Riven’s leaning on the balcony railing, the city lights below. Kael walks out with two mugs of tea. Kael hands him one “you were good back there.” Riven smiling softly “thanks. I only rehearsed every possible version of that conversation for three years.” Kael leans beside him “you didn’t just survive that school, Riven. You outgrew it.” Riven quietly “i think i just got tired of bleeding for things that weren’t my fault.” Kael turns to him, serious “if anyone makes you bleed now... I’ll ruin them.” Riven smirks up at him “that’s your love language, huh? Violence.” Kael grins slightly “no. Just vengeance. Love’s different.” Then the door bangs open — loudly.

Darian walking in like he owns the place “you didn’t lock the door. So rude to not expect me.” Kael deadpan “i did. You picked it.” Jace holding a bag of takeout “we brought food, chill.” Riven to Kael, mock whisper “are they always like this?” Kael sighs “yes. Unfortunately.”

They all pile onto the couch. Darian starts scrolling through Kael’s bookshelf.

Darian grinning “wait—Riven reads poetry? Is that what the broody eyeliner was hiding?” Riven throws a pillow at him “touch one more book and i’ll glue your fingers together.” Jace teasing “oooh, he fights back now. I like this version better.” Riven responded “yeah? I like this version of you less.” Kael watching the chaos unfold, sipping tea. Peace lasted three days. That’s a new record.”

And then—

Darian suddenly noticing Kael’s gaze lingering on Riven “oh my god. You’re soft. Look at you. Smiling. Is this... Affection?” Kael glaring “you’ll be smiling through broken teeth if you keep talking.” Jace grinning “confirmed, Kael has a weakness, and it’s 5’8”, grumpy, and financially cursed.” Riven burying his face in his hands “why did i ask for this.”

Jace crossed his hands, smug face " Now you know how to be gay" Darian laughed, over reacted. “ I thought it was only us”

Kael and Riven are stable now, their bond stronger. Darian and Jace start becoming chaotic with Riven again in that “we still kind of insult you but also we’ll fight anyone for you” way banter, late-night food, group sleepovers, overcompetitive card games soon to follow - they’re not perfect, but they’re becoming something close to home.

[ Kael's jealousy is activated]

Inside Kael's living room, casual movie night. Riven’s curled up on one end of the couch, Darian sits too close, sharing popcorn. Kael walks in from the kitchen — and sees it.

Darian grinning at Riven “so wait, you’re saying you’ve never kissed someone under fireworks? That’s criminal. Want me to fix that for you?” Riven half-laughing “Darian, you flirt with anything that blinks.” Jace on his calm voice. And side eye, Darian looked at him grinning. Kael with his cold and low toned voice. “Darian.” Darian turned and blinks innocently “what? we’re bonding.” Kael walks over, takes the popcorn bowl, and plants himself between them “he doesn’t need you for that.” Riven awkwardly whispering“...are you jealous?” Kael Under his breath “i’m possessive. It’s different.” Darian grinning “damn, ghost boss really said ‘he’s mine’ without even raising his voice.”

[drinking game gets too real]

Late night. Empty bottles. A game of "Truth or shot." Kael, Riven, Darian, and Jace — sitting in a circle. It’s chaos.

Jace asked “alright, Riven. Truth or shot?” Riven tired smile  “truth.”

“what’s one thing you regret… That still keeps you up at night?” Everyone quiets down suddenly. Riven speaking softly “letting people think i was the one who ruined them. Staying quiet. I thought silence would keep things calm. It didn’t.” Darian quietly, almost guilty “we never gave you room to explain, did we?” Riven shrugs “you were grieving your reputation. I was just... Surviving.” Kael reaches over, rests a hand on Riven’s knee — firm, grounding “you don’t have to survive anymore.”

Next round to Darian. Riven asked “truth or shot?” Darian sighs “truth. Hit me.”

Riven. Let out a deep sigh “what made you think i was guilty all that time?” Darian doesn’t dodge " Because you didn’t fight back. And if i’m honest… Blaming you was easier than looking at Jace.” Jace awkwardly nudging him “okayyy next round before we open too many wounds—” Kael said “too late.”

[threat arrives]

Next day. Riven opens a letter left at Kael’s front door. It's not from Kael’s crew — it’s from the old and small loan shark group, the one that gave Riven the debt originally.

Letter:

“the boy owes more than money. You’re not the only one interested in collecting, young boss.”

Kael rips the letter slowly, eyes burning  “they shouldn’t even be breathing near you.”

Riven sighed “this is bigger than you thought, isn’t it?” Kael already on his phone “it was never about money, Riven. They want you because of me.”