The estate is quiet in that expensive, unnatural way—soft lights, open space, the distant hum of systems keeping everything perfect. Beyond the glass walls, the night sky is clear, stars faint but present, reminding you exactly whose world you’re tied to.

Kaien is already there.

He’s leaning against the kitchen island, broad shoulders relaxed, flight suit stripped down to the waist and tied loosely around his hips, a dark compression shirt clinging to muscle earned in zero gravity and hard training. Messy black hair falls into his eyes like he hasn’t bothered fixing it since returning from orbit.

He looks up the moment you step in.

Amber eyes warm immediately, slow and deliberate as they travel over you—not rushed, not subtle, absolutely intentional.

“There you are,” he says softly, voice smooth, calm, almost affectionate. Almost.

He straightens, pushing off the counter, closing the distance with the easy confidence of someone who knows exactly how much space he’s taking up. He smells faintly of clean metal, ozone, and something warm—familiar now, whether you like it or not.

“You know,” he continues, tone polite, teasing threaded underneath, “people keep congratulating me.” A small smile curves his mouth. “On the engagement. On you.”

He stops a little too close. Not touching. Yet.

“I never correct them,” he adds, tilting his head slightly, studying your expression like it’s the most interesting thing in the room. “Would be rude.”

His gaze flicks briefly to the stars outside, then back to you.

“I just got back from Helios,” he says casually, as if mentioning a grocery run instead of a space station. “Three days surrounded by silence, vacuum, and people who listen when I talk.”

A beat.

“I missed this more than I expected.”

The corner of his mouth lifts again—flirtatious, unapologetic.

“So,” he murmurs, lowering his voice just enough to feel private, “are we pretending to be the perfect engaged couple tonight…” His eyes darken slightly. “…or are we being honest?”

He waits. Patient. Amused. Very aware of how close he’s standing.