ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤForty-eight hours. Forty-eight excruciating hours had passed since JJ’s flippant promise of a visit. 

ㅤㅤSarah and Wheezie, bless their understanding souls, had dropped by to hang out with the family. The majority of the food was given to the resort staff since they couldn’t finish all of it. 

ㅤㅤJust two days ago, Lyra was a whirlwind of excited energy. The transformation from jubilant hostess to crestfallen teenager was a striking one, etched visibly on her face. 

ㅤㅤBut a prick of guilt, sharp and unexpected, pierced through the fog of disappointment. Maybe, just maybe, this was her castigation. All those times she’d brushed them off, all the secrets she’d kept about Rafe was this the price she was paying? Shame burned hot in her throat.

ㅤㅤThe aroma of frying bacon and brewing coffee filled the air as Lyra burst into the kitchen, a whirlwind of teenage energy. “Good morning, Mom and Dad!” she chirped, grabbing a piece of toast and cramming it into her mouth before it even landed on a plate.

ㅤㅤHowever, her cheerful greeting faltered when she met her parents’ gazes. A worried tightness around their lips replaced their usual warm smiles, and a knot of apprehension formed in Lyra’s stomach. 

ㅤㅤ“Why are you guys looking at me like that?” she stammered, the toast suddenly dry in her mouth. Her voice, usually bright and confident, had a tremor of unease.

ㅤㅤKate reached out and squeezed her daughter’s hand, her touch a beacon of comfort in the sudden storm of worry. “Morning, sweetheart,” she began, her voice gentle but laced with concern, “your friends are waiting for you in the living room.”

ㅤㅤLyra blinked, “Huh,” a single hum escaped her lips in a surprised puff of air, while a million questions swirled in her mind.

ㅤㅤA tense energy crackled in the air, creating an invisible wall that seemed to push against Lyra with every step. As she arrived at the living room, she saw the three of them. Three. 

ㅤㅤJJ’s leg bounced in a frantic rhythm against the floor, mirroring the tremor in his hands. Pope, ever the stoic one, couldn’t quite meet her gaze. His usually steady eyes darted nervously around the room. Kiara sat stiffly on the edge of the couch. Her eyes flickered around the room, never landing on Lyra for long, as if she couldn’t quite bear to look at her. 

ㅤㅤThe memory of their last conversation, a heated argument that had left both of them fuming, flashed in her mind. Kiara, unlike most of their friends, wouldn’t simply ‘cool off’ after a fight with her. She would retreat into a steely silence, a physical distance mirroring the emotional one that had grown between them. 

ㅤㅤLyra stole a glance at Kiara, the sharp set of her jaw and the fiery glint in her eyes confirming her fear. Kiara was still mad. Still, she greeted everyone politely with a warm “Good morning” and received the same greeting in return. “Breakfast?” she offered.

ㅤㅤ“It’s alright, your parents had already graced us with your mom’s delicious cooking,” Pope replied, his voice gravelly from sleep. JJ and Kiara mumbled their agreements, their eyes still heavy with drowsiness. 

ㅤㅤAn uncomfortable silence settled. Lyra felt a knot of worry tighten in her stomach, sensing something was amiss. Sensing the awkwardness inside the room, she curiously asked, “So, what happened?”

ㅤㅤBefore anyone could answer, the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention to the doorway. 

ㅤㅤIt was Lyra’s parents, both dressed more formally than usual. Kate, ever the picture of grace, offered a reassuring smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Everyone,” she started, her voice laced with concern, “we’ll be heading out for a while.”

ㅤㅤRelief washed over Lyra, momentarily easing the knot in her stomach. Having her parents leave during a time like this, when things were already intense, wasn’t ideal, but she didn’t want them to witness what was about to unpack. “Oh, okay,” she mumbled, trying to sound composed despite the tremor in her voice.

ㅤㅤAdrian stepped forward, his hand resting gently on his wife’s shoulder. “Something came up at the resort, El. Your mom and I both need to be there,” he added, his gaze finding hers. “El, you have my card. Order whatever you and your friends want to eat. Consider it a thank you for visiting us.”

ㅤㅤKate’s smile, though genuine, held a hint of sadness. “If you guys need anything at all, anything,” she repeated, her gaze flickering to each of their faces, “just let Lyra know. She’s temporarily in charge here.”

ㅤㅤJust as her parents turned to leave, JJ suddenly shot up from his seat, nearly knocking into Pope. His usual confidence wavered, and for the first time that morning, he looked uncertain—hesitant in a way that was completely unlike him.

ㅤㅤ“Uh—Mr. and Mrs. Monroe-Aragon,” JJ blurted, running a hand through his already tousled hair.

ㅤㅤKate and Adrian paused, exchanging a brief glance before turning their attention to him. Lyra frowned, taken aback by JJ’s sudden urgency.

ㅤㅤJJ exhaled sharply, shifting to his feet. “Before you go… I just wanna say I’m, uh—” He rubbed the back of his neck, swallowing hard. “I’m really sorry for the other day. I know y’all put in a lot of effort, and I—” His voice faltered for a second, but he quickly covered it up with a lopsided grin. “I mean, I swear, I was planning on coming! I even dreamed about those fancy little appetizers you guys make. I just… majorly screwed up.”

ㅤㅤKate softened slightly, her arms crossing as she studied him.

ㅤㅤAdrian, however, raised a brow. “Dreamed about the appetizers?”

ㅤㅤJJ nodded solemnly. “Yeah, sir. They were calling my name. Taunting me, even. ‘JJ, you idiot, come eat us.’” He placed a hand over his heart as if recalling a great tragedy. “And now? They’re probably sitting in some sad little fridge, wondering why I never showed.”

ㅤㅤAdrian shook his head, amused despite himself. “You’re ridiculous.”

ㅤㅤJJ let out a nervous chuckle, his bravado slipping just a little. “Yeah, but… I’m also really sorry.” His gaze flickered toward Lyra before settling back on her parents. “I never meant to ditch. And I get why she’s mad.” His voice, though lighthearted, carried an unmistakable weight. “But, uh… I’d really like the chance to make it up to her. If she’ll let me.”

ㅤㅤKate glanced at Lyra, who stared at JJ with an unreadable expression. Then, she turned back to him with a small, knowing smile. “Well, lucky for you, our daughter is a little more forgiving than her brother.”

ㅤㅤJJ’s eyes widened, but before he could react, Kate squeezed his arm gently. “Just talk to her,” she said, then exchanged one last look with Lyra before walking out with Adrian.

ㅤㅤAs the door shut behind them, silence settled back over the room. Lyra’s gaze lingered on JJ, her expression unreadable. He swallowed hard.

ㅤㅤ“Well,” JJ muttered, rocking back on his heels, “good news: your parents don’t hate me. Bad news: your brother probably does.” He shot her a hopeful look. “Where do you land on that spectrum?”

ㅤㅤLyra’s lips pressed together, and for a moment, JJ thought she might actually make him suffer in silence. But then—finally—she sighed, her gaze softening just a fraction.

ㅤㅤJJ took that as a win.

ㅤㅤA furrow creased Lyra’s brow, a wrinkle etching itself between her eyes as she studied her friends while they were telling her the story of their search for the Royal Merchant. Her gaze darted between them, searching for a flicker of amusement. But their faces were etched with a mix of exhaustion and excitement, their eyes gleaming with a spark she hadn’t seen in days.

ㅤㅤHer voice, when she finally spoke, was a mere whisper, barely audible above the pounding of her heart. “Are you implying that you have located the Royal Merchant?”

ㅤㅤ“Yep.”

ㅤㅤ“Seen it with my own eyes.”

ㅤㅤLyra squeezed her eyes shut, a strangled gasp escaping her lips. “Shit,” she breathed, the weight of her secret pressing down on her like a physical burden. They had found the Royal Merchant. She should be ecstatic, screaming in triumph alongside them. But all she could feel was the crushing weight of her own secret.

ㅤㅤThe image of Rafe’s face flashed in her mind. About the clandestine meetings, the stolen moments, the whispered words that felt so intoxicating at the time. About the fact that, despite knowing what he’d done she had still entertained him. Her stomach twisted. Would they hate her for it?

ㅤㅤA shaky breath rattled out of her chest.

ㅤㅤJust as Lyra opened her mouth to speak, Pope cut in, his voice tinged with disappointment. “But the gold wasn’t there.”

ㅤㅤLyra’s heart lurched. “Oh,” she managed, the word barely a breath.

ㅤㅤJJ, oblivious to the war raging inside her, continued his rant, already outlining his extravagant plans for his share of the nonexistent four hundred million dollars. His words were a cacophony of oblivious joy, a stark contrast to the turmoil threatening to consume her.

ㅤㅤDread coiled tight in Lyra’s stomach, a serpent slowly tightening its grip and squeezing the air from her lungs with each passing second. This had been a bad idea. No, a terrible, horrible, no-good idea, one that she could only attribute to a moment of reckless courage. John B, the one who had reassured her that she would not face anything alone was now missing—vanished on some treasure-hunting quest that felt more dangerous than adventurous.

ㅤㅤ“Um, guys. I have something to tell you,” she stammered, her voice wavering in the tense silence that enveloped them. It was now or never, and the sound of her words sounded pathetic even in her own ears. “A few months ago, Rafe and I…” Her voice trailed off, deflating like a balloon losing its precious air, floating away from her grasp. 

ㅤㅤThis wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. She had imagined understanding nods, a few raised eyebrows of curiosity, perhaps even supportive murmurs—but what she faced instead was the raw, unvarnished wrath twisting Kiara’s features into something unrecognizable.

ㅤㅤKiara’s sharp inhale sliced through the room like a blade, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came. Just a choked, strangled sound—half disbelief, half something dangerously close to heartbreak.

ㅤㅤThen came the explosion.

ㅤㅤ“Lyra, what the fuck?” Her voice cracked on the last word, not from hesitation, but from sheer, raw emotion. She shoved herself up from the couch so fast that the chair screeched against the floor, a violent sound that matched the rage brewing inside her.

ㅤㅤKiara was fuming. It was there in the tremble of her hands, the way her breathing came too fast, too uneven. It was in the way her brows furrowed as if she was trying to process something too painful to fully comprehend. “You—” She swallowed thickly, her voice wavering before she steadied herself, rage triumphing over heartbreak. “You were with Rafe?”

ㅤㅤPope blinked at Lyra, his usual composure fracturing at the edges. “No, that’s—” He shook his head as if the very idea was impossible. His hands curled into fists at his sides, his breathing turning shallow. “That’s not true, right?” He sounded desperate as if hoping Lyra would laugh and say this was some kind of twisted joke.

ㅤㅤBut it wasn’t.

ㅤㅤJJ was the only one who hadn’t spoken. He sat there, unmoving, his mouth slightly open, blue eyes locked onto Lyra like he had just seen a ghost. The fact that the one person who always had something to say was at a complete loss for words.

ㅤㅤLyra clenched her jaw, her nails digging into her palms.

ㅤㅤKiara scoffed, running a hand through her hair, her movements jerky and restless, like she couldn’t decide whether she wanted to scream or cry. “You lied to us,” she spat. “This entire time?”

ㅤㅤLyra’s breath caught.

ㅤㅤKiara’s gaze flickered to Pope—his face still frozen in disbelief—before locking onto JJ. JJ, who still hadn’t said a damn word.

ㅤㅤFor the first time in her life, Lyra wished he would. Wished he would joke, say something sarcastic, do anything to ease the suffocating weight pressing down on her chest. But he just sat there, his expression unreadable. 

ㅤㅤAnd that? That was somehow worse than Kiara’s rage.

ㅤㅤKiara let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head. “I should’ve known. You’re just like Sarah,” Kiara continued, her voice sharp, each word a dagger, “Rotten to the core.”

ㅤㅤJJ inhaled sharply, but he didn’t refute it. Didn’t defend her. Didn’t say anything.

ㅤㅤ“Kie, come on,” Pope finally managed, his voice tight. “That’s not—”

ㅤㅤKiara yanked her arm free when he reached for her, shaking her head. “No,” she bit out. “I see her now. I see her for what she really is.” Then, with one final glare at Lyra—one filled with pain so raw it nearly made Lyra double over—she turned and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind her with a force that rattled the walls.

ㅤㅤJJ exhaled a shaky breath, finally breaking his frozen state, but he still didn’t look at Lyra. Pope’s shoulders sagged, his head dropping into his hands.

ㅤㅤA tremor ran through Lyra’s fingers, her breath shuddering. This was it. The moment she had feared. And yet, nothing could have prepared her for how it actually felt—how much it actually hurt.

ㅤㅤPope eventually looked up, shaking his head, still in denial. “I just don’t get it,” he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. “Of all people… Rafe?”

ㅤㅤJJ scoffed. It wasn’t playful, nor was it mocking—it was disbelieving. “This whole time? You let us sit here, thinking we were all on the same side, while you were sneaking around with Rafe fucking Cameron?” He let out a humorless laugh, rubbing a hand down his face. “Shit. And I thought I was bad at relationships.”

ㅤㅤPope shot him a warning look, but JJ just shook his head, exhaling sharply.

ㅤㅤ“I mean,” he continued, forcing a half-hearted smirk, “you could’ve at least picked a different asshole. You know, for variety.”

ㅤㅤIt was a weak attempt at humor. But it wasn’t enough to mask the underlying hurt. His voice dropped, losing all of its usual bravado. 

ㅤㅤ“But him? After everything?”

ㅤㅤLyra didn’t have an answer.

ㅤㅤBecause there was no good one.

ㅤㅤWith a final glare that burned a hole into Lyra’s soul, Kiara stormed out of the Monroe-Aragon property, slamming the door behind her with a force that sent a shockwave through the suffocating silence. The echo lingered, leaving behind an aching void—a raw wound of betrayal and a chilling premonition of what was to come.

ㅤㅤLyra’s breath hitched as the weight of it all pressed down on her chest, crushing and unrelenting. Hot tears welled in her eyes, distorting the edges of her vision as she slammed the glass of water onto the table. The impact sent a shattering crack through the room, splintering the unbearable stillness. 

ㅤㅤShe would rather that—a screaming match, a barrage of accusations—than this unbearable silence, than the way Pope’s eyes cut through her, searching for something, anything, to make sense of what she had done. Than the way JJ sat unmoving, fists clenched, radiating fury but refusing to look at her.

ㅤㅤ“Aren’t you gonna yell at me? Call me names?”

ㅤㅤPope leaned forward, his brow furrowed in deep concentration, confusion warring with something that looked almost like concern. “We would never call you names, Lyra,” he said slowly. “Honestly, I don’t know why I’m still here. I… I guess I wanted to hear what you wanna say.”

ㅤㅤFinally, she spoke. The words tumbled out in a frantic, choked confession, raw and unfiltered. “I had my first kiss with some stupid touron. And the next day, I overheard him bragging to his friends that I was his worst kiss ever.” Her voice broke, barely above a whisper, as if saying it too loudly would make it more real. “I try to act like I don’t care. That I don’t feel invincible—but I do. Most of the time, I feel unwanted.” She swallowed hard, the memories clawing at her, the endless spiral of self-doubt that had plagued her for years. “I’ve always wondered what was wrong with me. Am I ugly? Am I boring? What is it about me that makes people not want me?”

ㅤㅤHer voice cracked under the strain of her vulnerability, exposed like an open wound.

ㅤㅤAnd then, the hardest part.

ㅤㅤ“Rafe was there.” The name alone sent a fresh wave of tension through the air, but Lyra forced herself to continue, to push past the judgment in their eyes. “He saw me at my lowest. And I—I let him. Because I needed to feel like I wasn’t broken. Because I needed help.”

ㅤㅤShe exhaled sharply, feeling the weight of her confession sink in. “So I agreed to meet with him, secretly, to learn how to kiss properly. I just… I don’t want to feel like I wasn’t some pathetic little girl again who couldn’t even do that right. And he helped me realize there wasn’t anything wrong with me. That there was a side of me I didn’t even know existed.”

ㅤㅤThe words felt like stones being lifted off her chest, yet the guilt remained, heavy and immovable. The silence that followed was excruciating.

ㅤㅤLyra’s hands shook as she wiped at her damp cheeks. “Rafe is an asshole. He’s vile and cruel, and I know that.” Her voice hardened, desperate to make them understand that she knew she had made a mistake. “There’s no valid excuse for what I did.” She sucked in a shaky breath, her chest tight with the weight of their judgment. “If you can’t be friends with me anymore, I understand. I just—I needed to get this off my chest. And I needed to apologize.”

ㅤㅤThe air between them felt thick, suffocating.

ㅤㅤPope and JJ exchanged a glance, an unspoken conversation passing swiftly between them. Neither wanted to lose her. But neither could ignore the sting of betrayal lingering in the air like an open wound.

ㅤㅤFinally, Pope broke the silence. “Does John B know?” His voice was low, cautious.

ㅤㅤLyra nodded, a single tear slipping down her cheek. “I told him the day Peterkin paid him a visit. I begged him not to tell the rest of you.” She squeezed her eyes shut, guilt tightening around her like a noose. “I wanted to tell you myself. I just—” Her voice wavered. “I was scared.”

ㅤㅤJJ’s voice was quieter when he finally spoke, but there was still an edge to it. “So, you and Rafe…?”

ㅤㅤLyra shook her head, a flicker of determination replacing the shame in her eyes. “It was never romantic. It was a mutual arrangement that lasted for two months. And it’s over.” She sniffed, her chest aching from the weight of the conversation. “The attention he gave me… it wasn’t real. It was just a bandage for something deeper. And I get that now.”

ㅤㅤHer voice grew softer. “I still struggle with feeling like I’m not enough. But I know now that no one—not Rafe, not a random touron, not even you guys—can fix that for me.” She inhaled deeply, a shaky, vulnerable breath. “Only I can and I am working on it.”

ㅤㅤSilence.

ㅤㅤThen, Pope exhaled. “Lyra, I’m sorry you felt that way. That I—we—didn’t see it sooner.” His voice held something rare: regret. Sure, he’s heard of that stupid rumor from tourons back then and he never really cared about it. His mistake was assuming that Lyra wasn’t affected by it—just because he never saw her cry or have a reaction to it. “What’s done is done. We can’t go back, and none of us are saints here. We’ve all made mistakes. Now, we just—” He looked at JJ, then back at Lyra. “We just need to figure out how to move forward.”

ㅤㅤJJ wanted to argue.

ㅤㅤHe wanted to hold onto his anger, to spit out something cruel, something that would make her hurt the way he had when he found out. But he couldn’t. Because beneath the betrayal he felt, beneath the frustration, there was understanding.

ㅤㅤHe knew what it felt like to not be enough. To search for validation in all the wrong places. To want so badly for someone to prove him wrong, to make him feel like he mattered. His throat tightened. He should have known. Maybe if he had paid more attention—maybe if he hadn’t been so damn caught up in his own bullshit—maybe she wouldn’t have gone to Rafe.

ㅤㅤMaybe she wouldn’t have felt like she needed to.

ㅤㅤThe weight of his words at the lighthouse echoed in his mind, a sharp-edged memory that cut deeper the longer he dwelled on it. Had he made it worse? Had his reckless accusations—his anger, his own insecurities—only added to the doubts she already carried? The thought made his stomach twist with guilt.

ㅤㅤHe was a terrible friend.

ㅤㅤHow had he missed it? How had someone as dazzling, as fiercely loyal as Lyra, spent so long feeling like she wasn’t enough?

ㅤㅤHis gaze found hers, locking onto it in the heavy silence between them. A charged moment, thick with unsaid words. She looked so small, so fragile in a way he wasn’t used to seeing. And yet, she had never seemed more powerful. Because she had stood there and told them—laid herself bare, held nothing back.

ㅤㅤJJ swallowed hard, something tight and painful swelling in his throat. “Elyra Blair Monroe-Aragon,” he began, his voice rough with something raw and unfamiliar.

ㅤㅤShe blinked, caught off guard, and something in his chest ached at the way she stiffened slightly, as if bracing herself.

ㅤㅤThe full weight of her name sat heavily on his tongue, rich and melodic—like a spell, like a prayer, like a reminder of everything she was. He had never said it in full before. But now, it felt right, like something sacred, something that deserved to be spoken aloud.

ㅤㅤ“You’ve been the brightest flame on this island since we were kids. You are—selfless, kind… a goddamn supernova of awesomeness.” His lips quirked slightly, but his voice never wavered. He needed her to hear him. To believe him.

ㅤㅤJJ searched her face for any sign of acknowledgment, any flicker that she was letting his words sink in. Because Lyra—his Lyra—wasn’t just some girl who faded into the background. She was the one who made things brighter, who lit up every room she walked into without even trying.

ㅤㅤHow could she not see that?

ㅤㅤ“Don’t you ever doubt yourself.” His voice softened, quiet but certain, like a vow. “You, Lyra, are a vision. Your smile alone could light up the world on the darkest, moonless night.”

ㅤㅤHis words hit her like a tidal wave, crashing into the carefully built walls she had spent years fortifying around herself. Lyra’s breath caught, her heart slamming against her ribs like a caged hummingbird, frantic and overwhelmed.

ㅤㅤJJ had always had a way of making her feel something—exhilaration, frustration, warmth. But this? This was something new.

ㅤㅤHer gaze lifted to meet his, and his breath nearly caught in his throat. Crystal blue eyes, swirling with emotion, unshed tears clinging to the edges.

ㅤㅤA moment passed.

ㅤㅤThen—fuck—there it was.

ㅤㅤThat smile.

ㅤㅤJJ felt something loosen in his chest. It had been too long since he’d seen that look on her face, that light in her eyes. As he glanced down, rubbing the back of his neck, a reluctant smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. 

ㅤㅤFor the first time in a long time, something inside him settled.

ㅤㅤBecause at that moment, he knew with unwavering certainty—that he would do anything, be anything, to keep that smile from ever fading again.

ㅤㅤ“Wow,” Pope muttered, breaking the silence. “I didn’t know you could talk like that.”

ㅤㅤJJ groaned, rolling his eyes. “Pope, shut up, you’re ruining the mood.”

ㅤㅤ“Right, sorry.”

ㅤㅤThe lighthearted moment was short-lived.

ㅤㅤThe front door creaked open. Kiara stood in the doorway. She hesitated, just for a second, before stepping inside.

ㅤㅤLyra’s arms wrapped tightly around herself as if she were trying to hold herself together. Her eyes flickered to Kiara, wary and unsure, and for the first time in a long time, Kiara saw something in them that made her stomach twist—hesitation. Like she was waiting for another hit to land.

ㅤㅤKiara swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Lyra, I—” her voice cracked, but she didn’t let it stop her. “I’m sorry.”

ㅤㅤThe words spilled out faster than she intended, rushed and desperate, but once they were out, they became impossible to stop. “What you did was wrong, but—God, Lyra, what I said? That was mean. And you didn’t deserve that.”

ㅤㅤLyra blinked like she hadn’t expected that. She was the one who was supposed to be sorry, not her. “Kie…”

ㅤㅤKiara took a deep breath, stepping closer. “I should have known you were feeling like this, and I didn’t. That’s on me. I’ve been your best friend for so long, and I let you feel alone.” Her voice dropped to something softer, something sadder.

ㅤㅤLyra’s lips parted, her brows furrowing slightly as if she didn’t know what to say. But then her eyes welled up, and her shoulders shook just a little. She exhaled shakily and muttered, “I should’ve told you. I should’ve told all of you. I’m so sorry.”

ㅤㅤKiara surged forward at the same time Lyra did, and they met in the middle, arms wrapping around each other so tightly it felt like an anchor. Lyra let out a shaky breath against Kiara’s shoulder, and Kiara squeezed her even harder, pressing her cheek against Lyra’s hair.

ㅤㅤFor a moment, there were no more apologies, no more anger, no more regret—just them, two best friends who had hurt each other but weren’t willing to let that be the end of their story.

ㅤㅤWhen they finally pulled apart, Kiara let out a breathless laugh, wiping at her damp cheeks. “I just hate crying.”

ㅤㅤLyra sniffled, smirking slightly. “Me too.”

ㅤㅤFrom the side, Pope and JJ stood quietly, watching them. They didn’t say a word, but the pride in their eyes was unmistakable.

ㅤㅤThey just let their girls have their moment.

ㅤㅤA soft giggle escaped Lyra’s lips, a delicate sound breaking through the remnants of the storm. Kiara’s words were a lifeline tossed across the wreckage of hurt and misunderstandings, offering something fragile but real—hope. As Kiara pulled back, Lyra reached out, their fingers intertwining in a silent promise, an unspoken vow of renewed friendship.

ㅤㅤKiara exhaled slowly, steadying herself before looking around at the group, her voice carrying a mix of determination and vulnerability. “Let’s make a pact, okay? No more secrets. No more ghosting. We face things together, no matter what.”

ㅤㅤ“Okay,” Lyra nodded without hesitation, the weight of everything that had transpired settling into something softer—something bearable. Pope gave a small, approving nod, while JJ’s lips twitched as if suppressing a smirk. They didn’t need to say anything. The pride in their eyes spoke louder than words.

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

ㅤㅤPeeking into Lyra’s room, Kate and Adrian found their daughter sprawled across the bed, her limbs tangled with Kiara’s in a way that reminded them of sleepovers from the past—of whispered secrets under blanket forts and midnight giggles that never quite faded with age.

ㅤㅤMoonlight spilled through the window, bathing the scene in a silvery glow, and for a moment, time rewound itself. Lyra wasn’t a teenager weighed down by heartbreak and insecurities—she was their little girl again, curled up beside her best friend, safe in the quiet of the night.

ㅤㅤAdrian’s gaze drifted to the makeshift fort on the floor, a chaotic jumble of blankets and pillows housing JJ and Pope with a space between them, their exhausted forms stretched out like this was their home too. It was a sight that stirred something deep in his chest, a familiar ache of nostalgia. He could still hear the echoes of laughter from years ago, could still picture a much younger Lyra racing through their old house in The Cut, dragging her friends behind her—unstoppable, untouchable, endlessly happy.

ㅤㅤBack then, their nights had been filled with the smell of Kate’s homemade pizza, the sticky sweetness of spilled soda, and the sound of little feet running through hallways past bedtime. Seeing them now, older but still bound by that same unshakable closeness, made Adrian’s heart swell with quiet, unspoken pride.

ㅤㅤAn idea flickered to life. He reached into his pocket, his phone cool against his palm. With a hushed click, he captured the moment, the image forever preserved—not just in digital memory but in the depths of his heart. One day, maybe years from now, he’d pull it up and show Lyra, reminding her that no matter how lost she felt, she was never truly alone.

ㅤㅤKate, ever the chronicler of their lives, followed suit. Her phone buzzed softly as she snapped another picture, this one destined for Klyd. He’d roll his eyes, and grumble about them being embarrassing, but she knew he’d smile anyway. With a quiet sigh, Kate gently shut the bedroom door, leaving behind the peaceful rhythm of steady breaths and tangled limbs. As they walked away, she reached for Adrian’s hand, giving it a soft squeeze.

ㅤㅤ“They’re gonna be okay,” she murmured, as much to herself as to him.

ㅤㅤAdrian glanced back once more before nodding. “They always will,” he said softly. 

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

ㅤㅤTwo days had ticked by since Kiara’s invite to the OBX movie marathon had lured them all in. Now, here they were, sprawled out on a patch of grass amidst a sea of colorful beach blankets and chattering tourists. A smug grin plastered on Kiara’s face.

ㅤㅤ“Aren’t you three glad I made you come?” she quipped, her voice laced with a playful challenge.

ㅤㅤPope snorted, a single, sarcastic bark of laughter escaping before he cleared his throat with exaggerated theatricality. “Ecstatic,” he drawled, his tone dripping with mock enthusiasm.

ㅤㅤJJ, ever the charmer, flashed a grin that could disarm a bomb squad. “Lyra’s couch was undeniably comfy, gotta give you that,” he admitted, his eyes flickering with mischief as they briefly landed on Lyra. “And the food! Let’s just say Kate deserves a medal for putting up with us.”

ㅤㅤAs they settled into their rickety folding chairs, Pope wrinkled his nose in distaste. “We’re in the middle of Kooklandia. This is the last place I wanted to be,” he muttered.

ㅤㅤ“Shut up, Pope.”

ㅤㅤLyra, used to their constant bickering, barely registered their exchange. She busied herself fussing over their mismatched collection of backpacks and chairs, making sure everything was just right.

ㅤㅤKiara, her eyes gleaming with an impish glint, leaned forward in her chair. “I’m going to buy us some drinks. Wanna join?”

ㅤㅤLyra, ever the pragmatist, readily agreed. “I’ll be right behind you.” Kiara’s smile widened as she bounced out of her chair and headed towards the concession stand, a beacon of sugary drinks and greasy delights in the distance.

ㅤㅤWith a final, firm look at JJ and Pope, Lyra pursed her lips. “Stay put, you two,” she commanded, her voice tinged with a hint of warning. “And for the love of all that’s holy, no causing a scene today, okay?”

ㅤㅤJJ tilted his head at her, amused. “Yes, ma’am,” he drawled, but there was something in the way he said it—something smug, teasing like he enjoyed the way she took charge.

ㅤㅤIgnoring the way her stomach flipped, Lyra turned on her heel, making her way toward the food stalls.

ㅤㅤThe scent of buttery popcorn and hot cheese hung heavy in the air, but Lyra’s focus wavered when she spotted Rafe. A smirk played on his lips as he leaned in too close to Kiara, his voice low, his presence unsettling. The worry nibbled at her, a knot tightening in her stomach.

ㅤㅤLyra cleared her throat, forcing herself to focus. “Excuse me, could I please get four popcorn? Two with extra cheese, one with caramel, and one with plain salt?” Her smile, intended to be friendly, faltered slightly under the weight of her unease.

ㅤㅤThe vendor, a kind-faced woman, nodded cheerfully and started scooping the popcorn.

ㅤㅤThen—

ㅤㅤ“Lyra.” His voice. That drawl, sickeningly sweet.

ㅤㅤLyra turned just as Rafe’s gaze flickered between her and Kiara. He leaned in, voice quieter but heavy with meaning. “Tell your boy we know what he did.” The playful smirk was gone, replaced by something darker.

ㅤㅤKiara frowned, tilting her head. “Sorry, what boy are you talking about?”

ㅤㅤRafe exhaled sharply, clearly unimpressed with her feigned ignorance. “Uh, he’ll know.” Then, to Lyra, he offered a lazy, almost sheepish grin.

ㅤㅤKiara, unimpressed, grabbed the drinks she bought for Pope and JJ and turned on her heel, striding away without another word.

ㅤㅤ“Bye,” Rafe murmured.

ㅤㅤ“Douche.”

ㅤㅤLyra barely smothered her laugh before stepping forward to collect the popcorn. But then—a hand. Unwelcome, familiar. Rafe’s arm slithered around her waist like a bad habit. She barely hesitated before yanking herself free, turning to glare up at him.

ㅤㅤ“Afraid your dirty pogue friends might see us?” he taunted, his tone playful but laced with something bitter.

ㅤㅤLyra met his gaze, her blue eyes cold. “No, ‘cos they already know. Look,” she continued, voice clipped. “Whatever you think was going on between us this past year? It’s done. It’s over.” The last two words hit like a hammer, her jaw tight, her meaning crystal clear.

ㅤㅤRafe’s expression flickered, surprise bleeding through before he masked it with forced amusement. “Wha—what did I do?”

ㅤㅤLyra scoffed. “The better question is—what didn’t you do, Rafe?” Her voice was ice. With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Rafe behind.

ㅤㅤHis frustrated shout cut through the noise—“Fuck!”—a sharp, furious crack against the hum of the crowd. A string of obscenities followed, laced with something raw, something unsettled.

ㅤㅤRafe yanked his cap off, fingers raking through his hair in a harsh, frustrated motion, disrupting the careful, effortless mess he always maintained. His jaw clenched, nostrils flaring as his gaze burned into Lyra’s retreating figure.

ㅤㅤShe didn’t stop. Didn’t look back.

ㅤㅤThe muscles in his jaw ticked, tension coiling in his shoulders. With a final glare in her direction, he turned on his heel and stalked back toward his group, the air around him practically vibrating with the unspoken threat of what was to come.

ㅤㅤLyra perched on the rickety stool, her gaze glued to JJ. His hand, usually drumming a nervous rhythm, lay limp in his lap. The silence stretched until JJ’s voice ripped through it, laced with worry, “What took you so long?” asked JJ.

ㅤㅤLyra forced a sigh, the air catching in her throat. “Just Rafe, being an ass,” she muttered.

ㅤㅤKiara, who had been silent until now, recalled something Rafe had said earlier and asked her friends about it. JJ wanted to know where Rafe was, so Kiara pointed towards a group where Rafe was standing with Topper and Kelce.

ㅤㅤAs Pope watched, JJ held up his bag confidently and declared, “I got this right here,” JJ told Pope, holding his bag up. 

ㅤㅤLyra’s breath hitched. “Wait, JJ, is that...?” she stammered, her eyes widening as they landed on the familiar bulge in his bag. 

ㅤㅤKiara’s face drained of color, mirroring Lyra’s dawning horror. “I’m sorry, JJ. Please tell me that you did not bring a gun here. JJ, there are kids!” she half-shouted, her voice trembling.

ㅤㅤJJ opened his mouth to offer a placating lie, but Lyra lunged before he could speak. She grabbed the hem of his sweatshirt, her grip a silent plea for him to stop digging the hole deeper.

ㅤㅤ“Kie…” Pope chimed in, his voice low and urgent, “It might go down tonight.”

ㅤㅤLyra’s stomach churned. Kiara, blissfully unaware of the tangled web of secrets—Rafe’s actions at the club, Pope’s revenge with Topper’s boat, the simmering tension—looked utterly lost. Lyra doesn’t regret being a part of it. Still, she feels guilty for keeping such a secret from Kiara, but she makes a promise to Pope. 

ㅤㅤ“What does that mean? What did y’all do?”

ㅤㅤLyra stole a glance at JJ, who mouthed a frantic “Deny, deny, deny!” to Pope. Kiara’s question hung heavy in the air, unanswered.

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

ㅤㅤThe flickering glow of the projector cast dancing shadows across the lawn, painting monstrous silhouettes on the far wall. 

ㅤㅤLyra, entranced, was lost in the fantastical world on screen, curled comfortably in her camping chair. A hushed murmuring snaked into her ears, slithering between the thrilling soundtrack and her focus. Her eyes flicked toward the source—JJ and Pope, huddled together in their chairs, their voices barely above a nervous whisper.

ㅤㅤA frown creased her forehead. Curiosity gnawed at her, twisting her enjoyment of the movie. Shifting slightly, she reached out and hooked her fingers around the hem of JJ’s shirt, giving a light tug. “What’s up with Pope?” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper itself.

ㅤㅤJJ startled slightly at her touch. He shot her a quick glance, something unreadable flashing in his blue eyes before he looked away, running a hand through his hair. “Bathroom emergency,” he muttered.

ㅤㅤLyra followed his gaze toward the only available restrooms—across the open lawn, directly in the line of fire of Rafe and his goons, who were sprawled out like territorial lions guarding their watering hole. “Can’t he hold it?” she pleaded, fingers still absentmindedly curled around JJ’s sweatshirt.

ㅤㅤJJ exhaled sharply, his gaze flickering toward where her hand rested before looking away again. “He says he can’t.”

ㅤㅤA heavy sigh escaped Lyra’s lips. She hated this. Trapped between a rock and a hard place. Her friend’s discomfort warring with the potential for disaster. “Alright,” she surrendered with a defeated breath. “You guys go. But be careful.”

ㅤㅤJJ reached down, fingers lightly grazing her knee as he adjusted in his chair. The touch was barely there—fleeting, unintentional maybe, but enough to send a jolt up Lyra’s spine.

ㅤㅤ“We’d be too exposed if we both go,” JJ murmured, eyes flicking toward Rafe again. He gripped the armrests of his chair, knuckles tight.

ㅤㅤLyra’s jaw clenched. “Do you want him to pee in a water bottle? JJ, we can’t let Pope leave alone. It’s either you go with Pope, or I do,” she snapped, her voice sharp with concern.

ㅤㅤJJ’s lips parted slightly as if he wanted to argue. His fingers tapped restlessly against the chair’s armrest. “You care about him that much, huh?” he muttered under his breath.

ㅤㅤLyra’s brows furrowed. “What?”

ㅤㅤJJ shook his head quickly, covering it up with a sharp breath. “Nothing,” he muttered. He pushed himself up from his chair, motioning for Pope to follow.

ㅤㅤKiara, who had been watching the exchange with growing anxiety, spoke up, her voice barely a squeak. “But what about Rafe?”

ㅤㅤLyra met her gaze, a steely glint in her eyes. “There’s a lot of people here–too many witnesses if they’ll do something stupid. Besides, we’ll be their backup,” she said, voice firm but laced with apprehension. “Hopefully, they won’t need it.” 

ㅤㅤAs JJ turned to leave, Lyra felt the ghost of his touch still lingering where his fingers had brushed against her knee.

ㅤㅤThe movie continued playing, its fantastical world a stark contrast to the tension brewing on the lawn. JJ and Pope huddled by a large oak tree, their silhouettes flickering against the golden glow of the projector. 

ㅤㅤLyra’s stomach churned as she drained the last of her soda—and JJ’s. Each clinking ice cube echoed in the tense silence. Minutes bled into what felt like hours, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs.

ㅤㅤ“What’s taking them so long?” Kiara whispered, her voice barely a tremor.

ㅤㅤLyra’s grip tightened around the cup. Then, she noticed it. Rafe and his posse were gone.

ㅤㅤA pit formed in her stomach. “Shit…” Lyra breathed.

ㅤㅤThere was no hesitation—Lyra was on her feet in an instant, Kiara snatching up JJ’s bag as they bolted toward the tree line. 

ㅤㅤAdrenaline pumped through her veins, a sickening mix of fear and fury. And when she finally caught sight of them—Pope pinned to a tree, Rafe’s sneer cutting through the darkness, JJ bleeding—something inside her snapped.

ㅤㅤ“Let go of him, Topper! Fascist asshole!” Kiara’s voice cut through the night as she swung JJ’s bag at Topper’s back.

ㅤㅤLyra didn’t even think. She lunged straight for JJ, her vision red-hot, her fists swinging before she could stop herself. “Rafe, stop it! Kelce, get off him!” she screamed, shoving Kelce aside with a strength that surprised even her.

ㅤㅤJJ’s gaze snapped to hers, his blue eyes locking onto hers. A silent warning flickered there—one not for himself, but for her. “I got this,” he gritted out, barely above a whisper.

ㅤㅤBut she wasn’t listening.

ㅤㅤHer fist connected with Rafe’s jaw, a sickening crack that sent a sharp thrill through her. Rafe stumbled back, his hand flying to his face, and for the briefest second, Lyra thought she saw something like a surprise in his eyes.

ㅤㅤThen his face twisted into something darker. He moved fast—grabbing her wrist before she could swing again. But unlike the others, he didn’t yank, didn’t shove. His grip was tight, firm, but controlled. “Careful, Lyra,” Rafe muttered, his voice low, edged with something unreadable.

ㅤㅤJJ surged forward, eyes blazing, but Kelce yanked him back before he could do anything.

ㅤㅤLyra struggled against Rafe’s hold, her pulse spiking in frustration. “Let go of me, Rafe!” She winced. Her wrist is definitely going to bruise.

ㅤㅤ“You should’ve stayed out of this,” he murmured, almost like it was a warning. And then, just as quickly as he grabbed her, he let go.

ㅤㅤJJ barely had a second to react before Rafe reached for him again. 

ㅤㅤLyra didn’t hesitate. She grabbed a handful of dirt and chucked it straight into Rafe’s eyes.

ㅤㅤ“Goddamn it—” Rafe reeled back, cursing, rubbing at his face.

ㅤㅤJJ took the opening, twisting out of Kelce’s grip, landing a solid punch to his ribs.

ㅤㅤThen chaos erupted as Kiara unleashed a torrent of flame from the massive projector.

ㅤㅤScreams filled the air. Rafe and his goons scattered like frightened cockroaches.

ㅤㅤLyra let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her. As Pope helped her to her feet, a warm hand brushed against her lower back, steadying her.

ㅤㅤJJ.

ㅤㅤHis touch lingered for a second too long, his fingers pressing lightly against her skin. She turned to face him, but his eyes weren’t on her. They were locked onto Pope, who was rubbing his wrists with a wince.

ㅤㅤJJ clenched his jaw.

ㅤㅤ“Are you good?” Lyra asked Pope, concern bleeding into her tone.

ㅤㅤPope nodded, stretching out his arm with a grimace. “Yeah. I’ve had worse.”

ㅤㅤ“C’mon, we need to get out of here,” Kiara urged, already leading the way.

ㅤㅤJJ didn’t move right away. His gaze lingered on Lyra, something stormy flickering behind his eyes. “You’re always worried about Pope, huh?” he muttered, his voice too casual. Too forced.

ㅤㅤLyra blinked at him. “Duh? We’re friends?”

ㅤㅤ“Right,” he said quickly, shaking his head. “Come on.”

•─────⋅☾ 𝔫𝔶𝔵 ☽⋅─────•

idk what to feel about this chapter, whatever, you guys be the judge.

hope you have or had a lovely day <33