KAYLA'S POV (Continuing):
Something in the way he said it made my chest tighten.
He meant it.
He genuinely felt guilty.
Which was ridiculous, because if anyone had a right to lose control, it was Theo.
Still…
I hated seeing him like this.
So I waved a hand dismissively, as if the whole thing didn't matter.
"It's okay," I said. "That's what friends do."
The word hung in the air for a second.
Friends.
Simple.
Safe.
Clear.
I turned back to the mirror and picked up my hairbrush, dragging it slowly through my hair.
Then, just because I hated emotional moments lasting too long, I changed the subject.
"By the way," I said, glancing at him through the mirror, "did you decide?"
Theo frowned.
"Decide what?"
I looked at him like he'd just offended my ancestors.
"The movie."
He blinked.
"The… movie?"
I turned around fully now, hands on my hips.
"Yes, the movie. You know, our very serious and highly intellectual tradition where we take turns choosing which country's movie we're watching and then argue about whether it was good or a waste of our precious lives?"
Recognition finally lit up in his eyes.
"Ohhh."
I scoffed.
"Ohhh? That's all?"
He laughed under his breath.
"Sorry. Today was kind of chaotic."
"No excuse."
He folded his arms, already looking more relaxed now that I'd pulled him away from guilt.
"It was my turn, right?"
"Yes," I said. "And don't think I forgot just because you almost got expelled today."
He snorted.
"Good to know your priorities are in order."
"Always."
He pretended to think for a moment, tapping his chin dramatically.
"I'll decide by the weekend," he declared. "So be prepared."
I narrowed my eyes.
"For the worst?"
He looked offended.
"Hey. My movie taste is not that bad."
I let out a laugh.
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
I raised a brow.
"You suggested that weird three-hour black-and-white Russian movie where nobody smiled once."
He pointed at me immediately.
"And you liked it."
I gasped in mock outrage.
"That was the only one."
He grinned triumphantly.
"Doesn't matter. You liked it. Which means my taste can't be that bad."
I shook my head, fighting a smile.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night."
"I sleep just fine."
"Liar."
He pressed a hand dramatically to his chest.
"You wound me."
I rolled my eyes and finally walked toward the bed, too tired to keep this up.
"Okay, okay. Now go," I said, waving him away. "I want to sleep."
He didn't move.
I stared at him.
He stared back.
I pointed at the door.
"Out."
He laughed softly but still stood there.
So I marched over, grabbed his arm, and started physically pushing him toward the door.
"Okay, okay!" he whispered, trying not to laugh louder. "I'm going, I'm going!"
"Good."
I opened the door and shoved him into the hallway.
He stumbled a little, then turned back to me just before I could close it.
"By the way…" he said, quieter now.
I paused.
His expression changed again.
That same gentle softness from earlier returned, making the air between us suddenly feel heavier.
"Kayla…" he said. "Thanks."
For a moment, I just looked at him.
Then I clicked my tongue and crossed my arms.
"No sorry. No thank you. In friendship, remember?"
His eyes lingered on me for a second longer.
Then he smiled.
That same small, warm smile.
"Right," he murmured, nodding once. "In friendship."
Something about the way he repeated it made my chest feel strange.
I ignored it.
"Now leave before I throw something at you."
He laughed under his breath and took a step back.
"Goodnight, menace."
"Goodnight, idiot."
I shut the door before he could say anything else.
The room fell silent again.
For a moment, I just stood there with my hand still on the doorknob, staring at the wood as if it had personally offended me.
Then I let out a breath and leaned my forehead against the door.
Why did he always do that?
Why did he always show up when I least expected him, say something soft enough to crack through all my defenses, then leave me standing there like an idiot?
I pushed myself off the door and walked back toward the bed, but my mind refused to settle.
His apology.
His smile.
The way he looked at me.
The way he said thanks like it meant more than it should.
And worst of all...
The way my heart betrayed me every single time.
I dropped onto the bed with a groan and covered my face with a pillow.
"Stupid Theo," I muttered into the fabric