The room was quiet, the air thick with memories.
Arden sat on the bed, staring at his mother's photo. He traced her face with his fingers and whispered,
"Mom… I'm here, in Verrin City. The place I swore I'd never return to."
He switched off his phone and lay back, closing his eyes for a moment — but then, *knock… knock…*
The sound snapped him upright.
Arden frowned, stood up, and walked to the door.
When he opened it, his entire body froze.
"You… you're here?" he breathed, eyes widening.
At the doorway stood his "stepbrother, Cian Raze", wearing that same arrogant smile Arden remembered too well.
"Surprise, little brother," Cian said smoothly before pulling him into a sudden hug.
Arden's arms hung stiff at his sides; his mind went blank.
"You… Cian… how—"
Cian chuckled, stepping back, eyes glinting.
"You're wondering how I found you, right? Come on, Arden, you seriously forgot?"
He tapped his temple. "This is "my city". I know who comes in, who goes out. You should've remembered your nickname, *Kai*."
Cian grinned wider. "Anyway, are you going to let me in, or should I enjoy the view from the hallway?"
Without waiting for a reply, Cian strolled inside like he owned the place.
Meanwhile, across the verrin city, in a small kitchen, **Grandma** was busy cooking breakfast while **Grandpa** prepared green tea at the table.
Foot steps rang loudly.
"Who could that be?" Grandma muttered, wiping her hands and walking to the door.
The moment it opened, a tall young man stood smiling at them — "Cian Raze".
His eyes sparkled with recognition.
"Hey! Grandpa, Grandma!" Cian shouted cheerfully.
They both stared in confusion.
Grandpa blinked. "Do… we know you, young man?"
Cian tilted his head and gave a smug smile.
"Oh right, how could you recognize me? I didn't grow up here like "Kai" did."
He took a step forward, lowering his tone.
"Anyway, I'm "Cian Raze" — your eldest son "Smiol Raze's"* son."
The words struck like lightning.
Grandpa and Grandma exchanged stunned glances.
"What… you're Smiol's…?" Grandma whispered.
Cian nodded proudly.
"Yes, Grandma. I'm your grandson — "Cian Raze."
And with that, both of them rushed forward, tears in their eyes, pulling him into a long, trembling hug.
After a long, silent hug, Cian finally stepped back and smiled faintly.
"Grandpa, Grandma… I've missed your cooking so much. Grandma, can you please make your special fried rice and egg ramen? And Grandpa, your green tea — I still remember its taste."
Cian laughed softly. "When I was fifteen, we all lived together… me and Kai used to—"
He stopped mid-sentence, the warmth fading from his voice.
A cold smile replaced it as his eyes met Arden's.
"So, Kai," he said quietly, "did you miss me?"
Arden's hands went cold. He forced a small, fake smile. "hmmm..… it's been a long time."
A little later, they all sat around the dining table.
Cian was seated beside Arden, and across from them sat Grandma and Grandpa.
The air was heavy — too quiet for a family dinner.
Cian broke the silence with an easy grin.
"Grandma, your cooking still has the same magic," he said, taking a bite. "And Grandpa — your tea's still perfect."
Grandma chuckled softly. "You're just being nice, dear. It's not that good."
Arden shook his head. "No, Cutie Pie. Your food is perfect — it always is."
Grandma expression softened as she reached over and ruffled Arden's hair.
"hmm.....Alright, alright. Prince Now eat before it gets cold."
They all shared a quiet meal, the sound of rain against the windows filling the silence that none of them dared to break.
Later that night, Arden returned to his room. He had just closed the door when he felt a presence behind him.
Before he could react, **Cian stepped in — and locked the door.**
Arden turned sharply. "What are you doing?"
Cian smiled — that same soft, dangerous smile.
Then, without warning, he pulled Arden into a tight embrace.
"I missed you kai ," Cian whispered near his ear.
Arden stiffened, trying to push him away. "Let go of me, Cian."
But Cian only held him tighter, his voice low, trembling with something unreadable.
"You didn't miss me,hmm.... did you, Kai? But I thought of you… every day. Every second."
Arden shoved him back, shouting, "Stay away from me!"
His chest ached, his hands shook, anger and pain tangled inside his heart.
Cian's smile disappeared. His eyes darkened.
"So that's it," he said quietly. "You still haven't forgotten… have you?"
He grabbed Arden's wrist roughly.
"This time, Kai," Cian whispered, voice turning cold, "I won't let you run away."
Arden's heartbeat quickened, fear mixing with confusion.
Tears filled his eyes as Cian leaned closer — not with warmth, but something darker.
"You're still the same," Cian murmured, smirking faintly.
Then he pressed a slow kiss to Arden's forehead — and smiled like a man hiding a storm.