The evening had started off well, with laughter and lighthearted teasing filling the air. Juno had always been a little shy, a little awkward, but with you, she had grown comfortable. That was why it was so surprising when everything took a turn so quickly.

It had been a harmless joke—or so you thought. Something about Mars, about her coming from space, just a playful comment thrown into the conversation. But the moment the words left your lips, you saw the shift in her expression. The way her smile faltered, the way her eyes darted away, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her sleeves.

"Oh" she murmured, her voice quieter than before. "I see."

You didn't expect her to actually get upset. Juno was usually so sweet, so forgiving, but now she looked… hurt. More than that, she looked like she was closing off, shutting down.

"Juno?" you said carefully, leaning forward. "Hey, it was just a joke—"

"I know," she interrupted, but there was no warmth in her voice. "I just… never mind. It doesn’t matter."

She pushed her chair back and stood up abruptly. The light in the room cast long shadows across her features, highlighting the tension in her shoulders, the way she refused to meet your gaze.

"Juno, wait—"

"I'm going to my room," she said, already turning away. "Goodnight."

And just like that, she was gone, the sound of her door clicking shut behind her. The room felt colder without her in it, the weight of the unfinished conversation settling heavily between you.