Silent Strangers

TWENTY ONE

Chapter TWENTY ONE:
Tobias

I kicked off my shoes and collapsed onto Kai's couch, balancing a greasy container of lo mein on my lap. The apartment smelled like soy sauce, garlic, and something vaguely burnt—but nothing I couldn't handle. Kai was rummaging in the kitchen, clattering around for forks or plates, maybe, but I wasn't about to wait. I slurped a noodle and groaned as the umami hit my taste buds.

"You've gotta stop eating like a college student," Kai called from the kitchen, finally emerging with chopsticks in hand and his signature smirk. "It's depressing."

I scoffed. "Says the guy who stocked his fridge with nothing but protein shakes and takeout menus."

"Touché." He plopped down beside me, snatching the container and digging in with abandon. "So, tell me about the latest episode of 'Grace and Tobias: The Debacle.' I'm dying for the drama."

I rolled my eyes but didn't stop him. Kai loved to hear about the whole mess, even if he liked teasing me more than giving actual advice. The guy lived for chaos—preferably someone else's—and I was more than happy to deliver.

"We were picking wedding decorations today," I began, cringing just at the memory.

Kai's laugh echoed through the room before I could even finish the sentence. "Oh man, that's rough."

"Rough doesn't begin to cover it," I muttered, jabbing a piece of broccoli with my chopsticks. "Grace's mom was going on and on about color schemes, floral arrangements, the works. I thought I might die. Honestly."

Kai set his food down, his grin widening. "And Grace?"

"She was bored out of her mind too. We both snuck out under the guise of needing a 'bathroom break.'" I made air quotes, and Kai practically cackled.

"Oh, that's rich! Both of you, sneaking away like kids trying to ditch a school assembly. Did you get caught?"

"Nah. We just wandered around, made fun of the whole situation. It was actually... nice."

Kai raised an eyebrow, suddenly curious in a way that felt dangerous. "Nice? You and Grace, playing hooky together and bonding over bad wedding planning?"

I groaned. "Don't read too much into it, alright? It was a break from the nightmare. Nothing more."

He shrugged, but his grin stayed firmly in place. "Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night, bro."

"Come on, man. You know this isn't my choice. The whole thing's been forced on us."

"Yeah, but it's interesting. You guys are getting along now. Before, it was just awkward tension. Now you're sneaking out together like partners in crime." He jabbed me with his chopsticks, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I tried to ignore the weird knot forming in my stomach. It wasn't like Kai was wrong, but I wasn't ready to admit anything. Not to him. Not even to myself. Grace was still an enigma, still tangled up in all this mess with our families, and I wasn't about to let my guard down.

"She's cool, alright?" I said, finally. "But that doesn't mean anything."

Kai leaned back, satisfied. "Whatever you say, Tobias. You know I'm rooting for you."

I shook my head and laughed. Kai always had a way of making things seem lighter, even when they were drowning in complications.

We ate in silence for a bit, the TV buzzing in the background with some late-night talk show neither of us was really paying attention to. Kai finally broke the quiet, tossing his empty container onto the coffee table.

"You know," he said, wiping his hands on a napkin. "I still can't believe you're getting married. Like, you of all people."

I snorted. "Yeah, tell me about it."

"I mean, I always pictured you as the guy who'd stay single forever, hopping from one Vogue cover to the next, jet-setting across Europe, and romancing supermodels on yachts."

I raised an eyebrow. "What, and you didn't see yourself as the same?"

Kai laughed, but it was softer this time. "Nah, man. I knew I'd settle down at some point, find a woman who could tolerate my endless charm."

I rolled my eyes. "Endless charm, huh?"

"Obviously." He stretched out, his arms behind his head like he didn't have a care in the world. "But you? You're different. You're too serious for this arranged marriage stuff."

"It's not exactly my call," I muttered, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down again.

"I know, I know. Just... don't let it eat you alive, okay? If Grace is cool, like you say, then maybe this won't be the disaster you're making it out to be."

I didn't respond, just stared at the nearly empty takeout container. Kai was right, of course, but I wasn't ready to let myself believe it.

Kai stood up, stretching lazily. "Well, as much as I love watching you wallow in self-pity, I've got work tomorrow. Can't model this glorious face without beauty sleep."

"Glorious face," I repeated with a laugh. "You keep telling yourself that."

He shot me a grin. "Hey, it's the truth. Don't be jealous, Tobias."

As Kai sauntered off to his room, I couldn't help but smile. Sure, he was a pain, but he was my best friend—the kind of guy who could see through my toughest moments and somehow make everything a little less overwhelming. And yeah, he had a way of pushing my buttons, but I'd be lost without him.

I tossed the empty takeout box into the trash, heading for the door. "Catch you later, Kai."

"Yeah, yeah," he called from his bedroom. "And remember, when you're knee-deep in wedding stuff, you can always call me for moral support."

"Sure, buddy," I said with a smirk. "You're a real lifesaver."

As I stepped out into the cool night air, I realized I wasn't as weighed down by everything as I had been earlier. Maybe Kai was right—maybe Grace and I could make this work, even if it was a mess.

But for now, I was just grateful for the laughter, the banter, and a night that didn't feel so heavy. Kai may have been a sarcastic devil, but he was my favorite devil—and exactly what I needed.

AN: It's official. Kai Drake is my favourite character now (sorry Tobias). ;)