THE VELVET GLOVE
The heavy door of the apartment clicked shut behind them, sealing out the noise of the world.
For a moment, the only sound was the low hum of the air conditioner and the soft thud of bags hitting the marble floor.
The tension from the university lingered in the air like a fine mist, thin, suffocating, and inescapable.
Until Clara broke it.
"Max," she called, her voice echoing through the foyer. "When exactly are those bags arriving? I need something to look forward to that isn't a lab report."
Massimo walked into the living room, his movements controlled but heavy. He sank into the leather sofa, leaning his head back and letting his eyes close briefly.
"Tomorrow," he said. "They'll be here by noon."
Clara hummed, already pulling out her phone to check her Laboratory Science department group chat for updates on their practicals. Then her eyes widened.
A spark lit up in them—mischief, sudden and bright.
"Wait," she said, sitting up straighter.
"The department is hosting a mixer tonight. An apartment party. A welcome mixer for the new session." She looked between the two of them.
"Let's go. Let's actually leave this house."
Both Massimo and Kamsi stilled.
"A party?" Kamsi raised an eyebrow.
"Clara… we just spent the entire day trying to stay invisible. Now you want to stand under strobe lights?"
Clara dropped into the armchair with a dramatic sigh.
"If I'm being honest, our lives are really boring. Look at us, we're young, but we don't go anywhere. We go from class to home like we're eighty. No fun. No chaos. We just sleep, eat, and watch movies."
She looked at Massimo, her voice softening but remaining firm. "I just want to feel like a normal student for three hours."
Massimo studied her in silence. His mind was already cataloging variables—risk, exposure, unpredictability.
"Clara, I'm a public image. The Sterling name is a magnet. My rivals would love to target me in a crowded room or set me up.
One photo taken out of context is all our father needs to tighten the leash."
Clara didn't flinch. "I know. But you haven't even tried to just exist lately."
A pause.
"You're becoming a ghost before you're even dead."
That landed. Massimo exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting to Kamsi. She didn't speak, but her expression said enough. Finally, he nodded.
"Fine. But I'll let Gemini know first. If he's against it or if it complicates things on his end, we won't go. I'm not adding more stress to his plate while he's on set."
Clara groaned loudly, throwing her head back. "Ooooh, love has actually ruined you! The great Engineer is now checking in before making decisions. Love is really disgusting."
Kamsi laughed softly, shaking her head as she scrolled through her phone. Massimo just smiled—small, but real.
"I'm just waiting for your turn, Clara," he said. "I've already prepared my teasing material."
Clara shot him a look. "You'll be waiting until you're old and grey. I'm married to my career for now."
Massimo didn't respond. He was already dialing. The call connected instantly, as if Gemini had been staring at the screen, waiting for the buzz.
"You didn't waste a second," Massimo teased, a genuine smile breaking through his mask.
"Were you missing me that much, Mini?"
Gemini didn't hesitate. His voice came through warm and shamelessly honest.
"Yes. I was madly missing you. I want to hug you so badly my arms actually ache, Max."
Massimo stepped out onto the balcony, the evening air cooling against his skin. He leaned against the railing, his voice lowering into something more private.
"There's something else. Clara's staging a rebellion. Her department is having a mixer tonight—an apartment party. She wants us to go."
A brief pause. "I told her I'd check in first," he added. "If you're worried about the audit or security, I won't go. I'll stay here."
Gemini exhaled quietly. "Max… you can't breathe if you're always holding your breath. Go. Wear something that makes you feel like the king you are. Be a student for one night, not a shield. I'll be awake for the video call when you get back anyway."
Warmth settled in Massimo's chest. "I love you. I'll call you the moment we're back."
"I know," Gemini replied gently. "I'll be waiting for the debrief. Now go, before Clara start a protest.
Massimo walked back inside. Clara was already watching him, arms crossed.
"Relationships really change people," she muttered, turning to Kamsi. "Kamsi, please, I'm begging you. Don't become like Massimo when you fall in love. I can't handle two of you being this mushy."
Kamsi smiled, her eyes bright with amusement. "No promises."
Massimo shook his head, amused. "Get ready," he said. "We have two hours to look like we aren't under surveillance. Clara pick something that isn't a lab coat."
Clara shot up instantly.
"Already ahead of you!" She cheered, racing toward her room. Kamsi followed more slowly, still smiling to herself.
For a moment, the room filled with laughter, bright enough to push back the shadows of the Audit.
Even Gemini, who hadn't hung up yet, was laughing faintly through the speaker.
Massimo lingered in the quiet after. Just a second. Then he straightened, the mask slipping back into place, controlled, precise, unreadable.
For one night, they would pretend the world wasn't watching.
They would step out of the cage. And in the middle of the storm.