Before long, Leo’s minivan rolled up to the curb Spacious enough for a small crowd, it easily amodated everyone.


    Mirabe hopped in first while Zach and Collins stowed the luggage at the back. Leo hesitated for a moment before climbing aboard, sliding into the seat right beside Mirabe.


    Zach, returning from the trunk, caught sight of Mirabe, with Leo now upying the prime spot next to her. He shot Leo a sidelong <b>nce</b>.


    Jeez, what a sneaky guy!


    A bewildered Leo, on the <b>receiving </b>end of an unexpected re, thought, “What the…?”


    Collins had witnessed the whole exchange. He shook his head and settled into the


    passenger seat.


    The vehicle soon left the airport, cruising towards the Davis family’s suburban enve. Once inside, Leo removed his mask. He was known for his cool demeanor and wasn’t much of a talker. His previous encounter with Mirabe <b>had </b>been brief, just a dinner, but his first impression wasn’t too shabby!


    Now, his hands rested on his knees, fingers idly caressing the fabric of his jeans. His peripheral vision asionally caught Mirabe’s presence. He wanted to strike up a conversation but couldn’t quite find the words.


    Zach, meanwhile, wasn’t in the mood for chit–chat either. Having been abroad for days, he had a backlog ofpany matters to sort through and was busy texting his assistant.


    Mirabe felt Leo’s stealthy nces and let her eyelids droop slightly before casually turning to look at him. She noticed his pallor, which hinted at a certain unwellness, a touch of sickness perhaps?


    Her brow furrowed as her gaze identally swept over his hand resting on his knee. The faded needle marks were still discernible.


    After pondering for a few seconds, Mirabe asked nonchntly, “Have you been shooting overseastely?”


    Leo turned to Mirabe, unsure how she knew about his travels–Zach had probably


    mentioned it.


    Regainingposure, Leo pressed his lips into a stiff smile that softened his usually distant expression. He nodded and replied, “Yeah.”


    “You don’t look too well,” Mirabe observed with aposed facade. “Are you sick?”


    At her words, Leo’s fingers involuntarily clenched, and his expression froze for a moment. That’s when Zach chimed in from the backseat, “He’s just worn out from a long flight, that’s


    all.”


    Leo rxed his hand. He didn’t want the family to know about his health issues.


    “Oh, then make sure you rest up when we get home. Healthes first,” Mirabe said, dropping her gaze, seemingly convinced.


    “Yeah, I’m aware. Leo’s voice was dry as he responded, and then he turned to gaze out the window, where the streetlights flickered and danced on the ss.


    After a good fifty minutes, they finally arrived at the entrance of theirplex. Collins and the assistant took off after unloading the luggage.


    Just as Leo reached for his suitcase, Mirabe’s hand brushed his wrist in a seemingly


    ‘idental‘ gesture, “Let me help with that, Leo.”


    Leo paused, taken aback. Mirabe quickly let go and grabbed the suitcase handle, taking it from him without further ado. The whole interactionsted but a few seconds.