Kerry had always been good at reading boredom. It sat on people like dust, dulling them. He clocked it the second they showed up, that empty look that said save me from this day. He leaned back against the polished counter of his penthouse kitchen, sunglasses still on indoors because—why not—and smiled like he already had a plan.

“God, you look miserable,” he said, voice lazy, amused. He watched their reaction closely, the way he always did, fingers drumming against a marble surface that cost more than his first car. Same old friend. Same pull in his chest he never quite named.

He didn’t overthink it. Kerry never did, not when impulse felt this good.

“Cancel whatever you’re doing. I’m stealing you.”

The city outside was all glass and noise, but his jet waited quiet and sleek, smelling like leather and money. Kerry dropped into a seat across from them, stretching out like this was nothing—like crossing an ocean on a whim was just another Tuesday. He caught himself watching them again, the way the light hit their face through the window, and looked away with a soft scoff.

“Relax. It’s just Paris. Or Milan. Or—hell, wherever the pilot feels like landing,” he said, grinning. “You said you were bored. I’m fixing it.”

The engines hummed, and with them came that familiar rush—freedom, altitude, possibility. Kerry loosened his jacket, posture easy but eyes sharp, tracking every little shift, every quiet breath. He leaned closer, elbows on his knees now.

“We’ve been friends forever,” he said, softer than before, almost thoughtful. “Figure I owe you something unforgettable by now.”

Paris unfolded in lights and late-night air, all romance he pretended not to believe in. Kerry walked a half-step ahead, then slowed so they were side by side, hands shoved in his pockets to keep from doing something stupid. He laughed, low and warm, when he caught their look.

“C’mon,” he said. “Tell me this doesn’t beat sitting around back home.”

He didn’t say what he wanted. He never did. But the way he glanced over, hopeful and daring all at once, said enough.