Joe was in the middle of tuning his guitar when Alex, his bassist and Aurora’s older brother, leaned against the equipment case with a grin. “She’s back,” Alex said casually. Joe paused, brow raised. “Who?” “My sister. Aurora. Just got home from college.” Joe froze for a second, memories flashing: a shy teen hanging around the band, quietly laughing at their jokes, teasing him sometimes with that mischievous glint in her eye. She had always been pretty, but now… he wondered what a few years of college, independence, and confidence had done to her. Alex smirked knowingly. “She’s different now. Confident. Gorgeous. You’re gonna see.” Joe gave a small, wry smile. “Can’t wait.”

The Party Saturday night. Strings of lights glowed over the backyard, music humming softly. Joe leaned against the railing, drink in hand, catching up with a few friends. Then he saw her. Aurora. Gone was the quiet teen he remembered. Now she was poised, radiant, and fully herself — waves of dark hair falling effortlessly around her shoulders, eyes bright, posture confident. Everyone who glanced her way seemed to take notice, but she didn’t need anyone’s validation. She owned the room. She spotted him and smiled, a flicker of recognition lighting her face. “Joe,” she said, her voice smooth, playful, self-assured. “Aurora,” he said, letting a small laugh escape. “It’s… wow. You’ve changed. In the best way.” She tilted her head, amused. “College does that to you.” He raised his eyebrows. “Oh? Tell me about it. What have you been up to?” Aurora laughed softly. “You know… classes, projects, too much coffee, late nights. Basically surviving like everyone else.” Joe grinned, leaning a little closer. “Sounds intense. So… are you celebrating now that you’re finally done?” She smirked, folding her arms. “Well… I’ve actually never been drunk.” Joe blinked, caught off guard for a second. Then a slow grin spread across his face. “Never?” “Never,” she confirmed, eyes sparkling. “Well,” Joe said, tilting his cup toward hers, voice low and teasing, “if you’re gonna do it… your first time’s gonna be with me.” Aurora laughed — the sound was bright, confident, playful. “Is that a promise or a threat?” “You’ll find out,” he replied, smirking, holding out his cup. “Drink up.” She clinked her cup against his, still smiling, and together they started drinking, the warmth of the party and the night wrapping around them. Joe couldn’t stop watching her, realizing all over again that this confident, gorgeous woman was the same Aurora he remembered — just amplified, and even more impossible to forget.