Inside Clarity’s home, the air was thick with tension. A shadow detached itself from the corner, approaching Bruno with a low, desperate whisper:
"Boss?"
Bruno and Clarity spun around, hearts hammering. It was Jake.
A heavy silence stretched between them, thick with disbelief. Clarity was the first to break it; he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Jake in a fierce, breathless hug. "You’re alive," he choked out.
Jake stiffened, gently pushing Clarity away, his eyes darting between the familiar face and the man standing behind him. "I’m fine... but how did you even know I was here? And why is the Boss with you?"
Bruno stood still, observing the reunion. For a fleeting second, the harsh lines of his face softened into a rare, genuine smile—a ghost of the expression he’d worn ten years ago, the day he had saved Jake from the abyss. Jake noticed it, and it chilled him more than any threat.
They moved to the gang’s headquarters, Bruno leading the way like a king returning to a crumbling throne. The gang members watched in stunned silence, whispering in the shadows.
In the private meeting room, Bruno settled onto the sofa, his presence commanding the entire space. He gestured for Clarity to sit. Clarity hesitated, feigning ignorance, hoping he’d misheard.
Bruno’s voice dropped, cold and razor-sharp. "I said, sit."
Clarity scrambled onto the cushion, his gaze darting nervously toward Jake. Jake gave him a subtle, reassuring nod.
"Boss," Jake began, his tone formal. "I know you’re furious. I’m sorry that things—"
"Did those bastards hurt you?" Bruno cut him off, his eyes scanning Jake for any sign of injury.
"I’m fine now," Jake replied, surprised by the concern. "They were many, but I had a plan. I managed to slip through."
Bruno leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Did you know they were onto you before you went home?"
"Not at all. I’d dropped them off at Clarity’s place earlier, and everything seemed fine. I thought it was just another one of Apollo’s mindless errands."
"Mindless errands?" Bruno’s voice darkened. "He made you do his dirty work?"
Clarity couldn't hold back anymore. His voice rose, trembling with indignation. "He did more than that! He ran errands for Apollo, cleaned the entire building, and carried his shopping bags while following him like a dog across the city!"
Bruno closed his eyes, a muscle in his jaw twitching. "When I punished you, I needed proof, Jake. You know that. I was certain you could handle Apollo, but... why did you let yourself be led like this?"
"I’m sorry," Jake whispered. "I failed you. But you put me in a position where I had no choice."
Bruno stood up abruptly, his frustration boiling over. "No. I am the one who failed. In everything." He stared directly at Clarity as he spoke.
Jake tried to lighten the suffocating atmosphere. "Things are fine now, Boss. Really."
"They are not fine!" Bruno roared. "What if they had captured you? What if they’d broken you? If I hadn't returned, would I have lost you, too?!"
Jake and Clarity froze. The raw pain in Bruno’s voice was unmistakable. Was this the cold, merciless leader they knew, or the broken man searching for something he had lost a lifetime ago?
"Boss," Jake said, his voice steadying. "I’ll be by your side until the very last day of my life. I swore that to you years ago."
Clarity’s eyes widened. A vow? An execution attempt? A history with Charlie? He thought he knew every secret Jake had, but he was barely scratching the surface.
Bruno silently shed his heavy black coat, revealing an expensive, tailored outfit beneath—the kind worn only by the capital’s elite. Clarity watched, breathless. The mysteries surrounding this man were beginning to feel overwhelming.
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Jake seized the moment. "Boss, about the warehouse fire... I have proof of who really started it."
"No need," Bruno replied dismissively. "I know it was Apollo. Eric confessed everything and begged me to bring you back to command. So, I’m back. And I’m going to settle this."
Clarity stood up, clapping his hands together, forcing a smile. "Well, then! Since everything is resolved, I’ll be taking my leave—"
"You’re coming back to us," Bruno interrupted.
Clarity blinked, stunned. "Is this really happening? Is he actually asking me to return... politely?"
Clarity pushed the thought aside and leaned toward Jake, whispering, "Goodbye for now. Let’s meet at the Clock Park."
Jake looked anxious. "Answer the Boss first."
Clarity turned, forcing a casual grin. "What was it you wanted, Boss?"
"I asked you to join the group."
"You know I’m useless," Clarity argued. "I’m just a burden to Jake. Ask him yourself."
"I don’t need you to be a fighter. Just stay within the ranks. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of, financially. I didn't know you were suffering from..."
Clarity jumped, clamping a hand over Bruno’s mouth. "Don't! Please, don't tell him about my illness."
Jake shouted in shock, pulling Clarity away. "Have you lost your mind?! You don't just cover the Boss's mouth! He's old enough to be your father, show some respect!"
Bruno cut through the chaos. "Was his father my age?"
Jake looked at Bruno, confused. The atmosphere had shifted into something bizarre.
Clarity smiled softly. "He was about your age. He even looked like you."
Bruno froze. The old madness crept back into his eyes. He looked at the boy—the brown eyes, the long blonde hair, that smile—it all felt like a ghost returning to haunt him. The ghost of Yohan.
Clarity didn't wait for a reply. He turned and vanished out the door before anyone could stop him.
Bruno turned to Jake, his voice barely a whisper. "When did that boy join the gang?"
"The same day I did. Six years ago."
"Why haven't I seen him before?"
"He’s gentle, Boss. I’ve always tried to keep him out of the line of fire. He’s the little brother I’ve always protected. But... Boss, why the sudden interest? Do you think he looks like... Yohan?"
"You noticed it too?"
"Boss, that’s impossible. Clarity has a mother, and a deceased father..."
"Jake, you never change. I didn't say he was Yohan. I said he looks exactly like him."
"You said the same about me years ago," Jake sighed. "And the kids in the North Forest."
"I was delusional back then," Bruno muttered, dismissing the past. "Enough. Go back to your room and rest. Then, send me a squad. I want to see Apollo crawling at my feet by dawn."
"Understood."
As Jake left, Bruno collapsed onto the sofa, exhaling a heavy breath. He pulled a mobile phone from his coat pocket—an object of extreme rarity, likely obtained through illicit channels. He dialed a number.
"How are you?" he said softly. "I’m fine. Yes, I returned this morning... I’m coming to see you tonight. I brought a gift. You’ll love it."
The sun was sinking behind the horizon as Jake reached the Clock Park. Clarity was already waiting by the gate.
They sat on their favorite bench. Clarity wasted no time. "What about the past you told me about? The orphanage near the capital? Another lie?"
Jake looked away, his voice brittle. "I thought forgetting was better for me, for you, and for your mother. I never meant to lie, Clarity. I was just... a runaway."
"And Charlie?" Clarity pressed. "What’s your connection to him? Why did he try to execute you?"
Jake whispered, "Charlie... is my father."
The world seemed to stop. Clarity stared at him, his mind reeling. The day of revelations, he thought.
By the time Clarity returned to the institution, the darkness had swallowed the city. The weight of Jake’s truth pressed down on him.
He took a deep breath, looking up at the cold night sky. I spent so long thinking my mother’s worry was a cage, and her scolding was an insult. I was such a fool.
He stared into the dark, whispering to the wind, "I really am the worst of them all."
He had barely finished the sentence when he noticed Aaron standing just a few paces away.
Aaron was staring at him with a mix of confusion and disdain. He didn't stop; instead, he walked past Clarity, casting a sharp remark over his shoulder: "So, you finally admit it. You really are the worst."
Clarity whipped around, his voice rising in irritation. "Why are you still here?"
Aaron stopped, his face twisting with annoyance. "It’s my sister’s institution. Do I need another reason? Besides, I’ll stay here as long as I like—sleeping, waking, and watching you."
Clarity sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat, and turned to leave. Behind him, Aaron continued walking, muttering to himself, "He actually asked why I’m here... That brat. I truly despise him."
Aaron glanced up at the clock on the wall, his brow furrowing. "It’s late. Where is Eve?"
At the side gate of the institution grounds:
Eve stood in the shadows. The street was pitch-black, save for a single, flickering streetlight at the far end. She was bundled in a wool sweater and a thick coat that swallowed half her face, keeping her features hidden.
She waited, her eyes scanning the darkness with nervous anticipation.
Then, he appeared.
A tall figure, draped in a long, black cloak that concealed his entire frame.
Eve’s face softened into a faint smile. She hurried toward him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight, relieved embrace. "I missed you," she whispered.
The man pulled her closer, his voice low and apologetic. "I’m sorry I’m late."
He pulled back the hood, revealing his face in the gloom. It was Bruno. His sharp, unmistakable features stood out even in the oppressive dark.
Eve’s eyes sparked with excitement. "Uncle, let’s go to the back garden. I have so much to tell you!"
"Why not?" Bruno replied cautiously. "Provided no one recognizes me."
"Don't worry," Eve promised. "No one knows you're here..."
Suddenly, a voice cut through the air, icy and sharp.
"Eve?"
She froze, her heart skipping a beat as she turned toward the source of the sound. Standing there, bathed in the dim light, was Aaron.