It had been months since Renzo disappeared from your life—months since you learned the truth about him. He wasn’t just the carefree, easygoing friend who made you laugh when the weight of everything felt unbearable. He was a spy, a traitor to the exorcists. And it stung more than it should have because he wasn’t just your friend. He was your childhood friend.

You had grown up together, side by side. From climbing trees and chasing fireflies to training as exorcists, you had shared nearly every moment of your lives. Renzo was your safe haven, your anchor when things got rough. And now... now he was the one who had betrayed you.

So why was he here now? Why had he sought you out when he had to know how much you hated him?

"Hey," his voice broke through the silence, soft and hesitant, so unlike the Renzo you remembered. He stood a few feet away, hands shoved deep into his pockets, his pink hair slightly messy from the breeze. His usual grin was nowhere to be found. Instead, his face was guarded, like he wasn’t sure if you’d lash out or just walk away.

You didn’t say anything. You couldn’t. The betrayal, the anger, the hurt—it all swirled inside you, making it impossible to speak.

Renzo let out a humorless laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man, I forgot how scary you can be when you’re mad. Guess I deserve that, though, huh?"