I frowned as I watched Tac from the doorway. He was in the living room with Tata Lino, talking animatedly with exaggerated hand gestures. It was obvious he was trying to charm his way into Tata Lino's good graces, spouting all sorts of stories to make himself look impressive. Tata Lino, ever the kind soul, entertained him with polite nods, but I could see through Tac's act. His antics were irritating at best.

In the kitchen, Greco was focused on preparing dinner, the clatter of pots and the occasional hiss of the stovetop filling the air. He looked completely unbothered by Tac's presence, as if his only priority was the food in front of him.

The two of them thought Tac was here because he was my friend. That was the story I had spun to keep things simple. Neither of them had any idea about the truth—the complicated, tangled past that Tac and I shared, and the reason why his presence here made my chest feel tight.

When dinner was finally ready, Tata Lino called everyone to the table.

Tac's eyes had been darting toward Greco since he arrived, and now, seated at the table across from him, his gaze lingered. There was something raw in his expression—a mix of longing and worry that he didn't even bother to hide. I knew he missed Greco, and seeing him like this was stirring emotions he couldn't control.

Greco, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He ate in silence, his head down and his face unreadable. It was as if the world around him didn't exist. He seemed determined not to acknowledge Tac's presence, and it left an awkward tension hanging over the meal.

When we were done eating, I volunteered to clean up. Washing the dishes gave me a chance to clear my head, though the quiet of the kitchen wasn't as soothing as I had hoped. My mind kept wandering to Tac and his reckless decision to show up here, and to Greco, who was burying emotions I couldn't begin to decode.

Later, the faint creak of my bedroom door didn't immediately register with me, but the sight of Tac sprawled comfortably on my bed certainly did. I stopped mid-step, my brows knitting together in irritation as I took in the infuriatingly smug look on his face. He lay there as if he owned the place, his arms propped behind his head, one leg crossed lazily over the other, his boots still on my sheets.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I snapped, my voice sharp and unyielding.

Tac merely smirked, that infuriating glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "I think we should share the same bed tonight," he said, his tone laced with mock seriousness.

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "Shut up, Tac. That ridiculous, overbearing voice of yours doesn't scare me anymore."

He chuckled, his deep laugh echoing in the room like a deliberate taunt. "Fine, fine," he relented with an exaggerated sigh, though his smirk remained intact. "I'll stay in Greco's room then."

He shifted slightly, reaching for my pillow, and hugged it close like it was some prized possession. My irritation surged. The sight of him—so unbothered, so at ease—ignited a stubborn fire in me.

"Like hell you will!" I shot back, my tone sharper now. "There are plenty of spare rooms in this house. Go pick one and stay there."

Determined to reclaim my space, I marched over to the bed, grabbing his arm in an attempt to yank him off. But Tac, ever the infuriating figure, didn't budge. Instead, he grinned, deliberately making himself heavier. I pulled harder, planting my feet firmly for leverage, but he leaned back with deliberate resistance.

And then it happened. My footing slipped, and before I could catch myself, I toppled forward—straight onto him.

Time seemed to slow as the air around us shifted. I found myself sprawled across his chest, his hands instinctively settling on my waist to steady me. His smirk faltered, replaced by something softer, something that made my stomach twist in ways I didn't want to admit.

The playful glint in his eyes was gone, replaced by a depth that unnerved me. It was too intimate, too raw. His face was so close to mine, and for a fleeting moment, I forgot to breathe. The world outside my room disappeared, leaving only the quiet rhythm of his breathing and the maddening heat of his gaze.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt."

The sound of Greco's voice shattered the moment like a stone through glass. I scrambled to push myself off Tac, my face burning as I turned to the doorway. Greco stood there, his expression unreadable, though his gaze lingered on the two of us for a moment too long.

"I've set up a room for you in my place," he said to Tac, his tone measured and calm. His eyes flicked to me, sharp and assessing. "Can we talk?"

Tac leaned back against the headboard, clearly unbothered by the tension, and waved us off with a dismissive gesture. "Don't mind me," he drawled.

I huffed, glaring at him one last time before brushing past Greco to follow him downstairs.

The living room felt heavier than usual, the dim lighting casting long shadows on the walls. Greco stood with his back to me for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. When he turned, his expression was both vulnerable and resolute.

"I need to apologize," he began, his voice quiet but firm. "For lying to you. Again and again."

His words took me off guard. "What are you talking about?" I asked, frowning in confusion.

He took a step closer, his gaze locking with mine. "I remember everything, NM," he said softly.

The room felt like it tilted under my feet. I stared at him, the weight of his admission crashing over me like a tidal wave.

"I never forgot," he added, his voice steady but tinged with guilt. "Not once."

My heart clenched painfully. All this time, I had believed him when he said he didn't remember—the distance, the confusion, the pain I had buried—it all came rushing back like a flood.

"Why?" My voice trembled with anger and hurt. "Why would you lie about something like that?"

Greco stepped closer, and before I could retreat, he pulled me into his arms. His embrace was firm, his warmth enveloping me like a shield against the storm brewing in my chest. I wanted to push him away, to demand answers, but his trembling breath against my hair stopped me.

"Tac and I talked earlier," he murmured. "I'm not safe here anymore. Mera... they're still looking for me. And when they find me, they won't hesitate to kill me."

His words sent a chill down my spine. I pulled back slightly to look at him, and the vulnerability in his eyes made my heart ache. The realization of what he was saying hit me like a punch to the gut.

"You're leaving again," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't answer. Instead, he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. The tenderness of the gesture made my chest tighten painfully.

"I'll come back for you," he said, his voice breaking. "I promise."

A single tear slipped from the corner of his eye, landing on my cheek. I didn't want to believe him, didn't want to cling to a promise that felt so fragile. But as I looked into his eyes, I saw the weight of his words, the sincerity behind them.

And for now, that had to be enough.