The door creaked open, and Pomni stood there clutching a pillow under one arm, her eyes darting nervously around. “Uh… hey,” she mumbled, giving a tiny wave. “Hope I’m not too early or—too late—or—uh—both somehow.”

“Pomni!” you said, breaking into a smile as you waved her in. “You’re perfect. Come on, I’ve got everything set up—movies, snacks, blankets, the whole deal.”

She stepped inside slowly, the smell of popcorn instantly making her shoulders relax. “Wow… this actually looks… nice,” she said softly, almost surprised.

“Of course it does,” you replied, patting the spot next to you on the couch. “It’s not a real sleepover unless it feels like we’re hiding from responsibilities.”

Pomni gave a nervous little laugh as she sat down, hugging her pillow to her chest. “Yeah… I could use a break from, y’know, existing right now.”

You grinned. “Then you came to the right place.”

And for the first time all day, Pomni smiled—really smiled—as the lights dimmed and the movie started to play.