Thalia was about to head into the bathroom when Vicious stood up and offered to accompany her.
She shook her head. "No, it's fine."
"You really got me worried," he said softly. "Please… don't take a cold bath."
Thalia turned to face him, her eyes curious. "Why are you nice to me?" she asked quietly. "I'm sure you've felt guilty a lot of times. Every time something bad happens, you try to play the hero. And once things look fine again, you withdraw. You go back to yourself."
Vicious sighed. "I care about you, Thalia. I just don't want anything to happen to you. I don't even know why I care, but I do. I just want to make sure you're okay."
Her hair and clothes clung to her damp skin, and as he looked at her, she whispered, "You're two-faced… a pretender."
He raised a brow. "Oh, really? What about you?" he countered. "Just a minute ago, you were apologizing for your harsh words. And now this?"
"I'm not pretending," Thalia said sharply. "You always act like you're not nice, but deep down, you are. You just do it to wash away your guilt, and that's not kindness it's pity. I don't like it."
Vicious took a step closer until their skin almost brushed. His voice dropped, low and steady.
"I may be many things, Thalia," he said, "but I'm not a pretender. I don't fake my feelings for anyone."
For a moment, silence filled the air. Then he muttered, "Maybe my feelings are just… a little messed up right now."
Thalia didn't reply. She turned away, entered the bathroom, and took her shower. When she returned, Vicious stood by the door.
"I'll step out so you can change," he said, eyes briefly meeting hers.
Later, they walked together down the streets of Mexico. Vicious was about to get a taxi
"I just… feel like walking," she said. "If you want to it's fine. I'll find my way around."
"No way," he replied, half smiling. "Wherever you go, I'll go. I'll go with you, I can't leave you alone."
She rolled her eyes, but a tiny smile tugged at her lips.
They continued walking,
"You look surprised," Vicious said. "Is this your first time here?"
"Yes," she admitted. "My first time traveling out of the country… and in Mexico."
"Then you have to see the night view. It's beautiful," he said warmly. "Don't worry I'll be your tour guide."
"Really? You'd do that?"
"Of course," he said. "I didn't bring you here to run away or cause trouble. I just wanted you to breathe… to relax. After everything that's happened, you deserve it."
Thalia looked at him, her voice soft. "I understand now."
Vicious chuckled. "You know, I'm a man who loves trouble. But when it comes to you… I think I'm tired of fighting. How about we make peace and just be friends?"
Thalia raised a brow. "Friends? Hmm. Sounds suspicious. What's your ulterior motive, Mr. Gangster?"
He laughed. "I'm serious this time."
She smiled. "Alright. Deal."
They shook hands. "Friends," she said firmly. "But you better not mess this up, or I won't forgive you."
Thalia hesitated. "Maybe I should find another place to stay."
Vicious frowned. "No, don't. I'll sleep on the couch; you take the bed."
She shook her head. "You paid for it, so you should enjoy it. I'll be fine."
He sighed. "I really like this hotel it's big, comfortable, and quiet. I'd rather not move. Let's… compromise." He hesitated, then added, "How about we share the bed? I promise nothing will happen. I'll be a gentleman. Even if I doubt, I am, I'll try."
Thalia was silent for a moment.
"Why are you quiet?" he asked softly.
"I don't know," she replied. "But… I'll think about it."
A few moments later, she spoke again. "You promise nothing's going to happen?"
"I promise," he said, with a small, honest smile.
She nodded. "Alright, then."
They continued walking until they reached a lively square, where a few locals were setting up for a small outdoor game a ring toss with colourful lights and prizes on the table.
Vicious glanced at her. "You want to try that?"
Thalia looked at the crowd, hesitating. "Maybe… yeah, why not?"
"Then let's do it," he said, grabbing two rings and handing her one. "Loser buys street tacos."
She laughed softly. "You're on."
They played, laughed, and teased each other as the music from a nearby band filled the air. Thalia missed twice, but on her last throw, the ring landed perfectly on the bottle.
"Yes!" she said, her eyes bright with excitement.
Vicious raised his hands in defeat. "Alright, fine. You win."
"Of course I do," she teased. "Now, go buy those tacos."
They shared food from a nearby stand — spicy, warm, and messy — and for the first time in a long while, Thalia felt at peace.
As they walked back to the hotel, later at night, the city lights shimmered above them.
"You look surprised," Vicious said.
"Yes," she admitted. "My first time traveling out of the country… and being in Mexico. The night scenery is beautiful
They walked side by side in silence until they reached a narrow street. Vicious stretched out his hand to help her cross, their fingers brushing together. Thalia looked down at their intertwined hands, wanting to say something but couldn't.
And for the first time that night, neither of them let go.