Meanwhile, across town in the luxury apartment, Gideon and the other guy were glued to their game controllers, eyes fixed on the flashing screen. Gunfire and explosions filled the room as they shouted at each other, fully immersed in the game. Yet, even amidst the chaos, their attention kept drifting to their friend.
Mr. Unknown was sprawled on the couch, arms crossed, lips curved in a faint smirk. He seemed lighter somehow, though he hadn't said a word. That smirk made them uneasy—he was usually unreadable, like a storm beneath calm waters.
"Yo, man," Gideon said, pausing the game. "You've been acting different all day. Care to share?"
"Yeah," the other guy added with a grin. "It's rare to see you smiling at nothing. Spill it."
Mr. Unknown didn't answer, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as if they weren't even there.
Gideon nudged him with his foot. "C'mon, don't leave us hanging. What's with that face?"
Still no reply. Only that lingering smirk.
The two friends exchanged baffled looks. It was almost unbelievable—the always-cold, unreadable Mr. Unknown now seemed to be carrying a secret that amused him.
Then, the door clicked open.
Mia stepped in. The faint click of her heels echoed against the hardwood, announcing her presence before she even spoke. The soft scent of jasmine and citrus trailed behind her, subtle yet intoxicating. Her designer dress hugged her frame effortlessly, the fabric catching the light with each step. Her stride was confident, controlled, and the air seemed to shift around her.
Gideon froze, controller in hand. The other guy almost dropped his own, eyes wide. Even Mr. Unknown's usually impassive gaze faltered for a heartbeat as he took her in.
"Surprise," Mia said softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "I came because I want my brother to meet a friend of mine."
Her words lingered, casual yet charged with quiet authority. The boys blinked, stunned.
Gideon's jaw went slack. "A… friend of yours?" he murmured, still trying to process her presence.
The other guy shook his head, equally dumbfounded.
Mr. Unknown's smirk returned, sharp and knowing. She's bold. Clever. Perfectly unpredictable. Just as I expected. But why that mischievous sparkle? He studied her silently, letting the smirk linger.
Gideon's thoughts, however, were elsewhere. He'd harbored a crush on Mia for years, and now, seeing her command the room effortlessly, left him speechless. How does she always make everyone stop and stare?
Mia's gaze flicked from her brother to the two friends, steady yet playful. "By the way, your father was worried, so I came to check on you. And I can tell you're doing great," she said, giving her brother a brief, knowing nod. "Well, I'm off now."
She turned, the gentle sway of her dress and confident poise leaving the room in quiet awe. The door clicked shut behind her, and for a moment, silence reigned.
Mr. Unknown leaned back, smirk fully restored. She's more than I expected. Clever, charming… and untouchable in her calm confidence. She might be a problem someday—but for now, she fascinates me.
Gideon muttered under his breath, still watching the closed door, "How does she do that?"
The other guy shook his head, equally dumbfounded.
The game could wait. Something far more interesting had just entered their lives.