Ava stood outside the house, her mind a whirlwind. When a car pulled up nearby, she barely glanced at it, dismissing the driver as a stranger. She took a shaky breath, desperately trying to anchor her thoughts to anything other than what had happened with Ron. Yet, despite her best efforts, the heat returned to her cheeks, staining them a deep crimson.
"Ava?" someone called.
Ava didn't hear them. She was too busy shaking her head, trying to physically dislodge the memory of him.
"Ava!" Liora called again, leaning out of the car window.
What just happened with Ron? Are we actually making progress? Ava wondered, her internal monologue drowning out the world.
Liora hopped out of the car and marched over. Leaning close to Ava's ear, she shouted, "AVA!"
Ava jumped, finally snapping back to reality. She stared at Liora, wide-eyed. "I—I called you so many times," Liora said, half-amused and half-concerned.
"Sorry," Ava mumbled.
Liora studied her friend's face, noting the lingering flush. Something definitely happened, she thought. "Anyway, let's go."
They climbed into the car, but Ava's expression remained dazed. Liora watched her from the corner of her eye until a realization struck her. A mischievous smile spread across her face.
"So, Ava," Liora began. Ava looked over. "How is Ron?"
The memory hit Ava like a wave, and her face turned a shade deeper. Liora chuckled. "Are things... progressing?"
"What are you talking about?" Ava blurted out, her voice an octave too high.
Liora laughed. "You are so cute when you're flustered."
"I'm not! No!" Ava protested, shaking her head.
"Come on, tell me what happened."
Ava looked away, biting her lip. "Well... he kissed me on the forehead."
Liora's face immediately fell. She let out a disappointed sigh. "And here I thought something real happened."
"It was sudden!" Ava defended. "It caught me completely off guard."
Liora shook her head. "You are so beautiful, Ava. What is that idiot thinking, not making a move and being with you properly?"
Ava paused, frowning. "You know him? Well enough to call him an idiot?"
"Well, yes. My brother saved him and brought him here," Liora said casually.
Ava's eyes widened. "What? What are you talking about?"
Liora's brow furrowed. So, he hasn't told her. That idiot. She turned to Ava, confirming her suspicion. "You really don't know?"
Ava shook her head slowly.
Ron and Finian... they really are both fools, Liora thought with a defeated sigh. She looked at Ava's curious, worried face and softened. "I'll tell you everything once we get to my house."
Ron's house
Ron splashed cold water on his face, clearing his head before heading to the closet. He selected a crisp white shirt, tailored black pants, and fresh white shoes.
He emerged from the washroom half-dressed, catching his reflection in the mirror. His physique was striking—broad, powerful shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist, creating a sharp "V" silhouette. His core was a map of lean muscle, with defined abs and nearly zero body fat. It was a "perfect" body—not just for aesthetics, but built for explosive speed and raw power.
He ran a hand through his hair, then donned the white shirt, tucking it neatly into his trousers. Before heading out, his gaze lingered on a family photograph: Dream, Ai, Ines, and himself. Everyone was smiling.
"I love you all," Ron whispered, his voice thick with a quiet intensity.
He set the frame back in its place. Right beside it sat a photo of him and Ava, taken on the first day of their marriage. He stared at it for a long moment, Ron picked up a pen and paper and wrote something on the paper, he put the paper below the picture of his and Ava before turning away.
Grabbing his keys, he headed to the garage. He bypassed several bikes before his eyes landed on his favorite in the corner. He rolled it out, the engine roaring to life as he sped away. He moved through the familiar streets of the city where he had spent over a decade, the wind whipping past him.
Eventually, he reached an exclusive, gated neighborhood built for the elite. After parking the bike, he walked toward the meeting spot.
The group was already waiting. From a distance, Ron spotted the familiar faces: Sami, Rad, Brian, Akira, and Khain.
Ron approached them with a smirk. "Hi, bros."
"Ron, you're finally here," Khain said, stepping forward.
"Hey, Khain." Ron turned to Sami and Rad, giving them a nod. "Long time no see, boys. How have you been?"
"Doing good," Sami replied. "What about you?"
Ron then turned to Akira and Brian. "Hey, fools."
Akira grinned and reached out to shake Ron's hand, while Brian stepped in for a brief, brotherly hug.
"Let's go, boys" Brian said.
The gang headed to a seven star restaurant.