POV: Saval
The sky was still dark when I left the house. The streets had that silence which only exists before dawn. It was too early, but I couldn't stay in bed any longer.
Last night's call was still on my mind. A voice warning Semiel to take care of me… It's obvious: Santiago or Xavier. Or both.
I clenched my fists inside my jacket pockets. I won't let them manipulate us again.
I arrived at our usual café. The barista was just putting the chairs down on the floor. I ordered a coffee to go and sat in a corner. The hot drink couldn't clear away my unease.
Semiel. He's probably as unsettled as I am. Maybe he's already left his house.
I pulled out my phone. —I'm here, at the corner café. Come if you want,— I wrote.
The reply came in less than a minute. —On my way. We need to talk.—
When he walked in, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his hair still damp, I felt a mix of relief and anger. Relief because he was okay. Anger because someone wanted to steal this calm from us.
—You got here fast,— I said, standing up.
—Didn't sleep much,— he replied. He sat down across from me and propped his elbows on the table. —I can't stop thinking about that call.—
—Me neither. —I slid a cup of coffee toward him. —They're obviously trying to scare us.—
But I won't let them hurt you, I thought, looking at him.
Semiel lowered his voice. —Do you think it's Santiago?—
—Him or Xavier. Or both,— I said bluntly. —Xavier has always played both sides.—
I saw him frown. I know him; right now he's replaying every word Xavier ever said to him in the past.
—We have to get ahead of this,— he murmured. —If we wait, they'll control the pace.—
I nodded. —We can talk to Mia and David. They've been paying attention. Maybe they noticed something we didn't.—
—Yes,— he agreed, though he looked thoughtful. —But first, we have to promise something.—
—What?—
He looked up, his eyes firm. —That we won't let this drive us apart. No matter what happens.—
I felt the heat of the coffee in my hands, but what was really burning me was his determination. —That goes without saying,— I replied. —I won't let anyone take you away from me.—
And I mean it, I thought. Not Santiago, not Xavier, not anyone.
A brief silence settled between us, heavy but comforting.
Semiel took a deep breath. —We have classes today, but afterward we can meet at Mia's place. It'll be a good starting point.—
—Agreed. —I took a sip of coffee and looked him in the eye. —Semiel… make sure you tell me if anyone calls you again.—
—Same goes for you,— he answered.
We stayed like that for a while, watching each other, as if we wanted to memorize every detail before the day began. Outside, the sun began painting the buildings orange.
They can try a thousand times, I thought as I watched Semiel offer a faint smile—but they won't break what we've built.
He stood up and held out his hand to me. I took it without hesitation.
—Let's go,— he said. —I'm not letting you out of my sight for a second.—
I smiled. —Then we're agreed.—
We left the café together. The noise of the city waking up surrounded us, but in my mind there was only one certainty: the storm is coming, and this time we'll be ready.