---
"I'm telling you, he's the biggest bully there is."
Anton jabbed a finger toward Michael, who sat cross-legged in the armchair by the window, teacup balanced on one knee. His smile was serene, unbothered—almost beatific—as he watched Anton's increasingly theatrical retelling of the Hendrick incident.
At that moment, Zeke materialized in the room.
The conversation died mid-word. All heads turned.
"Oh. Hey, guys."
Zeke raised one hand in a half-hearted wave, already crossing toward the small wine rack beside the hearth. He pulled a bottle without reading the label and tipped it back, drinking straight from the neck. Wine sloshed dangerously as he gulped like a man personally offended by moderation.
"Ugh. Manners."
Kai groaned, face twisting in disgust.
"You should learn from me." Michael raised his teacup in mock salute. "Drink tea."
