(Michelle Lui's POV)
The van ride back to Andy's building was… silent.
Not tense in the explosive way the dinner had been.Not sharp like the arguments.Just—quiet.
A tired, drained, heavy quiet.
The city lights outside streaked past the windows, golden and blurred, reflecting across everyone's faces like watercolors.
Jasmine rested her head lightly on Anthony's shoulder.Lara stared at her hands.Kate texted someone — maybe her brother.Vince and Jeff didn't even try to joke.
Steven sat at the back corner of the van, body leaning against the window, eyes unfocused.He didn't look at anyone.
Not even me.
And Andy…He was the only person who didn't look exhausted.But even he wasn't smiling.
He simply watched the city roll by, expression unreadable, one knee up, fingers tapping lightly on it like he was steadying himself with a rhythm only he could hear.
I sat between Kate and the window.
The leather felt cold against my arm.
My heart felt colder.
