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(edited)

I was curled up on the couch with Valeria, the TV flickering in the background, sound muted under the buzz of our laughter. It was only our second day together, but I'd mapped out every moment like it was a sacred ritual. Three days. That's all we had. Noah had told me Valeria's school back in Greece ended on December 23rd, and she had to be back before then. Which meant tomorrow... tomorrow would be our last day together!

Valeria never liked over-the-top adventures or jam-packed days. Her ideal holiday was a gentle breeze, a warm drink, quiet roads, and unhurried conversations. So I didn't plan anything flashy. Just a walk to the park. Some ice cream. The kind of peace you can only find with someone who knows your heart like it's their own.

"I swear!" Valeria said, stifling a giggle, "when I saw your brothers waiting for me at the airport, I thought I was being kidnapped."

I nearly choked on my drink, bursting into a fit of giggles so loud it echoed off the walls. She watched me with a grin, clearly proud of her effect. "Kidnapped?" I managed between gasps. "Really? I thought you were smarter than that."

I gave her a playful shove. She rolled her eyes and shot back, "And I thought you'd finally stopped clapping like a seal every time you laugh. But here we are."

"Some things never change, smartass."

"Stupid!"

"Idiot!"

"Dumbass!"

"I love you!"

"Me too!"

Then she collapsed onto me in a hug that could've broken bones. I hugged her back with just as much force, I just couldn't get enough of her!

That was our friendship. A patchwork of teasing insults, suffocating hugs, unspoken love, and shared chaos. But if you ever happened to witness one of our fights, I suggest you duck. A flying pan isn't out of the question.

We were just about to put on a movie, fully aware we wouldn't pay attention to a second of it, when Chris strolled in and plopped down next to me. Without a word, he pulled me onto his lap, making me yelp.

"You like the surprise?" he asked, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I grinned. "I loved it! But how did you even manage it? Arranged the schedule, planning everything... I didn't notice a thing!"

Chris gave a sly smile. "Noah's got... special acquaintances."

I turned to Valeria to check her reaction. Only to see her sporting that small, too-careful smile I knew all too well. Her cheeks were tinged pink, and her hands were stiff in her lap.

Uh-oh. That look.

"Chris?" I said sweetly, "Can you leave us alone for a bit?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why? Don't you like my company?" He turned to Valeria, flashing her a toothy grin. "Do you like my company, Valeria?"

Valeria looked like a rabbit caught in a trap. "I... uh, sure. Yeah."

Yikes.

"We just don't want oldies hanging around," I said, grinning wickedly. Trying to take the weight of getting involved off of Valeria's shoulders.

Chris gasped in exaggerated offense, his eyes wide as he clutched his chest like I'd just mortally wounded him. "You wound my soul!" he cried in mock pain, and before I could escape, his fingers dove into my sides.

"No, wait! Chris!" I screeched, doubling over with laughter as he relentlessly tickled me, his arms locking me in place. I thrashed wildly in his lap, squealing and kicking out uselessly as if I had a chance at escape. "Please stop!"