Why Us??

Bitter Chains, Sweet Lies (pt- 2)

20 Days Later

After the absolute chaos Rain and Star caused, they had gotten one hell of a scolding.

Payu, Porsche, and Pete had all lined them up like kids in detention and delivered a lecture so intense it felt like a parent-teacher conference from hell.

Pete, being the ultimate dad of the house, had explained in detail:

Pete - Do you two even realize how dangerous this was?! Phoenix isn't home! That means security is tighter than ever, and rivals are just waiting to find an opening to attack!

Payu's voice was sharp.

Payu - And you thought it would be funny to send pictures of Sky looking like a damn idol online?! What if they got leaked? Do you have any idea how fast these things can be modified and turned into something worse?

Porsche crossed his arms.

Porsche - Not to mention, if this had blown up, it could've easily been national news. "Mafia Heir's Husband in Scandal"-do you want that headline, huh?

Rain and Star looked at the floor like kids who had just been caught breaking a vase.

Sky, though embarrassed beyond belief, had gritted his teeth and held his ground.

But at the end of it all, Pete's words had stuck with him the most:

Pete - Just wait for him, Sky. Talk to him directly. That's the only way this will work.

Sky had hated that answer.

But deep down, he knew Pete was right.

So, he waited.

And now, finally... Pai was back.

The house was peaceful.

Ella was scribbling away in her notebook, Mingyu, helping her draw something.

Rain, Star, and Sky were playing with baby Hazel, making her giggle.

Chay was laying his head on Kim, quietly humming a song.

Vegas was back hugging Pete on the couch, the two lost in their own world.

Kinn and Porsche were being the mischievous couple they always were, whispering things that were probably inappropriate.

Black and Macau were arguing over something stupid, and Thankun was watching a K-drama with all the dramatics of a true fan.

Everything was calm.

Until the door opened.

And Pai walked in.

The moment Sky saw him, his heart skipped a beat.

Pai was back.

But-he looked different.

Thinner. Exhausted. Like he hadn't been sleeping properly.

Sky felt a mix of relief and worry. He had missed him so much and wanted nothing more than to run to him, hug him, hold him.

But then-his gaze fell on the woman beside Pai.

A tall, professional-looking woman. Dressed sharply, carrying herself with confidence.

The entire room fell silent.

Everyone's eyes flickered between Pai, the woman, and Sky.

Sky's hands clenched into fists.

Who the hell was she?

Pai, oblivious to the thick tension in the air, simply greeted everyone.

Pai - Hey ( To everyone)

No warmth. No excitement. Just tired indifference.