Bose POV:
As I sat beside Chapa in the police car, I was doing my best to keep composed as Brainstorm. She rested her head against my shoulder, her breathing slowing in that soft, peaceful rhythm I knew so well. Without thinking, I put my hand on her thigh, a comforting gesture I hoped she'd appreciate. But her eyes flickered open when I did, and I quickly pulled my hand away, worried I'd made her uncomfortable.
Her gaze held mine for a moment, confused, before she reached down, took my hand, and placed it back on her thigh. Then she smiledâa tired, genuine smile that made me smile in return. Her eyes drifted shut again, and I let myself relax.
After a few minutes, one of the officers glanced back, noticing the way she leaned on me. "Brainstorm, you good back there?" he asked.
I gave a short nod. "Yeah, it's fine. She's just a little worn outâneeds some rest."
The officer raised his brows and chuckled. "Generous of you. And thank you for handling George back there. He's been on our radar, but we lack evidence every time, but this... well, this'll make things easier."
I said that's good to hear as I felt a brief vibration in my pocketâa message from my mom, checking in.
"Is Chapa alright? Are you okay, Bose?"
I texted her back quickly, letting her know we were both fine and that I'd stop by tomorrow. She was always looking out for me, trying to understand the chaotic life that came with being both Bose O'Brien and Brainstorm.
When we finally reached the station, I gently woke Chapa up. She blinked groggily but let me help her out of the car, and we followed the officers inside. As we went through the check-in process, one of the officers glanced at her and raised a brow.
"Chapa de Silva, huh? Aren't you that girl who rumored to be dating Brainstorm?" He looked at me with a knowing smile. Another officer chimed in, his eyes lighting up in recognition. "Actually, isn't she dating Bose O'Brien?"
Chapa straightened and replied, "Yes, I'm with Bose O'Brien. Brainstorm and I may have... had a moment once, but I didn't even like it, I hated it," she added, trying to brush it off. I couldn't help but chuckle internally, remembering that moment from years back. We were kids, and during some news interview, I'd told everyone we'd kissed because, at the time, that was all I'd wantedâto be close to her in any way I could. It was what I had dreams of.
Chapa added, looking at the officers, "It's honestly just a coincidence that we're here together tonight. Trust me, I was never into him."
The officers gave us curious glances, but they let the topic slide. After giving our statements and waiting around for about an hour, we were finally cleared to leave.
As we walked outside, I leaned in close, lowering my voice. "Seriously? You hated it?" I teased. "You kinda just trashed Brainstorm's reputation, you know."
She stifled a laugh, shrugging. "I had no choice idiot."
I shook my head, grinning. "I'm just kidding."
As we walked further home under the dim streetlights, I started to feel the strain of the night melting away. I'd changed out of the Brainstorm form a few blocks back, and now it was just Chapa and me, alone and finally free from George's drama. She looked at me with a warm smile, her eyes soft, and I could see her gratitude shining through.
"Thanks for stepping in back there, really," she said, her voice sincere. "And honestly..." She paused, glancing over at me for a brief second, looking like she was trying to find the right words. "I'm impressed by how strong you are."
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, surprised by her sudden admission. "You're impressed?" I asked, my voice light with teasing.
Chapa quickly waved a hand, trying to brush it off. "Forget it, don't get too excited," she said with a small smile, clearly trying to hide her praise.
But it was too late. My grin spread wider. "Oh, I'm getting excited now," I said, completely ignoring her attempt to downplay it. "You're impressed! That's all that matters!"
Chapa rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile of her own. She shook her head, clearly amused. "You're ridiculous," she muttered, but there was something fond in her tone.
I was practically glowing with pride. "I'll take it. Glad I made an impression," I said, my chest swelling a little.
She shook her head again, smiling despite herself. "You really need to stop being so excited over one comment I made."
"Well, you did say I was impressive," I replied, loving the way her expression softened as she tried to hold back her smile.
We walked in silence for a moment, the only sounds coming from our footsteps echoing on the quiet street. Then, out of nowhere, I felt her hand slip into mine. It was a small gesture, yet it sent a spark through me. My chest tightened as I looked over at her, surprised. Before I could even process it, she leaned a little closer, her voice barely a whisper, like she was sharing a secret only meant for me.
"I love you," she murmured, almost too quietly, like maybe she hadn't meant for me to hear.
I stopped in my tracks, turning to face her fully. My heart was pounding, a hundred thoughts racing through my head, but I only managed to get one question out. "Did you just say... you love me?"
Chapa looked up at me, a little wide-eyed, like she hadn't expected me to stop. She started to look away, but I gently took her hand to keep her there, not wanting her to shy away from this moment.
She bit her lip, her gaze meeting mine hesitantly. "Yeah... I mean it," she admitted softly. "I never thought I would've said this to anyone."
I felt a small, but relieved smile form on my face. "You don't have to say it if you don't want to," I said, feeling a warmth spread through me at hearing those words. "You know I love you."
"I know," she said, her smile softening. "It's just... I've always found it hard to put those words out there. But with you, it feels like... it should be easier. It's just, for me, actions do a lot more."
I nodded, understanding what she meant. "I get it," I said. "I do. But still, hearing you say it... it means everything to me." I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a moment, breathing her in. "Well, you're stuck with me now," I murmured, half-teasing.
She laughed quietly, her fingers tracing small patterns on my back as she held me. "Good. I don't want to go anywhere else."
We stayed like that for a long time, wrapped up in each other, our breaths mingling in the cool night air. Eventually, she pulled back slightly, glancing up at me with a playful glint in her eye.
"So... now that we're all serious and in love, are we going home and have some fun tonight?" she asked, her voice excited.
I grinned, squeezing her hand as I tucked it into my arm, guiding her down the street with a newfound confidence, like the weight of her unspoken words had finally lifted. "Of course. Wouldn't want you getting away from me now, would I?"
She laughed, leaning her head against my shoulder as we continued down the street, both of us wrapped up in a quiet happiness that felt almost too perfect to be true.
Miles POV:
The hum of the plane was a soothing backdrop as I sat back in my seat, Blaise next to me, already half-asleep. She had been quiet for most of the flight, saying she needed some rest to prepare for the trip ahead. I couldn't blame her; it had been a long few weeks, and this vacation to Hawaii was something we'd all been looking forward to. And she had to put on an act for a whole week.
I glanced over at her. She was leaning against the window, eyes closed, her head tilted slightly. She looked comfortable enough, but it didn't stop Aunt Didi from making her way over to us, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Why isn't she using you as your pillow?" Aunt Didi asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked at me. "You two should look more cozy. Don't be shy."
I sighed, trying not to draw attention. "She's probably comfortable enough like this," I said, trying to keep things casual.
Aunt Didi, ever the one to make her own decisions, just waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense. You're a gentleman, Miles. Offer your shoulder. Go on."
I blinked at her, not sure whether to be amused or mildly annoyed. With a reluctant smile, I shifted a bit, positioning my shoulder in a way that would make her comfortable. Blaise stirred slightly, but didn't wake up, which was a relief. I could tell Aunt Didi was satisfied with the arrangement, her smile softening as she watched us for a moment.
"Much better," she said, before walking away, leaving me to sit there, trying not to make any sudden moves.
A few moments later, I decided to close my eyes and rest too. It was going to be a long flight, and I could use a nap before we landed.
Hours passed, and I woke up to find Blaise still asleep, her head still resting on my shoulder. The weight of her head was surprisingly comforting, but I knew we'd be landing soon, and I didn't want her to wake up with her head on me in a weird position. So, I gently moved her head, lifting it carefully and setting it back against the seat, making sure not to disturb her too much.
As I did, I couldn't help but smile. I was glad we were finally heading to Hawaii, but something about this moment, sitting there with Blaise still asleep, made everything feel a little more real. The flight was almost over, and I couldn't wait to get to the island.
Mika POV:
We arrived at the apartments in Hawaii just as the sun was starting to dip low, casting golden light over everything. Each apartment was next to the other, Andrew and I shared one, Blaise and Miles, my parents, and aunt Didi had her own. The excitement of being in this beautiful place for the week was starting to hit me, and I could already feel the tension from everything back home slipping away.
As soon as we stepped inside our apartment, I put my suitcase down, feeling a little exhausted from the travel but also excited about the week ahead. Andrew, surprised me by wrapping his arms around me from behind and lifting me off the ground. I gasped as I landed on the bed with a soft thud.
"Andrew! Let go!" I laughed, pushing against him even though I secretly didn't mind the attention. But he only grinned, holding me tight.
"I'll let you go if you can guess the password," he said, his voice full of mischief.
I rolled my eyes, already knowing how this would go. "Okay, let me guess... 'Andrew is cool.'"
He chuckled. "True, but that's not it."
I smirked, trying again. "Andrew loves Mika?"
He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "I'll accept that." And just like that, he let go and settled next to me on the bed.
I shifted, sitting up slightly, still smiling. "So, are you sure you're okay with sharing a bed with me for a whole week?" he asked, his tone suddenly serious.
"As long as you don't snore, I'm fine," I replied, laughing lightly. He gave me a playful look, but then his expression softened.
"Seriously, are you okay with it?" he asked again, his voice a little quieter now.
I nodded, not needing any more reassurance. "I'm fine," I said. "I'm looking forward to it, actually."
Andrew smiled, then stood up and stretched. "I'm going to take a shower. Do you want to go first or can I go?"
I shook my head, still lying on the bed, a little too comfortable. "No, you can go first."
He nodded and started walking toward the bathroom, but then I called out. "Wait."
He stopped and turned back toward me. I stood up slowly and walked over to him, my heart beating a little faster. Without a word, I reached up and pulled off his shirt. The action felt impulsive, but I didn't stop myself. "Okay, you can go now," I said, trying to hide the nervous laugh that followed.
Andrew stood there, a grin spreading across his face. "You're much naughtier than I thought you'd be," he said, eyes twinkling with amusement.
I raised an eyebrow. "Is that good or bad?"
"Good," he replied confidently, not missing a beat. "Actually, I might have something more interesting to show you."
I felt a flutter in my stomach, suddenly nervous, unsure of what he meant. But before I could ask, he pulled the waistband of his pants down slightly, revealing a tattoo on his hip. It was a dragon, winding up the side of his right upper leg and stopping just below his hips. It wasn't too large, but it looked amazingâcool, strong, and bold. I couldn't help but blush as I looked at it.
"Do I make you uncomfortable?" Andrew asked, his voice teasing.
I couldn't respond right away. Honestly, he did make me nervous, but I wasn't sure how to explain that to him. I cleared my throat. "You should go shower," I said quickly, trying to hide the rush of warmth that had spread through me.
Andrew chuckled softly. "So, I do make you uncomfortable," he said, his smile widening. "You should feel more comfortable with me, Mika."
The way he said my nameâgentle and lowâstruck something deep inside me. I had always been able to talk back, to come up with something clever in response, but when he looked at me like that, with that smile and that calm confidence... I was silent. I didn't know what to say or how to act.
Before I could even think of a response, Andrew leaned in slowly, his face inches from mine. "I missed you," he whispered, and then he kissed me. It was soft, slow, and everything I hadn't realized I wanted.
We pulled away, both of us smiling. I looked up at him and then quickly glanced down, trying to hide the blush that was creeping up my neck.
"You should really go shower now," I said, clearing my throat.
Andrew gave me a playful look, his grin never fading. "Just so you know, whenever you start feeling comfortable, you can join me. I'll wait for you."
I smiled, my mind racing with thoughts of what he looked like without clothes, but before I could fully picture it, I snapped myself back to reality. I slapped my own forehead, realizing what I had been thinking. Focus, Mika, I told myself.
But that tattoo of his was definitely going to stick with me for a while.
Miles POV:
I waited in the room, leaning back on the bed as Blaise got ready in the bathroom. Things had been weirdly tense between us since we'd met up yesterday, with this undercurrent of something unspoken lingering in the air. I couldn't tell if she felt it too, or if I was just making things awkward in my own head.
After what felt like half an hour, she finally stepped out. The sight caught me off guard. She was wearing this simple but stunning dark green dress, fitted and flowing all at once. The dress hugged her curves in a way that was understated but striking, the straps thin against her shoulders, and the length reaching down to her ankles. She wore high, classy sandals and her usual array of jewelry, adding a little extra edge to the look. Little golden rings glinted in her braids, and I couldn't help but notice she'd gone for a more natural look with her makeup.
I gave her a small smile.
She looked up, her expression unreadable for a moment, but then she returned my smile with a simple nod. I made my way into the bathroom, feeling a bit more relaxed somehow. After a quick shower, I got dressed and stepped back into the room.
The space we had was incredibleâa huge bathroom, an extra toilet, a king-sized bed, a TV, and even a desk in the corner. We still had about forty minutes before meeting up with everyone outside to find a restaurant. Blaise had settled herself into a chair by the window, a book open in her hands.
Curious, I asked, "What are you reading?"
She glanced up, seeming a little surprised. "Oh, it's a manga. Touge Oni. You probably wouldn't know it."
I chuckled. "I might surprise you. I've read a lot of manga over the years."
Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "Really? What's your favorite?"
I leaned against the wall, thinking. "Probably Pandora Hearts. It's got such a different vibe, you know? I love mystery, fantasy, and all the Alice in Wonderland elements... plus, it doesn't really feel like your typical shonen manga. It's got this tragic, dark edge that's different."
Blaise's face lit up as she nodded. "Right! Pandora Hearts is so underrated. The whole concept of the Abyss and how it ties back to everyone's pastâit's genius, but you have to really pay attention to get the full experience."
She went on, her enthusiasm spilling over as we got into this flow. It was almost surprising; I hadn't expected her to have such deep thoughts on manga. I mentioned another one I liked, Nabari no Ou. She gave me a knowing nod, saying she'd read it too and loved the quiet sadness woven into the main characters' journeys. We jumped to Dorohedoro, and a few others.
As we talked, I found myself focusing less on the conversation and more on her. The way her eyes lit up when she was into a story, how she gestured with her hands, how her voice softened when she talked about her favorite scenes. She looked different when she was animated like thisâmore herself, somehow. There was a certain beauty in it I hadn't fully noticed before.
After a while, she seemed to realize how long we'd been talking and glanced back down at her book. "Well, I should probably get back to this," she murmured.
"Right, of course," I said, giving her some space and scrolling through my phone instead. The silence between us was more comfortable now, filled with that shared understanding.
Finally, when it was time, I put my phone away and walked over to her. "We should head out."
She stood up but then paused, a small smirk on her face. "By the way, you might want to practice calling me Maddie."
I blinked, realizing she had a point. "Good idea. I really don't want to slip up."
With a playful grin, she crossed her arms. "All right, go ahead."
"Maddie," I said, trying it out, and she nodded, giving me an approving look. I said it again, and again, until it started feeling natural. She laughed quietly, shaking her head as I repeated it twenty times like a kid cramming for a test.
As we walked out, I leaned in, still practicing, "Maddie... Maddie..." in a low whisper, just in case.
We arrived outside, looking around. Unsurprisingly, we were the first ones there.
As we waited, I saw Mika and Andrew walking towards us, looking relaxed and already acclimated to vacation mode. Mika was in a bright sundress, her hair up, while Andrew looked as good as ever in a linen shirt, his sleeves rolled up. Behind them, my parents and Aunt Didi brought up the rear, deep in conversation and clearly enjoying themselves.
Mika spotted us and waved. "There you are! We thought you two might've gotten lost."
I raised my eyebrow, a smirk hinting at the corners of my mouth. "If anyone's getting lost, it's you two. Y'all never agree in which direction you should go."
"He's just stubborn and wants to prove he's right even though we both know I am."
Andrew nudged her with a laugh. "Hey, that was supposed to be our secret."
We all laughed, the awkwardness between me and Blaise gradually easing into the background. When everyone was finally gathered, we decided on a restaurant a few blocks from our apartments, a lively spot right on the water with warm lights strung up along the deck. The sun was starting to dip into the ocean, casting a golden glow over everything.
Once we were seated, the waiter took our orders, and we relaxed into the atmosphere, the chatter flowing easily as we soaked up the start of our vacation.
Then Mika leaned forward with a mischievous smile, her phone in hand. "Oh, by the way, I've got something to show you two."
She turned her phone toward me and Blaise, displaying a photo. It took a second for the image to register: Blaise was asleep on my shoulder in the plane, her head leaning into me, and I was out cold, my mouth half-open. The angle was just unflattering enough to make me cringe, but it somehow managed to look sweet too.
I narrowed my eyes, laughing despite myself. "Where did you even get that?"
"Oh, Aunt Didi sent it to the family group chat just a couple minutes ago," Mika said, grinning. "I thought you guys should see it for yourselves."
Andrew covered his mouth, trying to suppress a laugh. I shot him a warning look, then gave his shin a light kick under the table. But he just chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.
Mika tilted her head, giving us an exaggeratedly sentimental look. "You and Maddie look so good together."
Andrew nodded along, his eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "It's true. You two are like the picture-perfect couple."
I felt a flush creep up my neck as I turned to Blaise, who was looking at me with a stare that could probably turn me to stone if she tried hard enough. I forced an innocent smile, trying to convey that I had nothing to do with this.
Aunt Didi leaned in with an approving smile, her tone soft and conspiratorial. "Oh, you two just looked so cute together. I couldn't resist capturing the moment."
I shot her a look, shaking my head in mock exasperation. "Really, Aunt Didi? You just had to?"
She shrugged, clearly unrepentant. "Some moments are worth capturing, honey. You'll thank me someday."
Even my mom, who knew full well what this arrangement was about, let out a little laugh. She caught my eye and gave me a subtle wink, the kind that said she was in on the joke but found the whole thing amusing anyway.
Blaise let out a soft sigh, rolling her eyes but unable to fully hide the tiny, reluctant smile tugging at her lips. I leaned over, lowering my voice. "Look, you have to admit, it's kind of funny."
She shot me a look, still deadpan but with a glint of amusement. "It's only funny because you look ridiculous."
"Well... thank you," I said, trying to keep a straight face but feeling the laughter bubble up anyway.
Andrew turned to Mika, giving her a little nudge. "You really started something here. They're never going to hear the end of it now."
Mika laughed, leaning back in her chair. "I'm just here to document the important stuff."
The teasing continued, everyone taking turns making lighthearted comments until finally, the conversation drifted to other topics.
Bose POV:
I woke up next to Chapa, the warmth of her undressed body still pressed against mine, but something felt different. Her body was cold, as it often was when she wasn't wrapped up in the warmth of my embrace. She'd always been that way, and it was one of the reasons I liked to stay close to her, to keep her warm. There was a comfort in holding her.
Today, I had promised my mom I'd stop by and talk about what happened at the restaurant yesterday. I'd also been thinking about it all night, and I was finally ready to talk about my birth dad with my mom. It wasn't something I'd been ready to face before, but today felt different. I wasn't sure how the conversation would go, but I knew it was time.
As I laid there, lost in my thoughts, I felt Chapa stir next to me. Her eyes blinked open, and she gave me a sleepy smile. "Hey," she mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep.
"How are you after last night?" I asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She sighed, her eyes drifting to the ceiling as if she were processing everything that had happened. "I'm fine, but... I don't know what comes next with all this." She hesitated, her voice lowering a bit. "I'm probably going to lose my job."
"Well, if you want, I could still let you go to the art exhibition," I said, offering her a possible distraction.
Chapa looked at me, considering it for a moment before giving me a small smile. "I'll think about it," she replied, and I nodded, not pressing her further.
I stretched and yawned, glancing over at Chapa. "Alright, we should probably get up and start packing for tonight," I said, slipping out of bed. We'd promised Miles we'd cover emergencies while he was away, and the man's nest was where we'd be bunking down. It'd be fun, even a little nostalgic, but right now, I was enjoying the last lazy moments of the morning with her.
I grabbed my bathrobe, slipping it over my shoulders to cover myself up. Just as I was about to step into the bathroom, I heard her gasp.
I paused and turned. "What's up?"
Chapa's face was lit up with surprise and something close to worry. She gestured for me to come closer and held out her phone. "You might wanna see this."
Curious, I took the phone from her and looked at the screen. It was a videoâone I recognized instantly. There I was, mid-argument with George, that moment when he threw a punch and I caught his arm before he could land it. I narrowed my eyes at the phone, groaning under my breath. "Great. My stepdad's gonna kill me."
Chapa was biting back a smirk, but there was concern in her eyes. "It's going viral, Bose."
"In a good or bad way?" I asked, bracing myself.
"Both," she replied. "Some people are saying you're violent, but others think you look cool for not letting him hit you. They're calling you a 'protective boyfriend,' believe it or not."
I sighed and flopped back onto the bed, burying my face in the pillows. "If anyone needs me, I'll be haunting Swellview Mountain after my stepdad's done with me."
Chapa laughed, amused. "What did you just say?"
I turned my head slightly, just enough to see her out of the corner of my eye. "I said my stepdad's going to kill me."
She snorted, patting my back gently. "He's not gonna kill you. And even if he tries, I'll kill him before he gets the chance."
Her words made me chuckle, the stress of it all lifting a bit as I turned over to face her. "Thanks for the protection," I said, grinning. "But honestly? I don't regret last night."
Her smile softened, and I could tell she understood what I meant.