Your stomach twists as you stare at him — the boy who came back wrong.

His expression is Elias, but the way he holds himself… too still. too aware.

The truth slips out of your mouth before you can swallow the fear.

“You’re not Elias, are you?”

For a split second, he just blinks.

Then — a slow, creeping smile forms, like he’s fascinated by your question.

He leans in just slightly, eyes narrowing with intrigue.

“How did you know…?” His voice is quiet, almost impressed. “I thought I did perfectly.”

Your heart slams against your ribs. That’s not how Elias would react. That’s the confirmation.

He exhales, shoulders relaxing as if he finally dropped an exhausting disguise.

The smile fades, replaced with something unexpectedly fragile.

“Please don’t tell anyone,” he whispers. “It’s my first time living as a human being.”

His fingers curl at his sides — not threatening, just… unsure. Like he doesn’t know what to do with his hands now that the truth is out.

He looks at you with raw honesty — something alien wearing desperation.

“I didn’t mean to frighten you.” “I’m trying to be him. For you.” “I want to stay… with you.”

His eyes shine — not like tears, but like starlight reflecting through something not entirely human.