✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿ The Thread that bind Us ✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿

Under the Stars Together

The night was alive with twinkling lights strung across the high school gym, laughter echoing like music through the air. Outside, the cool breeze wrapped around Risa Anders and Noah White as they nestled on the balcony, the chaos of prom fading into the background.

Risa Anders leaned against the cool, wrought-iron railing of the balcony. Noah White sat beside her, the moonlight catching the edges of his messy hair, illuminating the faint blush that crept across his cheeks.
"Did you see Jason's face when I slapped him?" Risa laughed, her voice a melodic giggle that danced through the night. "I thought he was going to cry like a baby! 'Wahhh, a girl hit me!'" She mimicked him, hands flailing dramatically.
Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, and his friends looked like they were about to pass out from shock."
"Right?" Risa leaned back, resting on her elbows, her long hair spilling over the edge of the balcony. "I mean, what did they expect? That I'd sit there and let them bully my—" She paused, her eyes flickering to Noah. "My friend?"
Noah looked at her, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Friend? Is that what we are now?"
She nudged him playfully. "Oh come on! You know you love me. Who else would rescue you from the clutches of that wannabe tough guy?"
He pretended to think for a moment, tapping his chin. "Hmm, I could have sworn I remembered a certain someone running into the fray like an action hero."
Risa feigned indignation, clutching her chest. "Action hero? More like a supermodel in distress!" Risa struck a pose, her hand on her hip, as if she were modeling for a magazine. "I mean, who wouldn't want to be me? Beautiful, hilarious, and part-time mafia princess?"
"No way. You're in a mafia family?" Noah raised an eyebrow, the laughter fading as curiosity took over.
"Yup! My dad was the boss before he passed away." She rolled her eyes, brushing it off. " My life is like a never-ending action film, minus the explosions—mostly. Everyone is always shouting, and there are more secrets than a mystery novel." 
"Wow. I take it you don't have many friends in that world?"
"Just Jess," Risa said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "She's the only one who gets me." She rolled her eyes, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "Honestly, it's exhausting. You'd think being a mafia princess would be glamorous, right? But it's all about power plays and family meetings where everyone talks business and no one has time for me."
"Wow. That sounds... intense." Noah's voice softened, seeing the weariness in her eyes. "At least you get to wear pretty dresses."
Risa snorted, shaking her head. "Dresses don't matter when you're trying to dodge your family's expectations. Just last week, my mom told me I need to find a 'suitable match' before I turn twenty. As if I'm some prize to be won at a carnival!"
"No way!" Noah leaned forward, intrigued. "What's a 'suitable match' for a mafia princess? Another mafia prince?"
"Exactly!" Risa threw her hands up. "I mean, what's wrong with a nerdy bookworm who spends his weekends reading instead of plotting world domination?"
Noah's cheeks turned a shade darker. "Hey, I wouldn't be plotting world domination; I'd be trying to figure out which book to read next."
"See? Totally suitable!" Risa laughed, her eyes dancing with delight. "You'd be the best mafia prince ever—always in the library, wearing glasses, and reading about how to take over the world with knowledge!"
Noah couldn't help but grin. "You're living in a real-life mob movie, and I'm just here, Being the only guy among three sisters, drowning in my sisters' makeup tutorials and trying to figure out how to score a decent sandwich."
"Three sisters? Wow! You must be the king of the castle."
"More like the jester." He leaned back against the balcony railing, a grin creeping onto his face. "They think I'm their personal doll. I've had my hair styled in more ways than I can count! I'm pretty sure they've put glitter in my hair without me knowing."
"Glitter? No way!" Risa gasped, covering her mouth in mock horror. "You're telling me that you've been bedazzled against your will?"
"Absolutely!" Noah laughed, the tension of the night fading away. "And my dad is no help either. He's been so strict since coming back from the army. He thinks I'm going to join the family business or something."
"Family business? What does he expect you to do? Become a soldier?"
"It's like he's trying to mold me into some kind of super soldier. I can barely survive gym class, let alone a boot camp."
Risa giggled, shaking her head. "But really, it's exhausting sometimes. I just want to be me, not a name on a family tree."
Noah nodded, feeling a connection that surprised him. "I get that. Sometimes I feel like I'm just a shadow in my family. I mean, who cares what I think when I'm surrounded by three sisters?"
"Besides, we both deserve to be seen for who we really are."

The two fell into a comfortable silence, the stars twinkling above them like a million tiny eyes watching over their newfound camaraderie. The chaos of the prom faded into the background, leaving only the soft hum of the night and the occasional laughter from inside the hall.
"Hey, Noah?" Risa broke the silence, her tone suddenly serious.
"Yeah?" He turned to face her fully, curiosity etched on his features.
"If we could just walk away from all of this—" she gestured vaguely toward the building where the music thumped and the lights flashed, "—where would you want to go?"
Noah thought for a moment, the question catching him off guard. "I don't know. Somewhere quiet, maybe. Where we could just... be ourselves without anyone judging us."
Risa's eyes sparkled as she smiled. "That sounds perfect. I'd love that."
"So, how about we make a pact?" he suggested, leaning closer, excitement glimmering in his eyes. "No more playing the roles society has set for us. We'll just be ourselves."
Risa's heart raced at his words. "You mean it?"
"Yeah! Let's be the Risa and Noah no one else sees. The ones who laugh at the ridiculousness of life."
"Deal!" She extended her hand, and he took it, their fingers entwining in a gesture that felt surprisingly natural. "From now on, I'm officially declaring you my partner in crime."
"Sounds like a plan," he replied, the corners of his mouth lifting into a grin. "But I'm not doing any of your mafia errands."
"Pfft! As if. I can handle my own family drama," she said, her laughter echoing in the night air. "You just have to deal with my flirty side."
"Flirty side? You mean that's not your only side?"
Risa's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh, there's a lot more to me than just the pretty face."
"I'll take your word for it," Noah said, smirking. "But I'm not sure I want to see the dark side of the mafia princess."
"Scared?" Risa teased, leaning forward.
"More like intrigued," he shot back, eyes dancing with challenge.
"Good!" Risa beamed, her confidence soaring. "You should be. Who knows? I might just reveal some world-changing secrets."

With their banter flowing freely, the tension that had hung between them melted away, replaced by something new—an unexpected connection. As they shared stories and laughter, the moon bore witness to the birth of a friendship that transcended their differences, hinting at the possibility of something more. And just like that, as the stars twinkled overhead, Risa and Noah ventured into uncharted territory, leaving behind the chaos of prom for a night filled with lighthearted laughter and the promise of new beginnings.