Page 122 of Inside the Sun

Sun nods, cautiously. "I get wanting something calmer," he says. "But is it really?"

I don’t answer. A mafia estate as a ‘calmer’ place? Yeah, right. The logic just doesn't hold up.

He watches me, sharp-eyed. "I just think this place is wasting your potential."

I let out a bitter laugh. Actually, this is something I can be honest about.

"What does that even mean, potential, Sun? People love throwing that catchy phrase around.‘Live up to your full potential.’But does chasing success automatically meanhappiness? You can be happy doing something small. That just… vibes with you."

I hesitate, eyes drifting outside the gazebo.

"Anyway, I’ve always been kinda misaligned with…" I trail off, suddenly feeling like I’m rambling. "Everything." I shrug.

But Sun’s looking at me like something I said really hit him. Then he swallows, pulling his shirt back on slowly, wincing as the fabric brushes his back.

"You know, you probably won’t believe this, but I’ve had those same thoughts. Some people think giving everything to a career equals fulfillment. But I’ve never felt that way either. I’ve also been kind of… misaligned with what life’s ‘supposed’ to be about. I like music, but I don’t know if I want to give my whole life to it. I liked modeling for a bit, but not anymore. I’ve thought about going to school, but… nah."

Our eyes are locked, and I nod, understanding him well.

"I don’t see a clear path either. I once thought I had. But it wasn’t fulfilling. It only made the hole in my soul even bigger. So now, I’m not sure about my future. ‘Misaligned’… fits me."

I am still oversharing, yep!

But Sun gazes at me like I’d just preached some kind of life wisdom.

"I totally get you." He closes his eyes. "Especially now, the future career and the ‘full potential’ bullshit are even less important. I did kinda reset to the basics. I only know one thing that matters." Sun’s voice wavers. "I want to befree."

He’s right. I’m at the basic level too. That’s why I’m here too, fighting for freedom for my brothers.

"Yeah. Everything else is secondary. Only the people who’ve lost their freedom really know how crucial it is."

Silence falls between us. But something’s different.

The air feels warmer somehow, gold-toned, like an embrace. We’re synced again. Same wavelength, same frequency.

On a strange impulse, I reach up and gently touch his cheek, where Anzo’s hand left a red mark. Holding my breath, I caress it as his eyes slowly close, and he sighs.

"Wish I was out there…" Sun whispers, his voice breathy, lips inches from mine. "I’d love to tryaligningwith you…"

The magic is on. Like under some spell, I lean in, and our lips touch, almost shyly, as I whisper back, "I would welcome thatalignment… if you were out there."

Instinctively, I go in for more. Our lips press together more hungrily as the momentum builds, but…

Then I exhale and pull back. The sweetness between us fades fast. It has to, I’ve stayed too long.

"Sun, I love talking to you, but it’s been over twenty minutes. I need to get back before someone notices. Cameras are watching…"

His cheeks are still pink.

"Will you be here tomorrow?" There’s a shy hope in his voice.

"As long as you understand how fleeting and risky this is. I hate to repeat it, but it could get us both killed. You know that, right?"

He closes his eyes. "I do. That’s why I appreciate it so much. Because it’s the only time I get to forget that I’m not free."

Stopping myself from saying too much, I nod.

Then back away and leave the gazebo.

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