Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 16

I open the apartment door, trying to be as quiet as possible, and make my way through the dimly lit living room toward Aiden's room. The familiar mess of the apartment is comforting, but tonight, I don't really feel like sleeping next to him. I'm just going to grab some stuff and crash on the couch. It's been a long night, and my brain is buzzing with thoughts I'm not quite ready to face yet, especially after hanging out with Soren.

As I carefully open the door to Aiden's room, the soft creak of the hinge betrays my stealthy approach. I quickly make my way to his closet, hoping to grab a blanket and some fresh clothes without disturbing him. But just as I pull the door open, I hear his voice from the bed.

"Did you have fun?" Aiden asks, his voice low and groggy, making me jump.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I wake you?" I ask, my tone full of guilt.

He shakes his head slightly, sitting up. "No, I just went to bed. Saw you leave on the motorcycle with Soren earlier. Did you guys have fun?"

I nod, trying to play it casual, but I can feel the grin creeping up on my face. "Yeah, we did. He invited all of us over tomorrow. Eddy wants to grill and hang out."

"Sounds good," Aiden replies, his lips curving into a small smile. He watches me for a second longer before adding, "You're getting closer with Soren. Maybe I should get to know him a bit better too."

I roll my eyes, feigning exasperation. "Aiden, you're not my brother. You don't need to interrogate every guy I hang out with."

He chuckles, leaning back against the headboard. "Still feel responsible for you, idiot." His tone softens, and then he adds, "Also... I'm sorry for convincing Belle not to tell Chris about the whole mess with Kai."

I sigh, walking over to the foot of his bed and leaning against it. "It's okay. We just have different views on stuff like that. I just hope she's happy, whatever she decides to do."

He raises an eyebrow, smirking. "Wow, you've matured a lot over the past few hours."

"Ha-ha," I mock, sticking out my tongue. "Soren helped, so you can thank him for my newfound wisdom."

Aiden laughs quietly, and I feel the tension between us dissolve, like it always does. We don't fight in the traditional sense—no yelling or door slamming. We just distance ourselves until things cool down, and then we're back to normal, like nothing ever happened. It's one of the things I love most about our relationship. I know, no matter what, Aiden will always be there for me.

As I grab my things and start walking out, Aiden mumbles, "Good night."

I glance back and smile softly. "Good night."

Leaving his room, I head back to the couch in the living room. I throw the blanket over myself, settling into the cushions with a deep sigh. My phone buzzes, and I finally check it for the first time in hours. There's a message from Belle.

i love u

i love u too

im sorry for reacting that way i hope u know that i support u no matter what and will be there for u when u need me <3

I close my eyes, but sleep doesn't come right away. My mind wanders to everything that's happened lately—how chaotic life's been, how much has changed. A few days ago, I was just wasting time in bed, waiting for Aiden to have another gig or event so I'd have something to do. And now? Everything feels so... busy. Different.

I don't know if I'm fully on board with it yet, but it's fun. And right now, that's enough.

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