The night had settled softly over the streets as Vicious and Thalia walked side by side, the city lights glimmering faintly in the puddles along the road. Thalia kept turning her head, capturing every sight — the glowing windows, the street musicians, the flicker of laughter drifting through cafés.
Soon, they reached their hotel. Inside, she placed the camera gently on the bed, scrolling through the pictures they had taken that day.
"They seem pretty cool, you know," Vicious said, leaning against the wall with a faint smile.
Thalia nodded, eyes fixed on the screen. "Yeah. Do you want to see them?"
"Sure."
They sat close together on the bed, shoulders brushing slightly as they flipped through the photos — each frame holding a moment of light, laughter, and strange calmness. They commented, teased, and chuckled quietly as the pictures rolled by.
Then Thalia turned her gaze toward him. "Why are you so nice to me?"
He hesitated, eyes flicking down before meeting hers again. "Maybe because… it feels good to be reminded that I still can be."
She smiled faintly, then asked, "And why are you so kind to me?"
Thalia sighed softly. "That's just my nature. Not everything is always what it seems. There's always light after the tunnel. Maybe there's still a good part in you — a side you never knew existed. I can't judge you by what I see now, not when I haven't truly gotten to know you. But I do hope I get to see more of this side of you… often."
Vicious stared at her for a moment before whispering, "Do you know what I think about you? You're an angel. These few days with you… they showed me I was wrong. I hope we can leave the past behind and focus on the present. I'm really sorry for how I treated you. You didn't deserve any of that."
"It's okay," she said softly. "I forgive you. You did surprise me today, though. I never thought you could be… fun."
"Fun?" he chuckled.
"Yes," she teased. "I thought you were the most boring person alive — but I saw you smiling, grinning, even laughing! You said sorry too. I don't even know the real you. Tell me."
He smiled faintly. "What do you want to know?"
"Yourself. How you became like this. Your family. And today… you even complimented me, which is unbelievable. I never expected you, of all people, to do that. And why do they call you 'Vicious'? It suits you, but… why?"
He leaned back, eyes thoughtful. "My real name is Victor Torres-Pedro. I'm Mexican, and part Italian. 'Vicious' was a name people gave me when things got dark — when I started fighting back against a world that didn't care much for mercy. Maybe I wore it too well. But lately…" He trailed off, looking at her. My Dad retired and forced me to continue his dirty work, since I was a child I was taught to be....... he paused.
Thalia smiled faintly, tilting her head. "Then maybe it's time to see who Victor really is."
The room fell quiet. After a pause, she asked casually, "Are you going to use the bathroom?"
He nodded. "You can go first if you want."
She went in, and after a while, came out wearing her robe, her damp hair glistening under the warm light. Vicious looked up, momentarily frozen.
"What?" she asked, noticing his stare. "Aren't you going in?"
"Yes—yes, I am," he stammered, quickly grabbing a towel and disappearing into the bathroom.
Thalia chuckled softly. "So weird… for a guy like him."
She dried her hair, built her usual pillow barrier, and soon drifted into sleep. When Vicious came out, he found her already asleep, her breathing steady and peaceful. He sat on his side of the bed, gazing at her quietly.
"What are you doing to me?" he whispered. Then, almost unconsciously, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.
His phone rang suddenly. He grabbed it quickly, stepping out to avoid waking her.
"Dude, where have you been?" Martin's voice roared through the phone.
"Is it true you left the country?" Fernandez added. "You didn't even bother to tell us!"
Mario chimed in, "Yeah, and you weren't picking your calls! What's going on?"
Vicious sighed. "I can explain. Actually, Thalia and I are in Mexico."
"Ohhh," Mario teased. "Looks like I was right all along! There is something between you and that pretty maid. Spill the coffee."
"Don't you mean tea?" Fernandez laughed.
"Whatever," Mario said. "Details!"
Vicious cut in. "Enough. What are you all saying? There's nothing between us. We were enemies — now we're just trying to understand each other. That's all."
"Are you sure?" Mario pressed. "Because your voice sounds softer, my friend. Not the usual iron and fire."
Martinez laughed. "Yeah, man. I hope you're not falling in love with her. That would be a problem for all of us."
Vicious frowned. "Love? No way. You know me I don't believe in love. And besides… she's not my type."
Mario snorted. "Trying to cover up again?"
He sighed, voice quiet. "She's an angel. She doesn't deserve someone like me. She's too pure. Too kind. I can't even put it into words."
There was silence on the line. For once, even his friends didn't know what to say.