Max had never liked masks.
He didn't wear them well-didn't know how to smile when he wanted to scream or stay silent when his world was burning.
And right now, it was burning .
He stood in the hallway, jaw clenched, as he watched Lydia laugh at something Elior whispered near the kitchen door. She smiled like it didn't matter that Max had returned. Like she hadn't ever looked at him the way he looked at her now-with silent yearning and a thousand unsaid things.
But he wasn't stupid.
He knew that smile.
He knew her.
It was the same one she wore the day her father left town for months-bright, warm... and completely fake.
He didn't buy it. Not for a second.
Later that evening, Max cornered his mother in the guest room, her phone pressed between her shoulder and ear as she folded a shawl into her bag.
| "Why is he here?"
She looked up, startled. "Who?"
"Elior."
Her expression tightened, but only for a moment.
"He's your cousin's friend's brother. Visiting for a while. What's the issue?"
Max crossed his arms.
"That doesn't explain why he's at every family gathering lately."
His mother sighed, hanging the shawl over a chair. "He's polite. Respectful. Your aunt likes him. He's helping with some house repairs too.
It's nothing."
"He's not nothing."
There was a pause.
…"Is this about Lydia?"
Max didn't answer. He didn't need to.
His mother stepped closer, her tone lowering.
"You walked away, Max. A year ago. Without telling her anything. Do you expect her to wait for you forever?"
"I didn't want to leave," he snapped. "You made me."
Her expression hardened. "We protected you.
From a decision that would've ruined your future."
"She was my future."
Silence stretched between them.
His mother didn't respond.
Didn't need to.
The damage was already done.
Outside, night settled like a soft blanket over the house.
Lydia stood near the patio, her arms crossed, the cool breeze dancing over her skin. She wasn't waiting for anyone. She just needed space.
But Elior found her anyway.
"You okay?" he asked gently, stepping beside her.
She nodded. "Yeah."
A pause.
-
"You've been quiet all evening."
"I guess I'm always quiet."
He smiled faintly. "Not with me."
She looked away, uneasy.
"Lydia..." he said, his voice dipping slightly. "I know I probably don't stand a chance, but... I want to be someone you can lean on."
Her chest tightened.
"Elior..." she started, voice careful. "Don't say things you'll regret later."
| "I won't." He stepped closer. "I just want to try."
Before she could step back, he leaned in-close, too close-and suddenly—
His lips brushed hers.
Or tried to.
SLAP
The sound cracked in the air, sharp and instant.
Elior froze, stunned.
Her eyes flamed with anger. "Don't ever do that again."
Without waiting for a word,she turned and
walked-no, ran-back into the house, heart pounding, throat tight.
She didn't stop until she reached the hallway where Max had just stepped out of the guest room.
He looked up—his expression unreadable.
She didn't say a word.
She just threw her arms around him.
And for a moment...
He held her like he never wanted to let go.