Morning light poured through the hallway windows, soft but unforgiving to the sleepless faces of both the Crimson Vultures and Wolf Marks, who were crouched in their so-called "hiding spot."
They had gathered early—far earlier than anyone wanted—to confirm the question that had plagued them all night: Did Kael spend the night in Rin's room… or his own?
Half the group looked ready to collapse. Lucas yawned so wide it was almost contagious. "Remind me again," he grumbled, rubbing his eyes, "why are we even here?"
Talon shot him a look that could cut steel. "If you didn't want to come, you didn't have to."
That shut Lucas up immediately. He crossed his arms, pretending indifference—but the truth was, he was just as curious as everyone else.
Their whispered arguments died instantly when the door to Rin's room opened. Every head turned at once. Kael stepped out of Rin's room still dressed in his pajamas from the night before, his hair slightly tousled and his expression carrying that unmistakable look of someone who had just woken up.
He shut the door quietly behind him before heading toward his own room. No one dared to breathe until the sound of Kael's door closing echoed down the hall.
Only then did Milo break the silence, her voice low but sly. "So… what do you guys think their relationship actually is?"
That question opened the floodgates. They all migrated to the living room, muttering theories like detectives piecing together a scandal.
Jax leaned back on the couch, arms crossed. "What if they're just… You know, fuck buddies?"
Every single head turned toward him. "What?" he defended, hands up. "I'm just saying—it's possible!"
Nico sighed. "Or maybe they're actually a couple."
Kade frowned. "If they are, then why do they act like strangers in front of us? If we weren't paying attention, we'd never even suspect anything."
The room fell quiet as they pondered, each lost in thought—until the very people they were discussing entered the room.
Rin and Kael walked in together, calm and composed. The shift in the air was immediate—everyone froze mid-thought, eyes darting between the two.
Rin paused, taking in their strange expressions. "What happened?" he asked flatly.
No one answered. "Nothing," they chorused, too quickly.
Rin frowned but didn't press—until he caught sight of Ari, who looked like a child caught stealing sweets. Rin walked over, stopping in front of him. Ari tried to look anywhere but at Rin.
Rin gently placed a hand on Ari's head, then tilted his chin upward. "You were acting strange last night, too. Tell me—what's going on?"
Ari's eyes darted around desperately. Behind Rin, Nico and Tobi were shaking their heads, motioning Don't say a word.
But Rin's calm, steady gaze left no escape. "Ari," he said quietly, "tell me what happened."
Ari swallowed hard. "We know," he blurted out.
Rin's brows knitted. "Know what?"
Before Ari could dig his own grave further, Lucas bolted forward, slapping a hand over Ari's mouth. "He meant—we know we're going on the rescue mission today!" he stammered, forcing a nervous laugh. "We were just… talking about that!"
Everyone turned to stare at him like he had just declared himself king of idiots. But at least he'd managed to cover for Ari.
Rin studied Lucas silently, his expression unreadable—calm, but sharp enough to make Lucas sweat. Finally, Rin sighed. "If you don't want to talk, then fine. Just don't do anything stupid. Go to the dining room."
When Rin finally left, Lucas exhaled so loudly it echoed. Milo smirked and gave him a thumbs-up. Lucas grinned—right before smacking Ari lightly on the head.
"Ow! What was that for?" Ari whined.
"For almost ruining everything, you idiot," Kanji muttered.
Lucas leaned in. "Don't tell Rin anything about this. Not a word, got it?"
Ari nodded quickly, rubbing his head.
Meanwhile, in the dining room, Rin sat down with Kael beside him. "There's definitely something going on with them," Rin said, watching the group file in one by one, all trying to act normal.
Kael took a sip of his coffee, barely glancing up. "They're acting weird, yeah. But let them be. They can't keep it hidden forever."
Rin hummed in agreement, eyes narrowing slightly. "True. They'll slip up sooner than they think."
After breakfast, Rin stood up from his chair, his calm authority instantly quieting the chatter that filled the dining room.
"Go through the plan once more," he instructed, his tone steady and commanding. "Make sure every man knows his position and movement routes. We can't afford a single mistake tonight."
Everyone straightened in their seats, nodding in unison. The air shifted—no longer light or playful, but sharpened with purpose. Kael rose beside Rin, his hand brushing lightly against the Omega's as they exchanged a glance of understanding. Without another word, Rin turned toward the door, and Kael followed.
Rin and Kael stepped out together, heading for Eric's quarters to collect additional suppressants for Rin. With the upcoming mission, they couldn't afford any mishaps—extra protection meant fewer risks and one more layer of certainty in a night full of uncertainties.
As soon as the door closed behind them, the silence they left behind cracked into hushed murmurs. Rowan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, and whispered, "Alright, tell me I'm not the only one dying to know what's going on between those two."
Ari nodded immediately, eyes wide. "Exactly! If they really are... You know, if we work together, then this could affect all of us. They're our leaders. It's practically our future on the line!"
Talon sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, but even he couldn't deny the curiosity burning in the room. Milo folded her arms and said softly, "Then it's settled. After tonight's mission, we will keep a strict eye on them. If there's something between them, we'll find out."
Everyone exchanged firm, determined looks—like soldiers preparing for a different kind of battle entirely. The war tonight would be against their enemies... but afterward? It would be the battle to uncover the truth between Rin and Kael.