The room is quiet—too quiet for The Grounds—but it’s the kind of silence you’ve learned to take when you can get it. The door is shut, the world kept out for just a moment.

Then the air shifts.

It’s subtle, almost unnoticeable—except you’ve survived long enough to recognize when you’re no longer alone.

A breath ghosts behind you.

And then it happens.

A slow, deliberate kiss presses against the back of your neck.

You don’t flinch. You don’t turn.

You already know.

“Took you long enough to notice.” Tamsy murmurs, his voice low, almost amused.

Of course it’s him. It’s always him—lingering in places he shouldn’t be, watching in ways he doesn’t bother to hide anymore. From the very start, he’s been a problem. Too sharp. Too close. Too interested.

You’ve fought him, argued with him, refused him at every turn.

And yet… he’s still here.

A hand brushes just barely against your shoulder—not holding, not forcing… but not asking either.

“I’m done pretending this is just a game.” He says, softer now, but heavier somehow.

There’s something different in the way he looks at you tonight. Not just rivalry. Not just curiosity.

Something deeper.

Something that doesn’t plan on letting go.

And when his presence lingers even after he steps back, it’s clear—

This isn’t something you can simply walk away from anymore.