"Maarg, you're going to apologize," Jack said firmly, his arms crossed by the door.
"Why? It was an accident," Maarg muttered, slouching deeper into the couch.
Jack's glare hardened. "You knocked her down with a door, Maarg. And you didn't even check if she was okay."
Maarg looked away, pretending to scroll through his phone. "She's fine…"
"Now." Jack's tone left no room for argument.
With a heavy sigh, Maarg stood up and dragged his feet toward Sammy's room. "Fine, I'll go."
But when he reached the room, it was empty. The bed was neatly made, and her bag was gone.
"Jack!" Maarg called, his voice echoing through the small apartment.
Jack appeared in the hallway, his brow furrowed. "Where is she?"
"She's gone."
Jack's jaw clenched. Without a word, he grabbed his jacket and headed toward the front door.
"Wait, where are you—"
"Stay here, Maarg." Jack's voice was clipped as he stepped outside.
Jack spotted Sammy near the colony's entrance, engaged in a heated argument with a man in a hazmat suit. The reflective visor made it impossible to see the man's face, but his stance screamed frustration.
"I told you, miss," the man's voice was muffled through the suit. "The city's on lockdown. No one gets in or out."
"I don't live here!" Sammy's voice, though firm, trembled with anxiety. "I was just visiting. My family is waiting for me at home!"
"I understand," the man replied, his tone devoid of sympathy. "But the infection is spreading faster than we can contain it. If you leave now, you'll be risking your life and theirs."
Jack walked up just in time to hear Sammy's desperate retort. "I don't care! I'll take the risk."
"Sammy," Jack interrupted, his voice calm yet firm.
She spun around, her face flushed with frustration. "Jack, they're not letting me go."
"Because it's not safe," Jack said softly. He saw the panic in her eyes, the fear she was trying so hard to hide.
"But my family…" Her voice cracked, and Jack could tell she was on the verge of tears.
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Look, I know you want to go home, but right now... this might be the safest place for you."
Sammy's eyes flickered back to the man in the hazmat suit, who stood silently, no longer engaging. "Where am I supposed to stay, Jack? I can't—"
"You can stay in my room," Jack offered, a blush creeping up his neck.
Sammy blinked, her surprise momentarily overriding her frustration. "Your room?"
"You don't have to worry, I'm a seasoned couch sleeper." Jack smiled, giving a reassuring nod.
Sammy hesitated, but finally gave a reluctant nod. "Okay… thanks, Jack."
When they returned, Maarg was sprawled on the couch, munching on rajma rice, his feet propped up as if he owned the place. Which in a way he did.
"Maarg," Jack said, stepping inside with Sammy close behind him.
"Yeah?" Maarg mumbled, barely glancing up from the bowl in his lap.
"Sammy's staying here," Jack announced casually.
"No way" Maarg said "have you got dad's permission? I don't think i need to remind you what happened to the previous tenant who tried to sneak a girl in," his tone laced with warning and amusement as he paused mid-chew.
"No," Jack said quickly. "It's an emergency I'll get the permission once he is back—"
But before Jack could finish, his mother's voice echoed from the kitchen. "Of course not, Jack!" she said, walking into the living room with a warm but firm smile. "I approve Sammy's stay and she won't stay in your room, jack" Maarg's mom pauses for dramatic effect "Because, She will stay in Maarg's room."
Maarg nearly choked on the rice. "What?!"
Jack blinked, equally caught off guard. "But" Maarg squeaked like a helpless mouse
"No buts," Maarg's mom cut him off, her tone leaving no room for argument. "She's a girl, and she'll feel more comfortable with a room to herself."
Maarg opened his mouth to protest, but her gaze silenced him.
"you two can share Amar's room," she added, her decision final.
"But, Ma!" Maarg tried to argue, but one look from his mother shut him up.
"Maarg, show some manners," she scolded. "She's our guest."
Maarg exchanged a look with Jack, who gave him a helpless shrug.
"Fine," Maarg mumbled, dragging his feet as he headed toward his room to grab his things.
Sammy, meanwhile, was standing awkwardly, trying not to laugh. "Are you sure about this?" she asked Maarg's mom softly.
"Of course, beta," Maarg's mom smiled kindly. "You'll be safe here. And Maarg needs to be humbled a bit so it's alright"
As Maarg stomped past her, carrying his pillow and blanket, Sammy gave Jack a knowing look. "Looks like I get the royal treatment," she whispered with a smirk.
Jack shook his head, trying to suppress a laugh. "Yeah… lucky you."
As Maarg squeezed past them, he glared at Sammy, a silent warning in his eyes that said, "don't you dare touch anything."
"I won't dare to," Sammy said with a smirk, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Maarg stopped dead in his tracks, turning to face her. "I'll still have access to the room, you hear?" he added, the condition a clear attempt to regain some control over the situation.
Sammy tilted her head, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Only if you knock first," she teased, watching him as he glared back like a angry little kitten.