Welcome to Hungry Writer's Sanctuary.

The group found themselves back in the white room at the end of the Magic Club. Dylan had gone somewhere else, didnt say much about where he was going. Bottles littered the tables. Music thumped softly from hidden speakers. Everyone was celebrating, laughing, shouting, drinking like they’d just survived something monumental. Everyone except Bosco. He sat off to the side with a can of soda, untouched for the past ten minutes.

“So,” June said casually, leaning back in her chair, “you and Y/N; not a thing anymore?”

Charlie, seated beside Bosco, let out a quiet chuckle. Bosco frowned. “How did you know about that?” Merritt scoffed. 

“Please. We saw the way you looked at each other. It was gross. Very ‘young love.’ But I get it.”

Henley nodded. “Painfully obvious.”

Bosco sighed, staring into his drink. “You heard her. She’s not contacting us again.”

“So you got dumped,” Daniel said, clinking his glass against Bosco’s soda. “Cheers.”

“But we won,” Lula said brightly. “And we’re rich. Take the win.” 

Bosco shook his head. “It doesn’t feel like a win.”

The room quieted just a little.

“The mission was too easy,” he continued. “The guards, the resistance, everything. And Mia Etheye…” He frowned. “I’ve seen her before. I just can’t remember where.”

Charlie shook his head immediately. “Impossible. Mia Etheye doesn’t exist in the public eye.” Bosco froze.

“What?” Merritt asked. “Spit it out, kid.”

Bosco stood abruptly, pushing his chair back, pacing the room. “The woman we caught? That wasn’t Mia Etheye.” Everyone turned toward him.

“That was Y/N’s assistant,” Bosco said. “I met her. When Y/N and I went out like three weeks ago.” June blinked. “You went on a date and didn’t tell us?”

“That’s not the point,” Jack cut in. “You’re saying we arrested the wrong person?”

“That night,” Bosco continued, voice tight, “her assistant called her Director. But her file says she’s just a strategic analyst.”

Daniel shrugged. “No offense, but that doesn’t prove much.” Bosco turned to Charlie. “Tablet.”

Charlie hesitated, then handed it over. Bosco’s fingers flew across the screen before he slammed it down on the table. “Look. Arthur Insurance. Mabry Innovations. Vanderberg Mining Corporation. Helix Dynamics.” Silence.

“These are all the targets the Eye asked you to expose over the years,” Bosco said. “So how is she connected to all of them?” They exchanged uneasy glances. He scrolled again, stopping at the author’s note.

Truth reveals itself to those who watch closely.

“So…” Lula said slowly, “you’re saying Y/n is Mia Etheye?”

“Yes and no,” Bosco said. He grabbed a marker from his pocket and turned to the white table.

“Mia Etheye is an anagram,” he spoke, rearranging the letters as he wrote.

M I A E T H E Y E

Then-

I AM THE EYE

The room went dead silent. Daniel let out a low whistle. “Okay. So she’s the Eye. Then why all this? Why the mission?”

Bosco swallowed. “Because it was a test.”

Charlie’s eyes widened. He grabbed the tablet again, scrolling fast. “The Horsemen profiles; look.” He turned the screen toward them.

May prove worthy. May prove worthy.

“This whole thing was a test,” Charlie said. “To see if we were worthy.”

“But we failed,” Bosco said quietly. “We didn’t look closely enough. And now she’s gone.”

The celebration is completely dead now. Then, a door opened. One they’d never seen before at the back of the room.

“Well,” Lula said, standing, already grabbing Jack and Henley by the hands, “we’re obviously going in, right?”

They followed her through the doorway into an elevator. The doors slid shut. It descended. When it stopped, the doors opened to reveal a vast office space, sleek, quiet, humming with screens and glass walls. It almost reminded Bosco of the Men in Black headquarters.

A voice echoed through the lobby. “Welcome to the Eye.”

The Horsemen stepped out as Dylan approached them, smiling. “Congratulations,” he said. “You solved it.”

“You were watching us?” June said. “Creepy.”

Dylan chuckled. “Not me.” He pointed upward. Behind a massive glass window stood Y/N. Calm and composed with a cup in her hands. 

“She was,” Dylan said. He turned back to them. “Come on. She wants to talk.”

The group followed him through the endless corridors. It was filled with trinkets and portraits of magicians throughout the years. Daniel stopped at one of them. Thaddeus Bradley. He cheered his drink, the one from the club earlier, at the portrait and continued walking behind the Horsemen. Finally, they reached their destinations. The only thing stopping them was the huge glass doors that had the words written on it. 

“Director Y/n L/n,” Lula read it out loud. The doors slid open and they went in. Y/N stepped out from behind her table, heels echoing softly against the polished floor. The room seemed to shift with her presence, like everything had been waiting for her to arrive properly. Bosco looked around to see screens that had shown people from all around the world. His eyes shifted back when Y/n spoke up.

“You figured it out,” she said, her voice calm and measured but they could tell she was proud. No one spoke. She looked at them one by one. “The Eye doesn’t recruit recklessly. We observe. We test. And when necessary, we mislead.”

Merritt scoffed. “So the mission?”

“A construct, designed to see how you operate under certainty. And under doubt.” Y/N said simply.  June crossed her arms. “We still took someone into custody.”

“She is safe and she’s right there,” Y/N replied, pointing to the couch at the other side of the room. Mia Etheye or rather the Horsemen learned that her name was actually Rosie, sat on the couch. She looked up from her tablet, gave a small wave and went back to her work. 

That eased something in the room. Dylan stepped aside. “Welcome to the Eye,” he said again, this time with weight behind it. Y/N gestured toward the open corridor beyond the office. “Your clearances are active. Your roles will evolve as you do. We provide accommodations and shelter, or if you want to live with your families and live in the world, you are also welcome to do so,” She said, winking at Henley. Henley sighed with relief. 

“Alright, go on. Shoo. I have work to do.” Y//n gestured for them to leave. “Rosie, give them a tour,”

Rosie stood up and brought them out. Lula squealed, grabbing Jack’s sleeve. “We’re spies.”

“Strategic assets,” Y/N corrected. The group laughed, the tension breaking at last. One by one, they filtered out, curiosity pulling them forward, excitement returning in waves.

All except Bosco. Y/N noticed immediately. The room emptied until it was just the two of them.

Bosco stayed where he was, hands shoved into his pockets, eyes fixed on the floor. “So,” he said quietly. “Was any of it real?”

She didn’t answer right away. He looked up then. “The mission. The danger. Us.”

She walked closer, stopping just in front of him. Close enough that he could see the exhaustion beneath her composure.

“The mission,” she said softly, “was fabricated.”

His jaw tightened. She took out a strip of photo from her pocket. The photos they had taken that night. 

“But my feelings weren’t.”

That made him freeze.

“I didn’t plan to be with you,” Y/N continued. “Didn’t expect you to look at me like I was… human. And I definitely didn’t expect myself to care.”

Bosco let out a shaky breath. “You scared the hell out of me.”

“I know,” she said, a small smile breaking through. “I’m sorry.”

He searched her face. “So this-” he gestured between them “-isn’t another test?”

She shook her head. “No more, I promise,”

He swallowed. “Good.”

Before she could say anything else, he stepped forward and kissed her. Not rushed. Not hesitant. She kissed him back just as firmly, fingers curling into his jacket like she’d been holding herself back for far too long.

When they finally pulled apart, she rested her forehead against his. “Looks like the Eye miscalculated one thing.”

“What’s that?” he asked. She smiled. “I didn’t account for falling for one of my own variables.”

Bosco laughed softly. “Guess that makes me a liability.”

“Or,” she said, taking his hand, “my favorite constant.”

Together, they turned toward the corridor, toward their future, the secrets, the strange new world waiting for them.

Today is the day. The day the Horsemen expose Ms Mia Etheye. Bosco woke up to sounds of movement. Charlie had always been a morning person so when Bosco opened his eyes, Charlie was already tidying up his bed.

“Wake up, loser. Our boss is sitting outside. Says that she wants to talk to us before we go,” Bosco squinted, furrowing his brows. “She?”

“Yeah? Y/n? The person who hired us?” Charlie answered, matter of factly.  Bosco’s mind was alert when his friend mentioned her name. It has been three weeks since their so-called date. Three weeks since they last contacted each other. She hasn't come to the hotel, not even once to check in on them in person like she said. And now she’s here? Out of nowhere? He wasn't happy about it. No. No. He was furious. He tossed his sheets aside and ran out of the room, where others were waiting. 

He stepped into the room and for a brief second, he expected her to jump into his arms. How stupid. Her figure was the first thing his eyes landed on. But that's not the bad thing. 

She’s back.

Hair neat. Coat on. Tablet in hand. Expression composed like that night never existed. Like neon lights and greasy food and laughter in a photo booth were just a glitch in the system. She doesn’t look at him at first.

“Good morning, Mr Leroy” she says, voice calm, professional. “We’ll begin final preparations in thirty minutes.” Bosco stops short. She’s back on the last name basis. June notices immediately. She raises an eyebrow, glancing between them. Charlie does too but he doesn’t say anything. Bosco clears his throat. “Morning.”

That’s it. That’s all he gets. Y/N scrolls through her tablet, already briefing the rest of the Horsemen. Her clean and precise language echoed throughout the room. Charlie leans over, quiet. “You good?”

Bosco nods. Lies. “Yeah.” No matter how much he tried, he couldn't figure the woman out. One moment she was his, and another she was a stranger. 

Later, while the others argue logistics, Bosco feels it before he sees it. That familiar weight. That quiet pressure. He looks up. She’s already watching him. Not openly. Not like before. It’s sharper now. As if she’s checking whether he remembers. And he does. His hand slips into his pocket, fingers brushing against folded photo paper he never took out.

Their eyes met but she looked away when he lingered longer than he should have. For a second, he saw it. A sense of sadness in her face, before shifting her feet uncomfortably, face turning back to stoic. 

Dylan glanced toward her. “You said you had something for us?”

She paused, as if pulled from her thoughts, then cleared her throat and stepped forward. “Right.” Her hands moved with practiced efficiency. “I’ll be providing you with microphones and cameras. I’ll be watching, guiding, and monitoring you at all times. If anything goes wrong, report it through the mic immediately.”

She passed the equipment around. June and Charlie lit up instantly, whispering excitedly to each other about being “actual spies” as they helped one another suit up. Bosco, meanwhile, struggled with his mic, fingers fumbling with the wire beneath his jacket. Suddenly, a pair of hands he knew too well reached out.

“Let me,” Y/n whispered. She adjusted the mic with steady hands, fingers brushing his collar before settling briefly against his chest when she was done. The contact was fleeting but intentional. Their eyes met again. This time, she didn’t look away. A small, awkward smile touched her lips. She gave his chest a light pat, as if grounding herself, then stepped back and moved on to help the others.

What Bosco didn’t notice, too caught in the moment, was June and Charlie watching the entire exchange, wide-eyed, silently filing it away.

—-

The mission went ahead smoothly. Too smoothly. Bosco felt it almost immediately, the lack of resistance, the ease with which they slipped past security. Guards weaker than expected. Entire floors sat empty, untouched, like the building had already exhaled before they arrived.

Maybe I’m just used to this, he thought. Maybe this is what clean work feels like.

Still, unease crawled up his spine as they located Mia Etheye’s office. Once they found it, Bosco signaled, and the guards Y/N had arranged moved in without hesitation. June worked the lock beside him, fingers quick and precise. The door opened. Inside, a woman sat calmly at her desk. As if she was waiting.

Bosco barely had time to process it before the team moved into position. Cameras went live. The Horsemen exposed her operations to the world in real time, accounts drained, files released, names spilled. Bosco leaned into it, adrenaline surging, feeding off the familiar rush. He was good at this. He knew it.

But something was wrong. Mia Etheye didn’t scream, beg or fight like the others did. She didn’t even look surprised. She rose quietly when the guards took her arms, almost cooperative as they led her away. And as Bosco watched her turn, something caught his eye. A small scar. Right cheek.

His chest tightened. I’ve seen that before.

He didn’t have time to think further. Sirens screamed outside as police swarmed the building, forcing the Horsemen into motion. They ran as fast as they could. Still, the feeling followed him.

Later, back at the hotel, they regrouped. Y/N was already waiting. She shook hands with Dylan, congratulating him for the success of his mission. She turned to the rest of the group.

“Did you discover anything else?” Y/N asked evenly. Murmurs went around the group, asking themselves the questions they were asked. Charlie checks his tablet again. June frowns.

“No…no. That’s it. All information follows every detail in the mission,” Charlie responded. Y/n glanced over to Dylan, but he looked down, as if he was disappointed.

“Oh,” she only said. She exhaled through her nose, then straightened, composure snapping back into place. “Then the mission is complete,” she continued. “You performed well.”

Bosco’s chest tightens. He waits for more but there is none.

“This will be our final point of contact,” she added. “You won’t be hearing from me again.” The silence was deafening. Bosco’s jaw tightens and his hands curl. He stared at the woman, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. His heart was breaking. How could she?

“I will transfer the payment to you. And since you performed well, I wish to treat you to some drinks. Enjoy, ladies and gentlemen,” She said before turning to pack her things. The group cheered and left to head to the bar. But one person stayed.

“That’s it? You’re gonna leave, just like that?” Bosco said angrily. Y/N paused. She turned slowly. Their eyes met and he could see the pain reflected in her eyes.

“I wish I could stay but…” She trailed off. She didn't have an excuse, and even if there was, she knew it wouldn’t be enough. Bosco let out a short, bitter scoff.

After hours of discussion, the group finally had a plan but they just needed time to prepare themselves. Bosco looked outside the window. The sun had already set and it was almost time for dinner. He heard June and Charlie heading toward the kitchen, and he followed, eager to move around. He then remembered about Y/n, and glanced over, seeing her watching Jack and Lula throwing cards at each other. 

“Does she always… watch like that?” he whispered under his breath. June raised an eyebrow. “Watch like what?”

“Like a creep. Look at her,” Bosco nudged them. The three of them observed Y/N carefully. She tilted her head slightly, then almost as if she knew they were watching, her gaze shifted directly toward them. Bosco felt his stomach tighten. He quickly looked away, pretending to be busy, and June and Charlie followed suit.

“Oh my gosh, that was so scary,” June breathed out. Bosco, still uneasy, let a small smirk escape despite himself. “Yeah… she’s… intense,” he muttered. Something about the way she watched, the calm confidence in her posture, made him both nervous and intrigued.

“And… hot too,” he blurted out.

June whipped her head toward him, eyes wide, and Charlie froze mid-sip of his soda.

“What? You can be scared and turned on at the same time,” Bosco defended himself, feeling heat creeping up his neck.

His friends burst into laughter, teasing him mercilessly. Bosco’s face flushed even deeper, and he huffed, grabbing his soda to cool off. He wandered aimlessly for a moment, unsure where he was headed, until he stumbled into an empty game room. Well, not empty. Y/N sat on the couch near the window, her back to him, unaware of his presence. Cards were fanned neatly in her hands, shuffling smoothly, almost lazily, as if she were thinking through something far more complicated than a deck.

She sat alone, cards fanned across her hands. She shuffled them deftly, almost playfully, letting them glide through her fingers. He creeped behind her, his face nearing her shoulder. He could practically smell the expensive perfume on her. 

“You play?” Bosco asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

She looked up sharply, as if startled. “Oh! Mr. Leroy. I didn’t expect you here,” she said, her voice softer than before.

For the first time, Bosco saw her differently; not the distant, composed figure he had met hours ago, but someone… human. Someone who could be amused, distracted, even approachable. She cleared her throat and adjusted her coat and skirt, going back to her robotic self. 

“Call me Bosco,” 

Her face was still stoic and she shook her head. “You are my client, we should keep this professional,”

“If we are going to be working together, I’d say loosen up a bit. You don’t have to be…this,” He sighed as he gestured to…well all of her. She smiled a little, almost amused. Slipping off her coat, she continued shuffling the cards and patted the space beside her. She patted down the seat next to her, which he gladly accepted.

“I dabble a bit. This actually belonged to my late father. He left me his will, this deck of cards and his unsolved problems to me. But I am not really the show off type like you and your friends do. I am more of a plan-organise-execute type of person, all behind the scenes of course.” She said. 

“I read your file. We are basically the same age. You should have some fun in a while. Like partying or-or what do you do for fun actually?” He asked, shifting his seat to be closer to her. She cleared her throat, clearly aware of how close he was. 

“You know what? How rude of me. I should start first,” Bosco said quickly. I love to act and I love to be on stage. It gives me the thrill having the audience watch me perform,” 

Her eyes widened slightly, impressed. She nodded. “Your turn.”

“Well,” she hesitated, “I like playing cards. Sometimes I cross-stitch. Oh! I watch Family Feud with my friend on weekends.”

Bosco blinked.

“Wow. That was…”

“Impressive?” she offered, tilting her head.

“…Boring,” he said honestly.

“Oh.” She looked down at her cards and kept quiet. Bosco could tell he was losing her attention, and possibly any chances of getting to know her personally. 

“How about I take you out?” He asked. Her head shot up, her eyes meeting his.

“Like a date?” She asked. He winced internally. “I- uh- if you want to call it that. Or we could just hang out. As friends.”

She studied him, conflicted. “I really shouldn’t. I have a job to do and if they found out I sneak out-”

“You wouldn't be sneaking out. You would just be…taking a sick day. That is what people who work do, right?” He shrugged his shoulders. By now, a huge smile was on her face. 

She leaned forward, to where her face was inches close to his. “My my, Mr Leroy. You are a bad influence on me,”

“...Is that a good thing?” He whispered, occasionally glancing at her shiny lips. Her left hand supported herself on the couch, whereas her right stroked his cheek downwards to his chest and then to the side of his stomach.

“That depends,” she murmured, “on where you’re taking me.”

Bosco smirked, heart racing. “I’ll take that as a challenge.” Bosco just grabs his jacket, offers it to her like it’s the most normal thing in the world, and somehow she says yes. When they finally stepped outside, a sharp gust of wind cut through the street, pushing her back toward the doorway. She faltered for half a second before Bosco stepped in, hands closing around hers with quiet certainty.

“I’ve got you,” he said, low and firm. She lifted her gaze to his, searching his face as if testing the weight of the promise. He didn’t look away. Didn’t rush. Just held her there, solid and unwavering. After a beat, she nodded once, trusting him, and let him guide her into the night.

New York at night doesn’t ask questions. The streets are loud and lively but careless. Everything Y/N isn’t supposed to be. She walks beside Bosco and she seemed to not have noticed that she hasn't let go of his hand, and Bosco didn't feel like letting go either. Her eyes would flicker upward at the buildings like she’s trying to memorize them. Neon signs. Food carts. The blur of people who don’t know her, don’t watch her, don’t expect anything from her.

“You look like you’ve never been here before,” Bosco says.

“I’ve been,” she replies. “Just… never like this.”

He doesn’t ask what this means. He pulled her hand instead and dragged her into an arcade he had spotted. It was her first shock and Bosco was amused.

Lights flashing. Music overlapping. Machines screaming for attention. Bosco drops a handful of tokens into her palm.

“Rule is,” he says, “you have to lose at least once.” She studies the games like they’re puzzles meant to be solved. Basketball hoops. Racing simulators. Rhythm games. She beats him in the racing one. Badly.

Bosco stares at the screen. “That was illegal.”

“I told you, Leroy” she says, lips curving, “I plan, organise, execute.”

Her smile stays when they move on. It was genuine.

They get food from a corner place that smells like grease and happiness. She eats standing up, careful at first, then less so. Sauce on her fingers. No napkin. No rules.

“This is… good,” she admits. Bosco grins. “Breaking news: woman discovers joy.”

She nudges his shoulder. He pretends it nearly kills him. She laughed and shook her head. 

The photo booth is his idea.

“Absolutely not,” she says immediately. She tried to walk away but he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her in. She squealed but stopped herself immediately. She can't believe she had produced such an ugly sound.  “It’s non-negotiable.”

“But it leaves evidence! It’s too risky, Leroy!” She stammered. 

“That’s the point.” He chuckled, putting a dollar into the machine.

The booth curtain closes. Too small. Too close. He noticed but didn't say anything. The flash goes off before she’s ready. 

First photo: her startled, eyes wide.

Second: Bosco leaning into frame, grinning like an idiot.

Third: she tries to compose herself but fails miserably.

Fourth: she’s laughing. Head tilted back. Completely unguarded. Completely beautiful. 

The machine spits two strips out. She took one from him and stared at it like it’s contraband. She sighed.

“I don’t exist like this,” she says softly. “I’m not supposed to exist like this,”

Bosco takes his photo, folds it carefully, and slips it into his pocket. “You do tonight.”

They walk after that. No destination. Just movement. The city keeps them anonymous, letting her disappear into noise and light. She spotted a food vendor and insisted on buying them both hot chocolate. They settled onto a nearby bench, shoulders nearly touching, watching the city flow past them; strangers laughing, taxis rushing by, life happening without pause.

Bosco noticed she was still shivering, even wrapped in his jacket. Without making a big deal of it, he shifted closer, rolled his shoulders, and let out an exaggerated yawn before draping an arm around her. She snickered softly. “So cliché.”

“Hey, if it works, it works,” he muttered, smirking. She leaned into him anyway, and his smirk deepened. She tilted her head up. Their eyes met, and her gaze flickered—briefly, unmistakably—to his lips. Bosco felt his breath hitch. He leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away. She didn’t. Instead, she closed the distance just enough that his pulse kicked hard in his ears. He closed his eyes.

A sharp cough cut through the moment.

They broke apart instantly. Bosco caught the flash of panic on her face, and it set him on edge. His eyes scanned the street until he spotted a woman standing beside a sleek black car, older, composed, dressed much like Y/n. Bosco’s posture stiffened, instinct kicking in. Then a hand pressed gently against his chest. He looked down to see Y/n offering him a small, reassuring smile.

“It’s just my assistant,” she said quietly.

“The Gazebas family is waiting for you, Director,” the woman called. Bosco scanned the assistant and the scar on her right cheek went unnoticed. It was small, yet visible if you squint hard enough. 

Y/n groaned softly and let her forehead rest against Bosco’s chest for a moment, as if stealing one last second of calm. When she looked back up, the warmth was already fading, her composure sliding back into place.

“I’m sorry,” she said, voice smooth again. “I have to go. This meeting isn’t one I can ignore.”

She tossed her unfinished hot chocolate into a bin, much to Bosco’s silent disappointment, then slipped out of his jacket and pressed it back into his hands.

“Let me call you a cab,” she added. “We’re far from the hotel.”

He nodded silently. She started to walk away to where she was needed. Bosco sighed and leaned back on the bench, his head arched all the way back. His jaw clenched, already thinking of an excuse to say to his best friends when he reached home. He had been gone for hours, and he had left his phone at the hotel. This was it. His night of adventure ended in a cold, bitter way. 

Wait. No. Warmth and soft. A kiss pressed against his cheek. Bosco froze.

Y/N pulled back immediately, panic flashing across her face like she’d broken some unspoken rule. “I- I’m sorry. That was- I shouldn’t have-”

He looked up to where she was standing and examined her face. He smiled. A genuine one.

“It’s okay,” he said gently. “I don’t mind.” 

Her shoulders eased and she searched his face, as if committing it to memory. Her hand gave his shoulder a tap.

“Goodnight, Bosco,”

The group had settled into their hotel suite, an entire apartment reserved just for them. Everyone had their own rooms - a luxury Bosco wasn’t used to but he and Charlie still shared out of habit more than necessity.

Bosco had stayed in motels, crash pads, and two-star hotels at best. This place, though? Soft lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, furniture that looked more expensive than anything he’d ever owned. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but… it felt good.

Charlie was outside on the balcony with June, talking about the city lights or the view — Bosco wasn’t really listening. His attention was fixed on the tablet Y/N had handed over earlier. It sat on the table beside Charlie’s computers, sleek and dark. It laid there, defenseless.After a moment’s hesitation, Bosco picked it up.

He navigated through the folders until he found his name. Does it really have everything?

It did.

So far, she had collected almost every single detail about him. Creepy but if he were recruiting people, he’d do the same. He scrolled further. Author’s Notes.

“Mr Leroy has potential. Not afraid to use his talents for the greater good. Loyal to his friends, may prove worthy.” He read it out loud, brows furrowed. “Worthy? What the hell is that supposed to mean?” He scrolled.

“Shame his temper and egoistical attitude may be his weakness. Unable to think straight when his loved ones are in danger” Bosco scoffed.”What the hell? That's not true,”

“It is so true” June’s voice spoke up behind his back. He turned to see June and Charlie had stepped into the room.

“Sorry, Char. Just wanted to see what was on my file,” Bosco apologised. 

“No worries dude. I mean, it's not even mine in the first place,” Charlie said. June plopped down beside Bosco while Charlie took the other side, both of them clearly curious now. June pulled up her own profile and burst out laughing.

“A great pickpocket and stuntwoman. Distractingly cute and adorable. May prove worthy,” she read. “Distractingly cute? I knew it.”

Charlie snorted and opened his.“Smart tech engineer. Natural leader, though lacking confidence. May prove worthy.’” He shook his head. “That’s… weirdly accurate.”

Bosco leaned back. “Okay, seriously, what is all this talk about being worthy? Does she think we are like Thor or something? Worthy of wielding her hammer? 

June laughed. “I want whatever she’s on.” They joked for another minute, the tension easing, until June tilted her head.

“Wait,” she said slowly. “What about her file?” The laughter faded. Bosco hesitated, then found the folder and opened it. The screen shifted.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Y/N L/N

D/O/B

Gender: Female

Occupation: Strategic Consultant / Risk Analyst.

Education:

- Bachelor’s Degree - Behavioural Psychology

- Master’s Degree - Information Systems & Data Ethics

Personal History

Raised as an orphan, Y/n is frequently relocated through foster homes.

No criminal record.

No known affiliations

No public controversies. 

Digital footprint: Minimal by design. 

Notable work:

Tressler Insurance

Mabry Innovations

Verona Global

Helix Dynamics

Vanderberg Mining Corporation

Author’s Notes: Truth reveals itself to those who watch closely. 

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—————

“That’s it?” Bosco scoffed. His other friends remained silent. 

“What does it mean? Truth reveals itself to those who watch closely?” Charlie asked.

“It means that you’re overthinking this,” Dylan’s voice said lightly, but his words carried weight. Charlie straightened. They didnt hear Dylan walked into the room.

“We don’t even know who she is, Dylan. How do we know we can trust her?”

Dylan walked toward the center of the room, hands in his pockets. “You trust me, don’t you? Even though this is the first time we’ve met. You trusted the other Horsemen, no? And if I say you can follow this, it’s because it works. The Eye doesn’t send messages randomly, and it doesn’t make mistakes.”

June tilted her head. “But… What if it’s dangerous? What if-”

“Then you handle it. Like a magician. Or like what you three have always done your whole lives. This is like any other mission: rob, expose and give the money back to the people.” Bosco narrowed his eyes, skepticism clear. “And you don’t think we should question her? Or you?”

Dylan smiled faintly, almost indulgently. “You should always question. But there’s a difference between doubt and paralysis. Right now, you need to focus, trust the patterns, and trust the instructions. The Eye isn’t asking for blind obedience; it’s asking for skill, observation, and follow-through. That’s why you’re here.”

Charlie exhaled slowly. “So… we follow the plan, watch closely, and…?”

“And you do your part,” Dylan said. His gaze swept over them, resting briefly on Bosco. “I’ll guide you where needed. Y/N provides the tools. I make sure you don’t fall off the path. That’s it.”

Bosco leaned back, eyes still skeptical, but the tension in his shoulders eased slightly. He still didn’t fully understand Y/N’s role, but Dylan’s confidence was… contagious. “You’ll see,” Dylan said quietly, turning toward the door. “When the time comes, everything will make sense. Until then, focus on the mission, not Y/n,” 

Before he could leave, Bosco spoke up. “What about you? Do you trust her?” Dylan stopped in his tracks. “I do. With my life.” With that, he pivoted and left the room, his presence lingering like a shadow even after the door closed behind him. The three sat in silence, hearts racing and minds buzzing, trying to process his words. 

Charlie finally spoke, voice low: “Okay… we do this. Together.” June nodded, a small, resolute smile on her face. “Yeah… together.”

Bosco glanced back at the glowing line on the tablet. Truth reveals itself to those who watch closely. The words had already etched into his mind. And it drove him crazy, not given the full details of the mission and yet knowing he had no choice but to follow. The silence was broken by the soft click of the door opening. Lula stepped in, her eyes widening as she took in the tense expressions on their faces. “Woah! So much tension in here. What happened?” she asked, genuinely curious.

June waved her off with a small smile. “It’s nothing,” she said lightly, though a trace of nervous energy lingered.

“Alright…” Lula said, stepping closer with a grin. “Well, Bosco, your girlfriend is here. Come on, we’re starting to plan the mission.” She laughed, playful and light, cutting through the lingering gloom.

Bosco groaned, shaking his head, but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. He followed his friends from behind. The rest of the group had already gathered at the living room, where a large table was filled with maps, blue prints and laptops. Dylan stood at the head of the table, holding a schematic of Ms Mia Etheye’s operations in his hands. When he saw them he gestured to them to take a seat and they did. 

“Look,” Dylan began, tracing a route with his finger, “this is where Ms Etheye keeps the documents we need. It’s heavily guarded, but it’s predictable. Patterns repeat, mistakes happen, we exploit those. Timing will be everything.”

Daniel chimed in from across the table, leaning over Charlie’s laptop. “We move in stages. Observation first, then extraction. No heroics, no shortcuts. One slip and the whole thing collapses.”

Bosco couldn’t help but feel like this was a jab towards him, as himself and others knew he would always go to the extend when he performs. However, he didnt want to embarrass himself of their employer so he nodded absently. Speaking of thier employer, something tugged at him, a sense of being watched. He glanced up, and his heart skipped.

Across the room, near the window, Y/N stood quietly, arms crossed. Her expression was calm, almost neutral, but her gaze was already fixed directly on him. Bosco’s eyes met hers for a heartbeat, and she didn’t look away.

He blinked, a flush creeping up his neck. His friends were oblivious, heads down and focused on the plans in front of them. Dylan continued speaking, outlining contingencies, but Bosco couldn’t fully concentrate. The feeling of her attention pressed against him, sharp and deliberate, as if she could read his every thought.

Finally, he tore his gaze away and tried to focus on Dylan again, but the unease lingered. Y/N had chosen to observe him, and somehow, that small detail unsettled him far more than any plan or map.

Three days later, Daniel and the Ponies arrived at the coordinates and night had fallen over the financial district of New York. The streetlights glinted off skyscrapers, but their destination stood oddly out of place; the infamous Magic Club.

They stepped out of the taxi to find the other Horsemen waiting. A quiet reunion ensued between them until they realised Bosco didn't join in. He had been staring up at the building. Bosco’s jaw tightened. 

“No way,” he muttered under his breath. 

“Magic Club? Seriously, Daniel? Are they messing with us?” he snapped, dropping his bag to the pavement. He hadn’t traveled all this way to be humiliated. Daniel looked around. “I don’t know actually,” For once he didn't feel like the smartest person in the room. He should have had Charlie checked the coordinates first. 

The building was small, with a few stories up. There was a long line up for the doors and a bouncer was checking them in. Even an idiot could tell this was a night club and the magicians? Prostitutes and strippers showing their audiences ‘tricks’ in bed and on the pole. 

A calm, familiar voice cut through the tension. “No, we are not,” it said.

They turned. Dylan stood there, in the flesh, for the first time in ten years. The Horsemen were the first to greet him, followed by the Ponies. Excited murmurs filled the air; they couldn’t believe the son of Lionel Shrike was standing right in front of them.

“Easy there,” Merritt interrupted with a dry cough, cutting through the chatter. “Why don’t we let the old Dylan lead the way, hmm?” He gestured toward Dylan, who gave a small, knowing nod and motioned for them to follow. The group fell into step behind him, the buzz of excitement giving way to a charged anticipation.

“Follow me, the client is waiting for us inside,” Dylan said, walking towards the doors. The bouncer immediately moved aside and let them through. 

The Magic Club’s lounge was dimly lit, plush with velvet chairs and low golden lamps that cast long shadows across the walls. Dylan led the Horsemen through the side corridor, past the main stage’s faint hum of music, until they reached a small, circular room at the back. The environment had changed a lot, from dirty floors and walls, which stank of alcohol and sex, to cleaner, gleaming surfaces that reflected the neon lights. The subtle hums of hidden machinery blended with the faint ambient music which gives the space a futuristic look, almost giving the impression that they are in the doctor’s clinic.

They stepped inside the room. In the center sat a low table surrounded by white, plush couches, pristine and inviting. And there, perfectly poised, was a woman. She was dressed elegantly, as if she had walked straight out of a high-powered office, her hair immaculate and her clothes without a single crease. Every detail radiated control and precision.

As magicians trained to read people, the Horsemen instinctively sensed it: the aura she projected was calm, commanding, and unnervingly self-assured. It wasn’t just confidence, it was presence, the kind that drew attention without effort, and quietly demanded it.

Her eyes looked up from the tablet she was holding and scanned the group, resting on each one only briefly, and then finally, Bosco. Something inside him clenched and released at the same time. He’d met plenty of women in the past, but this was different. Confident, unshakable, impossible to read. Not to mention she was hot. 

“Welcome,” she said, her voice smooth and measured. “I’ve been expecting you. Take a seat.” The Horsemen complied, settling into the white couches one by one. Bosco didn’t. He remained standing, arms crossed loosely over his chest, eyes fixed on the woman in front of him. Something about her was… off. Not dangerous, but controlled. Deliberate. He decided it would be best to keep his guard up.

The silence stretched until June shifted uncomfortably.

“So,” she spoke up, breaking it, “are you, like… from the Eye or something?” A few of the others visibly relaxed that she’d said it first.

“No,” the woman replied calmly, unbothered. “I’m the one paying you to do your jobs. For me, obviously.” She inclined her head slightly. “My name is Y/N. I want to hire each and every one of you to do what you do best.”

“And that is?” Bosco asked, tone sharp. She didn’t hesitate.  “Expose.”

A subtle chill ran through the room.

“Who or what are we exposing, really?” Daniel asked, shifting in his seat. Y/N placed the sleek tablet down that she was holding onto the table. With a tap, it lit up.

“Your next target is Ms Mia Etheye”

Bosco snorted before he could stop himself. “That is a stupid name.” A few laughs slipped out before the adults shushed him. Y/N looked at him, not offended, not surprised and then, to his shock, a small smile curved her lips.  “Mr. Leroy, you are absolutely right. It is a stupid name.”

Bosco smirked instinctively, pride flickering in his chest at having pulled a reaction from her… until it vanished just as quickly. “Wait,” he frowned. “How do you know my name?”

“Well,” she said lightly, “to hire someone, I’d need to know who they are.”

She reached into her breast pocket and produced a slim USB device, plugging it into the table. The surface illuminated instantly. With a swipe of her fingers, a folder appeared.

THE HORSEMEN.

She tapped it. Files expanded across the table; full names, dates of birth, addresses, histories. Everything. “That can’t be legal,” Daniel scoffed.

“I know,” Y/N replied evenly. “Which is why I’m offering transparency.” She tapped another file; her own name.

“No secrets. Not between us. That’s what I want to see from all of you.”

Bosco leaned forward despite himself and caught a glimpse of her details. Her birthdate. His stomach dropped.

Same age.

There was no way. She looked… older. More composed. Like someone who’d already lived three lives.

“Accommodations, transport, resources. All will be provided,” she continued. “I don’t care how you do it or what you use. Just get the job done.”

“Uh wait, hold on guys. Are we talking about THE Mia Etheye? The one who never goes out in public? No one even knows what she looks like. Your target is basically a ghost,” Charlie spoke up.  The group exchanged looks, murmurs passing between them. Daniel turned to Dylan, the only person whose opinion truly mattered to him.

“What do you think?” he asked quietly. Dylan considered it, then nodded once. 

“If our target is a ghost, at the end of the day she’s real and she’s human. Every human makes mistakes. So we’ll catch that mistake and expose it. Danny, I’ve known you for twelve years. I trust you. And I trust you to bring the kids along,” He said. 

Daniel exhaled, then turned back to Y/N. “Alright. We’re in.”

Y/N smiled, satisfied. She unplugged the USB and slid it across the table toward Charlie. “This is yours. Keep it.”

She stood, smoothing her jacket, and headed toward the door but stopped directly in front of Bosco. “I want to see how you plan, strategize, and adapt,” she said softly. “In person.”

Charlie blinked. “Wait, so that means-”

“Yes,” Y/N cut in. “I’ll be accompanying you. Every step of the mission.”

“What, you don’t trust us or something?” Bosco challenged. She met his gaze without blinking. “No. Because the last people who trusted you ended up in jail.”

Walter Mabry. Arthur Tressler.

Daniel huffed a short laugh. “Touché.”

“We’ll be in touch,” Y/N said. “A car will take you to your accommodations for the next few months.” And then she was gone. Bosco’s eyes followed her down the corridor, her figure shrinking until she disappeared entirely. Only then did he realize the room had gone quiet. He turned. Everyone was already looking at him.

“What?” he snapped. Merritt smirked. “Kid, you’re being very, very obvious.”

Bosco rolled his eyes, scoffing, but his focus drifted as the group began discussing logistics and plans. Because his mind wasn’t on the mission. It was on Y/N.

It has been almost a year since The Eight Horsemen pulled their heist on Veronica Vanderberg and they had been restless. Dylan hasn't contacted any of them, Jack and Lula found a place of their own and offered Merritt to stay with them; which he gladly accepted and Henley had to go back to her real family. Daniel was the last to leave, because he was impatient to wait for the Eye to contact them. He grabbed his bags and was heading straight for the door when June’s voice stopped him. 

“You’re leaving us?” She asked, her voice laced with distraught. She knew she, Bosco and Charlie, could survive like they’ve always had but Charlie’s money had begun to noticeably dwindle after he donated it, just as he’d promised the people.

Daniel sighed and turned slowly, forced to face the three kids he’d actually grown fond of. Bosco… maybe a little less.

“Kids, I can’t stay around forever,” he said honestly. “The Eye’s gone radio silent, and I want to find them. At least if I figure out where they are, you three might finally have a decent place to stay.” Bosco scoffed and stood up from the couch. 

“I’m sorry, is this place not grand enough for you? You miss your old life? Living in luxury apartments and having the world’s attention on you?” He asked, slowly stepping nearer to face Daniel. He was about to continue when Charlie’s voice boomed across the studio. 

“Guys! Something is wrong with my computer,” He said as he furiously tried to code his computers back to life. June and Bosco rushed over to help their friend, though not before Bosco shot Daniel a dirty look. The older man sighed again. “Charlie, we really don't have time for your computer problems. I need to go right now-”

“Look!” June gasped. Finally interested, Daniel went over to where the Ponies were. The computer screens were black but a green text was on the largest monitor.

ONE FINAL JOB.

–THE EYE

Below was the familiar eye symbol. The screen flickered into static, and finally a series of coordinates shown on the screen. June took out her phone and snapped a photo just in case. Moments later, the screens returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.

The room fell silent. The Ponies and Daniel exchanged glances, all letting out the breath they hadn’t realized they were holding.

Could this be it? Is The Eye really contacting them right now? Right on cue, Daniel’s phone buzzes. He took it out to see the Caller ID and it was none other than Dylan calling him. He scrambled to answer it. 

“Dylan?” Daniel answered quickly. “Oh my God. Where have you been?” The kids watched him closely as he listened, then pressed the speaker button.

“You’re on speaker,” Daniel said. “Go ahead.” 

Dylan’s voice filled the room, authoritative enough to make the Ponies instinctively straighten.

“Charlie, Bosco and June. Nice to talk to you again. I’m sure you just received the message from the Eye. It’s real and they are asking for you, by name. I heard this job could be dangerous, even more than the Veronica stunt you pulled last year. Think you can handle it?” He asked. The teens looked around, confused and looked at Daniel expectantly.

“Well? Are you in or not?” Daniel pressed. Charlie was the first to speak up, since they considered him their leader. He stammered a meek ‘yes’, to which Dylan chuckled in response.

“Alright. Meet at the coordinates in three days time. Better pack your bags,” The line went dead. Daniel slid his phone back into his pocket as the kids erupted into celebration. They grabbed his arms, dragging him into it despite his protests. He laughed despite himself and finally set his bags down.

Later, he cracked open a soda and sank onto the couch, watching his younger companions rush around the apartment, packing with wild energy.

His thoughts drifted. Whatever this was, it wasn’t just another job. The Eye never used the word final unless it meant something. What did the Eye mean by that? Was it the end? 

When the boat arrived back at the docks, Jobe was greeted by his family with open arms. Y/n chuckled at his excited antics, still finding it amusing that the once rude tourist she disliked had become the person she now loved. But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a high-pitched, annoying voice calling out for Jobe.

“Yoohoo! Hey pookie-mookie, mushy-bushy booboo bear!” The voice rang out, and Y/n couldn't help but cringe at the loudness. She wondered if she could be hired as an emergency alarm with a voice like that.

The owner of the voice ran towards Jobe and jumped into his arms. They seemed to be acting like a couple, and for a moment, Y/n's heart sank. But then she noticed Jobe gently pushing the girl away, which gave her a glimmer of hope.

“Booboo bear?” Y/n said, approaching Jobe and the girl with curiosity. Jobe seemed nervous, as if he had been caught red-handed. He took a deep breath before introducing the girl to Y/n.

“Y/n, this is Ella, my girlfriend,” Jobe said, and Y/n felt like her world was crashing down. The words cut through her heart like a knife. All the adventures and experiences they had shared over the last 10 days now felt like a painful reminder of what could have been. She felt betrayed, as if all her hard work, her boat, and her money had been in vain since meeting Jobe.

Anger surged inside her, and she struggled to contain it. In that moment, she wanted to hurt the couple, to make them feel the pain she was experiencing. But she managed to compose herself, avoiding shaking Ella's outstretched hand and instead choosing to leave the docks with her belongings.

As she walked away, she couldn't help but hope that Jobe would come after her, to explain or make things right. But he didn't. Fucking coward. 

-

A week had passed since Jobe's return to London, and his tale of being stranded on an island had become a global sensation, thanks to Emma's penchant for making things a big deal, despite Jobe's desire to keep it quiet. While the Bellingham family had settled back into their routine, Jude couldn't help but notice a change in Jobe's demeanour. Sensing an opportunity to talk, Jude entered his brother's room without any announcement or knocking, causing Jobe to startle slightly before resuming his cleaning.

“So... Y/n,” Jude began, noting the tension that immediately gripped his younger brother at the mere mention of her name. Jobe continued his tasks without facing Jude, his unease palpable. After a few minutes of silence, Jobe let out a sigh and turned to lean against his table.

“What about her?”

Jude observed his brother's posture and could sense the inner turmoil he was going through. He didn't want to push Jobe too hard, but he also knew that sometimes a little nudge could help.

“I mean, both of you seemed pretty close to me. Almost like you were in love, dude,” Jude commented, treading carefully. Jobe remained silent for a while, his expression conflicted. Finally, he looked at Jude, and what his older brother saw in his eyes was a mixture of regret and sadness.

"What do you want me to do?" Jobe's frustration seeped into his words. "We're back in London, and she's all the way out there."

Jude paused, considering his response carefully. "I get it, Jobe. But you shouldn't have started something you couldn't finish." He let his words sink in before continuing, "But let me leave you with this. Do you love Ella, or do you love Y/n?"

Jobe lowered his gaze, lost in his thoughts as he wrestled with the question. Jude sensed that it was a lot for his brother to process at the moment, so he decided to give him space. He walked out of the room, hopeful that their conversation might have helped Jobe sort through his feelings.

As the door closed behind Jude, Jobe was left alone with his thoughts. He leaned against the table, the weight of his choices heavy on his mind. Love was never meant to be easy, and he was beginning to realise the depth of his emotions. The memory of his time with Y/n on the island kept replaying in his mind, juxtaposed against the reality of his life in London.

He knew he had a decision to make, one that would shape not only his own future but also the lives of those he cared about. He silently wished that there would be someone or something to guide him to make the right decision.

A few nights later, Jobe found himself at the restaurant Ella favored. Although it wasn't his preferred choice, he concealed his displeasure, as was his usual practice. The couple perused the menus, with Jobe already aware that Ella would order her usual steak, while he would opt for the salad and the soup of the day. It was still football season, and he needed to maintain his diet.

Sipping on his sparkling juice, Jobe was taken aback when the waiter approached their table. To his surprise, the waiter turned out to be Y/n, dressed in the restaurant's attire, holding a notebook and a pen. Shocked, he accidentally swallowed his juice, causing him to choke. Y/n rushed to his aid, helping him recover. When he glanced at her again, she seemed to have transformed, her appearance entirely different.

“Oh my god, pookie-wookie, are you okay?” Ella exclaimed as she hurried to his side, assisting him. Once he had regained his composure, he looked at her and was even more astonished. Outside the restaurant, by the bus stop, he spotted Y/n dressed as a salesperson, selling balloons to children. A bus arrived and departed, leaving behind a muscular man who had now transformed into a balloon animal artist.

Returning his focus to the dinner table, Ella tried to lift his spirits with silly faces, though it only made him cringe internally. Jobe assured Ella that he was fine, and they continued waiting for their meal. Suddenly, the host announced that the live band would perform a song. Jobe paid no attention until he heard the name of the song. The singer began performing a song called 'Y/n.'

“Has there always been a song like this?” Jobe pondered. Initially filled with anger and aggression, the song suddenly shifted to a softer melody, mirroring his rollercoaster experience with Y/n. The entire dinner was consumed by thoughts and emotions connected to Y/n, a feeling Jobe despised. He tried to figure out how to broach the topic with Ella, but her question caught him off guard.

“Who’s the girl?” Ella inquired, not looking away from her food. Jobe attempted to deflect the question, but her intense gaze demanded an answer. “How did you know?”

“Jobe, I’m not oblivious. Men wear a certain look when they're deeply in love, and you've never worn that look with me. But when I saw you with that village girl on the boat, you were practically glowing with love. I was a bit hurt, but I saw this coming. I thought maybe I could break through your tough, aloof exterior, but it seems someone else did it first,” Ella remarked. Jobe was speechless, not expecting such a response. He struggled to find the words, but Ella interjected.

“It's okay, Jobe. I forgive you. Just promise me you'll take care of her. Be a better man. Don’t treat her the way you treated me. Every person deserves happiness. Now go, before I change my mind,” Ella said with a smile. Jobe smiled back, grateful for Ella's understanding. He hugged her and settled the bill before heading home. Ella shook her head and returned to her own residence.

On his way home, Jobe contemplated Ella’s words. 'Don’t treat her the way you treated me.' Had he truly mistreated her? He made a mental note to express his gratitude to Ella properly. She deserved a farewell that wasn't merely a breakup during dinner. He set that note aside as he focused on his plan. All he hoped for was that Y/n would still want to be with him.

Y/n was in the midst of sweeping the resort's pool area, boredom settling in. Stuck in the village with no money, Jobe had returned home with his girlfriend, a word that left a bitter taste in her mouth. She felt betrayed and embarrassed, realizing that he had used her for entertainment due to the village's limited offerings. Her irritation grew when someone called her name repeatedly. She swept the floor aggressively, but the caller persisted. Finally, she turned around.

“Listen, sir, I'm a very busy woman, so if you could please go awa—” her words trailed off as she locked eyes with the last person she expected to see: Jobe Bellingham, standing with a small bag, his brother sipping a pina colada nearby. 

“Too busy even for me?” he quipped, offering a faint smile. Y/n walked slowly towards him and, when close enough, slapped him across the face. Jobe, although taken aback, understood he deserved it.

“Okay, I deserved that,” he admitted.

Y/n quickly pulled him into a kiss, their arms wrapping around each other naturally, as if they were meant to be. When they broke apart, Jobe wore a wide grin. “Okay, I deserved that too,” Y/n chuckled.

“Shut up,” she whispered before kissing him again. Their passion ignited once more, and Jobe's brother, Jude, disgusted, walked away to give them some privacy. Jobe then remembered something and handed her the small bag. “For you.”

Curious, Y/n opened the bag and found it filled with money. She gasped and quickly zipped it closed, casting a cautious glance around.

“Jobe, what is this?” she whispered.

“You told me you wanted to leave this island. Because of me, you lost all your money. Now, I get to help you. You can finally start a new life, with me, in London,” Jobe declared enthusiastically. Although Y/n had worries etched on her face, she smiled and nodded. Jobe's heart swelled with happiness, and they shared another passionate kiss.

Y/n made her way to the waiting car where Jobe was already waiting. He helped load her bags and held her close once he was done. “Are you ready?”

It was the day the Bellinghams were supposed to leave, but Jobe was nowhere to be found. Panic spread throughout the family, and Jude, his older brother, blamed himself for not keeping better track of him. However, Denise and Marc Bellingham knew they shouldn't place the blame on Jude. After all, he had to focus on his training for Madrid, and they themselves had been occupied with their own travel plans.

The resort manager was quickly informed, and he mobilised his staff to search for Jobe all over the resort and the nearby village. The manager also noticed that Y/n, a young woman whom Jobe had grown close to during their vacation, was not present and tried to contact her repeatedly. However, Y/n didn't answer her phone, leaving him to assume that she was probably still asleep.

News of Jobe's disappearance spread like wildfire throughout the village, and the tight-knit community rallied together to help with the search. The Bellinghams were touched and relieved to know that they weren't alone in this distressing situation.

As hours passed, the weight of uncertainty bore heavily on Denise's shoulders. She couldn't help but feel that their efforts might be in vain. Sitting in the resort lobby, she covered her face with her hands, the anxiety and worry consuming her thoughts. She was on the verge of thinking the worst when the resort manager came running toward them. Denise stood up, hope creeping into her heart. "Did you find him?"

The manager's face carried a mix of relief and concern. "Not yet, but we did find something. One of the villagers checked Y/n’s house and found out that she went fishing yesterday. Let's go to the docks now!" he said urgently and rushed to his car. The Bellinghams followed closely behind, their hearts pounding with worry.

When they reached the docks, Y/n's boat was nowhere in sight. They frantically asked the local fishermen if they had seen Y/n or Jobe. One of them recalled seeing them heading towards the island yesterday. The resort manager let out an exasperated sigh. Despite the storm warning issued the day before, he knew Y/n well enough to realize that she might have ventured out into the sea regardless.

He swiftly instructed his staff to set up a boat, ready to head out into the ocean to search for them. However, Denise couldn't bear the thought of waiting helplessly on the shore. "Hey! Let us come too!" she shouted over the loud engine.

The manager hesitated, concerned about putting more people at risk, especially tourists. He tried to persuade Denise not to go, but her desperation and determination were evident. It took Marc and Jude to hold her back from jumping into the boat. Finally, Denise relented and sat on the bench situated near the docks, her eyes fixed on the boat as it departed into the sea. Marc and Jude sat on either side of her, providing comfort and support.

In their anxious wait for their safe return, they heard a familiar voice behind them calling for them. Turning around, they saw a figure waving excitedly.

"Oh, shit," Jude uttered, recognising the figure.

-

Jobe woke up early, following his athlete schedule, and gently roused Y/n from her slumber. They decided to sit by the shore, their feet touching the ocean waves, and watched the sun rise together. As the warm rays of light painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, Y/n couldn't help but ponder the changes in her life since she met Jobe. She felt a mix of happiness and apprehension, knowing that their time together might be limited.

While sitting there with him, a question gnawed at the back of her mind: Is this what love is? Her heart fluttered at the thought, realizing how deeply she had come to care for Jobe in such a short time. Yet, that joy was tinged with a sense of sorrow as she remembered that he was a foreigner and couldn't stay on the island forever.

Sensing her troubled thoughts, Jobe nudged her gently with his arm wrapped around her. "What's wrong?" he asked, genuine concern evident in his voice and expression.

Y/n hesitated for a moment, her emotions conflicting within her. Then she sat up, facing him seriously, wanting to have an honest conversation. Taking a deep breath, she brought up the topic that had been weighing heavily on her heart.

"Isn’t today the day you go back home?" she inquired, trying to remain composed. His reaction was immediate, and she could see realization wash over his face, followed by a frown. The silence between them was uncomfortable, and Y/n's heart sank further as she feared the inevitable end to their time together.

But then, in a surprising turn of events, Jobe's eyes widened, and his face lit up with happiness. He stood up, grabbing a large banana leaf and waving it around like a maniac. Y/n couldn't quite comprehend what was happening. Had Jobe lost his mind after just one night on the island with her?

Her confusion cleared when she followed his gaze and saw the brightly colored boat of one of the local fishermen approaching. To her surprise, her manager and some of the resort staff were on board. Y/n couldn't contain her laughter and excitement, waving her hands to catch their attention.

Jobe's exuberance was contagious, and he couldn't contain his joy. He grabbed Y/n by the shoulders to make her face him, showering her with kisses all over her face. Y/n laughed, knowing her manager had probably seen that display and would surely lecture her later.

Overwhelmed with happiness, Jobe spun her around and pulled her into a tight embrace, momentarily making her forget about the bittersweet reality of the day. In that moment, all that mattered was the joy they felt and the connection they had found with each other on this island.

As the boat finally reached them, Y/n's manager and the staff were relieved to see her safe and sound. But it was clear that they were also taken aback by the obvious affection between Y/n and Jobe.

Over the course of the next three days, Jobe rarely left Y/n's side, eager to spend as much time with her as possible. He accompanied her on errands and found ways to be together even when she had work at the resort. Gradually, Y/n began to open up, genuinely interested in the stories Jobe shared about his life in England. Jobe initially worried that he was talking too much, but he soon realised that Y/n enjoyed hearing about his experiences. Encouraged by her interest, he eagerly continued sharing more tales. However, Y/n remained guarded when it came to her own family, indicating a topic she wasn't yet ready to delve into. Although this saddened Jobe to some extent, he found solace in the genuine friendship they had forged during his vacation.

On the ninth day, Jobe couldn't find Y/n anywhere. He searched for her at the house, but she wasn't there. He then went to the resort, but she was nowhere to be found. Determined to locate her, Jobe approached the townspeople and even denied a game of football, a choice he never thought he would make. Through his inquiries, he discovered that Y/n was at the docks, preparing for a week-long fishing trip. Curiosity sparked within Jobe as he noticed the words 'Captain Kai' painted on the side of the boat. Although he briefly pondered the meaning behind it, his primary focus remained on finding Y/n.

Arriving at the docks, Jobe spotted Y/n setting up the boat for departure. He couldn't help but tease her, a playful smile on his face. Y/n stepped away from her task, responding with a genuine smile that immediately brightened Jobe's mood. He was relieved to see her in good spirits.

Y/n expressed her uncertainty about whether Jobe would want to join her, considering that fishing could be boring at times. Jobe, smitten and eager for any opportunity to be with her, couldn't resist a charming response. "How could I resist, love? Besides, any time I spend with you isn't boring. I'd spend a whole day fishing just for you," he slyly remarked, seizing the moment to win her heart. Y/n rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't hide the small smile that graced her face.

Jobe climbed aboard the boat, lending a hand to Y/n as they prepared for their fishing expedition. Once they were both ready, they set off, venturing deeper into the vast ocean.

 -

They had been out at sea for two hours, and a palpable tension hung between them. It was evident that both Jobe and Y/n harboured feelings for each other, yet neither had made a move. Despite numerous opportunities to express their emotions, like when Y/n patiently taught Jobe how to handle the bait or the fish hook, he found himself paralyzed by nerves each time he considered confessing his feelings. Jobe's frustration with himself grew, while Y/n appeared content with the status quo.

As the day progressed, Jobe thought it couldn't get any worse, but he was mistaken. The sky darkened, and the rain began to drizzle, quickly escalating into a torrential downpour. The once-calm waves transformed into monstrous mini-tsunamis, filling Jobe with terror. He was gripped with a fear of death, especially without having the chance to reveal his true feelings to Y/n.

The fierce rain left them with no choice but to head back home. However, a crucial rope that held the sail in place broke, leaving Y/n struggling to regain control of the boat. It violently swayed from side to side, nearly tossing them overboard. Lost and disoriented, they were pushed further out into the sea until they stumbled upon another island.

Amidst the chaos, Jobe's mind raced with various scenarios, his fear and inability to act immobilising him. In a sudden twist of events, a wave struck the boat, causing Jobe to lose his balance and hit his head on the railing. His senses faded as he heard Y/n calling out his name.

- 

Jobe awoke with a start, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. Blinking against the brightness of the morning sun, he realised he was lying on the sand.

Gazing around, Jobe spotted the boat a few feet away, partially damaged from their previous ordeal. His eyes then fell upon Y/n, her back turned as she rummaged through the boat's supplies, her frustration evident in the way she clenched her fists.

Wiping the last traces of sleep from his eyes, Jobe approached her cautiously, unsure of how to address the situation. He knew they had been through a lot, and emotions were bound to run high.

“Shit. shit. shit. Where is it?!” She muttered under her breath. 

"Y/n," he called gently, trying not to startle her. She turned around, her face contorted with anger, and Jobe could already sense a confrontation brewing. She jumped down from the boat and ran up to him, her emotions boiling over. Unexpectedly, she gave him a tight slap across the face, leaving him stunned and hurt.

He looked at her in horror, the sting of her hand still lingering on his cheek. She appeared strangely satisfied with what she had done, her eyes blazing with frustration.

“Why did you do that?!” He exclaimed, rubbing his cheek.

She pointed her index finger accusingly and shouted back at him, her voice laced with bitterness. “If it weren't for you, my father’s boat wouldn’t have been broken. We wouldn’t have drifted further into the sea. We wouldn’t be stuck on this godforsaken island!”

Jobe's initial shock was now replaced with a mix of anger and disbelief. He couldn't believe she was blaming him entirely for their predicament. Feeling hurt by her accusation, he decided to stand up for himself.

“My fault?! I’m sorry I can’t control the fucking weather! Besides, the rain was bound to happen. You saw the clouds when we left the port. With or without me on the boat, you would have been stranded!” he retorted, his voice tinged with frustration.

Y/n shook her head, not wanting to admit defeat. She grabbed her knife and walked towards the direction of the woods. Jobe's anger quickly vanished, replaced with fear and anxiety. He didn't want to be left alone, especially on an island where there was no life or civilization.

“Wait! Where are you going?!” Jobe's voice trembled, his concern for her outweighing his anger.

“Anywhere without you!” she shouted back, giving him the finger as she stormed off into the woods.

He decided it would be best to give her space, rather than follow her and escalate the situation further. Alone and uncertain, Jobe looked around, pondering his next move. He knew that staying on the boat was not a viable option for survival, as it was damaged beyond repair. He needed to find a way to make do with what little resources the island had to offer.

As the sun began to set, he collected wood for a fire and scouted for any potential sources of food and water. The island felt desolate and unforgiving, but Jobe knew he had to remain strong and resourceful.

As the night fell, the reality of their situation sank in, and Jobe felt a deep sense of loneliness and regret. He wished he hadn't fought with Y/n, even if her accusation was unfair. He missed her presence and longed for the comfort of companionship.

He sat on the sand, cooking the fishes they had caught earlier that day on the fire that he had made, which made him proud of himself. He looked at the pile of items beside him, Those were some things that he took looted from the boat, things that he felt that can be used or just still brand new. One of the items was a walkie talkie. It still had its battery but Jobe couldn’t reach anyone. He was staring into the sea when he felt a figure beside him. He grabbed a makeshift stick and pointed to the unknown creature. 

“Relax, it's just me,” Y/n said, with her hands up. “Nice weapon, Where did you get it from?” She snickered. 

“Shut up, it's the only thing that I could do alone” He said as he put away the stick. She chuckled and that made him smile. There was a silence between them and they watched Jobe roast the fish,

“I’m sorry,” Y/n began, “I shouldn’t blame you for bridging you into this mess. It’s just that all my life I’ve been alone and suddenly you came and for the first time in my life, I actually had fun. And then we got stuck here and I’m scared you know? Usually I know what to do but now I’m just lost,” 

Jobe listened to her story and he realised that he had never seen her parents before, just that one picture frame at her house when they had first met. Questions popped up in his mind but he wasn’t sure if she was in the right mind to answer them.

“I’m sorry too. It’s okay to be scared. I’m scared too. But we can’t let fear consume us. Right now, we need to find our way out of here,” Jobe said, his voice filled with reassurance and sincerity. Y/n looked over to him, her eyes meeting his, and she could see a glimpse of hope in them.

She smiled to herself, admiring his unwavering determination even in the face of uncertainty. Despite the challenges they had faced, his resolve remained strong, and it gave her a sense of comfort she hadn't expected.

Without a word, she moved closer to him, feeling the warmth of his presence. Y/n leaned gently against his shoulder, and for a moment, she sensed him tensing up. But soon, she felt his body relax, as if he had allowed himself to trust in their connection.

In that quiet moment, under the starlit sky, they found solace in each other's company. The waves crashed softly against the shore, and the crackling of the campfire added a soothing ambiance to the night.

Jobe leaned his head on hers. He can’t believe it. After 9 days or trying, he had finally won her over. He felt a sense of accomplishment. As the night wore on, they shared stories, hopes, and dreams, finding solace in each other's company. The stars twinkled above them, and in the midst of the wilderness, they found a sense of peace and contentment they had never experienced before.  

It was already late at night, and both of them were laying side-by-side on a makeshift bed made from extra clothing and fabric. They were looking at stars, something Jobe had rarely seen since living in Britain. Since they were comfortable with each other, Jobe felt that it was the right time to ask the questions that were bothering him since the fight. 

"Just now, at the boat, what were you trying to find?" Jobe inquired, his tone cautious, hoping not to evoke any negative emotions again.

Y/n's smile faded slightly, but she seemed willing to share this time. "Remember that day when you asked me to go out, and I went on that errand without taking you inside the shop? I was actually selling most of my belongings. I've been saving money to find a way off this island," she explained.

Jobe's frown deepened. "What about your parents?" he asked, genuinely curious about her past.

"My family died in a wildfire when I was young. That's when the resort manager took me in, and I've been working at the resort ever since. There's no reason for me to stay on this island. You saw it for yourself; the village has almost nothing, except for that resort," Y/n shared, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and determination.

However, Jobe felt compelled to disagree. "That's where you're wrong. The village does have something special, a hidden gem," he said with a soft smile.

Y/n frowned, intrigued, and asked him what it was. "It's you," Jobe said, causing Y/n to burst into laughter.

"You are so corny," she teased.

"Yeah, but I made you laugh, didn’t I?" Jobe responded with a playful grin, and they both laughed together, sitting up on the sand.

Their shared moment of laughter brought them closer together. Jobe's hand instinctively found its way to her cheek, and he gently pulled her face towards his. Their lips met in a sweet, tender kiss, and for a moment, the world around them disappeared. It felt as if they were made for each other, their connection deepening with each passing second.

After a while, they separated, catching their breath, but their hands remained entwined. Y/n smiled, her eyes shining with affection. "You're a better kisser than I expected," she admitted, and Jobe couldn't help but chuckle.

"Is that so?" he replied with a playful glint in his eye.

The next day, as the early morning sun cast a golden glow over the beach, Jobe strolled along the sandy shore once again. As he approached the beach house, he caught sight of Y/n diligently cleaning the exterior, a determined expression on her face. A warm smile tugged at the corners of his lips, appreciating her hard work. Wanting to announce his presence, he coughed softly as he reached the front steps.

Y/n turned at the sound and a brief smile flickered across her face. However, upon realising it was Jobe, a scowl swiftly replaced the smile. Disheartened, Jobe understood that winning her over wouldn't be easy. Undeterred, he positioned himself in front of her, causing her to pause in her sweeping. As she looked up at him, Jobe couldn't help but notice how adorable she appeared, despite her initial hostility. He quickly refocused his thoughts on what he had come to say.

"Bring me out," Jobe requested with a playful tone, hoping to catch her off guard.

Confused, Y/n furrowed her brow. "What do you mean? Like... on a date?" she asked hesitantly, unsure of his intentions.

Jobe chuckled, trying to alleviate her nervousness. "No, not a date. I'm just bored and in need of some fun. And it seems like you know your way around here. Perhaps you can show me the ropes?"

Amused by her nervous reaction, Jobe decided to playfully tease her. He took a slow step towards her, causing Y/n to retreat until her back met the wall. Leaning casually against the wall, Jobe raised his arm, flexing his developing muscles in a lighthearted display.

"Unless... you want to make this a date," he purred, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Y/n's mouth hung open in surprise, clearly unaccustomed to his playful advances. Her face turned as red as a tomato, and in her flustered state, she used the end of the broom to hit his calf. Jobe yelped in pain, hopping away and rubbing his leg.

Y/n quickly darted inside the house, attempting to shut the door, but Jobe's quick reflexes intervened. He halted the door's movement with his foot, interlacing his hands in a pleading gesture.

"Please, let me come with you. I promise I won't be a hassle. I'll keep quiet, I swear. I’ll pay you even!" Jobe pleaded, noticing a flicker of softness in Y/n's eyes before her frown returned. She hesitated momentarily, her body relaxing, revealing that she had given in.

"How much?" she asked. Jobe cheered in his head, finally getting her attention.

“As much as you want. I have money,” He answered, showing her the black card he has. Perks of a celebrity. He could see that Y/n was contemplating but she slowly nodded. “Fine, let me get ready”

And with that, the door closes. Jobe couldn't contain his excitement, a sense of victory filling him. Although his plan to charm her hadn't gone as expected, he didn't mind. Waiting patiently on the steps, he contemplated the endless possibilities of fun activities they could do together, his mind racing with anticipation.

-

Throughout the day, Jobe had been shadowing Y/n like a lost baby animal, constantly seeking her attention. At first, Y/n found this behaviour annoying and refused to engage with him. However, as the hours passed, she slowly started to warm up to his presence, engaging in small conversations from time to time. Nevertheless, Y/n didn't hesitate to scold Jobe whenever necessary, making it clear that his actions were not always welcome.

As the day progressed, the vibrant hues of sunrise gradually transformed into the gentle colours of sunset. Y/n had one last task to complete, and it seemed to hold a sense of secrecy that intrigued Jobe. Unlike earlier instances when he accompanied her into various shops, this time Y/n requested Jobe to wait outside. Uncertain of the nature of her errand, Jobe complied, patiently standing outside the shop. However, as time ticked by, boredom quickly settled in. His phone had died, leaving him with no means of entertainment or communication. Additionally, he wasn't even sure if the locals spoke English, further isolating him in this unfamiliar place.

Staring into the captivating scenery before him, Jobe's attention was suddenly drawn to the sound of children's laughter. Curious, he turned his gaze and discovered a group of kids merrily tossing a ball among themselves. They seemed to be immersed in their own game, devoid of any rules or objectives. A mischievous idea sparked in Jobe's mind, and a sly smirk formed on his face. Determined to alleviate his boredom, he decided to approach the children and put his plan into action.

-

Y/n sighed in relief as the negotiation came to a close. She stood up, extending her hand to shake the dealer's, a gesture of professionalism. She discreetly stashed the money in her bag, knowing deep down that her actions were necessary despite conflicting with her personal values. Urgency had driven her to this point, and she couldn't afford to dwell on her doubts.

Leaving the shop, she scanned the area and spotted Jobe engrossed in a game of football with the local children. It was a sport unfamiliar to her homeland, but seeing the joy it brought to everyone involved, she couldn't help but appreciate it. Y/n decided to join in on the uplifting atmosphere and purchased two cups of drinks before settling on the nearest bench. Slowly sipping her drink, she observed Jobe as he interacted with the kids, his gentle nature shining through. His enthusiasm and encouragement added to the lively game, and his genuine connection with the children became evident.

With some moments of solitude, Y/n had the chance to truly see Jobe for who he was. Gone was the drama queen she had encountered during their initial meeting at the hotel. She noticed his attractive physique and well-groomed hair, features that added to his appeal. His infectious smile brought newfound vibrancy to the once sombre town, spreading joy and eliciting smiles from all those around him. Y/n couldn't help but appreciate the curiosity gleaming in his eyes, always observant of his surroundings, a quality that translated well into his football skills.

"He's actually quite impressive," Y/n thought to herself, a smile naturally forming on her lips. This transformed version of Jobe made her forget the initial negative impression she had of him. However, her moment of reflection was interrupted when Jobe noticed her presence. She hoped he hadn't caught her staring, feeling a tinge of embarrassment. Jobe, however, wore a knowing smile and didn't mention her sudden change in behaviour. He approached her, instructing the children to continue playing, and joined her on the bench. Y/n averted her gaze, ashamed of her previous actions, but Jobe's friendly presence helped ease the tension. As he buttoned up his shirt, having discarded some buttons due to the heat, she passed him the extra drink. He thanked her, appreciating the newfound warmth in her demeanour.

After a few moments of silence and contemplation, the duo finally decided to head back to the resort. Y/n graciously offered to accompany Jobe, ensuring he wouldn't get lost or, worse, kidnapped. The journey back was quiet, but there was no awkwardness between them. Once they reached the resort lobby, Y/n turned to Jobe, extending her hand and demanding payment. Jobe took a moment to comprehend the situation and let out a nervous chuckle.

"Wait, I promised to pay you after our outing," Jobe spoke, straightening his shirt and adjusting his posture to convey his seriousness. The calm expression on Y/n's face quickly transformed into a frown. Jobe instinctively took a step back, secretly hoping she didn't possess a weapon.

"Are you serious? I spent the entire day showing you around town! Isn't that enough?" Y/n exclaimed angrily, her voice growing louder.

"I understand, but my vacation isn't over yet. I'll pay you once you take me out until my last day here," Jobe explained. Y/n paused for a moment, attempting to grasp his words. Finally comprehending his request, she turned around and stormed off, muttering something under her breath. Jobe chuckled lightly, shouting a farewell after her. He entered the elevator with a smile, ready to continue enjoying his time at the resort.

However, as the elevator doors began to close, Jobe's brother Jude stumbled in, reeking of alcohol and beer. It was evident that he had just returned from the hotel bar, a place Jobe was not yet allowed to enter.

It had been three days since Jobe arrived at the resort, and he was growing increasingly bored. The town lacked excitement, and all the festivals had already taken place. Swimming had lost its charm, as he had already spent too much time in the water. Jobe's mother had encouraged him to explore more, but he couldn't fathom what else there was to see.

As Jobe strolled along the beach, his eyes caught sight of a small, dilapidated beach house at the far end. Despite knowing better than to trespass, his boredom got the best of him, and he decided to venture inside. He knocked on the door, but it swung open easily since it had no lock. Cautiously, he entered the house, taking in the fascinating posters, maps, and souvenirs adorning the walls. On a table, he noticed a family portrait amidst unpaid bills, featuring an adult couple and two young sisters.

Just as Jobe was about to examine the portrait, a knife whizzed past, narrowly missing his hand. Startled, he turned around and found the same girl from earlier, now dressed in her everyday clothes, glaring at him. She held a pail of fish and a fishing rod, clearly annoyed by his presence.

"Nice shot. You almost got me there," Jobe said, attempting to brush off the close call with a cocky smile. The girl scowled at him, pushing him aside as she placed the bucket of fish on the floor. Jobe cringed at the sight and smell of the seafood.

"Are all tourists like this? Always invading locals' privacy?" she snapped, clearly irritated by Jobe's intrusion. Despite her obvious dislike for him, Jobe found himself oddly intrigued. Her cold demeanour and resistance to his presence sparked a desire for the challenge of winning her over. After all, he was desperate for some entertainment.

Jobe began asking Y/n various questions. Some she answered, while others she ignored or refused to respond to.

"What's that on your wall?" he inquired.

"A sword from my ancestors," she replied curtly.

"Is that even legal?" he pressed further.

"Don't know, don't care," she retorted dismissively.

"Did you catch those fish yourself?" Jobe inquired, pointing at the bucket.

"Yes," Y/n replied simply.

"Why are you so angsty all the time?" he probed, trying to understand her better.

Y/n fell silent, refusing to answer that particular question.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Jobe then asked about her parents. This question struck a nerve, causing Y/n to erupt in a torrent of words in a language Jobe couldn't comprehend. She brandished the knife that had nearly struck him earlier, pointing it menacingly in his direction. Jobe wasted no time in retreating from the house, jogging a safe distance away before finding a place to sit and collect his thoughts.