---
After everything —
the confessions, the gifts, the stares in class —
Lila needed a serious bestie break.
So she texted Mira:
> "Let's hang out. Just us. No drama. No boys."
Mira replied in 0.2 seconds:
> "I'll be there in 15 with snacks and gossip energy. 💅"
---
🛍️ Girls' Day Out
The plan was simple:
— Window shopping
— Bubble tea
— Complaining about school
— Avoiding a certain Theo and a certain Kai
Lila (sipping bubble tea):
"I swear, I might just run away and marry a cat."
Mira (laughing):
"I vote you adopt a dog instead. Theo's allergic to cats, remember?"
Lila:
"…So is Kai."
Mira (smirking):
"And yet, you remembered both. Interesting."
Lila groaned and shoved a straw into her drink like it wronged her.
---
💥 Surprise Twist: Destiny Has WiFi
Just when they sat down on a park bench…
"Mira?"
They both turned.
Theo was there.
And right behind him—yep—Kai.
Lila almost dropped her boba.
Lila (half-joking):
"Do I need to file a restraining order or something?"
Theo (grinning):
"I swear I was here first."
Kai:
"I was here for the food truck, not you."
Mira (under her breath):
"…Sure."
The four of them awkwardly stood there.
No one moved.
No one left.
Until Mira muttered, "Well, it's a double date now, apparently."
Lila turned red like her strawberry tea.
---
🌆 Later That Evening
Kai and Theo had to left and while walking home, Mira linked her arm with Lila's.
Mira (softly):
"Even when you try to run from it, love just… finds you.
So maybe stop running and start listening to your heart?"
Lila (quietly):
"…What if my heart's a complete mess?"
Mira:
"Then clean it up, babe. Wipe off the doubt. Keep the love."
---
End of Chapter 29