He was supposed to go straight home.

But after what he had heard, his thoughts refused to settle, and somehow he found himself standing in front of the club instead.

“Phoenix? Isn’t it a bit early for you?”

He didn’t answer.

He walked in and headed straight for the dressing room.

People noticed. Of course they did. 

But no one dared to say anything.

Pierce picked up the mask and let out a slow breath, holding it in his hands longer than usual.

Is this a good idea?

There was no point in denying what Kyle knew. There was no way to avoid him. Sooner or later, he would do everything he could to cross paths with him at his uncle’s place.

A year and a half later, and you still know exactly how to get into my head. Damn it.

Pierce looked around and realized he was alone.

He slipped the mask into his backpack and reached for his phone.

*calling his boss*

The call was answered almost immediately.

“Yes, it’s me. I’m at the club, and I’ll take care of everything you asked for—but I won’t be able to perform tonight.”

(What do you mean? That’s not what we agreed on.)

“I know. But a family issue came up, and I have to deal with it tonight. No exceptions.”

(Family? The same family that turned their back on you almost nine years ago—when I took you in?)

“Don’t mix things up. How many times have I let you down in the last two and a half years?”

(You’re right. I only have one thing to point out—and even then, you kept your end of the deal.)

“So we’re agreed?”

(You can go tonight. But only after you finish everything I asked for. EVERYTHING!)

“Don’t worry. Thank you.”

The call ended

Pierce did what he had to do, and by the time he finished, it was already past 10 p.m.

Even so, he took the risk.

The key was still waiting for him at reception. He picked it up without hesitation and made a beeline for the elevator.

When he reached the suite door, he put the mask on and stepped inside.

It was dark. For a few seconds, he thought he might have arrived too late.

Then a light came on-slow and deliberate, and a figure began to take shape near the door.

“Is the mask meant to bring back memories?” Kyle asked as he moved toward him.

“Because if I was sure it was you before, now I don’t have a single doubt left—Pierce.”

They were finally face to face.

The temperature in the room seemed to rise all at once, heavy and unmistakable.

“No,” Pierce said quietly. “It’s for you to take it off. To see the face underneath.”

A pause.

“To do what you wanted to do that night.”

Pierce closed the distance even further. 

Now there was nothing between them—no space left to pretend.

Kyle lifted his hand slowly, stopping just beside Pierce’s face, close enough to feel the warmth—but without touching.

Their gazes locked, sharpening, deepening.

“P,” Kyle said quietly, “you know I won’t touch you unless you give me permission. Verbal or otherwise.”

Pierce let out a soft laugh and leaned into his hand, pressing his cheek against Kyle’s palm.

Kyle didn’t hesitate. He caressed him then, gentle and deliberate.

After a few seconds, his fingers found the edge of Pierce’s mask, and he began to pull it away.

“The mask does your eyes favors,” he murmured.

“But I’d rather see you without it.”