The house thrummed with energy, vibrant and warm, the kind of atmosphere only family could create. Laughter mingled with the smell of Mum's cooking, and the clinking of plates layered with spirited conversations. Soft music drifted through the background, nearly drowned by the playful chaos around the dining room, where Aunt Kam and Uncle Shawn were reminiscing with my parents about their Harrington days. Aunt Jennie and Uncle Kai were wrangling little Joshua, whose squeals echoed as he darted around the room, his small feet pattering against the hardwood floor in endless loops.

Over in the corner, Matteo and Lisa were huddled together, their gazes glued to the TV as they took turns on Matteo's Xbox. Their occasional shouts of excitement and the rapid clicks of controllers added to the lively hum. It was hard not to smile watching them, their competitive spirits high as they playfully argued over who'd win the next round.

I hadn't been able to stop thinking about it. About him.

But I had to push it aside. Not now. Not with everyone here.

I forced myself to refocus as the post-dinner murmur settled over the room, people sinking into seats, the energy softening into a cozy lull. Mum, Aunt Kam, and Aunt Jennie had clustered around the kitchen island, their heads close together as they giggled over shared secrets, voices dropping to conspiratorial tones. Their conversation floated over in snippets.

"Remember the hiking trip in our first year?" Mum asked, laughing.

"Can't believe we survived that," Aunt Jennie added with a grin, her eyes alight with nostalgia.

"Rachel... wonder where she is now." Aunt Kam's voice held a teasing edge, and Mum stiffened visibly, her eyes narrowing for a split second before she rolled them, brushing it off with a dismissive smile.

"Who's Rachel?" I couldn't help but ask, curious at the sudden tension.

Mum let out a soft laugh, attempting nonchalance. "Just a nobody," she replied with a wave of her hand.

Aunt Jen's laugh rang out louder, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Sure, a nobody who was obsessed with your dad. But that's a story for another day."

I laughed, leaning back as they dove into more stories, my smile wavered as my mind wandered back to that unresolved feeling, the thoughts gnawing at the edges of my contentment. I excused myself quietly, slipping out the back door and into the cool night air, seeking a moment of solitude.

The roof.

Climbing up, I settled into my usual spot, leaning back against the shingles as I pulled my knees to my chest. The cool night air nipped at my skin, but the quiet was calming. Up here, everything felt a little further away. A little simpler.

I let out a sigh, staring up at the stars. Maybe I could just sit here and pretend for a little while—pretend everything was normal between Theo and me. Pretend that kiss hadn't shifted everything.

"Thought I'd find you up here," Theo's voice broke through my thoughts, soft but playful.

I turned to see him climbing up onto the roof, his movements easy and familiar, like he'd done it a million times. Which, to be fair, he had.

He plopped down beside me, his shoulder brushing mine as he settled in, legs stretched out in front of him. He didn't say anything at first, just sat there with me, staring out at the stars.

"You hiding from the chaos in there?" he asked after a moment, his tone light, teasing.

I smiled, a soft laugh escaping. "Something like that. You know how it is. The moms start talking about the 'good old days,' and suddenly you're stuck hearing about things you never asked for."

He grinned, leaning back on his hands. "Oh yeah, the embarrassing stories are probably already flying."

"Probably," I agreed, shaking my head.

We sat there in comfortable silence for a bit, the weight that had been hanging over us for days suddenly feeling lighter. Maybe it was the stars, or maybe it was just the fact that up here, things always felt easier.

Theo nudged me with his elbow. "So, what's going on in that head of yours, Luna?"

I looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. "Don't call me that," I said, half-heartedly.

"Why not? You love it," he teased, a grin tugging at his lips.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the small smile creeping up. "I don't," I lied, my voice soft.

"Sure you don't," he shot back, bumping my shoulder with his again, his eyes playful as they met mine.

I bit my lip, glancing away for a second, trying to find the courage to ask what I knew I needed to. "Theo, about... about the kiss—"

"Let's forget it ever happened," he interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. He shifted beside me, sitting up straighter, his face serious now. "I'm sorry, Isla. I don't want to make things weird between us. You're my best friend, and I don't want to lose that."

I felt the air between us shift again, the lightness disappearing as his words sank in. A part of me had expected him to say that, but hearing it still stung.

"Yeah," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, even as my chest tightened. "You're right. It's better if we just... forget."

Theo's eyes softened, and he leaned closer, nudging me again, this time more playful. "Good. 'Cause I'm not letting you get rid of me that easily. We've got a lifetime of trouble to cause, you and me."

I let out a small laugh, grateful he was trying to bring some lightness back. "Oh yeah? What kind of trouble?"

He grinned, that boyish charm returning to his face. "I dunno yet. But you know it's gonna be good."

He nudged me one more time, this time harder, and I laughed, shoving him back. "Careful, Dwyers, you're on the roof. I don't want to explain to your mum why you fell."

"Please," he scoffed, grinning as he playfully leaned back farther, pretending like he was about to lose his balance. "I've got this under control."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really? 'Cause I seem to remember the last time you tried this, you almost broke your leg."

He rolled his eyes, but there was that familiar twinkle in them. "That was different. I was nine and dumb."

"Not much has changed," I teased, bumping his shoulder.

Theo laughed, his smile widening. "Ouch. Harsh, Isla. Real harsh."

We sat there for a little while longer, just laughing and teasing, the tension that had been between us easing into something more comfortable again. Something light.

Eventually, I sighed, glancing back toward the house. "We should probably head inside before they send a search party."

Theo stood, offering me a hand. "C'mon, Luna. Let's get back before Mum starts telling everyone about the time you tried to dye your hair blue in eighth grade."

I groaned, taking his hand as he helped me up. "If she brings that up, I'm blaming you."

He grinned down at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Deal."

As we climbed down, I couldn't help but smile. Maybe we weren't back to normal. Maybe things between us had shifted in a way we couldn't ignore. But for now, this moment—this lightness—was enough.