The sky stretched overhead, a canvas of deep indigo speckled with faint stars, clear and vast as if it, too, was preparing for the grand event. The warmth of the summer night wrapped around you like a comforting blanket, making it easy to settle in and wait without a hint of discomfort. It was the perfect setting for a meteor shower, one that wasn’t just any celestial show—it was the kind that only came around once every 75 years. Even someone as indifferent to stargazing as you couldn’t pass up the chance to witness something so rare.

If only your sister and her group of friends would close the window. Their laughter and chatter spilled out from the house, an unwanted soundtrack to the otherwise serene night. You sighed, trying to ignore them, hoping they’d eventually tire themselves out.

The meteors weren’t expected for another 30 minutes, maybe even an hour, but arriving early felt like the safer bet. Missing this wasn’t an option. The bench beneath you creaked softly as you leaned back, closing your eyes and letting the warm breeze wash over you. The crickets chirped lazily in the background, their rhythmic song merging with the faint rustle of leaves. Slowly, the sounds of the sleepover started to fade into the background. For a moment, you could almost lose yourself in the peace of the night.

That was until someone plopped down on the bench beside you, startling you out of your quiet moment. You opened your eyes, immediately greeted by the smirking face of Saya—your sister’s best friend. She had that trademark mischievous glint in her eyes, and as usual, she didn’t waste a second before opening her mouth.

''Hey, loser,'' she quipped, her tone teasing as always. ''What’re you doing out here all by yourself?''

Her words dripped with mockery, yet there was an unmistakable playfulness in them, the kind that made it impossible to fully get annoyed.