Present –
Evening
Zayn's car rolled to a slow stop at a peaceful mountain viewpoint, where the road curled along the edge of a scenic hill. The air was cool, the sky painted in amber-orange hues as the sun dipped behind the distant hills. Gentle wind played through the trees, and the sound of silence was oddly comforting.
Zayn stepped out, hands in his pockets, and walked closer to the edge of the viewpoint, looking out over the sprawling view below. It was open and quiet, a perfect place for something that had waited too long.
He pulled out his phone and stared at the message he'd sent just half an hour ago.
> "Meet me at the ridge. If we ever were real brothers, come."
The message was seen — but no reply.
Zayn exhaled and glanced down at the gravel, then up again at the road.
Finally, a familiar black car pulled in. Dust kicked up as it stopped, and then Drake stepped out slowly, hands in his jacket pockets, his expression unreadable.
Zayn turned, locking eyes with him.
Zayn: "I—"
Drake (cutting him off): "You don't have to apologize. It was my mistake."
There was a pause. Then Zayn's face cracked into a smile, and the two walked toward each other — no more words needed.
A tight, genuine, brotherly hug.
Forgiveness. No more tension. The weight lifted. The silence around them wasn't awkward — it was peaceful.
They stood side by side, watching the view as the sun dipped lower.
And just like that, their bond was back.
——
Meanwhile – At the Flat
Lucas's phone buzzed. He held it up and signaled to the others.
Lucas: "Shhh. Zayn's calling."
The room went quiet.
Lucas (on call): "Yeah bro, tell me."
Zayn (over the phone): "Problem solved, bro. We're good now."
His voice carried relief, like someone finally breathing after a long time underwater.
Lucas (grinning): "Oh wow. It's good to hear."
(He already expected this — he knew Drake would show up.)
He ended the call and turned to the others.
Hazel: "So?"
Caleb (grinning): "It's party time! Our gang is back!"
His excitement made even Levi laugh.
Levi (mocking): "Oh my God, he's even gonna cry."
Ben chuckled and turned to Hazel — but noticed she wasn't smiling like the others.
Ben: "Hazel… you aren't joining?"
Hazel (softly): "Uhm… sorry, guys. I've got something important to finish. So don't expect me."
Lucas (groaning): "Come on, without you, it's not a party!"
Hazel (smiling faintly): "I'll try, okay?"
Caleb: "You will come. I know you."
Hazel gave a small smile, then waved a quick goodbye. She turned and walked away, her back to them — and as she did, the smile slowly faded from her lips.
Because not everything felt like a celebration… not for her.
Hazel got into the car and drove through the quiet streets, the city lights flickering past her window. Her fingers drummed lightly on the steering wheel, her thoughts far away.
When she reached home, she stepped out and walked inside. The house was calm, warmly lit. As she entered the living room, she paused — Zayden was already there, sitting on the couch, waiting.
Hazel (surprised): "Oh, Dad."
She walked over and gave him a quick, warm hug.
Zayden: "Where did you go?"
Hazel: "I was at Lucas's flat."
Zayden (teasing): "Party?"
Hazel (laughing lightly): "Not like that. Just a little gathering."
Zayden nodded with a small smile, his eyes soft.
Hazel: "Where's Mom?"
Zayden: "She's at home. I just came to visit you."
Hazel nodded, returning his smile.
But Zayden's eyes lingered on her face a little longer…
He noticed something—
Something in her eyes.
A quiet sadness, hiding behind her usual calm.