Ss settled onto the plush sectional sofa in the living area, and a rare sense of ease washed over him.


    The long trip had drained him, but being back with his family made him quite happy and rxed.


    Alex bounced onto the couch beside him, holding a game controller in one hand and a mischievous grin on his face.


    "You ready to get crushed, big bro?" Alex teased, his voice filled with youthful confidence.


    Ss smirked, leaning back against the cushions. "Crushed? You do remember who taught you how to y, right?"


    After they moved to Venezu, Ss had another game station installed in the living area for him and his brother. This was actually his father''s idea as it''s a way to help Ss spend more time with everyone while also gaming.


    Chris, seated in an armchair with a mug of coffee, chuckled at their banter.


    "Don''t let him fool you, Alex. Ss has always had apetitive streak. Be careful or he''ll hold this over you for weeks if he wins."


    "Months," Ss corrected with a yful grin.


    Kim entered the room carrying a tray of snacks, cing it on the coffee table between them.


    "You boys and your games," she said with a shake of her head, though there was a fond smile on her lips. "At least you two are spending time together."


    "Quality bonding time," Ss said, as he grabbed a handful of chips.


    Alex rolled his eyes but couldn''t hide his excitement. He powered on the console, and the screen flickered to life, casting a bright glow over the room.


    The game''s opening music filled the air, and the familiarpetitive spark between the brothers ignited.


    The game started and the two brothers started going head to head. The first round was a chaotic mess of explosions, rapid button-mashing, and loud shouts of triumph and frustration. Mostly of frustration.


    "How are you this bad at this game, Alex? Didn''t you just say you were going to crush me?" Ss taunted as his character delivered a final blow, iming the victory.


    Though it was a low blow from him considering that he''s ma y times faster than the kid, coupled with his extraordinary perception and his experience. But Ss was enjoying the game and he knew that Alex won''t take what he said to heart.


    "Beginner''s luck!" Alex shot back, clearly determined to win the next round. "You won''t get so lucky this time."


    The rematch was even more intense, with Alex pulling off surprising moves that made Ss sit up straighter.


    Chris watched from his armchair, sipping his coffee and asionally throwing inmentary.


    "Careful, Alex. Don''t let him bait you," Chris warned,ughing when Alex fell for one of Ss''s feints.


    "Dad! No coaching from the sidelines!" Alex protested, his fingers flying across the controller.


    Kim joined Chris, sitting on the armrest of his chair as she watched the brothers battle it out.


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    "You''d think they werepeting for a million dors," she joked, shaking her head.


    "Bragging rights are priceless," Ss retorted, narrowly dodging an attack from Alex''s character.


    Few minutester, after a grueling final round, Ss leaned back with a triumphant smile as the game dered him the winner.


    "And that''s how it''s done," he said smugly, pointing at Alex.


    Alex groaned, flopping back onto the couch dramatically. "You''re impossible to beat, big brother. Are you cheat or something? Because there''s no way you''re that good."


    "Years of practice," Ss replied, reaching over to ruffle Alex''s hair. "Don''t worry, though. You''re getting better."


    Alex shot him a dubious look but smiled despite himself. "Rematch tomorrow?"


    "You''re on," Ss said, handing the controller back to him.


    As the game ended, the atmosphere in the room shifted to a quieter, more reflective mood.


    Ss nced around, taking in the sight of his family together. The bright smiles on their faces was something he would love to see everyday. It was a moment he wished he could hold onto forever.


    Chris set his empty coffee mug on the table, his expression thoughtful.


    "You''ve been traveling a lottely, Ss. It''s good to have you home, even if it''s just for a while."


    Kim nodded in agreement, her eyes warm. "You''re always wee here, no matter how far you go or how long you''re gone."


    Alex, who had been scrolling through the game menu, looked up. "Yeah, don''t forget you''ve got us, big brother. Even if you''re busy being all mysterious and doing cool stuff."


    Ss smiled, his chest tightening slightly. Alex and Kim didn''t know the full extent of what he was involved in. Even his dad, and for their safety, he wants to keep it that way.


    But moments like this reminded him of why he worked so hard, why he fought to protect what he had.


    "Thanks, guys," Ss said, his voice soft. "It''s good to be home. I might not even travel for the couple of months but I''m not sure yet."


    Chris only smiled and nodded at Ss. The night stretched on, filled with moreughter, snacks, and stories.


    It was a rare moment of peace for Ss, and he vowed to treasure it. For a while, the weight of the world faded, leaving only the warmth of family.


    It was only after when it was already pass midnight, did they all finally decided to go to bed.


    Chris and Kim also made their way to their room. And Ss carried the already sleepy Alex to his room, before going to his.


    Immediately after walking into his room, Ss walked to his bed and slumped into it.


    The three weeks long trip around the world left him feeling very exhausted and after he just spent some time with his family, all he just wants to do is rest.


    Just as he was about to close his eyes, the Gear''s notification sounded in his head.


    Using his thoughts, he checked it out and he saw that it was a message from two people: Aiden and Céline.


    A bright smile bloomed on Ss'' face when he saw the message from Céline and decided to check it out first.


    The message was short but its content caused Ss to smile.


    Ss had no idea if he''s falling for Céline or not. His heart was in a tough spot with Chloe, and also with how strange Luna has been behavingtely. But he was very sure that things would work itself out. He hope it does.


    After he was done reading Céline''s message and replying it, he checked out that from Aiden.


    The content of the message was Aiden epting his offer and him notifying Ss that he''s on his way to Venezu.


    "Good. Things should start falling into ce now."