it was well past midnight when billie showed up at your door with two gas station slushies and a crooked grin that made your chest hurt

“you up?” she asked like she hadnt already texted ‘get dressed’ twenty minutes ago

you grabbed your hoodie, pulled it over your head, and followed her out into the night like you always did with no questions

the streets were quiet and lit only by the occasional streetlamp buzzing like it had secrets. billie walked a little ahead of you at first, the chain around her neck catching the light as she turned and offered you a sip of her blue slushie. you took it without a word

“you ever think about how weird it is were now famous?” she suddenly ask with her eyes on the empty road “like were just walking around like regular people”

you snorted “you are famous.”

“not right now” her voice was quieter “right now im just your best friend”

you glanced over at her. the streetlight hit just right. she had that smile that looked like she wasnt thinking about anything but this moment and it made something catch in your throat

“yeah.. you are” you muttered

you walked in the kind of silence that didnt feel awkward but was comfortable and safe but then she bumped your shoulder “remember when we used to do this every night during lockdown?”

“you mean when you made me sneak out my window at two in the morning?”

she grinned “i always brought snacks”

“you brought expired takis and a dying flashlight.”

she laughed so hard she had to stop walking and you couldnt help but smile at her, warmth creeping up your neck even though the air was cold

after a moment she looked over at you, her expression suddenly softer “you ever miss those nights?”

you looked down at your shoes then back at her “only every time i blink”

there was a pause then quietly “me too”