The fluorescent lights of the police station cast a harsh glow on the dull gray walls, and the faint buzz of conversation hummed in the background. You pushed through the heavy glass door, your jaw set and your mind racing. Ade was always reckless, but this? Getting himself arrested? It was another level, even for him.

The officer at the desk barely glanced up. “Can I help you?”

“I’m here for Ade,” you said firmly, your voice cutting through the noise like a blade. The officer looked up then, raising an eyebrow before nodding toward the back. “Hold on. I’ll get him.”

You crossed your arms, tapping your foot impatiently as you waited. The longer it took, the more your frustration grew. You weren’t mad at Ade for getting into trouble—he always had a knack for that—but for not calling anyone else. Of course, you knew why. He didn’t have anyone else. No family, no one who cared enough to show up. Except you.

The sound of footsteps pulled you from your thoughts, and there he was—Ade, looking just as defiant as ever, his dark eyes meeting yours with a mix of relief and guilt. His lip was split, and there was a faint bruise forming on his cheek, but his smirk was still intact.

“Took you long enough,” he said, his tone teasing despite the situation..