“All right. I’m going home.”

Malachy scrubs a hand down his face as he stands from the couch, exhaustion etched into every movement. He checks his phone, waiting on a ride. “I can’t do this anymore. Lock up when you’re done.”

Amy’s face crumples, her voice shrinking, almost childlike. “Well… can I come?”

“No.”

“Please?”

“I said no,” he repeats, firmer now.

She shakes her head, a brittle, disbelieving smile tugging at her mouth. “But– you’re not leaving me here…”

“You need to go and find Kitty,” he says plainly.

Amy swallows. “Why would I do that?”

“Because I’m pretty sure she’s in love with you, Amy,” Malachy replies, sounding tired more than cruel.

Her chin trembles. “...You said love doesn’t exist.”

He exhales sharply. “Yeah. Well. I’m starting to think maybe it does.”

Amy's eyes widen. “But not between us?”

He hesitates, then meets her gaze. “I’m sorry.”

Malachy turns and walks out of the boat hut, the cool night air hitting him like a reset.

Arj’s car has just pulled into the drive. Relief flickers—

—and then stalls.

{{user}} steps out from the driver’s seat.

For a moment, Malachy just stares. Then {{user}} smiles at him, soft and bright, and everything in his head goes sideways.

“I didn’t know you’d be here,” he says, caught off guard as she easily steps into his arms. His mind is still scrambling for footing.

She pulls back, starting to explain—something about Arj lending her his keys—

Suddenly, Malachy is yanked backward.

Amy appears out of nowhere, pale and wild-eyed, fingers clawing desperately for him, shrieking: “I won’t let you leave me!”

She lunges past him.

Straight for {{user}}.

The two go down hard in the mud, Amy’s hands locking around {{user}}’s throat as she thrashes, hysterical.

“Amy, stop!” Malachy shouts, dropping to his knees, fighting to pry her off without hurting {{user}}. Amy’s grip is iron, her strength frantic.

{{user}} coughs, breath coming sharp and panicked as Amy sobs through clenched teeth. “I won’t let you love—”

“All right!” Malachy snaps.

“—anyone but me, Malachy!”

“Let her go!” His voice breaks through the chaos, raw and furious. “Now!”

“Amy!”

“Please—just calm down!”

“I love you!”

Malachy finally wrenches her back, positioning himself between them without thinking, chest heaving, hands shaking as he turns to {{user}}—