𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟

Chapter 5 : Civil

Alex has barely mustered the energy to drag himself out of bed, but when he steps into the kitchen, he's met with the sound of muffled voices and the unmistakable smell of greasy food. His new friends are already sitting around the table, picking at their plates, nursing the remnants of a hangover from last night. Mason looks like he's about two seconds away from vomiting all over the table. They don't even notice him walk in.

"Hey, guys," Alex says, his voice hoarse.

They all turn to greet him. Mason manages a weak wave while Tyler smiles, pulling out a stool next to him.

"How the hell do you look so good?" Mason whines, his voice cracking.

Alex chuckles, shaking his head. "I don't drink," he says, "Just had water all night."

Mason groans and buries his face in his hands, clearly not impressed by Alex's level of self-control.

"Is there a reason in particular?" Dexter asks, his tone curious.

Alex shrugs, not sure how to explain it. "Not really. I just... never cared for things that keep me from having full control over my actions."

"Then why not moderate?" Kin suggests, raising an eyebrow.

The truth is, Alex doesn't have a problem trying things out. Alcohol's just a different story. He's dabbled in smoking, even tried a few light drugs, but nothing has ever held his attention.

"I've tried smoking, a few light drugs and stuff," Alex admits. "Just not interested in doing it again. Alcohol included."

Tyler, sensing the change in mood, quickly steers the conversation elsewhere. "Who's ready for bacon?"

Alex gives him a subtle, grateful bump under the table in response, relieved for the distraction.

But as soon as he looks up, he catches Luca staring at him-those dark, unblinking eyes focused on him with an intensity that makes Alex uncomfortable. Luca doesn't look away, and Alex isn't sure if he should call him out on it or just ignore it. He chooses the latter, for now.

Before he can figure out what to do, the sound of a door creaking open breaks the silence. Ivy walks in, looking like she hasn't slept a wink, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. She waves lazily at everyone before walking straight to Luca, placing a hand on his head. Her fingers run through his hair, scratching his scalp gently.

"Morning, V," Luca greets, his voice soft as he places a brief kiss on her hand.

Ivy flashes him a smile before turning to her brother. Tyler scoots over on his chair, making space for her to sit on his lap.

"Did you make this?" Ivy asks, her voice full of fake curiosity as she glances at the plate of food in front of Tyler.

Tyler nods and Alex rolls his eyes at her question-she could be less obvious about it.

Ivy, apparently satisfied with his response, snatches a tomato from his plate without warning.

"You little thief!" Tyler accuses, feigning outrage.

Ivy only laughs, playfully dodging his attempts to grab the tomato back, until Mason whines from the other side of the table.

"Inside voices, please," he begs, his head resting on his arms, clearly too miserable to care about the antics.

They both burst into laughter, resuming their playful battle while Mason groans louder, clutching his stomach.

Alex can't help but smile at the sight. Seeing Ivy laugh like that, completely carefree, fills him with a quiet happiness. He's surprised to see this side of her, so different from the guarded version he’s come to know. It's not just the ease she has with her friends; it's how effortlessly she lets herself go. For a moment, he’s caught off guard by how much he wants to protect her, even if he doesn't fully understand why.