"Great, now he's mad! You're so annoying, you know that?" I snapped at Greco as Fuse stormed away, his stiff posture radiating anger.

Greco raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "Why does it feel like you're blaming me for this?"

"Well, if I hadn't seen you, Lexis wouldn't have wandered off!" I retorted, crossing my arms.

"Ah, so it's my fault you saw me?" he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ugh, whatever! Do whatever you want!" I shouted, throwing my hands in the air before stomping off toward the hotel.

The anger and guilt swirled in my chest as I reached the hallway outside Fuse's room. I paused and took a deep breath, trying to steel myself. The image of Fuse's disappointed face flashed in my mind, making my stomach twist.

It wasn't like I meant to lose Lexis.

"Go on in, NM," a familiar voice said behind me.

I turned to see Kean leaning against the wall, chuckling as if the situation were hilarious. "He's just inside. Pretty steamed, though," he added, smirking.

"What's so funny?" I frowned, irritated by his nonchalance.

"Nothing," he said with a shrug, his grin widening. "It's just... well, good luck."

Rolling my eyes, I turned back to the door and hesitantly pushed it open.

Inside, Fuse sat on the couch, his hands gently stroking Lexis' fur. The dog lay calmly beside him, completely at ease. Fuse didn't look up as I entered, but the tension in his posture made it clear he knew I was there.

"Get out," he said sharply, his tone colder than I'd ever heard it.

I flinched at the harshness of his words. "I'm really sorry," I said softly, taking a step closer. "I didn't mean to—"

"Just... get out, NM. I'm not in the mood to talk."

"But I—"

"I brought you here to take care of Lexis," he cut me off, his voice rising slightly, "not to flirt with that dumbass."

The accusation hit me like a slap. My eyes widened, and I stared at him, stunned. "I'm not—flirting with him," I whispered, barely able to get the words out.

Fuse stood abruptly, the sudden motion making me take a step back. He walked toward me, his piercing gaze locking with mine. For a moment, I couldn't breathe.

"Trust me," he said, his voice low but heavy with meaning. "You don't want to get involved with him."

I frowned, confused by the intensity in his tone. "What are you talking about?" I asked hesitantly.

"He's a dangerous person," Fuse said, his words deliberate and full of warning.

A chill ran down my spine. There was something about the way he said it—something that made me feel like he wasn't just being possessive or jealous.

He was serious. Dead serious.

Ally

"Allison, next week you'll be coming with me to Taiwan for the business meeting," Dad instructed as he dabbed his mouth with a napkin, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"Yes, Dad," I replied curtly, trying to mask my reluctance.

In this family, everything revolved around the business. My siblings were fortunate to have pursued their own careers early on, but as the youngest, the responsibility of learning and managing the family business had fallen squarely on my shoulders.

"How long will we be in Taiwan, Dad?" I asked, hoping it wasn't too long.

"Not more than five days," he replied.

"Can Carter come with us?" I suggested, eager to have at least one ally with me on the trip.

"No, Ally. Carter doesn't have any role there," Mom interjected firmly, her tone final.

I didn't argue further. There was no point in challenging their decisions. They always had the last say.

Excusing myself, I headed up to my room and collapsed onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. My gaze shifted to the picture frame on my bedside table, and a faint smile tugged at my lips.

It was a photo of me with them—the six of them.

The smile faded as a wave of sadness washed over me. Memories of the past flooded my mind, pulling at my heart.

I think it's time I visit him.

***

The scent of antiseptic hit me as I entered Vera Hospital. I headed straight to Room 906, my steps slowing as I approached the door.

Taking a deep breath, I stood in front of it, hesitating.

Please let him be awake...

Just as I was about to push the door open, I stopped. Through the small glass panel, I caught sight of someone inside.

Greco.

He stood at Tac's bedside, his broad shoulders tense, his head bowed slightly. Tac lay there, still in a coma, motionless except for the faint rise and fall of his chest.

Greco's back was to me, so he hadn't noticed my presence. Quietly, I stepped back and let the door close. My chest tightened, and tears pricked my eyes as I walked away.

Tac would be so happy to know Greco visited him... but until he wakes up, he'll never know.

This was the first time Greco had come to see Tac since the accident. Not once had he visited before today, despite everything that had happened between them.

Seeing him there brought a bittersweet ache to my heart. Greco had never seen me as anything more than a friend, not even back then.

We met through Tac, who was my first and closest friend. He treated me like a sister, always looking out for me. Tac was the leader of their group—a tight-knit circle of six who were more like family than friends.

But things fell apart when Greco tried to court me.

I knew from the start that he didn't truly like me. He was only trying to get closer to NM, the girl he really wanted. I'd known for a long time that Greco liked NM, but she never found out. She never knew he had used me as a way to get to her.

When Tac discovered what Greco had done, he was furious. Their years of friendship crumbled. Tac kicked Greco out of their group, severing all ties.

Greco didn't take it well. He held a grudge against Tac and eventually joined another group.

Tac's group, Macro, was one of the most powerful in Vera City, known for its loyalty and unity. Greco, on the other hand, joined Mera, Macro's biggest rival. The rivalry between the two groups ran deep, with years of bad blood and dangerous confrontations.

Despite everything, Tac still cared about Greco. Last month, he tried to reconcile with him, asking him to return to Macro. But Greco refused, his heart hardened.

I don't know what happened during their conversation, but the next day, Tac was in the hospital. Jaco and Vin told me he'd been rushed there after a brutal altercation.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost didn't notice Greco standing in front of me.

"You finally came to see Tac," I said quietly, breaking the silence.

Greco's expression was unreadable, but he offered a faint smile. "Don't tell the others I came," he said, his voice low.

I nodded. "I won't."

"I'll be going now," he said, turning to leave.

As I watched him walk away, silent tears rolled down my cheeks.

This is all my fault.