Leon barely stepped through the front door when he saw Kalen sitting on the edge of his living room couch, elbows resting on his knees, expression unreadable.
He hadn't even taken off his shoes yet.
"You're here," Leon muttered, locking the door behind him.
"I waited," Kalen said quietly. "I figured you'd come back eventually."
Leon sighed, rubbing his face as he stepped into the room, loosening the collar of his shirt. "Let me guess. Viper sent you?"
"No." Kalen stood. "I came on my own."
There was a pause — tension, not hostile, but heavy.
"I saw the press conference," Kalen continued. "Saw Maureen too."
Leon didn't reply.
"I know you didn't want her to kiss you. I've been around you long enough to tell when you're stiff as a board."
Leon exhaled a sharp, humorless laugh. "Then you saw Ayla too."
"Yeah. I saw the way she looked at you… and then how fast she looked away." Kalen crossed his arms. "She was hurt."
Leon leaned against the wall. "That wasn't supposed to happen. I didn't want Maureen there in the first place. I didn't even want to go."
"But you did." Kalen stepped closer. "And she saw you with someone else. You don't get how that messes with her, do you?"
Leon looked at him. "She didn't choose me, Kalen."
"That doesn't mean she doesn't still care."
"She chose Damien."
"And you gave up?"
Leon's jaw clenched. "You think I haven't tried? I chased shadows of her for months. When I found out who she really was, I moved heaven and earth to make it right. But I also hurt her. I broke up with her when she had no memories, pushed her away when she needed someone most. And now… now she remembers all of it. Every scar. Every word."
Kalen's voice softened. "I like you, Leon. I always have. I wanted you to be the one with my sister. Not Damien. I see how he looks at her, but… it's not the same. You made her feel seen. Even when she didn't know who she was."
Leon looked away. "I still love her. Even if she doesn't love me back. But I don't want her thinking I've moved on with Maureen. I haven't. I can't."
Kalen took a deep breath, then nodded slowly. "I'll talk to her."
Leon's eyes widened slightly. "You will?"
"I'll try. I can't promise anything," Kalen added. "She's stubborn. You know that. But if you still want her… I'll do what I can."
Leon swallowed hard. "Thank you."
Kalen started to walk toward the door, then stopped. "But you'll need to do something too."
"What?"
"Get rid of Maureen."
Leon didn't answer.
Kalen opened the door. "Because no matter how hurt Ayla is, she'll never walk into a fire just to get burned again."
And with that, Kalen left — closing the door behind him.