Helios

Thieram sat across from Ekko at a long wooden table in the back room of the restaurant. The lighting was soft, but the air was tense. A sleek tablet rested in Thieram’s hands, and he occasionally tapped notes onto the screen with deliberate focus. At least—until Eva arrived.

She didn’t just walk in. She burst in, barefoot, carrying a half-empty bottle of fancy lemonade and wearing the kind of smile that spelled nothing but trouble.

“Oh, are we doing an interrogation already?” she purred, sliding into the chair next to Thieram—so close that her hair practically fell across his shoulder. “I just love when boys in suits try to look all serious.”

Thieram cleared his throat. “Uh… Eva, please. This is an official procedure.”

She pouted. “So formal! You’re like, what—Agent 007? Come on, don’t tell me you’ve never fantasized about being James Bond.” She sipped from her bottle, then set her chin in her hand and locked eyes with Ekko. “So, mister sea treasure… who are you?”

Thieram jumped in quickly. “Name. Surname. Date of arrival on the island.”

Ekko hesitated. “Ekko. I… don’t remember the last name. I woke up here yesterday.”

“Ooooh, mysterious,” Eva whispered, reaching out to straighten the collar of his shirt. “Like Bond. But with dreadlocks.”

“Eva,” Thieram snapped, cheeks flushed. “Please!”

“Fine, fine,” she sighed dramatically.

Thieram turned back to Ekko. “Did you have any contact with the outside world before your arrival?”

“He had contact with me,” Eva said with a wink. “And honestly? I wouldn’t mind some more.”

Thieram looked like he might spontaneously combust. His eyes darted anywhere but Eva’s legs, which were now casually propped up on the edge of the table.

Ekko smirked, only slightly amused by the chaos.

“Do you intend to stay here?” Thieram asked, his voice cracking slightly.

Ekko shrugged. “I woke up on this island with no memory. I don’t even know if I am Ekko.”

“Oh, boy,” Eva murmured—and then reached across the table for her phone, deliberately leaning forward. Her chest brushed against Thieram’s arm. He flinched so hard he nearly knocked over his tablet.

Naturally, that was when she “accidentally” knocked over her glass of water—straight onto herself.

“Oh nooo,” she said innocently, brushing water from her now semi-transparent blouse. “Thieram, you could’ve warned me where you placed the glass!”

“You… could you just… stop?” he stammered, dabbing at the table with napkins and very clearly avoiding eye contact.

Eva giggled and gave him a playful bump with her shoulder. “Relax, would you? This sweet little cupcake,”—she gestured toward Ekko—“is clearly harmless. Maybe even the best gift Jinx has ever gotten. And if she’s got her eye on him? Who are we to deny her that little spark of happiness? He even saved Isha, remember?”

Then she leaned in close to Thieram, cupping his chin and tilting his face toward her.

“But if he turns out to be dangerous,” she whispered, her breath warm against his ear, “you know Jinx will be the first to rip him apart.”

....

Thieram led Ekko through the quiet hallway of his modest apartment. The space was neat, functional, with bookshelves lined with old manuals, a few cozy lights glowing amber in the evening calm.

“This is the bathroom,” Thieram said, opening a door and gesturing. “Towels are in the cabinet. And here—” he handed Ekko a neatly folded stack of clothes, “—something clean to wear. Should be your size.”

“Thanks,” Ekko nodded, offering a tired smile before stepping into the bathroom.

Hot steam soon filled the air as he stood under the running water, letting it wash away the salt, the sand, and some of the questions that had been pounding inside his skull. When he stepped out and caught his reflection, he barely recognized himself—tanned, lean, with a body that clearly hadn’t missed a day of training. At least something was working in his favor.

He dressed and walked out, toweling his damp dreads as Thieram looked up from the kitchenette.

“Wow,” Thieram blinked, then flushed a little. “You’ve got a hell of a physique.”

Ekko chuckled. “Thanks. I’d offer you my workout routine, but…” he shrugged, “kinda forgot it.”

Thieram smiled awkwardly, pushing up his glasses. “Well, you wear the shirt better than I do. Listen, Ekko—can I ask a favor?”

“Sure,” Ekko said, towel still draped around his shoulders.

“I run the bar at the restaurant. Nights can get… hectic. Lot of people. Lot of orders. And, well, I could really use an extra set of hands. Think you’d be up for helping out tonight?”

Ekko hesitated for only a second. “Why not. Sounds like fun.”

....

Eva finally dragged herself into bed, limbs heavy like cotton, eyes burning from exhaustion. She hadn't slept in over thirty hours. After a quick shower that barely rinsed off the stress, she was finally ready to pass out and let sleep take her. 3... 2... 1—

Her door slammed open.

“WHAT THE HELL, JINX?” Eva groaned, barely lifting her head.

Jinx stood in the doorway, arms crossed, pink eyes glowing with suspicion.

“What’s going on between you and Ekko?”

“What?” Eva blinked. “Nothing.”

“Then why were you clinging to him?” Jinx narrowed her eyes.

“Me? Jinx, calm down,” Eva mumbled, pulling the blanket over herself. “He’s not even my type. I like guys like Thieram.”

“…What?” Jinx stared at her like she’d just claimed the sky was green.

“You heard me. I like Thieram.”

“But you said your vibrators were better than him,” Jinx deadpanned.

“I did,” Eva admitted with a yawn. “But I changed my mind. He’s steady. Has a good job. I’ve re-evaluated my priorities.”

Jinx’s face lit up like fireworks. “Oh my god. OH MY GOD. Thieram’s dream came TRUE.”

She squealed and jumped onto the bed, tackling Eva into a spontaneous hug.

“Praise the gods, you’ve finally taken pity on him—wait. Are you sleeping NAKED?” she asked, suddenly pulling back.

“This is my apartment,” Eva muttered, now fully wrapping herself in the blanket. “I do what I want.”

“Right, right. Sorry. Just… so happy,” Jinx grinned.

“Well, now that we’re no longer rivals,” Eva smirked, “I assume you barged in here for more than a cuddle?”

Jinx suddenly looked nervous. “I kissed Ekko.”

Eva sat up. “You what?!”

“I kissed him. And he’s fine. Like, alive.”

“That’s not what I meant, you lunatic! What if he...?”

“But he didn’t.”
Jinx flopped dramatically onto the bed like a fallen star, arms stretched, hair a chaotic halo. She lay sideways across the blanket like she owned the universe and was tired of it.

“Okay,” she sighed, kicking her boots off. “Real question—how do you show a guy you want him… without, you know, scaring him into the next dimension?”

Eva, already sprawled on the other end of the bed, stared at the ceiling like it had the answers. “I usually unbutton my shirt, flash a smile, and ask if he wants to buy me a drink.”

Jinx groaned and rolled onto her stomach. “Yeah, well, I don’t have your boobs. Or your ass.”

Eva chuckled. “True. But you’re adorable.”
She reached over and poked Jinx in the ribs.

Jinx let out a squeaky protest and buried her face in the blanket. “Evaaaa, help meee.”

Eva sat up on her elbows, serious now, voice softer.
“Jinx, listen. You’re strong. You shoot better than anyone I know. And you’re smart—like, scary smart. For Ekko, that’s worth more than any pair of tits.”

Jinx peeked up from under the blanket, one eye squinting.
“How would you know what Ekko wants?”

Eva smiled mysteriously. “Call it a vibe. But I think that guy… he’d want you just the way you are.”

Jinx snorted. “You’re such a dumbass.”

“Just be yourself,” Eva said, flopping back dramatically to match Jinx’s original pose. “If you do that, he won’t stand a chance.”

“…Be myself how?”

“Okay,” Eva grinned like a devil, “do something wild. Something hot. Something that screams you. Like… steal Finn’s car.”

Jinx’s eyes lit up.

“And?” she asked, already invested.

“And do unspeakable things in the backseat,” Eva said with a wink. “Really put some trauma in that leather.”

Jinx cackled. “You’re unhinged.”

“Also—break Finn’s race record.”

“Why?”

Eva raised an eyebrow. “Because it’s the only thing that pompous ass cares about.”

“More details, please.”

“He fell asleep during a blowjob.”

Jinx sat up so fast she nearly launched herself off the bed.
“With you?! No. That’s not possible.”

Eva looked personally offended. “Oh, it happened. Fell asleep mid-suck. Like I was boring.”

“That’s illegal.”

“I know, right?”

Jinx crossed her arms, gears visibly turning. “I’ll break his damn record.”

Eva smirked. “Will you do it for me?”

“Of course I will, bestie. There’s no one better than me on short-track races.”

Eva winked. “Let’s hope you learn long-distance too. Ekko might be worth the marathon.”

“Hey!” Jinx tackled her with a laugh, and the room burst into giggles and half-hearted shrieks.

....

That evening, the bar buzzed with music, laughter, and the low clink of glass. Thieram walked Ekko through the basics—what drinks to pour, how to stay away from the hard stuff, and what buttons not to push on the register.

“Just stick to clean pours—sodas, juices, simple cocktails. I’ll handle the fancy stuff.”

“Got it,” Ekko nodded, tying the apron around his waist.

Thieram gave him a once-over, then suddenly stepped forward and unfastened the top two buttons on Ekko’s shirt.

“Trust me,” he grinned sheepishly, “helps with tips.”

Before Ekko could respond, a group of women had already gathered at the bar, eyes instantly zeroing in on him.

“Who’s the new guy?” one of them whispered loudly.

“Serve me, sweetheart,” another purred, twirling a straw between her fingers.

Ekko raised an eyebrow at Thieram, who just shrugged with a nervous smile. “Told you. It gets crazy.”

And just like that, Ekko was behind the bar—confused, slightly flustered, and already surrounded by admirers.

But maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t such a bad first night after all.

Women were absolutely fawning over Ekko.

At first, it was just flirty giggles, soft laughs, a few compliments here and there. But soon, it escalated. One woman—a glamorous brunette in a red silk dress—leaned across the bar, brushed her lips against his cheek, and left a folded slip of paper in front of him.

Her name was Margo. The note had a phone number and a heart drawn in pink lipstick.

Ekko chuckled, amused, rubbing the back of his neck—until a chill ran down his spine.

Two glowing pink eyes were staring at him from across the room.

He flinched. Hard.

“Jinx?” he breathed. “What are you—what are you doing here?”

She was already striding toward him, her boots loud against the marble floor.

“What am I doing here?” she repeated, voice low and sharp. “I came for you—and I see you’ve adapted just fine.”

She climbed over the bar with feline ease and grabbed him by the cheeks, her nails digging into his skin—sharp, almost punishing.

“Ah—Jinx! Ow—what the hell?!”

Her eyes glowed brighter. Dangerous. Wild.

“I saved you. Brought you here. And now you’ve already found a new hole to shove your filthy little—”

“Jinx—” Ekko reached up and grabbed her wrist, trying to ground her. “What’s going on with you?”

She didn’t answer.

Margo, the woman from earlier, appeared behind Jinx and casually slipped an arm around her waist.

“He’s taken,” she whispered into Jinx’s ear, sultry and smug.

“What?” Jinx turned her head slowly.

“I said this little birdie’s already been mounted,” Marco purred. Then she looked Ekko straight in the eye. “But if you ever become available—I'm first in line.”

She gave him one last wink and disappeared into the crowd.

Jinx slowly let go of Ekko’s face.

Her voice was quieter now. “Do you… have a girlfriend?”

Ekko leaned in, looked her straight in the eyes, and said softly, “Oh yeah, Jinx. I just got one. And she’s really hot.”

Her eyes widened.

And then, in a flash of pink light—she was gone.

Ekko blinked, stunned. “Wait—Jinx!”

He jumped the bar and pushed through the crowd, dodging hands reaching for him, half-drunk admirers calling his name.

But she was already gone.

Vanished into the night

.....

Eva’s world wasn’t just falling apart — it was disintegrating, molecule by molecule.
Things weren’t going bad. They were going catastrophically to hell.

Her earrings had activated.

The soft click, the glow — it was the death sentence she feared.
They’d find her. They’d come for her.
And when they did, this fragile paradise would burn.

She had already tried everything.
Smashed them against marble floors.
Dropped them from balconies.
Even ran them over with the smooth tires of a stolen black convertible.
But they still blinked. Still whispered.

“Shit… shit, shit, shit,” she growled, tearing at her own hair like a wild animal cornered in a gilded cage.

Now she was crouched in the restricted zone of the island — Jinx’s territory — clutching a flamethrower over the cursed jewelry like it was her last chance at freedom. The jungle around her crackled with heat, vines dripping like the nervous sweat on her back.

And that’s when a voice, cold and cutting like a bullet of ice, slid into her spine:

“What are you doing here, Eva?”

She spun around, breath caught mid-chest.

Thieram.
Not the stammering bartender. Not the awkward nerd with a soft voice and softer edges.
No.
This was a soldier. A shadow-carved sentinel.
He was aiming a sniper rifle at her like she was a target, not a woman.

“What are you doing here, Thieram?” she snapped, more shaken than she wanted to admit.

He didn’t blink. “Answer the question.”

She dropped the flamethrower, its thud against the dirt too loud in the silence.
Her eyes flicked to him — and she finally saw him.
No more clumsy smiles. No more nervous glances.
Just a lethal calm and fingers molded perfectly around the trigger.

He stepped closer. The barrel was inches from her face.
“Funny,” she whispered, half-laughing, half-hyperventilating.
Her heart pounded like jungle drums. Her thoughts were a hurricane.
She could disarm him. Snap his wrist.
But then he’d know what she really was.
Not Eva the flirt. Not the casino doll.
A ghost from another life.

The silence stretched — and then it snapped.

“Eva, I’ll ask you once—why are you here?”

The metallic click of the rifle’s safety being released was like a thunderclap in the thick silence.

She froze. Her throat tightened. Her heartbeat roared in her ears like the ocean during a storm.

“Alright, alright… I’m just trying to destroy some earrings a client gave me. Terrible sex, expensive gift—nothing unusual.” She sighed, rolling her shoulders. “But yesterday, the guy called me useless—”

Her voice dropped as she clenched her fists.

“A whore.”

The last word hung in the air like poison.

Tiram tilted his head slightly, as if calculating.

“So… you’re just breaking earrings?”

“Yes. No cameras here, and—well, the guy’s powerful. I just… I don’t want them anymore.” She gestured toward the earrings, gleaming faintly on the stone.

Tiram’s expression was unreadable, but his stance shifted slightly. His voice was lower this time.

“Did he hurt you?”

The way he asked made her stomach flip.

Eva barely had time to react before he was kneeling in front of her, setting his gun aside. Her breath hitched.

This was bad.

Her muscles tensed as his hands moved with professional efficiency, brushing aside her jacket, fingers running over her arms, then lower. He undid the top buttons of her blouse, his touch not gentle, but precise, searching.

Her eyes widened as his hands moved to lift the hem of her skirt.

“Tiram, what the hell are you doing?”

“Checking if he hurt you.”

“And if he did?” she challenged.

Tiram didn’t hesitate.

“I’d kill him.”

His voice was so steady, so absolute, that a shiver ran down her spine.

The space between them suddenly felt charged. The air thickened.

Something lingered—something she wasn’t sure she wanted to name.

Maybe it was the ocean air, heavy with salt and humidity. Maybe it was the way the moonlight hit his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw. Maybe it was just the fact that, for the first time, he was looking at her—really looking at her.

She swallowed, leaning in slightly.

“Seems like you didn’t check everywhere,” she murmured, her voice just above a whisper. “What if I was hurt somewhere else, Tiram?”

She dragged out his name, watching for his reaction.

For a second, she thought he might crack.

Instead, his expression remained unreadable.

“Then I’d take you to a doctor.”

Damn.

“Hot Tiram has left the chat,” she thought bitterly.

She huffed, stepping back.

“What are you even doing here?”

He picked up his rifle, slinging it over his shoulder.

“Patrolling.”

“You’re just a bartender.”

He raised a brow.

“Bartenders aren’t allowed to patrol?”

Maybe he hadn’t left the chat after all.

Eva smirked.

“Can I come with you?”

“No.”

“What if someone’s out here? What if they kill me?”

“Then I’ll take you home.”

“Please…”

“No. We’re going home.”

She sighed dramatically.

“You’re no fun.”

Tiram exhaled, reaching for her wrist. His grip was firm, warm, grounding.

Her stomach twisted.

Eva, you need to find a proper partner—you’re getting too worked up over Tiram.

His voice broke her thoughts.

“What’s the deal with the earrings?”

She blinked, shaking off her daze.

“I just need them destroyed. Completely. No trace left.”

Tiram didn’t hesitate.

In one smooth motion, he unslung his rifle, aimed, and fired.

One earring shattered.

Another shot.

The second was gone.

Eva’s breath hitched.

Hextech rounds.

Her mind reeled.

Her eyes darted back to him.

“What the fuck?”

“You asked me to destroy them,” he said flatly.
“So I did.”

“But how?”

“I pointed. And I shot. You’re weird.”

She blinked. “I’m weird? I thought you were just some awkward virgin bartender. Turns out you’re a secret agent or something?”

Thieram’s brows lifted. Then he laughed, full and deep.
“I’m not an agent, Eva. I just patrol the perimeter.”

She stepped closer. “Dude. You just hit two tiny targets. From over 200 meters. In this lighting.”

“I can hit someone from 1985 meters.”

Eva smirked, arms crossed. “Oh, please. I can do it from 2,012 meters.”

Then she froze.

Shit.

SHIT.

Tiram tilted his head, his smirk widening, eyes glinting with amusement.

“You can do what, Eva?”

Her brain stalled.

Her mouth, however, did not.

"I said—I can suck you off if you hit a target from 2,000 meters."

Silence.

Absolute.

Fucking.

Silence.

Tiram stared at her.

His face went bright red.

Eva realized her mistake exactly one second too late.

Then—

He slapped a hand over her mouth.

"We are going home."

Eva’s muffled laughter vibrated against his palm.

He let go, exhaling sharply like he was trying very hard to remain unbothered.

"Come on, you menace. Let’s go."

Eva grinned, saluting dramatically. "Yes, Captain! Right away, Captain!"

Tiram groaned, rubbing his temples as he started walking.

She followed, practically skipping behind him.

The jungle around them was quiet, only the distant crash of the waves and the rustling leaves filling the air.

Eva, however, was not built for silence.

"So, uh…" she started, voice dripping with mischief. "You’re really blushing that hard over one little joke?"

Tiram didn’t look at her. "We’re walking home quietly, Eva."

She pouted. "Boo. You’re no fun."

"Quietly."

Eva smirked.

Oh, this was gonna be fun./p>

They walked in silence for a while, the jungle thick around them, the only sounds the distant crash of the ocean and the rustling of the leaves.

Then—

"Okay, okay, last question—Thieram, are you really Thieram? You’re not, like, a secret twin or something?” He chuckled again. “I’m really Thieram.” “Prove it.” “Hmm… When Jinx asked what you thought of me, you said I was worse than a dildo. And you also asked how anyone could possibly like me.” Eva’s eyes widened. “You remember that?” “Hard to forget.” “Well…” “And what if I told you I’d rather sleep with my own hand than with you?” Thieram grinned. Eva laughed. “Then I’d have to prove you wrong, soldier.” “Eva—” “I’m very persuasive.” “Silently. Home,” he groaned. “I’m not gonna be silent!” she shot back. “You just opened up this whole new side of yourself, and I don’t want that version of Thieram to disappear.” “What do you mean, ‘that version’?” “I mean this hot Thieram. And also—why do you even wear those glasses?” “I can’t see up close, Eva.” “But they’re awful…” “They’re comfortable. And Jinx says I look too intimidating without them—I don’t want to scare people.” “Well, you do look a bit creepy,” she teased, smirking.

They were walking through the jungle, heading back toward the city. The night was thick and quiet—so quiet it felt like the world was holding its breath. Eva froze mid-step, her senses sharpening. “Target. Eleven o’clock,” she whispered. Thieram didn’t hesitate. He raised his rifle, eyes focused, and fired into the darkness. The shot cracked through the silence. Eva yanked him down by the arm, and they both hit the jungle floor. They lay still, ears straining for footsteps, movement—anything. But there was nothing. She glanced sideways. Thieram was right next to her, his arm brushing hers. The last person she ever expected to be lying in the dirt with. He was the first to speak, voice low and calm. “You’ve got sharp instincts.” Eva shrugged, trying to seem casual. “My dad liked to hunt.” A stupid lie. She never even had a father. But it was the first thing that came to mind. Thieram gave her a strange, knowing smile, like he could see through the words but chose not to push. They stood and moved toward where the body had fallen. Eva knelt beside it, carefully checking for signs of life, her expression unreadable. “What do we do with him?” she asked. “I’ll take care of it later,” Thieram muttered. “Let’s get you home.” They started walking, the city lights a distant glow between the trees. On the way, they talked about weapons—finally a topic Eva could enjoy. She asked detailed questions, and Thieram, slightly impressed, answered them all. At one point, he turned to her with a raised brow. “You know a lot for a casino girl.” She smirked. “My dad taught me.” Another lie. But it rolled off the tongue easier now. When the conversation lulled, she leaned a little closer to him, her voice softer. “Since I helped you take down that freak, maybe you can return the favor… tell me what they’re really doing here?” Thieram didn’t skip a beat. He flicked her nose gently. “Then I’d have to kill you.” “Ow! I’m serious,” she grumbled, rubbing her nose. He sighed. “Let’s just say… they’re here for someone important.” “Thieram, this island is full of important people,” Eva rolled her eyes. “And they never came before.” “They did. You just didn’t notice while you were busy getting drunk in clubs with your besties.” “Blah blah blah.” Eva nudged his arm. “So you saved me. Maybe I should thank you. I live alone, you know…” Thieram cut her off, his tone shifting. “Eva, I don’t sleep with women I don’t love. Don’t try to seduce me just because I can shoot straight.” She blinked. “But—” “I don’t do lost causes. Just the thought of another man touching my woman…” he trailed off, shaking his head. Her heart stuttered. Not holy? Sure. Flirty? Always. But she wasn’t cheap. Not like he was making it sound. She opened her mouth to argue, but he beat her to it. “And here’s your place.” “You know where I live?” He didn’t answer—just looked at her. “Of course you do. You know everything,” she muttered. “Goodnight, Eva.” “I sleep naked!” she called out, half out of spite. “I know, Eva,” he replied without turning back. She shut the door with a deep blush, cheeks burning like fire.

....

It was 5 a.m. when Ekko finally wiped down the bar, closed the register, and finished his shift. The streets were wrapped in the soft blue of early dawn as he walked slowly toward Thieram’s apartment.

Inside, Thieram had just stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist, steam still clinging to his skin.

“Damn, Thieram,” Ekko blurted, half-laughing, “you’ve got a hell of a body.”

Thieram blinked. “Oh. Ekko—did you close up the bar?”

“Yeah,” Ekko said, tossing himself onto the couch. “Cleaned everything, counted the till... even dragged drunk Margot back to her place.”

Thieram chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “Thanks, man. I was out... walking. With Eva.”

Ekko raised an eyebrow. “You and her? Is that... serious?”

Thieram hesitated. “I don’t know, Ekko. She’s a bit unpredictable,” Thieram exhaled, his voice low and honest. “But I like her… But I don’t want my woman smelling like other men.” He trailed off.

Ekko grinned. “Come on, man. She’s not like that.”

Thieram snorted. “Modest? She once brought me soap shaped like a dick and gave me a tutorial on how to properly wash my hands. Stood there in front of me, miming every move.”

Ekko burst into laughter. “Okay, she’s got taste.”

Thieram cracked a grin. “That she does.”

Then Ekko leaned forward a little, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hey... do you know where Jinx lives?”

Thieram’s expression shifted. “No one gets to Jinx unless she wants them to. Only exception’s Isha. She lives with her—comes and goes whenever she wants. Why?”

Ekko dropped onto the couch like a man defeated. “Because I’m a fucking idiot,” he muttered. “It all started when she saw Margot kiss me. Margot told her I had a girlfriend... and I was trying to flirt, you know? So I told Jinx my new girl’s super hot. But she didn’t get it. She thought I meant someone else. And she just... disappeared. In a flash of pink light.”

Thieram winced. “Oof. Bro, she’s gonna murder you.”

Ekko groaned. “Yeah... she’s really that jealous?”

“Very. Very jealous,” Thieram nodded, grabbing a T-shirt. “Like, burn-down-your-house jealous.”

“So what the hell do I do now?” Ekko asked helplessly.

Thieram threw his hands up. “Pray.”