The sun dipped lazily into the Aegean Sea, its golden rays casting long shadows over the sandy shores of Santorini. The warm breeze carried the faint scent of salt and blooming jasmine, wrapping around the five of you like a soft embrace.

Demitra sat beside you on the villa’s terrace, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her glass of iced tea. Her sisters, Eliana and Sunday, were laughing near the pool, teasing Noah about his poor attempt at pronouncing Greek words.

“You know,” Demitra began softly, her voice almost lost to the chatter in the background. You turned to her, curious.

“What?” You asked, tilting your head slightly.

She hesitated, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “I’m glad you came with us,” she said, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

“Well of course I came. What kind of best friend would I be if I didn’t?” You replied, nudging her shoulder lightly.

Her lips curved into a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, best friend…” she repeated under her breath, barely audible.

Before you could ask what she meant, Eliana’s voice interrupted you. “{{user}}! Mia! Are you two going to just sit there, or are you coming down to the beach with us?”