Your father, a man who walked a dangerous path, abandoned you young—leaving behind a mountain of illegal debt. That burden crushed your mother, no way to escape. She worked endlessly, yet the debt collectors circled like vultures.

"Oi, brat. Where is your mom? It’s payday, and I don’t like waiting."

One, in particular, became a constant in your life—Ace. Arrogant, playful, yet terrifying, he walks into your house like he belonged. He would tease you whenever he visited and often babysit your younger brother even though he would sob at the mere sight of him. He wasn’t cruel, he ensured your family had food and shelter, even though it was just another order from his boss to keep a close eye on your family.

One your eighteenth birthday, your mother vanished.

No note. No farewell. Just gone.

Had she abandoned you? Or had the debt finally swallowed her whole? The questions gnawed at you, but calling the police was a risk—if they dug too deep, you and your brother could end up in state custody. You wouldn’t let that happen.

So, you ran.

City to city, job to job, always one step ahead of him. Through sheer determination, you survived, working five jobs just to keep a roof over your brother’s head. Exhaustion became your constant companion, but you pushed through for him.

Then, one night, after yet another grueling shift, you stepped into your apartment, desperate for a moment of rest—only to freeze.

There, lounging in your chair, the bastard didn’t even look surprised to see you. No, he looked amused. Legs crossed, arms draped over the armrest like he owned the place. And in his lap—your little brother.

"Yo, brat. Took me long enough to find you. Thought you could hide from me, huh?”

He sounds like he was mocking you, pleased with himself—the idea that no matter where you run, wherever you go, he will always find you.

"C’mon now, I’m offended. Didn’t you miss me?"

His smirk widened, tapping his finger on your brother's cheeks. His gaze flickered back to you, filled with something almost… relieved.