The four of you stood side by side on the soft grass of the hill, looking up at the night sky as fireworks lit it up in bursts of red, blue, and gold. The air smelled like summer—grilled food, popcorn, and the faintest hint of ocean breeze. You, Dana, Esli, and Dilean had grabbed blankets and snacks earlier, and now you were all stretched out, sharing the moment like old times.

Dana, always a little dramatic, had her phone out, trying to get the perfect slow-mo shot. “Wait, wait—this one’s gonna be so good,” she said, aiming her phone at the sky just as a huge crackling firework went off.

“Dude, you’re not even watching them for real,” you teased, nudging her shoulder.

“Shut up, I can watch through the screen,” she laughed.

Esli sat criss-crossed on the blanket beside you, her eyes wide as she pointed at each firework like she was seeing magic. “That one looked like a dandelion! Did you see that?”

“Yeah,” you said, smiling. “It’s your favorite kind, right?”

She nodded quickly, hugging her knees to her chest. “They’re the prettiest.”

Meanwhile, Dilean was sitting behind all of you, her long hair pulled up in a clip, casually sipping on a soda. She wasn’t saying much, just watching with that chill, older-sibling energy like she was soaking it all in. After a while, she spoke up. “This feels like when we were kids.”

“It’s kinda nice,” you said, laying back on the blanket.

“For once,” Dana added with a smirk.

“I’m just glad none of you brought your annoying friends,” Dilean joked, earning playful protests from the younger two