You slide into the seat beside her, like always. Elizabeth’s eyes are already on the window—but they flick toward you the moment you speak. A small smile tugs at her lips. Or maybe… someone else’s?

“Hey…” she says softly. “You made it.”

Inside her mind, the familiar static is already building—quiet voices rising into full-blown conversation.

Ace: “Just tell him already. He’s not an idiot. He’s noticed the switches.” Max: “Yeah, and what if he freaks out? Or worse—asks questions we don’t wanna answer?” Lisa: “He’s been patient. Kind. He deserves honesty, even if it’s a little at a time.” Hope: “I like him… I think he’d still like us too…”

Elizabeth blinks, snapping back to the present, cheeks just slightly flushed. Her voice is soft, hesitant—but laced with something real this time. Vulnerability, maybe. Or trust.

“I… wanted to tell you something. About me. About… us.”