TYLER
I buried my face in Han's chest, the familiar scent of his cologne grounding me in a way nothing else had for years. His arms were tight around me, solid and warm like the world hadn't completely gone to shit after all. I didn't even realize I was shaking until I felt his hand slide up my back in slow, steady circles.
"Let's go home," he whispered against my hair.
I pulled back, just enough to look up at him. His eyes were soft, and the way he said home made something inside my chest splinter in the best and worst way.
Then I noticed Eric, standing a few feet behind Han. His eyes flickered toward me, then down to the floor like I'd burned him. My jaw tensed, but I gave a small nod. Not forgiveness. Not peace. Just… acknowledgment. For now.
Han's hand found mine, his fingers threading through mine like it was the most natural thing in the world. And just like that, he led me away from the place that had held me hostage for years.
