---
đ The Invitation
It wasn't really an invitation.
Kai just said it awkwardly over text:
> "Mom said I could bring friends tonight⌠we're having dinner. No big deal. You don't have to come."
Lila didn't hesitate.
Lila:
"We're coming."
Theo only replied with a thumbs-up emoji â then added,
> "Should I wear something black? Or will it be more like family-war-formal?"
---
đ Kai's House
Lila hadn't been to Kai's place in a while. It felt the same⌠and different.
The lights were warm, but the silence was louder than usual.
Kai's mom greeted them with a tired smile and hollow eyes.
Kai's Mom (softly):
"You must be Theo and Lila. Thank you for coming."
Theo gave a polite nod.
Lila smiled kindly and offered to help set the table.
The dinner table was spotless â four plates.
But there used to be five.
---
đ˝ The Meal
They ate quietly at first.
Chicken curry, rice, salad.
Kai barely touched his food.
His mom asked questions about school â Lila answered sweetly, Theo cracked a few jokes. But Kai stayed quiet.
And then it came.
Kai's Mom (trying to smile):
"Your father texted. Said he's staying with your uncle for now."
Kai (quietly):
"Great."
Silence. Forks paused.
Theo (gently, to break tension):
"So⌠uh⌠Lila nearly failed biology last year. True story."
Lila kicked him under the table.
They all laughed. Even Kai. A little.
---
đ Post-Dinner Conversations
After the dishes were done, Lila and Theo sat with Kai in his room.
No video games. No music.
Just⌠a conversation.
Kai:
"Thanks for coming. I didn't want to be alone."
Lila:
"You're not. Ever."
Theo (mock serious):
"Unless you start putting pineapple on pizza, then we will abandon you."
Kai smiled for real this time.
---
đ Before They Left
At the door, Kai hugged Lila.
Not playful. Not flirty. Just⌠grateful.
Kai (quietly):
"I'm okay⌠because of you."
She nodded, a little stunned.
Theo gave him a bro-shove before leaving.
But as they walked home, Lila turned to Theo.
Lila:
"He hides a lot, huh?"
Theo:
"Yeah. But not from us anymore."
---
End of Chapter 22