifted as he noticed the photo again. The room seemed to grow heavy, the air thick with tension. "Thalia... that photo..."

Thalia frowned. "What about it?"

Kyros's voice dropped, barely a whisper. "I think... I think I've known you before."