Santiago sat in the back of his sleek black car, watching the city streets pass by. His phone rested in his hand.

He was staring at his phone, on the screen was Leon’s number already saved. He had waited two days before reaching out — enough time to seem casual, not desperate.

He typed a simple message:

"Leon, it’s Santiago. Are you free this afternoon? I’d like to start with that city tour if you’re available."

The reply came faster than expected.

"Yes! I’m off after 5 PM today, it Friday you know. Where should we meet?"

Santiago smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "The café near your restaurant. 5:30?"

"Perfect. See you there!"

By 5:25, Santiago was already seated at an outdoor table under a large umbrella, nursing an espresso. Leon arrived a few minutes later, slightly out of breath but smiling brightly. He had changed out of his work uniform into a simple white t-shirt and jeans, a new backpack slung over one shoulder.

"Sorry if I’m a bit late, sir— I mean, Santiago," Leon said as he sat down, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wanted to change first so I don’t smell like fries."

Santiago chuckled softly. "You’re right on time. And you don’t smell like fries. Relax. This isn’t an interview."

Leon let out a nervous laugh and ordered an iced latte when the waiter came by. Once their drinks arrived, he wrapped both hands around the cold glass as if it grounded him.

"So... where do you want to go first?" Leon asked. "There’s a big bookstore a few blocks from here that has a really good fiction section. Or the riverside park if you prefer something outdoors."

"A book nerd it is." Santiago leaned back, studying him. "The bookstore sounds good. You seem like someone who knows the good spots."

Leon’s face lit up. "I try! Books have always been my escape. When things get... heavy, I just open a page and disappear for a while."

Santiago tilted his head. "Heavy how?"

Leon shrugged, suddenly cautious. "Life stuff. You know... family things. My brother works really hard, and sometimes I worry about him. But I don’t want to bore you with that."

"You’re not boring me," Santiago said quietly, his voice warm but careful. "Tell me about your brother. You mentioned he saved you once."

Leon took a long sip of his latte, eyes distant for a moment. "Yeah. Our parents... they disappeared when I was a little younger. It was messy. Sylvain stepped up even though he was barely an adult himself. He made sure I had food, went to school daily. He sacrificed a lot. I just want to return the favor one day, you know? Make him proud. Make him smile again like he used to."

Santiago felt something twist in his chest. He masked it with a small nod. "He sounds like a good man. Strong."

"He is," Leon said fiercely. "Even if he thinks he has to carry everything alone now. He has this... friend. Or boss. I don’t know. Something feels off whenever he talks about him. But he won’t tell me anything. He just says ’I’m handling it.’"

Santiago’s grip on his cup tightened imperceptibly. "Maybe he’s protecting you."

"Maybe." Leon sighed. "Anyway, enough about my sad stories. What about you? Why did you come to this city? Business?"

Santiago leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Something like that. I needed a change of scenery. My family... they have expectations for me, they wanted me to be their milking spot. I needed space to figure out what I actually want."

Leon’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "That sounds mysterious. Are you like, running from an arranged marriage or something?" He laughed at his own joke.

Santiago’s lips curved into a genuine smile. "Not quite. But close enough. My father wants me to take over certain... family responsibilities. I’m not sure I want them."

Leon claps his hands and smiled. "O-oh ok. Alright let finish up and start the sightseeing."

They finished their drinks and walked to the bookstore together. Inside, the smell of paper and ink wrapped around them like an old friend. Leon moved through the aisles with ease, pulling books off shelves and recommending them with enthusiastic explanations.

"Have you read this one?" Leon asked, holding up a worn copy of The Song of Achilles. "It destroyed me in the best way. The bond between Patroclus and Achilles... it’s everything."

Santiago took the book, flipping through the pages. "I have. The way they chose each other despite the gods and fate... it’s powerful."

Leon’s eyes widened. "Right?! I cried for like two hours after finishing it. My brother made fun of me for days."

They spent nearly an hour browsing.

Santiago bought Leon the book he had been eyeing, along with two others. When Leon protested, Santiago simply shook his head.

"Consider it part of the job. I need good recommendations if I’m going to survive here."

As they left the bookstore, the sun was beginning to dip lower. It was quite late probably ten already. Santiago asked for them to go to a water side around here, which Leon said he knew one. He brought Santiago to the place to hear the soothing sound of water.

They walked along the riverside path, the water sparkling beside them.

"Can I ask you something personal?" Santiago said after a comfortable silence.

"Sure."

"If your brother is in trouble... would you really do anything to help him? Even if it meant risking yourself?"

Leon stopped walking and turned to face him fully. "Without hesitation. He gave up his future for me. The least I can do is fight for his."

Santiago searched Leon’s face. The sincerity there was almost painful. For a brief second, he considered walking away from the entire plan. But he knew he couldn’t.

"You’re a good person, Leon," he said softly. "Rarer than you think."

Leon blushed and looked away. "I’m just trying to be decent. Life’s already too cruel. Might as well make it a little softer for the people I love."

They continued walking. Santiago asked more questions — about Leon’s favorite memories with his brother, what he wanted for his future, even silly things like preferred coffee order. Leon answered openly, laughing easily, clearly enjoying the attention and conversation.

By the time they parted ways near the restaurant, the sun had set.

"Thank you for today," Leon said, clutching the bag of books. "This was really nice. Not gonna lie, I was nervous at first."

Santiago offered a small smile. "Me too. I’ll text you about the next outing. Rest well, Leon."

"You too, Santiago."

As Leon walked away, Santiago watched his retreating figure. The warmth in his chest warred with the cold reality of his mission.

He pulled out his phone and sent a message to Viktor: 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"I already started the mission, he is a little gullible. It wasn’t difficult to gain his trust, I will start it fully now."

Then he opened the photo of Leon again, staring at the bright smile.

"Forgive me," he whispered to the empty street.

Back at the safe house, Leon burst through the door with his new books and a wide grin. He immediately called Sylvain.

"Bro, today was amazing! Santiago is so cool. We went to the bookstore and talked about books for hours. He even bought me some! And he’s paying really well for the side job..."

Sylvain listened on the other end, heart heavy with dread, forcing himself to sound supportive while silently praying his brother wouldn’t get pulled any deeper into danger.

He has always known his brother as a gullible person who will trust the devil as far as he gives him something.