Lucas stepped out of the kitchen, leaving Leo sprawled on the floor, trembling in fear with a wine bottle lying beside him, its remnants soaking into the rug. Lucas had acted quickly—one sharp blow to the head had ensured Leo wouldn't be following him anytime soon. He wiped his hands on his pants, more out of habit than necessity, as he moved into the living room.
There, sprawled across the couch, was Kane. The room was dimly lit, filled with the pungent smell of strong weed mingling with the smoke curling lazily from the joint in Kane's hand. Kane's eyes were half-closed, glowing an unnatural red as he inhaled deeply, his usually sharp features softening.
Lucas stopped in the doorway, taking in the scene. He found it a little amusing. Kane—this man who loved to throw his weight around, who enjoyed being in control, who had threatened Lucas more than once—was now relaxed and vulnerable. It was a stark contrast to the intense, domineering presence Kane usually exuded, and Lucas found a certain irony in it.
Kane opened his eyes slightly, catching sight of Lucas. A slow, lazy smile spread across his lips, his red eyes gleaming as he took another drag. "You want some?" he asked, his voice thick and relaxed.
Lucas didn't respond immediately. He just stood there, arms crossed, watching Kane with a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. There was something surreal about the situation. Kane, who had always seemed so strong and invincible, was now sitting there in a daze, his guard completely down.
It wasn't that Lucas felt superior or looked down on Kane for this moment of weakness. He simply found it interesting, almost entertaining, how easily someone so powerful could slip into this state. It was a reminder that no one, not even Kane, was immune to their own vices.
After a moment, Lucas shook his head slightly, his amusement fading as the strong scent of weed began to get to him. He had no desire to stay in the thick, hazy atmosphere any longer. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Kane to his drugs and his daze.
As he moved down the hallway, the sound of Kane's slow exhale fading behind him, Lucas couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. Kane could talk tough all he wanted, but everyone had their moments of weakness. Some were just more obvious than others.
Lucas wandered through the house, the muffled sounds of chatter and laughter guiding him toward a room where a group had gathered. He wasn't particularly interested in mingling, but boredom had begun to gnaw at him, and he needed something to pass the time.
As he stepped into the room, he saw a group of eight people sitting in a loose circle, bottles of alcohol scattered across the table. Their faces lit up as he entered. He immediately recognized Jade, her hair tied loosely into a low ponytail, her curly hair tousled and left to run wild. She waved him over excitedly.
"Lucas! Come join us!" she called out, her words slurring slightly. "We're playing a drinking game!"
Lucas hesitated briefly. He wasn't particularly in the mood for company, but after his encounter with Leo, he was inclined to indulge in more alcohol with people who weren't as annoying. He walked over and took the only empty seat, which happened to be next to a boy with tousled dark brown hair and bright green eyes. The boy was already watching him intently and looked even more ecstatic when Lucas sat down beside him.
The boy, who looked to be around Lucas's age, flashed him a wide grin as he settled in. "Hey, I'm Ryan," he said, leaning a bit closer than necessary. "Glad you decided to join."