The plane cabin was dim, the low hum of engines a steady drone beneath their feet. Tension hung thick in the air, settling heavily over Jazz, Ollie, Emi, and Niko. They were returning home, but none of them truly knew what awaited them—or what had become of Charlie.

  Jazz and Ollie sat together a couple of rows ahead, their heads bowed close, talking quietly in anxious murmurs. Behind them, Niko sat stiffly next to Emi, who leaned against the window, eyes growing heavy with exhaustion.

  Gradually, Emi’s eyelids fluttered shut, her head drifting until it gently landed on Niko’s shoulder. Niko jerked slightly, startled, his eyes widening as warmth flooded his cheeks. He swallowed, frozen in place, unsure how to react.

  Carefully, his gaze drifted down to her face, peaceful in sleep despite everything they had just endured. Strands of her hair had fallen loosely across her cheek, gently shifting with each of her breaths. Almost without thinking, Niko reached out and brushed the stray hairs away, his fingertips grazing her soft skin. The simple touch sent a jolt through him, tightening something deep within his chest.

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  He inhaled sharply, suddenly hyper-aware of her closeness—the gentle rise and fall of her shoulders, the faint scent of her shampoo. His heart quickened, a nervous yet strangely comforting rhythm.

  But he didn’t move away. He didn’t want to. Instead, slowly, almost hesitantly, Niko leaned his head lightly against hers. The tension he’d carried for so long began to ease, replaced by the quiet warmth radiating from Emi. His eyes fluttered shut, the drone of the engines fading into the background as he allowed himself to drift, comforted by Emi’s quiet presence.

  Emi’s eyes fluttered. Niko’s shoulder was warm, his scent comforting.

  Slowly, she let her eyes open. She could feel his steady breathing next to her, the weight of his head leaning on hers.

  A small smile tugged on her lips. Gently she turned her body to shift closer to him. She rested her hand on his arm, curling her fingers into his sleeve, and closed her eyes again, his steady breathing anchoring her, lulling her back to sleep.

  To be continued…