Victoria called her almost immediately. Aria picked up.

“Do you want to do a night out today? You always said you’d like to try that,” Victoria said cheerfully.

Aria promised she’d let her know once she reached home. She had been out the whole day, and her parents were bound to be worried. Victoria noticed the sudden heaviness in her tone but didn’t push further.

When Aria finally reached home, she texted Peter right after freshening up: Good night. I think I overreacted… I need to reflect on my actions. Can you please give me some space?

He was already asleep. As expected. He didn’t reply. He never really did when she needed him most...or maybe he just didn’t care enough.

Aria then asked her mom if she could stay at Victoria’s for the night. Her mom resisted at first but eventually gave in. Aria packed light pajamas but then kept adding more...her blanket, toiletries, skincare products, even her laptop. Her mom teased, “Are you packing for a night or the whole month?”

Aria smiled faintly. She liked to be prepared. Not out of perfectionism, but because she hated burdening people. Deep down, though, she knew it came from not being able to rely on anyone fully. It made her look independent and strong, but at times… also a little disconnected.

On her way to Victoria’s, she rehearsed in her head: she wouldn’t rant about Peter, she’d act normal, she’d just enjoy herself. She pep-talked herself all the way until she stood at the familiar door and knocked....unannounced, wanting to surprise Victoria.

But instead, Shawn opened the door. His face showed mild surprise at seeing her so late, backpack slung heavy on her shoulders.

“Uh… Victoria’s not here,” he said. “She just stepped out to take a call. I thought maybe she was with you.”

Aria tucked her hair behind her ear, trying not to look awkward. “Guess we just missed each other. Can I wait inside till she’s back?”

He hesitated for a moment, then realized it was odd to keep her waiting in the corridor. “Yeah, sure. Come in.” He disappeared into his room soon after.

Aria settled in the living room, pulling out her laptop. Victoria’s line was still busy...probably James. Aria started browsing for movies to download, but the Wi-Fi wasn’t connected. She hesitated, then knocked on Shawn’s door.

“Sorry for disturbing, but can I get the Wi-Fi password?”

He followed her to the living room, helped her connect, and noticed her laptop and gaming mouse. “This is a pretty solid setup. You game?” he asked, a little curious.

“Not really. I just need a heavy-duty laptop for my architecture work,” she said with a small laugh.

For once, Shawn looked genuinely interested. Normally glued to his phone, he asked her a few more questions before retreating again. But, her stomach growled....loud enough for him to hear. Aria’s cheeks burned. It was embarassing.. but He smiled faintly, walked to the fridge, and pulled out some ingredients.

“Noodles?” he offered.

She denied... She shook her head. “I’m a picky eater… don’t bother.”

He ignored that, chopping vegetables. “I’ll make some soup. Won’t be heavy. Besides, Victoria keeps telling me you eat very little.”

Aria froze. *He noticed?* Or rather… Victoria talked about her here? A brother remembering something so small...it was oddly disarming.

“And what else does she say about me?” she asked, half-teasing.

He paused, almost too long. “…Nothing much,” he muttered, as if he’d said too much already.

The kitchen filled with a quiet, gentle rhythm.. the knife against the board, the bubbling of water. Shawn eventually slipped back into his room, but Aria realized he was checking a recipe on his phone. That made her chuckle quietly to herself. She found that really cute.

When the soup was ready, he served it to her without a word. “You eat. I’ll check where Victoria is,” he said.

Aria took a cautious sip, then another. It was delicious...comforting, unexpected. She glanced toward the kitchen where Shawn had tidied everything, and smiled. She thanked him, a genuine one. Someone had gone a little out of their way for her...