So I come up with the only explanation that makes any sense: it’s not him. This must be another Duplicate, like the ones who came to campus to impersonate Tessa, Archer, and Jake. But I know in my heart that’s not the case, because the look on his face, on Levi’s face—it’s the look of a boy who saw me kissing someone else.

I force words to form in my throat. “Levi,” I say quietly. “You’re—are you back?”

“It would appear that way, wouldn’t it?” he finally answers. Now I’m even more sure that it’s him. Only one person sounds like that, like Levi, and he’s here, on the grass, standing right in front of me. Looking like the Levi I’ve longed for since I left him last April. Looking every bit like himself—but wearier. Battle-scarred. My mind flashes with all that he must have suffered there, at the hands of Gravelle, and an ache begins to fill my chest that nearly bowls me over. Levi’s standing there with his hands deep in his pockets, a slouchy sweater draped over his torso. He looks so…uncertain. The only thing I know for sure is that his eyes are focused on mine like some kind of direct link, and the rest of the world has vanished, and it’s just him and me.

“You’re safe.” I breathe out, never feeling more relieved in my life to see him standing here, his face and body unscathed. “But Gravelle,” I choke out. “He called me. He said—”

“Things change.” He shrugs. There’s a double meaning to his words, and I know he’s referring to Ollie. To what he witnessed between us. That kiss. Oh my god, that kiss.

“You’re here, man. Welcome back,” says a voice that’s outside of the two of us, infiltrating this moment we’re having. It’s Ollie. He’s striding over to Levi, fist-bumping and then pulling him into a stiff, but brotherly, hug.

“Thanks,” Levi says, hugging back and offering Ollie a smile. It doesn’t reach his eyes, and I know why. He’s as confused and torn and conflicted as I am.

For a minute, the three of us stand there, awkwardly. I’m sure Ollie doesn’t know what to say, and I certainly don’t. No way are any of us going to talk about what just happened. I can barely process it myself. The last thing I ever imagined was Levi, returning here, now.