S O P H I A  H O N E Y

IT TOOK two weeks, but I did it.

I'm finally done with exams-and the feeling of freedom is so much better than I expected. I didn't think three days of exams could somehow stretch into two painful, exhausting weeks, but of course, the lecturers had other plans. They kept dragging things out, insisting we needed to revise more topics "for our benefit." It was the worst.

My head ached most of the time. I started waking up at midnight to cram, only to fall asleep around 5 a.m., and by the time the sun was up, I looked like an actual zombie. Like, the walking-dead kind.

But Theo? That man had the nerve to look at me with those warm, annoyingly loving eyes and say I looked beautiful.

Liar.

I knew I looked like death warmed up, but I guess as my boyfriend, he didn't have the heart to tell me I looked awful. Maybe it's in the boyfriend rulebook-"Always say she's beautiful, even if she looks like she's been run over by a final exam."

Still, every time he said it, I believed him for a second too long.

I couldn't even gather the strength to argue with him about it. My brain was too busy trying to memorize theories and definitions that seemed to vanish the second I blinked.

He really made sure I was studying, though. Even when I was staying over at Alex and Blair's room, he'd video call just to check in-and quiz me. Like, actual pop quizzes. I'd be sitting cross-legged on the bed, a highlighter in one hand and my phone propped up against a water bottle while Theo would ask questions based on topics I had learnt.

He actually took the time to research all my courses and made notes, trying to figure out what might come out in the exams. I never really understood how he managed to do all that while also studying for his own exams-but somehow, he did. Whatever the case, he was there for me, and I valued that more than I could ever say.

I tried to be serious, I really did. But it's hard to sound all focused and academic when your best friends are giving you heart eyes from across the room, silently teasing me and making dramatic kissing faces behind the phone.

I ended up muting the camera, turning off the video entirely and just letting us talk. It was easier that way. He wouldn't see how red my cheeks got, and I wouldn't have to explain why I was suddenly hiding under a pillow.

Still, those moments were my favorite. Even in all the exam chaos, hearing his voice-hearing him say "you've got this, love" or "I'm proud of you"-always kept me grounded.

"What are you thinking about?"

I turn my focus to Theo, who's currently driving us to my hometown. We've been on the road for a couple of hours now, and the more familiar the scenery becomes-the old signs, the fading paint on the diner I used to beg my dad to stop at-the more my heart starts to pound.

"Nothing?" I lie, rather poorly.

He glances at me, lifting a brow like he doesn't buy it for a second.

I sigh. "Seriously, it's fine." That's what I can say-because ever since Mum mentioned that Theo refused to take money from Dad anymore, it's been stuck in my head. I've been trying not to let it bother me-trying to respect her wish to not bring it up. Maybe she's right. Maybe I would overreact. Maybe I'd demand to know why, instead of just saying thank you like a decent person.

But that's the thing-I am thankful.

Beyond thankful.

He's done so much for me lately. Driving out here. Checking up on me while I studied. Staying on video calls late at night just to quiz me before exams.
And then quietly doing something like that-turning down money from my dad without saying a word.

It makes me feel... weird.

Not because I think he's doing too much.

But because I feel like I'm not doing enough.

I don't think he minds doing these thingshe's sincere at heart when it comes to making sure I have everything I need. But I don't want to be someone who just takes.

I want to do nice things for him too.

"You sure?" His voice softens instantly, like it always does when he senses something's off.

"Yeah," I say, too quickly.

He gives me a look. The kind that makes it hard to lie.

"Is it about us?" he asks carefully. "Are you nervous about what your parents will say? About... us dating?"

My eyes flick to him, surprised, because that thought hadn't even crossed my mind, not in the way he means.

"No, it's not that," I say quickly, shaking my head. "It's definitely not that. My parents already sees you like a second son." Literally.

He watches the road, then me again. "So then what is it?"

I chew on my bottom lip. The words are right there-but they sound dumb in my head.

I want to tell him. I want him to know this has nothing to do with him failing me and everything to do with me wanting to earn the kind of love he gives.

But I don't know how to put that into words without sounding ridiculous.

"You know," he starts again, eyes still on the road, "the more you stay quiet, the harder it is for me to believe this isn't about your parents."

I let out another sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. "Why do you think it's about them?"

He shrugs lightly. "I mean... it might be hard to tell them you're into me now-after how clearly you showed them how much you weren't into me back then."

A grin slowly creeps onto my face, and I scoff. "You mean my innocent little pranks?"

His eyes snap to me, exaggerated shock on his face. "Innocent?"

I giggle, sinking deeper into the seat and resting my head against the headrest, turning slightly to watch him. "Come on, I wasn't that bad when I was younger."

Lie. Big, fat lie. I totally was.

"Soph," he starts with saying my name and I almost laugh. "you know I love you... but I'm telling you now-you were that bad."

I gasp, hand flying to my chest dramatically. "How dare you?"

He chuckles, eyes flicking to me with amusement. "You superglued my shoelaces together."

"It was non-toxic glue!" I defend, even though I'm trying not to laugh. "You were fine."

"You put salt in my water when I visited your brother that one time."

I roll my eyes. "That's because you changed the channel from my favorite show to your boring one!"

"That doesn't mean you should poison your guest."

I scoff, arms folding. "You were far from a guest. You practically lived at our place. Always coming over to see my brother-it was getting annoying."

His lips twitch as he glances at me briefly. "Well, maybe it wasn't only your brother I wanted to see."

My mouth falls open. My brain stalls.

And just like that, he looks back at the road-calm, smug, like he didn't just casually set off a mental fireworks display inside my head.

"You..." I blink, still trying to form a sentence. "You're so-"

"And I mean..." he adds, cutting off whatever witty comeback I was about to make, "I also wanted to see your mum. Her cookies were simply the bes-"

"Shut up!" I burst into laughter, shifting in my seat and swinging my leg to nudge his knee.

But he catches it, of course he does-gripping my leg before it can make a proper escape. His hand wraps around my calf with that annoying mix of gentleness and smug strength, like he's done this a hundred times.

"Caught you," he says with a crooked grin.

"Let me go," I grumble, half-laughing as I try to tug my leg free, thankful I wore jeans today.

"Nope."

"You're driving! We could crash!"

"There are no cars right now." He replies easily and I turn to look at the road. He's right. There are no cars in sight.

"Even though..." I try tugging my leg away, but he tightens his hold.

"Theo..." I warn, giving him a look.

"Yes, my love?" he says, way too innocently for someone holding me hostage by the knee.

"Please let go."

"But I like holding you like this." His fingers rest lightly on my jeans, and even though the fabric is thick, I can still feel the warmth of his touch.

"Well, I don't. This position is very uncomfortable," I mutter.

He lets out a dramatic sigh, finally releasing my leg, and I pull it away quickly-just in case he changes his mind last second.

"Thank you," I say, chuckling when I catch the pout still hanging on his lips. He's being dramatic, of course, but it's kind of cute.

I open my mouth to say something teasing-but then I see it.

My house.

Still a little far off, but close enough that I can recognize the shape of it. My chest tightens, and my breath stutters.

Why am I nervous?

I should be excited. I am excited. I miss Mum. I miss Dad. And if Ryan's there...

Oh no.

Ryan.

It hits me like a slap-he is the reason I feel like a ticking time bomb. I didn't even think about how this would go down with him. I've been so focused on how Mum and Dad would react to Theo and me... but Ryan? That's different.

It's not that he's overprotective or aggressive. He's actually super chill. But this is Theo. His best friend. And it's me. His younger sister who used to treat Theo like the human version of a paper cut.

"Soph." Theo's voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts, his fingers brushing over mine.

"Yeah?"

"You freaking out?"

I glance at him, swallowing. "A little."

He doesn't smile this time. He just squeezes my hand gently. "Is it Ryan?"

My silence says more than any yes could.

He nods slowly and lets out a deep breath. "Me too."

My brows pull together. "Why?"

He chuckles under his breath, but it sounds more anxious than amused. "Because your brother's going to kill me."

"Who-Ryan?" I tilt my head. "I mean, yeah, he might be surprised, but I don't think he'll-"

"He will, Soph." He pulls his hand from mine, resting it back on the steering wheel. "I know Ryan's chill, but how do you think he's going to feel when he finds out we're dating..."

"I don't know. He might not mind-"

"And sleeping together," Theo cuts in, glancing at me.

That makes my throat go dry.

"You know he'll think that far," he adds, eyes fixed on the road. "And I don't think lying to him about it would help."

I sigh, sinking back into my seat. He's right. Ryan won't take it lightly-not because he's overprotective or dramatic, but because... it's Theo. His best friend. And I'm his little sister.

And from the way Theo's voice dropped just now, I know he's been thinking about it too-probably more than I have.

"Okay then," I say finally. "We'll keep it quiet. Our relationship. We won't say anything to my parents or to Ryan. Not yet, at least. Not until it feels right."

"You sure about that?" he asks, eyes flicking to me with worry.

I want to say no. I want to tell him I hate the idea just as much as he does-but I can't. Not when I know how much he respects my brother. The guilt in his eyes already says enough.

And honestly... I get it.

If I were in Ryan's shoes and found out my best friend was doing all kinds of unholy things with my younger sister, I'd probably punch Theo too.

So I nod. "Yeah. Let's keep it quiet."

He doesn't look convinced. His jaw tightens, and I can tell he hates the idea just as much as I do. But he doesn't argue.

Because deep down, we both know-it's what we have to do.

For now.

For both our sakes.

◇◇◇

"You ready?" Theo asks, reaching into the trunk to grab our last luggage and drops them to the ground.

We are already at our house and luckily no one is in sight.

I help him close it and move to pick up the lighter one, but he pulls it out of my grasp, shaking his head. "Don't worry, I've got this. Just knock at the door, okay, love?"

My ears instantly heat up. I glance around like the word might echo to the front porch. "You know... you have to stop calling me that if we want this to work."

He freezes for a second, then steps back, giving me a little more space. "Right. Yeah. I forget. Sorry." His lips press together like the word itself tasted wrong in his mouth. "Sophia. I have to call you that now, right?"

"Yeah..." I say, the word dragging out of me, already hating how formal it sounds. My eyes flick to his wrist, spotting my familiar black hair tie still looped around it. "I also need that."

I nod toward it.

"No."

"Theo."

"I need something of you, Soph," he says, gaze locking with mine. His voice holds that helpless edge, the kind that makes my chest tighten.

"You can't call me Soph either."

"Ugh." He throws his head back and groans,"This is fucking torture."

Tell me about it.

"You'll be fine," I say, placing my hands on Theo's shoulders. "Just behave like you don't love me in a romantic way."

"But I do love you in a romantic way." He stares at me with those puppy-dog eyes, and just like that, I forget how to breathe.

"Theo... stop looking at me like that." I drop my hands and gently cup his face instead. "Please, just act. Okay? For us."

His expression shifts, softening, brightening all at once. That one little phrase - for us - seems to light something in him.

"Okay. For us," he repeats, his voice quieter this time.

I smile. "Good."

We walk toward the house, and as we reach the door, I take a deep breath and knock.

"Who is it?" a woman's voice calls from inside a few seconds later.

"Mum," I say, loud enough to be heard. "It's Sophia."

There's a beat of silence. Then, fast footsteps. The door swings open and Mum stands there, wide-eyed. She pulls me into a tight hug before I can even take a full breath, and just like that, the familiar scent of home surrounds me.

"I'm so angry with you!" she says while still hugging me, then finally lets go, her hands on my shoulders. "You completely forgot me!"

I laugh. "No, it's not like that, Mum-"

She scoffs dramatically, and I finally get a proper look at her. Aside from a few new grey hairs and a couple of extra lines around her eyes, she looks good. Really good. Relief fills my chest.

"You did," she insists, playfully accusing - then her gaze slides past me to Theo.

Her eyes narrow slightly when she sees Theo, and her brows draw together in confusion.

"Wait a minute..." she tilts her head, studying him. "Is that... Theo?"

I clear my throat and nod. "Yeah. That's him."

Theo gives a small, polite smile and steps forward. "Hi, Mrs. Honey. It's really nice to see you again."

Mum gasps, covering her mouth for a second before lowering her hand. "Oh my, look at you!" Her eyes sweep over him, clearly shocked. "You've grown up so well-so handsome! I almost didn't recognize you."

Theo chuckles sheepishly. "Thank you. It's nice to see you too."

Her eyes drop to the luggage in his hands and she gasps again, this time in mock offense. She immediately turns and swats me lightly on the shoulder. "Sophia! I thought I raised you well. Why is he carrying everything? You couldn't help him with at least one bag?"

I laugh, rubbing my shoulder. "I tried! He refused."

She shakes her head but smiles, already turning to lead us inside. "Honestly, the two of you... come in, come in. Your father has been waiting all day to see you two."

Theo and I share a quick glance behind her back before walking inside and just like that-I'm home.

It hasn't even been that long since I left, just a few months, but still... I missed this place.

"Drop the bags there, Theo," Mum says sweetly. "You two must be tired and hungry." She gives us both a worried look. "Let me get your father. Then we can eat-I made all your favorites, Soph. And don't worry, Theo, I didn't forget about you either."

Theo nods and sets the bags down near the front door, smiling at her. "Thank you, Mrs. Honey."

She frowns immediately. "Call me Maggie, and don't act like we're strangers, son."

"Okay, Maggie," he corrects himself with a small laugh, and Mum beams at him.

"That's much better," she says, then turns and heads toward the backyard. "Jasper! Get your saggy ass in here-your daughter and Theo are home!"

"Oh my God," I mutter, palming my face as my cheeks burn.

"Saggy ass," Theo echoes with a laugh beside me and I nudge him in the stomach. "What?"

"Don't say that."

"Oh come on, You have to admit, that was funny."

"No, it wasn't." I mutter, still red-faced.

A moment later, I hear Dad's booming voice from the backyard. "Did you just call my ass, saggy, woman?"

Mum laughs in response, and then both of them appear in the doorway. Dad's eyes land on me first, softening instantly.

"There's my girl," Dad says with warmth in his voice as he pulls me into a tight bear hug. The familiar scent of engine oil and home clings to his shirt, and I bury my face in his shoulder, smiling.

"About time you came home," he murmurs.

I laugh into the fabric of his shirt. "Missed you too, Dad."

He pulls back slightly to look at me, hands still on my shoulders. "How's school been?"

I shrug, offering a small smile. "It's been fine. Nothing too crazy."

"And exams?"

Before I can answer, Mum nudges his arm sharply and gives him a warning glare. "Give her a second to breathe, Jasper. Ask your twenty questions later."

Dad chuckles, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Old habits die hard."

He turns to Theo, eyes narrowing slightly as if studying him all over again. Theo steps forward, standing a little straighter.

"Good day, sir," he says, extending a polite hand.

Dad grips it, gives it a firm shake-and then unexpectedly pulls Theo in for a quick, fatherly hug.

"Good to see you, Theo," he says as he pats his back. Theo stiffens, caught off guard by the gesture. He doesn't react for a second, his body frozen.

"I'm starving," I say quickly, forcing a light laugh to cover the tension. I can still see the stiffness in Theo's shoulders and the way he's trying to compose himself.

Dad chuckles again. "Of course you are. Don't worry, your mum made all your favorites. You'll leave this table in a food coma."

He turns back to Theo. "You alright, son?"

Theo nods with a tight-lipped smile, one I can instantly read as fake. "Yes, sir. Just tired from the drive."

"Understandable," Dad says with a nod, then steps aside to let us pass.

"Alright, let's head to the table so you two can eat and relax," Mum says brightly, already walking toward the dining room.

Theo and I follow behind her, the weight of the moment slowly lifting.

"Hey, Dad?" I ask as we walk. "Where's Ryan?"

"He's out with his girlfriend," Dad replies casually.

I stop mid-step. "Wait-Ryan has a girlfriend?"

We enter the dining room and take our seats. Dad sits beside Mum at the head of the table, while Theo settles into the chair next to me. I sneak a glance at him, catching the way his fingers fidget briefly in his lap before he folds them neatly together.

"Yeah," Mum says with a sigh. "It's about time, honestly. He's been glued to that girl lately. You'll meet her soon."

She lifts the covers from the dishes, and instantly the rich aroma of spices, roasted vegetables, and something sweet fills the air. My stomach grumbles in anticipation, getting ready to eat.

I miss home food badly.

There's no comparison. None.

"Hope you two came with big appetites," Mum says proudly, gesturing toward the feast she prepared. "I made everything. All your favorites, Soph. And don't worry, Theo-I didn't forget about you."

Dad chuckles and shakes his head. "Your mum's been cooking since morning. She made me taste everything twice."

"Made you? Oh please I caught taking bites from here when I was looking," she teases, bumping her shoulder into his with a playful grin.

"What do you expect? My woman knows how to cook, and I have to eat," Dad says proudly, patting his stomach with a chuckle before glancing at Theo. His smile falters slightly. "You okay, son?"

I turn to Theo just in time to catch the look in his eyes. He's staring at my parents-at their easy laughter, their comfort with one another-and there's something distant, almost wistful, about his expression.

My heart tightens.

Under the table, I quietly slide my hand across to his. When our fingers touch, I fold mine into his without a word. He responds instantly, gripping back as if he's been waiting for the contact. A subtle nod to my dad follows.

"Perfectly fine, sir," Theo says with a quick smile.

I start to pull my hand away, thinking the moment's passed, but he holds on just a second longer-just enough for me to know he's not quite ready to let go-then slowly releases me.

Dad eyes him a second longer, probably sensing something beneath the surface, but thankfully lets it go with a small nod.

"You still like mac and cheese, right?" Mum asks, cheerfully changing the subject as she slides a large dish toward Theo. "I hope so. I made this before Soph's favorite."

"Mum!" I protest, mock-offended.

She laughs and waves me off. "What? Mac and cheese is easier than beef stew. Don't take it personally." She winks at Theo. "Go on, give it a try."

Theo picks up his spoon and digs in, taking a bite. "Very delicious, Maggie," he says with genuine warmth, going in for another bite. I notice a smear of gooey cheese clinging to the corner of his lips.

"Um, Theo," I say softly, catching his attention. He looks at me so fast, like he's been waiting for me to speak.

"You've got a little something," I say, motioning to my own lip. He wipes it immediately, glancing at me with a soft smile.

"Thank you, lov-Sophia," he corrects himself too quickly and stares back down at his plate, visibly stiffening. I can practically hear the curse in his head.

When I glance up, Dad is focused on his stew, oblivious. But Mum... she's watching. Her eyes flick between me and Theo with a look I can't quite read. Suspicion, maybe. Or curiosity. Thankfully, she doesn't say anything, and I seize the moment to dig into the beef stew in front of me.

God, I hope she didn't catch that slip.

The meal continues with warm chatter and the clinking of silverware. Mum brings out garlic butter mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and those soft dinner rolls she knows I love. The food is amazing-but by the time we're done with the main dishes, I'm too full to even think about dessert.

Theo finishes first, setting down his fork with a slow exhale.

"I think I need to lie down," he says with a small smile. "That was incredible, thank you."

"You must be tired," Mum says, rising from her seat. "Go ahead and use Ryan's room. He won't be back until evening."

"Thank you, ma-Maggie," Theo says quickly, correcting himself just in time. She gives him a warm smile and nods.

She turns to me next. "Hope you didn't forget where your room is?" she teases with a playful raise of her eyebrow.

I roll my eyes, smiling despite myself. "No, Mum."

"Good. See you two later." She waves us off, then calls out as we head up the stairs. "Jasper! Don't you dare eat their dessert!"

"Too late!" Dad shouts back.

I laugh, shaking my head as I lead the way upstairs.
Theo doesn't say a word as we climb the stairs, his footsteps heavy behind mine. I glance back at him once, but his face is unreadable. Still, I can tell-he's exhausted. He's been awake since four, got on a plane, then drove all the way here with me. No wonder he looks like the weight of the day is pressing down on him.

We reach the top floor and I spot Ryan's door first, then mind down the hall.

I'm about to turn and tell him goodbye when I feel him wrapping his hands around my waist from behind, his head dropping to rest on my shoulder. The warmth of his body presses against my back, and his sudden closeness steals the rest of my thoughts.

"Theo," I breathe out, surprised as I feel his nose graze gently against the curve of my neck. A soft shiver rolls down my spine.

"Theo..." I try again, a whisper this time.

"Hmm..." His voice is low and muffled, almost like a sigh, like he's been holding this in all day and only now allows himself to rest.

""I thought you said you were tired," I whisper, breath hitching as his lips brush against my neck-finding all the spots he knows make me melt.

"I am," he murmurs against my skin, then pulls back just enough to turn me around and face him. His eyes are dark, heavy with something that has nothing to do with exhaustion. "Very tired."

"Then-" I try to protest, but the words die in my throat as he leans in and kisses me-hard.

His mouth crashes against mine with a hunger that knocks the air out of my lungs. My back hits the wall with a dull thud, but I barely register it. His hands are on my neck, then my waist, then threading through my hair. He sucks on my bottom lip and a small, helpless moan escapes me.

No. No, no-this can't be happening here.

I pull back, chest heaving, and quickly press my hand over his lips. "What did I say about acting?"

His eyes search mine, then he gently pulls my hand away. "I'm not acting," he says, trying to kiss me again.

I turn my face just in time, and his lips land on my cheek before he starts kissing down to my ear. His voice is low, teasing, wrapped in heat. "Your parents aren't here, love."

"Stop..." I breathe, heart racing. "Stop calling me 'love'-not here."

But he doesn't listen. His lips find mine again and this time, he doesn't hold back. His tongue slides against mine, slow and deep and urgent, like he's starving and I'm the only thing that can satisfy him.

Jesus. What's wrong with him?

"No." I pull away from his lips and glare up at him. "Did you switch into some kind of sex maniac now?"

He chuckles, resting his forehead against mine with that lazy smile of his. "No. I just wanted to kiss you."

I scoff. "Yeah? I don't believe you for a second."

His smirk widens, and I catch the faint dimple that appears on his cheek. I reach up and press it with my finger, making him laugh softly.

"Stop looking cute and go to sleep," I mutter, trying to sound stern, but I'm already melting again.

He kisses the tip of my nose gently, then looks at me with hesitation clouding his features. "Will you..." he pauses, voice lower now, "will you stay with me?"

Shit. I forgot. He still can't sleep without me next to him.

"I'd love to," I say softly. His eyes brighten for a second-hopeful, warm-before his smile falters again.

"But?" he asks.

"My parents," I admit, sighing as I rest my head against his chest. "Something tells me Mum's going to check on us tonight."

"Oh. That's true," he murmurs, his chin resting on my hair, his hand stroking it gently. "It's okay. I'll manage."

"No, you won't," I mumble, looking up at him.

He shrugs with a half-smile. "Okay, I won't. But it's fine. I'll just close my eyes and imagine you're with me."

I frown. "That's worse."

As if on cue, I yawn-and curse myself for it. Bad timing. Seriously, body?

"You should sleep, love," he says gently, pulling back.

But I tighten my grip on his arm. "No," I whisper.

"Soph..."

"Let's go to my room," I say, grabbing his arm and pulling him down the hall.

His eyes widen in panic. "What about your parents?"

"I'll lock the door," I mutter.

But he stops in his tracks, his grip firm as he holds me back. "Hold on," he says, turning me around to face him. "If you do that, your mum might check my room and put two and two together."

I groan, letting my head fall back in frustration. "I seriously hate this."

"It's okay, Soph," he says gently, stepping closer and linking our fingers together. "We'll figure it out."

"But... I want-" I stop, swallowing hard.

"You want what?" he asks softly.

I want you with me. I want your arm around me. I want to hear you breathe next to me. I want to sleep knowing when I wake up, I'll see you right there with me.

I nod slowly, leaning into him. "Okay."

"Okay," he says too, and I feel his hand slowly pull away.
"Sleep well."

"I will," I say, already feeling a pout forming on my lips.

"Soph?"

"Yeah?" I look up and meet his eyes-those warm, sweet eyes I can never resist.

"I love you."

Just like that.

He says it so softly, like a secret meant only for me.

How am I supposed to walk away when he says it like that?

Before I can even respond, he turns and disappears into Ryan's room, leaving me standing there with my heart pounding and my head spinning.

Damn it, Theo.

My body feels weak as I finally make it to my room. I don't even bother looking around-I just drop onto my bed, grab my pillow, and hug it tight.
And just like that, I already start missing my Theo.

Ryan, you better accept this relationship.