*Clack.* Julian lit the cigar held between his fingers with a sharp snap, took a deep drag, exhaled a plume of thick smoke, and turned his head toward Christian.

"Say, did that kid pull the wool over your eyes? He's nothing but a persistent leech—once he stick

Night was always the hardest time for Evan, as memories of the past invariably swarmed back to haunt him.

They were all small, trivial matters, yet accumulated one by one, they became the final straw that broke the camel's back.

"Evan, could you help me try

Evan noncommittal about Christian's words; clenching his jaw, he took a tiny step backward.

"Don't worry. Whatever belongs to you, I will help you reclaim it."

Christian used the word "reclaim," which surprised Evan. Yet upon second thought, it was only natural