Absolutely! Starting with Chapter 5: Behind the Mask, I'll write in dual POV style—alternating between Leo's and Kieran's perspectives, or occasionally keeping a full chapter in one character's head for
(Kieran's POV)
He followed me.
I wasn't sure he would, honestly. Most people don't. Most people flinch when I look their way. But Leo Takahashi… he's not like most people.
We stopped near the back staircase, where no one would bother us. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes suspicious. "Okay, talk."
I studied him. This boy with messy brown hair and way-too-honest eyes. He should've run the second he saw that fight. Instead, he stood by me.
Why?
"I didn't ask for your help yesterday," I said flatly.
"Yeah," he replied, "and I didn't ask for you to get clobbered like a video game NPC."
I blinked. Then—almost—smiled.
He tilted his head. "Was that a smile? Or are you just fighting the urge to sneeze?"
"You're weird."
"Yeah, well… you're a walking contradiction."
We stood there in silence for a second, the tension lingering like fog. I hated this feeling. Like I owed someone something. Like I cared.
I never cared.
"I wasn't supposed to fight back," I said, surprising even myself. "That was the rule. Keep my head down. Don't stand out."
Leo looked at me with a mixture of confusion and concern. "Why?"
I hesitated. Then shrugged. "Because if I stand out, they'll find me."
"Who?"
I didn't answer.
I couldn't.
Leo didn't push. Just nodded slowly, like he accepted not knowing—for now.
"Well," he finally said, "for someone trying to lay low, you're terrible at it."
"Tell me about it."
He gave a small laugh, and for a second… it felt like warmth cracked through the armor I'd spent years welding shut.
I looked away.
"Thanks," I said quietly. "For yesterday."
Leo blinked. "Was that… an actual thank you?"
I shot him a look. "Don't get used to it."
But he smiled. And damn it… I felt it.
That crack widened.
And I wasn't sure if I could ever seal it again.