"You're not joining them."
Kael didn't ask.
He stated.
Andres walked beside him, expression calm.
"No."
"…Figured."
A pause.
"…But that means we're outside."
"Yes."
Kael exhaled slowly.
"…That's dangerous."
Andres nodded.
"Yes."
Another silence.
Then Kael smirked slightly.
"…Good."
Andres glanced at him.
"…You're not concerned?"
"I am," Kael said. "But I didn't partner with you to play safe."
That answer—
Andres understood.
Because he felt the same.
Safety limited growth.
And growth—
Was the goal.