Chasing Shadows

Chapter Nineteen: A Thin Line

The afternoon sun hung high in the sky, casting a soft, golden hue over the park. Ethan and Zane found themselves on a secluded path, the quiet punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant sounds of children playing.

“So,” Ethan started, gesturing toward a nearby bench shaded by an old oak tree. “Wanna take a break? My legs are starting to protest.”

“Already tired, hero?” Zane teased, his voice laced with a playful edge. “And here I thought you were the fit one.”

“I’m fit for fighting, not leisurely strolls,” Ethan retorted with a grin, dropping onto the bench with an exaggerated sigh. “There’s a difference.”

“Excuses, excuses.” Zane leaned against the armrest of the bench, his eyes glittering with amusement. “But if you insist, I’ll allow it. Just don’t blame me if I start thinking you’re getting soft.”

“Trust me, I’m not the one who’s gone soft,” Ethan muttered under his breath, then blinked as he realized what he’d said. “I—I mean—”

Zane raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Oh? Do go on, hero. I’m curious now.”

“Forget I said anything,” Ethan groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I walked right into that one.”

“Mm-hmm.” Zane chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “Don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you. I think I’m rubbing off on you, though. That’s twice in one day you’ve tried to banter with me.”

“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it.” Ethan dropped his hands, his cheeks flushed with faint embarrassment. “It’s just… you’re easier to talk to when you’re not trying to blow up buildings or something.”

“Wow, that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” Zane placed a hand over his heart in mock gratitude. “You’re really softening me up, Ethan.”

“I’m serious,” Ethan insisted, his gaze steady as he looked at Zane. “You can be… you know… normal. More than you probably realize.”

“Normal, huh?” Zane’s smile faltered for a split second, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. “Don’t you think it’s a little late for that? I’m kind of set in my ways.”

“Maybe, but…” Ethan shrugged, leaning back against the bench. “Everyone’s allowed to change. Even people like you.”

“People like me,” Zane echoed softly. He tilted his head, studying Ethan as if searching for the hidden catch. “And what kind of person am I, exactly?”

Ethan hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “You’re… complicated. You act like you don’t care, but I don’t think that’s true. You’re smart, resourceful, and yeah, dangerous—but not in the way you want people to believe.”

“Ah, so you think I’m secretly a nice guy under all this villainy?” Zane drawled, his tone almost dismissive. “That I’m just misunderstood?”

“No,” Ethan said quietly, shaking his head. “I think you’ve done bad things, and you’ve probably got a lot of reasons for doing them. But that doesn’t mean you can’t decide to be something else if you wanted to.”

The sincerity in Ethan’s voice caught Zane off guard. He looked away, his fingers drumming restlessly on the armrest as if trying to shake off the strange weight of the conversation.

“You really are something else, you know that?” Zane muttered, his gaze fixed on a spot in the distance. “Most people look at me and see a lost cause. A monster.”

“I see someone who’s trying,” Ethan said softly, leaning forward. “Someone who’s still figuring out what he wants. And I see someone who’s more than just a label.”