Brett and Nova were now in the middle of a game, their laughter and friendly banter filling the air of the bustling bowling alley. The sound of bowling balls clattering against pins and the cheerful chatter of other bowlers created a lively backdrop. Nova took her turn, concentrating hard on her form as she rolled the ball down the lane. She watched as it curved towards the pins, knocking down a few but leaving a stubborn spare. She groaned, throwing her hands up in mock frustration.

"See? I told you I'm terrible at this." She said, shaking her head and smiling.

Brett, who had just rolled a strike, grins. "I'm totally gonna win, you know."

Nova rolls her eyes and playfully punches his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. But don't get too cocky. You haven't won yet."

They continue playing, the game becoming more intense and competitive. They trash-talk each other, laughing and teasing as they go. As the game goes on, Brett continues to score well, but Nova starts to improve, getting better at landing strikes and spares. Their competitiveness is clear as they cheer and groan each other's turns. The atmosphere is light and carefree, the two of them enjoying each other's company and the challenge of the game. They both forgot about the chaos going on in Beacon Hills and the Dread Doctors, instead focusing on the fun of bowling and the thrill of a friendly competition. As the final frame approached, the game was close, with Nova barely trailing behind Brett. Both were determined to win, the stakes high and the pressure mounting.

"Let's make this even more interesting." Brett smirked at her before they took their last shot. 

"Oh?" Nova asks curiously, smirking back at him. "What do you have in mind?" Nova raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

Brett leans in slightly, still smirking. "If I win, you have to go out with me on a date."

Nova's cheeks flush, her heart fluttering, and her eyes widen. "What?" She breathes out. Did she hear him right? Her heart fluttered and honestly she felt giddy at the idea. "Are you serious?"

Brett nods, his expression filled with certainty. "Yes. I'm absolutely serious." The smirk never left his lips, but his gaze was soft and sincere.

Nova's heart races and her stomach erupts with butterflies. "Okay, if I win, you have to kiss me." She blurted out, feeling bold and giddy. She hadn't realized how deep her feelings for Brett have gone, but with last night and today, she realized just how much he meant to her. She was drawn to him, and she couldn't deny her feelings any longer.

His eyes widens, his heart skips a beat and blush crept up his neck, but his smirk turns into a grin. "Deal."

As they finished their final frames, the air was thick with anticipation. Each turn, they cheered and groaned as the score got closer and closer. Nova had finally caught up and was even slightly ahead of Brett. He had two pins left, a spare, which would determine the winner. Both of their hearts pounded, the tension rising. Brett stepped up, taking a deep breath. He rolled the ball, watching as it curved toward the remaining pins. He held his breath, watching as it hit them both, sending them sprawling. His jaw dropped, his eyes widening.

"Strike! Yes!" He exclaimed, grinning widely and pumping his fist. He turned to look at Nova, whose face was a mix of emotions. She tried not to show her disappointment, but a pang of sadness struck her chest. She had wanted to win, to kiss him. But he won fair and square, and she had no choice but to accept that.

"Well, congratulations." She said, forcing a smile. "Good game."

Brett smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He walked over to her, placing his hands on her hips and drawing her close. Her heart skipped a beat and her breath caught in her throat. She gazed up at him, her cheeks flushing and her stomach fluttering with butterflies. He leaned down, pressing his lips against hers. Her eyes fluttered shut and she kissed him back, savoring the sweet and soft sensation of his lips against hers. The world faded away and she was lost in the moment, her heart full of joy and excitement. After a few seconds, they pulled apart, both smiling and breathing heavily.

"Why did you kiss me? I didn't win." Nova murmured, gazing up at him shyly.

Brett smiles, his eyes filled with affection and adoration. "'Cause I couldn't wait until the end of the date."

Nova grinned, her heart swelling with happiness. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was going on a date and she just kissed a boy she had romantic feelings for. She felt giddy and lightheaded, unable to stop smiling. The rest of the day was spent in a daze, the two of them enjoying their time together and exploring the possibilities between them. They only grew closer during the date. Brett took her to to a cozy diner nearby, where they shared a meal and talked for hours, lost in each other's company. The conversation flowed effortlessly, from light-hearted banter to deeper topics about their lives, fears, and dreams. Nova found herself opening up to Brett in ways she hadn't with anyone else, feeling safe and understood. Brett, too, shared more about himself, his past, and his hopes for the future, finding comfort in Nova's presence.

As the sun began to set, they took a walk through a nearby park, the fading light casting a warm glow around them. They strolled hand in hand, the silence between them comfortable and full of unspoken emotions. Brett eventually led Nova to a secluded spot under a large oak tree, where they sat down, leaning against the trunk and looking up at the sky.

"Today was perfect," Nova whispered, resting her head on Brett's shoulder.

"It really was," Brett agreed, gently kissing the top of her head. "I'm glad we decided to do this. I needed it as much as you did."

Nova smiled, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn't experienced in a long time. For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight of the supernatural world didn't press down on her, and she could just be herself — a girl enjoying a perfect day with someone she cared about.

As they sat there, watching the stars appear one by one, Nova realized that despite all the chaos and danger in her life, moments like this made it all worth it. She knew she would have to face the challenges ahead, but for now, she allowed herself to savor the peace and happiness of this day. Brett's presence made her feel strong and ready to take on whatever the future held. And as they sat there, with the world quiet around them, Nova knew she had made the right choice. Taking this time for herself had been what she needed, and now, with Brett by her side, she felt more prepared than ever to face whatever came next.

****

Brett eventually dropped her off at Scott's house after their date was done. She was left feeling giddy and happy. The date had been absolutely perfect and she felt like she was walking on clouds. She and Brett had exchanged goodnight kisses and promised to talk the next day. A huge grin spread across her face as she entered the house, unable to hide her excitement. Her excitement quickly turned into relief when she saw one of her best friend's sitting on the couch, passed out. Liam looked unharmed and the same for Hayden, who was passed out next to him. 

She was relieved they both were okay. She was surprised though when she got the text from Scott that Theo had helped bring them back to Scott's house. She surprised herself and the group by walking over to Theo and hugging him immediately. He brought back one of her best friends. How could she not hug him?

"Thank you, Theo. I'm glad you helped them." She mumbled, smiling softly at him. Theo stiffened a bit, surprised at the hug and her thanks, but his features relaxed and he gave her a small, genuine smile in return.

"Yeah, no problem.""

After pulling away, she walked over to Liam and Hayden, checking to make sure they were alright. Lydia sat on the couch near them and had placed a blanket over them. Nova hugged Lydia, relieved to see she was okay as well. This was when the door opened and Scott, Malia, and Mason walked in. Scott had informed her that they had been in the tunnels, looking for Liam and Hayden and Theo was helping them. Theo had got here with the two before the trio did. But Nova was happy and relieved they were okay too. A smile tugged on her lips as she watched everyone hug Theo, silently telling him a thank you for helping them save Liam and Hayden. When eventually everyone went home for the night, Liam had woken up. He sighed with relief when he saw Nova sitting across from him. He stood without hesitation and she met him half way, tears brimming her eyes.

"Oh, Liam," She said, pulling him into a hug. She felt him wrap his arms around her, squeezing her tight. "I'm so glad you're okay." She mumbled, burying her face in his neck while she fought back her tears.

Liam holds her tightly as if he was afraid she'd disappear, burying his face in her neck. He was so relieved to find out she was okay. He was still feeling the weight of everything that had happened, but having Nova here was a comforting anchor. "I'm okay. We're okay." He said softly, gently running his fingers through her hair. She pulled back, sniffling as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there. I'm so sorry. I just had a panic attack at school and had this pyscho thing everyone else has been dealing with and-"

"Hey, hey, don't apologize. I understand why you needed the break. You needed it, and I'm glad you got it." Liam interrupts Nova, cupping her face with one hand to brush away her tears with his thumbs. "You're not abandoning us. I promise."

Nova swallowed thickly, nodding her head. She didn't trust herself to speak at the moment. Instead, she pulled him in for another hug, savoring the comfort and safety of his embrace. She felt a wave of relief wash over her as she held Liam close. The guilt she had been carrying around for not being there when her friends were in danger started to dissipate. Liam was right — taking care of herself wasn't abandonment, and she was grateful that he understood that.

After a few moments, she pulled back slightly to look at him. "I was so scared, Liam," She admits quietly, her voice trembling. "The thought of something bad happening to you, to any of you...I just—"

Liam cut her off gently, his voice soothing and assuring. "I know. But we're okay now. And you're here, and that's what matters." He gave her a reassuring smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. "Besides, we're a pack. We take care of each other, even when we're not physically together."

Nova nods, feeling the weight of his words settle in her heart. It was true — being part of a pack meant that they were never truly alone, no matter where they were or what they were doing. She smiled through her tears, feeling a surge of gratitude for the bonds she had with her friends. "I'm so glad you're alright," She whispers, giving him one last squeeze before stepping back. She wipes her eyes and takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "So, fill me in on what happened. That is if you wanna talk about it. It might be too soon. It's okay if you don't want to."

Liam shakes his head with a small smile. "No, it's okay. I think talking about it will help."

Nova nods, smiling a little and the two went to a different room so they didn't wake up Hayden since she was sleeping still. They went to the kitchen, where Nova grabbed a couple of water bottles from the fridge and handed one to Liam. They both sat down at the table, the room bathed in the soft glow of the overhead light. The house was quiet, with only the distant sounds of the night outside and quiet chatter of their friends in the other room. They both sat on the counter, their sides brushing against each other. Nova ignored the small shiver that went down her spine at the contact. She didn't know why, but being back with Liam - those feelings for him she had shoved to the back of her mind and locked away, came flooding back. Technically they had a little when she first saw him. Those feelings never left. Just at one point she accepted nothing would ever happen with them despite still hoping maybe one day in the future something could happen. She was drawn to him, always had been. Even when things were confusing, he was always the one she could rely on and feel safe around.

But she had this thing going on with Brett...Brett made her feel happy and special, too. He had been sweet and understanding, and their date today had been magical. Yet, as she sat here with Liam, those buried feelings resurfaced, leaving her conflicted. It was as if her heart was split in two directions—one part drawn to Brett's warmth and another tethered to Liam's familiar, comforting presence. She kept trying to tell herself nothing would happen with Liam. She saw how close he was with Hayden on the couch. She didn't have to ask to know if something was going on between them. So why were her feelings so conflicted? Why did she keep looking at him, her stomach erupting with butterflies every time their eyes met?

She tried to shake these feelings away, but they lingered, making her chest ache and her heart flutter. She was so confused, and she wasn't sure what to do. As Liam talked, filling her in on everything that had happened, she tried to focus on the story, not the way her heart skipped a beat every time their hands accidentally touched. Her cheeks burned and she silently cursed herself for being so affected by such a small touch. What was wrong with her? She shouldn't have feelings for Liam anymore or at all. She had a thing with Brett, whatever that was, it was going good. So why couldn't she just be happy about that and get over her feelings for Liam? It was like a tug-of-war between her heart and mind. As Liam spoke about the events leading up to their rescue, Nova found herself increasingly distracted by the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She tried to focus on his words, listening to the details about the tunnels, their narrow escape, and Theo's unexpected assistance.

But every time Liam's gaze met hers, or their shoulders brushed against each other, she felt that familiar rush of emotions. It was like every touch, every glance was reigniting the feelings she thought she had buried. The more she tried to push them away, the stronger they seemed to grow. Liam's story was intense, filled with the details of their perilous situation, but Nova's mind kept drifting. She couldn't help but remember the way Brett had looked at her today, the way he had kissed her. Brett made her feel cherished and happy, and their time together had been truly special. Yet, with Liam so close, the old feelings resurfaced with an intensity that was almost painful. Finally, Liam finished recounting the events, and there was a brief, uncomfortable silence.

Nova clears her throat, trying to push through her confusion. "Thank you for sharing that with me," She said softly, meeting his eyes. "I'm just glad you're all okay. So glad. A-And I know I shouldn't feel this way, feeling guilty and selfish for getting a break from all the crazy and supernatural stuff going on, but...I'm just so grateful you're all safe," Nova continues, her voice trembling slightly. "And I know I shouldn't feel this way — guilty and selfish for needing a break from everything that's been happening — but..." She trailed off, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. The internal conflict was palpable, and she was struggling to articulate how conflicted she felt about her feelings and the situation at hand. Her heart was torn between the comfort and familiarity she felt with Liam and the joy and warmth she had experienced with Brett.

Liam reaches out, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "Noves, you don't need to apologize for taking care of yourself. It's okay to need a break. It's okay to feel conflicted. We all have our own battles, and sometimes we need to step back to handle them." He wraps his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. She sighs, resting her head against his chest and closing her eyes. "You're not a bad friend for wanting to take care of yourself. And I know it feels like a lot, but we're all here for each other. You're not alone." He added softly, stroking her hair gently. His touch was soothing and familiar, and Nova relaxed, her body sinking into his embrace. Her arm wrapped around his waist and she held onto him, grateful for his presence and reassurance.

"I know," She murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know you guys are there for me, and I'm so thankful for that. But...it's just so much, you know? All this crazy stuff happening, the pressure of it all..."

Liam nods, resting his chin on the top of her head. "I know, Noves. I get it." He murmurs, kissing the top of her head before laying his head back on hers. "But we're a pack, and we're here for each other, no matter what. So, don't feel bad for taking care of yourself and for wanting to enjoy the normal, simple life for a bit. Okay?"

Nova nods, her eyes stinging with tears. "Okay." She whispered, letting out a shaky breath. Her heart ached, and her mind was racing, but Liam's presence and reassurance was helping. It also caused butterflies in her stomach, which just added to her internal conflict.

"Hey," He whispers, surprising her by gripping her chin gently and lifting her face to meet his. Their eyes locked, and he stroked her cheek softly. "I mean it. Don't feel bad. I'm so glad you had the chance to relax and do something fun. You deserved it." He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling with the motion.

Nova swallowed thickly, fighting against the emotion that threatened to overflow. She smiled back, trying to ignore the fluttering in her stomach. "Thanks, Li." She whispers, leaning into his touch. "You're the best."

He grins, his eyes sparkling. "So are you, Noves. So are you."

The two stayed like that for a few minutes, holding each other and enjoying the quiet. Liam eventually pulled away, but not without brushing his lips against her forehead. Nova tried not to blush at the gesture. She couldn't explain why it was affecting her so much. After all, he had kissed her forehead before. It had never affected her this way. Maybe it was because she was already feeling emotional, or maybe it was because her feelings were coming back in full force. She couldn't put her finger on it, but the kiss made her feel giddy and shy.

As they stood, Liam smiled at her and she returned it, feeling the weight of his words settle on her heart. Liam was right — they were a pack, and they were there for each other, no matter what. She had people who cared about her, and that was enough. With that in mind, she walked with him to the living room where their friends were, and they both joined them. There was a bit of tension still in the air, but the group managed to make conversation, and Nova felt the weight of her worries begin to fade.

It was nice to spend time with her friends and just be normal teenagers, even if it was just for a few hours. Despite the drama and uncertainty of their lives, there were moments of happiness and lightness. The love and support of her friends helped Nova remember that no matter how crazy things got, they were in this together.