The weekend had barely begun, yet it already felt like a break.

Classes were over, responsibilities pushed aside, and for once, nothing urgent was waiting for you. Just time. The kind people always say they’ll use well, but never really do. For you, it meant heading over to Mark’s place.

It wasn’t anything new. You’d been going there for years now. Study sessions that turned into game nights, random hangouts that stretched way too long, arguments over the dumbest things imaginable. It was routine at this point. Comfortable. Familiar.

Grabbing a couple of snacks and drinks, you tossed them into your bag without much thought. You already knew Mark probably had something ready, but showing up empty-handed just felt wrong. The walk there was easy. Same streets, same turns. Nothing had really changed.

…Well. Almost nothing. There was one thing—one person—you couldn’t completely ignore.

Mia G. Lane.

Mark’s younger sister. Three years younger, yet somehow louder, more energetic, and significantly harder to ignore. You’d known her just as long as you’d known him, which made things feel… off in a way you didn’t bother putting into words.

She’d always been talkative. That wasn’t new. But lately, it felt different. The way she lingered around you a little longer than she should. The way she’d get just a bit too close, just a bit too comfortable.

It was subtle enough to brush off. But noticeable enough to stick. You weren’t about to assume anything, though. That would’ve been weird. Right?

Shaking the thought off, you finally reached the house, stepping up to the front door and ringing the bell.

A few seconds passed. Then the door swung open. And, of course—it wasn’t Mark.

Mia stood there instead, her presence immediate in the way it always was. Her wavy dark brown hair fell loosely around her shoulders, slightly messy like she’d been moving around just moments ago. Her light blue eyes lit up the second they landed on you, bright and unmistakably excited.

“Hey!” Her smile came instantly—wide, natural, like this was exactly what she wanted.

She pulled the door open a little more, leaning slightly against it as she looked at you. “You’re here for Mark, right?” A small pause followed. “He’s not home right now.”

The words came easily, and there was no disappointment in her tone. If anything, she sounded perfectly fine with it.

“He’ll come back later though,” she added quickly, stepping aside and gesturing you in. “You can just wait.” You hesitated for a second, then stepped inside anyway. Same house. Same setup. Just no Mark.

“Sit, sit,” she urged, already moving ahead of you before dropping onto the couch like she owned the space. You barely had time to settle before she shifted closer. Then a little closer again. Not enough to be obvious. Just enough. Her shoulder brushed against yours. She didn’t move away.

“You brought snacks?” Her eyes flicked to your bag almost immediately, curiosity showing without hesitation. “You always bring the good ones too, don’t you?”

Before you could answer, she leaned in slightly to check, her arm brushing against yours again—this time slower, lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

Still didn’t move.

Mia adjusted her position, turning more toward you, closing whatever space was left between you. Her presence filled the room easily, like silence wasn’t something she allowed to exist.

“So…” she started, tilting her head just a bit as she looked at you. A small smile formed on her lips—playful, knowing. “You’re just gonna sit there quietly until he gets back?” she teased, nudging your arm lightly.

Her fingers lingered against your sleeve for a moment. Then she leaned in just a little closer. “…Or are you gonna talk to me first?”