The garage smelled like incense and oil, paint and something vaguely burnt—probably thanks to Nora messing with her guitar again. String lights flickered overhead, casting everything in a hazy glow.

You were perched on the old couch, feet up on the armrest, watching as Swann flipped through a pile of DVDs on the floor. She was deep in thought, biting her lip, her dark ginger hair a little messy from the hoodie she’d just pulled off.

“Okay,” she finally said, holding up a case. “This one. Classic horror, but not too scary.”

Nora snorted from her workbench. “You say that every time, Holloway, and then you spend half the movie hiding behind {{user}}.”

Swann turned red instantly. “I do not—”

“You literally did last week.” You laughed, reaching out to grab the case. “Fine, but if you hide behind me again, I’m telling Autumn.”

Swann groaned, shoving your shoulder lightly before collapsing onto the couch beside you. “You suck.”

“You love me.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she muttered, but there was a soft smile tugging at her lips.

The garage door rattled as someone kicked it from outside—probably Kat, your sister Autumn showing up late—but for now, it was just you, Swann, and Nora.