Rekindled Bonds

As we walked out of the secret garden, a sort of sense of relief washed over me. Ethan's presence beside me was a reminder of the bond we shared, and I was grateful to have him back in my life. We made our way through the bushes, carefully avoiding any attention that might come our way.

Once we were out of the garden, I turned to Ethan with a determined look on my face. "Alright, Ethan, spill the beans. What really happened to you? And why did you disappear without a trace? and don't give me that you can't tell me cause it's dangerous or whatever"

Ethan's expression grew serious, and he glanced around cautiously before speaking. "It's a long story, Kai. Let's find a safer place to talk. I don't want to risk anyone overhearing us."

I nodded in agreement. "You're right. We should head back to my place. It's quiet and we'll have some privacy there."

As we walked through the streets, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, I was relieved to have found Ethan and to know that he was safe. On the other hand, I couldn't shake off the worry and curiosity about what he had been through during his absence.

We finally arrived at a park close to Grandma's place, and I invited Ethan inside. It was a modest space, but it felt cozy and welcoming. We settled ourselves on the couch, and I looked at Ethan expectantly.

"Okay, spill it. I want to know everything, Ethan. What happened to you and why did you vanish without a trace? and then reappear like nothing happened" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of concern and determination.

Ethan sighed, his gaze fixed on the floor for a moment before meeting my eyes. "Kai, it's complicated. I got involved with some dangerous people. They had their own agenda, and I got caught up in it."

I leaned closer, urging him to continue. "What kind of agenda? Were you in danger? Why didn't you reach out for help?"

Ethan's eyes held a flicker of guilt. "I didn't want to involve you, Kai. I knew that if I dragged you into this mess, you could get hurt. I thought it would be better if I handled it on my own."

I shook my head, frustration was evident in my voice. "Ethan, we're friends. Friends stick together, especially in times of trouble. It would be best if you reached out to me. We could have faced it together."

Ethan's gaze softened, and he reached out to grasp my hand. "I'm sorry, Kai. You're right. I should have trusted you more. I promise, from now on, I won't keep you in the dark. We'll face whatever comes our way together."

A sense of relief washed over me, and I squeezed Ethan's hand in return. "That's what I wanted to hear. We're a team, Ethan. And we'll get through this, no matter what."

"Now tell me what really happened and what type of people did you get mixed with"

Ethan's expression turned serious, his eyes clouded with regret and caution. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"It was a group of rogues, they were a strange group as they were rogues but they were working together, which was weird Kai," Ethan began, his voice filled with a hint of bitterness. "They lured me in with promises of power and protection. I was young and naive, seeking a sense of belonging. But as time went on, I realized their true intentions."

My heart sank as I listened to Ethan's words. I knew what he meant the group that Ramon saved me from months back where a group of rogues "What did they want from you?"

"They wanted to exploit my unique abilities, they said which I was not sure what they meant Kai," Ethan replied, his voice tinged with anger. "They saw me as a tool, a means to gain an advantage over others. They didn't care about my well-being or the consequences of their actions."

Anger welled up inside me, what could they have used to put him in such a situation and why did he accept the group? "Why would you join them, what did they have you and what are you gonna do now that they want your head?." I immediately regretted the words as it looked like it was still a sensitive topic for him

Ethan nodded, but he didn't reply to me suddenly a glimmer of determination shone in his eyes. "I've been gathering information on them, Kai. Names, locations, anything that could help me bring them down. But I needed to be careful. They're dangerous and won't hesitate to eliminate anyone who threatens their plans. So I decided to lay low and got a job here as a gardener."

"so that's what happened, you should have told me instead you making me worried," I told the brick head who does that

"Sorry Kai I couldn't tell you because I wanted to keep you safe," He said okay I'm sure you guys are also sick of everyone saying they wanna protect me and shit do I look that frail yeesh *_*

"Alright you are forgiven but you owe me lunch for the next two weeks"

"Alright"