Page 221 of Kentrell

It wasclose to midnight when the energy in the room finally started to settle. The movie was on its second loop, empty food containers were stacked near the door, and the card table sat abandoned—half a game of spades left in limbo.

Wave stretched, rubbing his stomach. “Aight, man. I’m out before I fall asleep on this rich-ass couch.”

Oshon stood up behind him. “Facts. I can’t get too comfortable—my girl gon’ think I moved in over here.”

“You kinda did,” I muttered, standing up with Zoe still sitting in my spot.

Wani cracked his neck and slid his arms behind his head. “Yeah, yeah. Time to bounce. Gotta save the rest of my charm for next time.”

He made his way over to Zoe, who was still curled in the corner of the couch, cozy and smiling. Before I could move, Wani leaned in, arms open like he was being innocent.

“Come here, ma,” he said in that syrupy smooth tone he knew got under my skin. “Can’t leave without sayin’ bye to my favorite girl.”

Zoe laughed, shaking her head. “You are too much.”

But she still stood.

And Wani wasted no time wrapping his arms around her and holding her just alittletoo long. Then, right before he let her go, he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

“You sure you wanna stay with him?” he whispered loud enough for all of us to hear.

“Nigga,” I growled from behind them.

Zoe was giggling the whole time, trying to pull away, but Wani hugged her tighter like he had no plans of letting go.

“Okay, okay, I’m done,” he laughed, finally stepping back. “Damn, relax, big bro. I ain’t tryna steal her.Today.”

Zoe turned and gave me a teasing look, still laughing as she wiped the cheek he kissed. “He’s something else.”

“I know.” I stared Wani down as I pulled her back to my side.

Kensei came up next, cool and quiet as ever. He didn’t say much, just opened his arms and gave Zoe a sincere hug. Then, with a smooth lean down, he kissed the top of her head and said softly, “Take care of yourself.”

“I will,” she said, surprised but touched by his quiet affection.

Wave and Oshon followed, both giving her quick hugs, their usual grins plastered on.

“We like you,” Wave said with a wink. “You keep this one in line.”

“I’m tryin’,” she joked, throwing a look back at me.

“Don’t let him trick you with that calm shit,” Oshon added, pointing at me. “He worse than Wani. He just hide it better.”

“Facts,” Wani chimed in, already halfway to the door. “That nigga got a demon in him. Trust me.”

I flipped him off as the guys all laughed, grabbing their things and heading out one by one.

As the front door finally closed and silence took over again, Zoe looked up at me, still smiling.

Still charged with laughter, but now blanketed in something else.

“That was fun.”

“Yeah?” I reached out and brushed a stray curl off her forehead. “They ain’t scare you off?”

“No,” she smiled. “They made me feel… welcomed. Like I belong.”

“You do.”

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