The sun was setting, casting a warm golden light through the kitchen window.

Ash leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching Noah struggle to reach the top shelf.

Ash had just come home from school, today dated 30th of September, which was rattling Ash from the inside.

One and a half day remained.

One more day, and he’d find out who’s the secret Boss.

But right now, Ash decided to leave all those energy-draining thoughts in the back of his mind, and live in the present.

No good thinking about the stuff that hasn't even happened, right?

“Need help, Noah?” Ash asked, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

Noah turned around, pouting. “Nuh-uh! I can do everything with my big body!”

“You got a big body?” Ash asked, clearly amused.

“Yeah!” Noah flexed his tiny muscles, that he might’ve seen dad doing.

“Right, right. My bad,” Ash said, rolling his eyes, and gesturing towards the top shelf, “Aren’t you forgetting what you wanna pick from up there?”

“Huh?” Noah looked over there, “Oh, right!”

Noah then again started to continue his struggles on grabbing a pack of snacks from the top shelf.

“It’s too high!”

Ash chuckled as he pushed off the counter. He walked over and easily grabbed the packet that Noah had been trying to reach. “Here you go.”

Noah’s eyes lit up as he took the pack from Ash’s hands. “Thanks, big brother! You’re the best!”

Ash ruffled Noah’s hair, smiling down at him.

It was rare for him to feel this kind of lightness, this sense of calm. Ever since he came back home, things had been tense, confusing, mind racing from anything, any possibility that could happen on the 02 of October. But with Noah... everything felt simple.

Noah dragged a chair to the kitchen table and hopped onto it, opening the packet with all his might. Ash watched him, arms still crossed.

“Dinner’s in an hour, you know,” Ash pointed out, raising an eyebrow.

Noah just shrugged, grinning sheepishly as he stuffed a handful of chips in his mouth. “Snacks are important, duh!”

Ash laughed. “Yeah, yeah. If Mom catches you, don’t blame me.”

Noah waved him off, completely unbothered. “Mommy won’t mind! Besides, I’ve got you to cover for me, right?” He gave Ash a wide, toothy smile, one that was almost impossible to say no to.

“Alright, alright,” Ash said, giving in. “But only because you’re my favorite little brother.”

Noah’s eyes sparkled at that, and he set the packet down for a moment. “Hey, big brother?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you have to go back to school tomorrow?” Noah asked, his tone suddenly softer, almost hesitant.

Ash paused, caught off guard by the question. “Yeah, I do. Why?”

‘Where’s this coming from?’

Noah was on school break, since little kids were given two weeks of holidays at that time, due to the changing weather.

Noah looked down. “I just... like it when you’re home. It’s fun when you’re here.”

Ash felt his chest tighten a little at Noah’s words. “I like it too, Noah,” he said, his voice softer now. “But, you know, I have to go to school. Gotta learn stuff and all that.”

Noah looked up, his big eyes shining with a seriousness that didn’t quite match his tiny frame.

“Promise you’ll come back every day? And not be late?”

Ash chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Noah’s hair again. “I promise, Noah. I’ll always come back.”

“Is it a pinky promise?” Noah asked, the seriousness still visible in his eyes.

‘Eh?’

“....What’s a pinky promise?” Ash tilted his head.

Noah slapped his palm on the forehead, then continued, with a grumpy expression, “You don’t know a pinky promise? Don’t you make promises with your friends?”

“...No, I usually don't. I mean…I don’t make pinky promises.” Ash pressed.

“Then I’ll show you!” Noah turned to Ash and held out his pinky, “Wrap you pinky around mine, and then it’ll be a pinky promise!”

“Alright, so it’s a pinky promise then?” Ash asked, holding out his pinky finger.

Noah’s eyes widened with delight, and he eagerly wrapped his tiny pinky around Ash’s. “Pinky promise!” he declared, his voice full of confidence.

“Now you can’t break it, or else you’ll get bad luck forever!”

Ash chuckled, pretending to be horrified. “Bad luck forever? Please don’t, Noah!”

Noah giggled. “That’s the rule! You better come back every day, okay? And be on time!”

Ash gave him a solemn nod. “I promise. I’ll always come back. On time, too. You’ll see.”

Then Noah nodded, and then sat, “Big brother, my friend says that promises are meant to be broken.”

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

‘...Well, he’s right, to some extent, but still….’

Ash didn’t respond.

“And then I asked daddy, do you know what daddy said?” Noah added, looking to Ash, who seemed to be deep in thought.

Ash blinked, brought back to reality by the sound of Noah’s tiny, serious voice. “What did he say?” Ash asked, trying to keep his tone light.

Noah’s face lit up, like he was about to share a secret. “Daddy said that real promises are like... magic!” He threw his arms wide. “He said that when you promise someone something, it means you’re giving a piece of your heart to them. So you have to take good care of it.”

Ash stared at Noah, a little stunned. ‘Dad said that? Really?’

Ash couldn’t help but smile.

“That’s... actually pretty cool,” he admitted.

Noah beamed, clearly pleased with himself for having impressed his older brother. “See? Daddy knows everything!”

Ash laughed softly. It was so easy for Noah to believe in their dad’s words, to hold onto every promise like it was a precious treasure.

‘Wish I could be that optimistic,’ Ash thought, but he pushed the thought away.

Noah looked relieved, like he had just secured some great and important deal. But then his expression grew thoughtful again, his brows furrowing in that way that made him look so much like their dad.

“Big brother?” Noah asked quietly, his voice suddenly low. “Do you think Daddy will keep his promise too? He said he’ll come back soon... but I miss him.”

Ash felt his heart squeeze. He knew their dad had been away for a while now, caught up with work trips and business meetings that kept him away from home. But it wasn’t like their dad didn’t care. He always called when he could, sent little gifts, made sure to check in on Noah and Ash.

“He will, Noah,” Ash said softly, giving his brother a reassuring smile. “Dad always comes back. You know how much he misses you too, right?”

Noah’s eyes sparkled with hope. “You think so?”

Ash nodded. “I know so. He’ll be back before you know it, and then you can show him all the cool stuff you’ve been doing.”

Noah’s smile returned in full force.

“Okay, big brother,” Noah said, jumping off the seat. “But you better not forget your promise too.”

“I won’t,” Ash said, nodding. “You can count on me.”

Noah looked up again, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Hey, Big brother?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you stay with me tonight? Like a sleepover?”

Ash blinked, taken aback. “A sleepover? Here?”

“Yeah! You can sleep in my room! We can stay up late, and tell stories, and... and... maybe even play some games!” Noah’s excitement was visible, his eyes sparkling.

Ash couldn’t help but smile at that. “Alright, fine. But if Mom catches us, you’re the one explaining why we’re up past bedtime.”

Noah threw his hands in the air with a triumphant cheer. “Yes! You’re the best, big brother!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ash said, rolling his eyes, though he couldn’t hide his smile. “Just don’t tell anyone. I’ve got a reputation to keep.”

And so they went into Noah’s room, with snacks and movies hidden in their hands.

While Ash sat on the floor beside Noah’s bed, Ash made a silent vow to himself: he would keep this promise.

For Noah’s sake, and maybe for his own too.

Because if there was one thing he was sure of, it was that Noah deserved a brother he could rely on, someone who would always come back home - no matter what.

Because promises are for others to break.

He’ll make promises to be cherished, forever.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blake leaned against the wall, his fingers itching for a cigarette.

He was in the old, dusty warehouse that served as one of the many meeting spots for his so-called “Boss.” He didn’t know why he was summoned this time, but he had a feeling it had something to do with those damn notes.

‘C’mon Boss, hurry. I’m not supposed to spend my entire damn day waiting for you to show up.’

Footsteps echoed, and Blake straightened up, his heart pounding despite himself.

The Boss always had a way of making an entrance. There was something about the guy, his presence was unnervingly calm, commanding respect without ever raising his voice.

The man was tall, but not taller than Blake, with a hood pulled low over his face, but it did nothing to hide the unnerving aura he carried with him.

Blake’s gaze shifted to the only part of his face that was visible - his eyes.

Blake’s breath hitched.

The eyes were dark, almost dark brown or black, but there was a strange, faint glow at the edges, a hint of red that caught the light just right, making it look like they were burning from within.

Those eyes weren’t brown.

They weren’t black.

They were….

…Red.

“Blake,” the Boss greeted, stepping into the light with that usual confident stride.

“Boss.” Blake gave a lazy salute, not bothering to straighten up. “What’s the occasion?”

The Boss let out a low chuckle, his eyes- strangely red on the edges- glinting in the semi-darkness. “It’s always a pleasure, Blake. Besides, I’m in a good mood today.”

Blake smirked. ‘That’s rare’.

Blake’s tone turned more serious, “I’ve been hearing a lot of whispers about some... plans you’ve got. Something about October 2nd.”

The Boss raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “So, the rumors reached even your ears? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. You’ve always been resourceful.”

Blake shrugged, his expression casual, though his eyes were sharp. “Yeah, But I think you're planning to set a trap for that freak who’s been sending me those anonymous notes, right?”

“Trap is a strong word,” the Boss said, smiling slightly as he leaned against the opposite wall. “I prefer to think of it as... an invitation. A test, if you will.”

Blake’s grin widened, his eyes flashing with intrigue. “A test, huh? Who’s the lucky guy?”

The boss leaned closer, his tone serious, “Wait up, Blake. I’m not stupid enough to tell you now, you’ll pull his hair out if you find out.”

Blake rolled his eyes, “C’mon Boss, then when will I meet that freak?”

“Soon enough. On the second of October.” Boss said.

“For what, exactly? You trying to see if he’s got the guts to face you?”

“Something like that,” the Boss admitted, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“He’s been quite the nuisance, hasn’t he? Sending you those little threats, trying to keep you in line.”

Blake’s laugh was low and dangerous. “Yeah, well, whoever he is, he’s got guts, I’ll give him that. But you know what?” He leaned forward, his expression almost victorious. “I’m kinda looking forward to this. Can’t wait to see how he reacts when he realizes he’s walking right into your hands.”

The Boss’s eyes narrowed. “You’re awfully eager, Blake. But be careful, you might end up disappointed if he doesn’t show.”

Blake tilted his head, considering. “Nah, he’ll show. I can feel it. He’s the type who won’t back down. And when he does, I want a front-row seat.”

The Boss gave a slow nod, almost as if he were pleased by Blake’s enthusiasm. “You might just get your wish. October 2nd, near the old sports ground warehouse. That’s where it’s all going to go down.”

“Yeah?” Blake’s eyes gleamed. “And what’s the plan? You’re gonna just pop out and say ‘Boo’?”

The Boss laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. “Something like that. But I have a feeling he’s not just going to roll over. This one’s different. Clever, careful... I’m curious to see what he’ll do when he realizes the game is up.”

Blake’s smirk faltered for a split second. “You’re not worried he’ll outsmart you, are you?”

“Worried?” The Boss gave a slow, deliberate shake of his head. “No. But intrigued, yes. You see, loyalty and courage are rare in this line of work. I want to see if he’s truly got what it takes.”

Blake studied him, “So what’s the real deal, Boss? You planning to make him an offer? Or just... take him out of the picture?”

The Boss’s red-tinted eyes glimmered in the dim light. “That, Blake, depends entirely on how he performs. If he’s as brave as you think, perhaps I’ll have a proposition for him. And if not... well, you know how it goes.”

Blake let out a low whistle. “Man, you really love your mind games, don’t you?”

“Let’s just say it keeps things... interesting,” the Boss replied, a cryptic smile on his lips. He pushed himself off the wall and took a step closer to Blake.

“It’s not like we’re friends or anything like that.”

Blake straightened up, a challenging look in his eyes. “Yeah. But I can’t lie, it’s gonna be fun watching that freak beg for mercy.”

The Boss nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Blake’s face. “Good. This isn’t a game for the faint of heart.”

Blake shrugged, “You know me, Boss. I’m just here for the entertainment. If that kid wants to play hero, he’s gotta be ready for the consequences.”

The Boss’s smile widened, his eyes glinting. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Now, go on. Prepare yourself. October 2nd is going to be... memorable.”

‘Alright, freak,’ he thought, a wicked grin spreading across his face. ‘Let’s see if you’re really up for the challenge. This time, the game’s in our court.’