CHAPTER 43: A SURPRISE,A SHOOT, SHATTERED MOMENT...

Scene: Pete's Birthday Morning

Mek wakes up early.

Pete is still sleeping, all peaceful and messy-haired, arm thrown over Mek's waist like he's afraid of letting go.

Mek whispers to himself, smiling—

> "Just one perfect day. That's all I want to give you."

He has a plan.

A rented rooftop café.

Pete's favorite dishes.

A playlist of all the songs they fell in love to.

A private moment, just them, with candles and soft fairy lights.

Mek even handwrites a note:

> "For all the hell you've walked through… I hope I can be your home."

---

Scene: That Night — Rooftop Surprise

Pete's jaw drops when he sees the setup.

> "Mek… did you do all this?"

Mek smiles shyly. "I figured someone should give you a day that's not about bloodlines or betrayal."

They slow-dance to music only they can hear.

Pete rests his forehead against Mek's.

> "You keep saving me. Even when I don't deserve it."

Mek: "You always deserved it, Pete. You just didn't know how to ask."

They kiss. Long. Warm. Safe.

---

Scene: The Goodbye That Wasn't Meant to Be

They're walking back to the car. Mek's holding Pete's hand.

They're laughing about Pete's terrible dancing.

Then—

A pop.

One loud, sharp sound.

Mek's body jerks.

Pete hears it before he sees it.

Blood.

Mek drops to his knees.

> "Mek?! MEK!"

Pete catches him before he hits the ground.

Mek is clutching his side. Crimson seeping through his shirt.

> "No. No no no no—Stay with me, baby. Please. Please—"

Mek's hand reaches up, trembling, and cups Pete's cheek.

He smiles. Weak, but real.

> "You… looked so happy tonight."

Pete: "Shut up. Don't say goodbye. We're going to the hospital. You're gonna be okay."

Mek: "Pete…"

His voice cracks.

> "If I don't make it—"

Pete roars. "DON'T. You will."

But Mek still whispers.

> "Then just know… you were the best part of my whole damn life."

---

Scene: Sirens. Screams. A necklace falls to the pavement.

Pete is holding Mek's limp body in his arms, screaming his name into the night.

We don't know who fired.

We don't know why.

All we know?

Love was supposed to save them.

But the world wasn't done hurting yet.