Darryl's Pov:

It's been some days since that mission where I found out that Skeppy was- Zak... The fact is still sinking in. Part of me still can't believe it. But I must accept that that's just how it is by now. When I was asked about my mission, I revealed everything but the fact that we took off each other's masks, uncovering our identities. When I mentioned Skeppy's appearance, I made sure to mention how he could've been dressed up, even though I knew that he wasn't. I honestly never would've thought I would have done something like that. I've been loyal to TDO from day one and have not dared to lie or hide any secrets from them, other than my real name and private life. But every TDO agent doesn't reveal their true identity.

I don't know why I didn't just reveal that I knew Skeppy's true identity... Who am I kidding? I know exactly why. I've grown too attached to him. I know what the men in TDO are capable of once they find out an agent from an enemy agency's true identity. I just can't stand the thought of Zak getting hurt. I honestly didn't care if he revealed my identity to his agency, and I was pretty sure that he would tell them.

But that was what ended up shocking me the most. That he didn't reveal my identity. It has been days, and I have not yet seen a single person following, attacking, or straight up trying to kidnap me. So, I have come to the conclusion that TDA just doesn't know that I'm Badboyhalo, which means that Zak kept his mouth shut as well. Then- that must mean that something holded him back from doing so. It means that he might also care... right?

I haven't found the reason why since Zak and I haven't spoken to each other since that night during the mission. I have felt the urge to call or text him, but because of our situation, it will either be really awkward, or he'll just straight-up ignore me. So, the best choice I've got is to speak to him in person. Even though I have not asked to meet up with him, I have been going out daily to the main part of town, desperately trying to find him. I know him well enough to know his favorite stores and spots to go to, which honestly isn't that many. But he also likes to explore a bit, which makes this harder as he can literally be anywhere. But I have decided to stick with what I know, which is the main part of town.

That's exactly what I'm doing today. I'm just walking around in the main part of town, looking for Zak. After walking for what feels like forever but is actually a few minutes, I stop in my tracks once I see the man that I have been looking for. He's right in front of me, walking in my direction, but also stops in his tracks once he notices me. We keep eye contact for a few seconds. It almost seems like we have forgotten that there are multiple people walking around us. I soon snap out of my trance and stride my way over to Zak. He doesn't move as I walk over to him. He just remains still keeping eye contact with me.

Once I'm in front of him, I grab his hand and take him somewhere more private. He doesn't protest, tense up, or even retract his hand. He just stays silent and accepts what's going on. I decide on taking him into a quite narrow alleyway. There's just enough room for two people to stand a few good inches away from each other. That's how small the width is. I push Zak against the wall, pinning him to it with my hands on each side of him. I immediately ask, "Why didn't you expose my identity?"

Zak scoffs and says, "I could ask the same to you."

Of course, he figured it out as well. A whole squad of TDO agents would've come after him the next day as soon as I revealed his identity. I say, "I asked first."

Silence overcomes us for a moment. Zak sighs, looking at the ground and says, "I honestly don't know..."

More silence. He then looks up at and says, "I thought that every TDO agent would immediately jump at the opportunity of exposing someone's identity. So why didn't you?"

My breath gets caught in my throat for a moment. It's true. All TDO agents would do that, including me. But this time, I didn't. I say, "Because I didn't want them to kill you."

"So, you wanted to do it yourself?"

"No- I just can't stand the thought of you getting hurt."

For a moment, I could've sworn that I saw Zak's face flush up for a moment. But it was gone the moment I blinked. (That's because the guy has too much experience at hiding his true emotions-) More silence falls on us. It gives me time to think. I really don't want our friendship to end because of this. I don't want to lose whatever it is that we have between us. For me, the cost seems greater than losing my own job. I finally decide to say, "Alright, we know that you are Skeppy and that I'm Badboyhalo, so why don't we come to an agreement?"

Zak raises an eyebrow and asks, "What kind of agreement?"

"Let's continue being friends and promise not to expose each other's identities nor use each other to get information about the other's agency."

Zak seems flabbergasted for a moment. He then asks, "You still want to be friends with me?"

"Yes. So let's just get this over with."

"But-"

"I, Darryl Noveschosch, promise not to expose your identity nor use you to get information to benefit my job."

Zak seems taken aback for a moment from how much I'm rushing this. He's probably even more surprised that I just revealed my last name to him as well. He then gives in and says, "I, Zak Ahmed, promise not to expose your identity nor use you to get information to benefit my job."

Hearing that brings a genuine smile to my face. Though Zak doesn't smile back, it seems he's now more comfortable at my presence. He then says, "You're really desperate for us to be friends, aren't you?"

With no hesitation, I say, "Of course I am."

"But- why? Aren't we supposed to be enemies...?"

"So what? Let's not let out jobs ruin our relationship. We were just fine before we found out. Why should we let it make everything different?"

"It's just- I'm confused by your intentions. I just don't understand why you've always been so desperate for us to be friends. You continue to try so hard to ensure that we have a good relationship. Why?"

His question leaves me stunned for a moment. But I soon let a smirk spread on my lips. Zak gets visibly confused at my expression. Taking him by surprise, I lean in and close the distance by placing my lips on his. He tenses up, eyes wide with shock. I don't make the kiss too long, but I do keep it going for a few seconds. Keeping it firm yet gentle. Once I break the kiss, I smirk at his shocked reaction. I then lean into his ear and whisper out, "I used to ask myself that too. But I figured out what it is that I want, and it's you. I love you. And I'm not the type to stop fighting for what I want so easily. So I won't stop fighting for us, for your love."

I then step away, no longer pinning him against the wall. I then turn and walk out of the alleyway, letting my words linger in his mind.

(This was supposed to come out like- 2 days earlier. But it didn't because I was celebrating my birthday. I may or may not be now updating the book often since I'm going on holiday for a week. We'll see how much time I'm given to work on the book. We'll be traveling by car, so I'll try to write as much as I can during the ride since I may get too busy having fun on the holiday trip once I arrive at my destination. 😅)