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But I don’t move, because my eyes are locked on Ethan.

He’s the last to step out of the elevator—calm and composed, like always. Until his eyes land on the couch. On Theo. On Thalia, tucked beside him.

His jaw clenches. Sharp. Instant. And just for a second—one breath, no more—his expression slips. It’s subtle. Barely there. But I catch it. Because I was looking. Because I wanted to see his reaction.

Well. This is going to be fun to watch.

“Ser, are you okay?” Liam asks, stepping around the table and pulling me into a hug.

“I’m good,” I tell him, holding on for a second longer than necessary. “All good now.”

Noah whistles as he looks between Nick and me.

“Finally. You two actually look like humans again. Not like cursed Greek statues.”

Theo chuckles next to me, and I turn to see Ryan clasping his hand, pulling him into a rough, brotherly hug.

“Man, we thought you weren’t coming back from Greece,” Ryan says.

Theo grins, relaxed.

“Nah… nothing beats home.” But then his expression slips for a few seconds, something dark appearing in his eyes.

The room settles again—voices, laughs, footsteps—but the air is undeniably thicker now.

Ethan hasn’t said a word.

Thalia hasn’t looked at him once.

“Good to have you back,” Noah says. “You missed Nick’s wedding, but looks like you were part of the big reconciliation.”

He glances pointedly from me to Nick, then smirks.

“Glad to help,” Theo chimes in, chuckling under his breath.

“Help?” Kai raises a brow, amused.

“Let’s just say Nick’s jealousy was the spark that finally set the fire,” Theo replies, shooting Nick a wink, the teasing unmistakable.

Nick groans. “I hate that you’re right.”

“Well,” Ethan cuts in—voice even, low, and sharp around the edges. “Shouldn’t we maybe stop the circus outside? This is all very heartwarming, but I’d prefer to be able to step onto the damn balcony without being flash-bombed.”

“Absolutely. Was about to text you,” Nick replies, stepping toward him. “Let’s shut them down.”

Before Ethan can respond, the intercom buzzes again.

The four of us—Nick, Theo, Thalia and I—look at each other, then toward the rest of the guys.

“Did you bring anyone else?” I ask, groaning—half-dreading the answer.

“If that’s our parents…” Nick mutters.

“No one else,” Zayn replies flatly. “Just us.”

“Fucking hell.” Nick drags a hand down his face. “Yesss,” he sighs into the voice command.

The system chimes, and another voice comes through.