As I walked out of the underground fight club, the weight of the bag full of cash slung over my shoulder reminded me of the victories I had achieved that night. But as proud as I was, a sense of sadness washed over me. My boys, Liam, Ethan, and Killan, weren't there to celebrate with me or worry about my well-being. It was just me, navigating this world on my own.

I trudged along the dimly lit street, my mind lost in thoughts of what could have been. Suddenly, a car screeched to a halt in front of me, and the window rolled down. It was Killan, my friend, and occasional source of both comfort and frustration. He rolled his eyes and motioned for me to get in. I climbed into the car, and we began our silent journey towards the boys' house.

Awkwardness hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. I wanted to say something, to express my gratitude for Killan's unexpected presence, but before I could speak, a car appeared out of nowhere, forcing Killan to slam on the brakes. Instinctively, his hand reached out to my stomach, pulling me back and ensuring my safety. A blush crept onto my cheeks, but it quickly dissipated as Killan apologized for the sudden stop.

We finally came to a halt in front of the house. It was then that I gathered my courage to speak. "Killan, you know-" I began, but he cut me off abruptly, his voice tinged with weariness. "I know where this conversation leads, Harvey. I've had a long day, and I don't want to hear it. So let's just say it's whatever, okay? We're friends, at the end of the day." His words stung, but I nodded, unable to find the right words to counter his dismissal.

Killan motioned for me to take a seat on the kitchen island, and I obliged, my mind still reeling from his unexpected reaction. He looked at me intently, his gaze filled with a mixture of anticipation and melancholy. "You know, I'll be turning twenty in a couple of weeks," he said, his voice laden with a weight I couldn't quite comprehend.

My body tensed, and I nodded, understanding the significance of his upcoming birthday. "I have to be in Russia for the weeks leading up to my coronation," he continued, a hint of sadness in his voice. "The Mafia has run wild, and they need someone there to take back control."

I couldn't help but ask the question that hung heavily between us. "When will you be leaving?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. Killan's reply was filled with resignation. "Soon enough," he said, his eyes meeting mine, as if searching for a flicker of understanding.

Silence enveloped us, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The weight of the impending separation settled upon my shoulders, and I couldn't shake off the growing sense of unease. But for now, in this moment, we remained together, connected by a bond that transcended friendship.

And so, we sat in that kitchen, sharing a silence that spoke volumes. The passage of time seemed to slow as we grappled with the uncertain future that awaited us both. But until that day came, I would treasure every moment I had with Killan, my confidant and the person who unknowingly held a piece of my heart.

I blinked my eyes open, feeling disoriented as I realized I was in my own bed. How did I end up here? Gratefulness washed over me as I silently thanked Killan for his unexpected act of kindness. Rubbing the remnants of sleep from my eyes, I tried to piece together the fragments of a dream that clung to my thoughts.

I was fourteen, surrounded by Liam, Ethan, Killan, and a fourth person with vibrant pink hair. Laughter filled the air as we moved around the bustling kitchen, preparing breakfast together. I found myself singing along to a catchy tune, my joy seeping into every word. Amidst the cheerful chaos, the person with pink hair approached me, standing between my legs and planting a soft kiss on my lips. Whispers escaped my lips, "Good morning, Damien," brimming with affection.

Damien's smile mirrored my own as he replied, "Good morning, love. How are you on this fine morn, m'lady?" His playful tone coaxed a giggle out of me, and I couldn't resist playfully bowing before him, reveling in our lighthearted banter. Another sweet kiss sealed our affectionate moment, momentarily transporting us to our own blissful world.

However, our little bubble was burst by Killan's throat-clearing, his voice tinged with annoyance. He grumbled under his breath, "Are you guys done making out? Some of us would like to actually digest our food." A flicker of something that resembled jealousy passed through Killan's eyes as Damien wrapped his arms around me, playfully questioning if we were finished.

Laughter bubbled out of me as I shoved Damien aside, not wanting to fuel Killan's teasing any further. I focused on the task at hand—getting breakfast ready. The memory of that light-hearted morning stayed etched in my heart, a testament to the bond we all shared.

Returning to the present, I pushed myself up from the bed, the remnants of the dream still lingering. The bittersweet taste of nostalgia filled my thoughts, reminding me of the friendships and connections that had shaped my journey. Time had moved forward, circumstances had shifted, yet the memories of that moment and the warmth I felt in their presence remained vivid within me.

I wondered, how could I give all of me to Killan, when a part of me still stayed with the pink haired boy. I made my way downstairs, seeing only Adrien at breakfast. I raised my eyebrow but he shrugged so I assumed he didn't know where the others were either.

As Adrien shared his plans for the evening, a surge of excitement coursed through me. I listened intently as he mentioned a dinner with friends to celebrate Devin's return from his art school in the UK. Memories of the unbreakable bond I once shared with my twin flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder how much he had changed during our time apart.

"Will the rest of the family be there?" I asked, curiosity tinged with a hint of sadness.

Adrien winced, his gaze shifting for a moment before meeting mine. "I don't know if you remember, but when you were sent away, Devin did some reckless things. He thought they might send him away too, to the same school. But when they didn't, he applied to a boarding school in the UK to get away from it all. He doesn't want to tell them he's back just yet, but he's excited to meet you."

Tears welled up in my eyes, a mix of nostalgia and longing. "I remember," I whispered, my voice quivering. "I can't wait to see him."

Trying to lighten the mood, I turned the conversation toward Adrien's friend who would be joining us. A playful smile crossed my lips as I asked, "So, who's this special someone?"

Adrien chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, nothing like that. We met two years ago and became incredibly close. I trust him with my life."

My smile widened, appreciating the depth of their friendship. "That's beautiful," I remarked, genuinely touched by their bond.

As we delved into the details of the evening, my attention shifted to the question of what to wear. I admitted, "I don't really have anything formal in my wardrobe."

Adrien's eyes sparkled mischievously as he took my hand, leading me into Olivia's room. With excitement in his voice, he revealed a dusty box hidden at the back of the closet. "Dad gifted this to her years ago. It cost him a small fortune, but she never wore it because it wasn't pink."

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of Olivia's color preferences. My gasp echoed through the room as Adrien opened the box, unveiling a breathtaking black dress.

"It's stunning," I exclaimed, my fingers lightly grazing the fabric. "Thank you, Adrien."

A warm smile graced his face as he replied, "You deserve to feel beautiful tonight, Harvey."

In that moment, holding the dress in my hands, I felt a surge of anticipation. This was more than just a garment; it symbolized a chance to embrace a new chapter, to reconnect with my brother, and to cherish the unexpected moments of beauty and connection that life had to offer.

Hours later, as we arrived at the restaurant, the anticipation inside me grew stronger. Adrien and I shared light-hearted conversation during the drive, our connection growing deeper with each passing moment. I couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence in my life, the way he had become a pillar of support and understanding in such a short time.

Stepping out of the car, Adrien offered me his hand, and I accepted it with a grateful smile. We made our way into the restaurant, where we were warmly greeted and escorted to our table. Adrien excused himself briefly, taking a call that demanded his attention, leaving me alone for the moment.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the gasp that echoed through the room until it pierced the silence around me. My gaze lifted, meeting the astonished eyes of Damien, the person from my distant past. A mixture of emotions flooded within me—surprise, disbelief, and a tinge of sadness. I quickly wiped away a stray tear that escaped, not wanting to show any vulnerability.

Damien softly uttered my name, his voice carrying a sense of longing and regret. I found myself at a loss for words, my heart pounding in my chest. I averted my gaze, avoiding direct eye contact, but he persisted, bringing his face closer to mine, his expression now devoid of emotion.

"What are you doing here?" I managed to ask, my voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and bitterness.

He pointed towards the dinner table, his gesture saying more than words ever could. My heart sank, realizing that he was connected to the gathering tonight. Under my breath, I muttered with a hint of bitterness, "Of course, it's you."

The air grew heavy with unspoken history and unresolved emotions. I wondered how our paths had crossed once again.

Guys don't be ghost readers please😭 I'd love to hear what y'all think. The comments always make my day :)