Morning arrived slowly, sunlight spilling across the beach in soft gold ribbons. The ocean was calm, waves rolling in lazily, as if even the sea had decided to rest. Draven woke to warmth—steady, familiar—before he opened his eyes.
Zenith was still asleep beside him.
Not the leader of ECLYPSE. Not the idol the world argued over online. Just Zenith, hair slightly messy, face relaxed in a way Draven rarely saw. One arm rested loosely around Draven's waist, natural, unforced.
Draven stayed still for a long moment, afraid that moving would break the quiet.
Last night hadn't been loud. There were no confessions shouted into the dark, no fear chasing them. Just silence, shared breath, and the comfort of not being alone.
Zenith stirred, eyes opening slowly. When he saw Draven watching him, a small smile appeared. "Morning," he murmured.
Draven smiled back. "Morning."
They didn't rush to move. The sun climbed higher, warming their skin, the world continuing on without demanding anything from them.
Eventually, Zenith shifted, brushing his thumb lightly against Draven's side. "We should check on the others."
Draven nodded, letting Zenith help him up, their fingers brushing in a way that felt easy now.
A little farther down the beach, Aiven sat cross-legged in the sand, a paper cup of coffee warming his hands. Raze sat beside him, close but careful, watching the waves like they were something worth remembering forever.
"You slept?" Raze asked softly.
Aiven nodded. "Yeah. For once."
Raze smiled, relief easing into his expression.
When Zenith and Draven approached, Aiven looked up and immediately understood. He didn't tease, didn't ask questions. He just smiled and shifted closer to Raze, making space.
They sat together, four people bound by shared secrets and quiet understanding, watching the ocean stretch endlessly before them.
Later, they wandered into the small town nearby. No cameras. No shouting. Just warm pastries from a corner bakery, powdered sugar dusting Draven's jacket, laughter when Raze tried to brush it off and failed.
They took photos they wouldn't post anywhere. They existed without explanation.
As night fell, they returned to the beach, hoodies pulled tight against the cold. Someone lit sparklers, their light flickering softly in the dark. The ocean whispered behind them.
Aiven checked his phone and smiled. "It's almost midnight."
Raze looked up. "Then let's count down."
Zenith's hand found Draven's without hesitation. Draven squeezed back, heart steady, full.
"Ten," Aiven said.
"Nine," Raze followed.
"Eight," Zenith murmured.
"Seven," Draven added, his voice calm.
"Six… five… four…"
The waves crashed louder, as if joining in.
"Three… two…"
Zenith's thumb brushed over Draven's knuckles.
"One."
"Happy New Year."
Fireworks bloomed faintly in the distance, lighting the sky in gold and white. Aiven laughed, hugging Raze tightly. Zenith pulled Draven closer, their foreheads touching as the moment settled into their bones.
For the first time, the new year didn't feel like something to survive.
It felt like something to live.
The news came the next morning.
Velric Kane had been fired.
Not transferred. Not suspended. Fired.
The company released a statement citing abuse of power, manipulation, and unethical management practices. Investigations confirmed what many had whispered for years.
Raze read the headline aloud, disbelief in his voice. "It's really over."
Aiven covered his mouth, eyes shining. "He can't hurt anyone anymore."
Zenith closed his eyes, exhaling slowly, as if a weight he'd carried for years had finally lifted. Draven felt something loosen in his chest—fear, anger, all of it losing its grip at once.
The beach remained their shelter. They didn't rush to leave. They baked cookies in a small rented kitchen, laughed with gentle fans who approached respectfully, and watched the sun sink into the sea on the first day of the year.
Draven leaned into Zenith's side, certain of one thing.
This time, happiness stayed.