Wishing for More - Peri X Reader

Chapter 4: Hidden Hearts and Unseen Wishes

Y/N POV:

It was the day after the dance, and I couldn't stop thinking about how perfect everything had been. The twinkling lights, the music, and most of all, Peri—there was something so special about the way he made me feel. I replayed the night in my head as I sat on my bed, still in a dreamy haze, when a knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Come in," I called out, assuming it was one of my parents. But when the door opened, Peri stepped in with his human form, and my heart did a little flip.

"Hey, Starshine," he said with that signature smile of his. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his presence instantly lighting up the room.

"Hey, Peri," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me at the sight of him. "I was just... thinking about last night."

He walked over and sat beside me on the bed, close enough that our knees touched. "Me too. It was... magical, wasn't it?"

I nodded, looking down at my hands. "Yeah, it really was. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun."

"Well," Peri said, leaning in slightly, his voice dropping to a soft, teasing tone, "I'm glad I could be a part of it."

I felt my cheeks heat up, but before I could respond, a loud crash echoed from downstairs, followed by my parents' raised voices. I flinched, the moment between Peri and me shattered by the harsh reality of my home life.

He noticed immediately. "Y/N, what's going on?"

"It's nothing," I said quickly, standing up and moving towards the door. But Peri gently grabbed my wrist, stopping me.

"It's not nothing," he said, his voice filled with concern. "You don't have to hide this from me."

I hesitated, feeling a lump form in my throat. I hadn't told Peri much about my parents—about how they were always fighting, how they barely noticed me anymore. It wasn't something I liked to think about, let alone talk about.

"It's just... they fight a lot," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I guess I've gotten used to it."

Peri's expression softened, and he stood up, pulling me into a comforting hug. "You don't have to get used to it, Starshine. I'm here for you."

I buried my face in his shoulder, grateful for his warmth and his understanding. He held me for a moment, and for the first time in a long time, I felt safe. But then, my parents' voices grew louder, and I pulled away, embarrassed.

"You should probably go," I said, my voice tinged with sadness. "If they come up here and see you..."

Peri nodded, though I could see the reluctance in his eyes. "Okay, but remember, I'm just a wish away if you need me."

He gave me one last smile before disappearing in a shimmer of light, leaving me alone in the room. I sighed, sitting back down on the bed, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Hazel's POV:

Meanwhile, over at Hazel's house, she was sitting cross-legged on her bed, talking animatedly to Cosmo and Wanda, who were floating nearby.

"I just don't get it," Hazel said, frowning. "Last night was amazing, but it was so... perfect. Even for a school dance. Was that you guys?"

Cosmo grinned, puffing out his chest proudly. "Of course! We couldn't let your first dance be anything less than spectacular!"

"We might have added a little extra sparkle," Wanda admitted with a wink. "But we were careful not to overdo it. Just enough to make it special."

Hazel giggled, imagining her fairy godparents flitting around the gym, adding magic to every detail. "Well, it worked. Y/N seemed really happy, too. She was with Peri, I think? I've never seen him around before."