Years Of Love

Wait what did she say

I woke up the next morning feeling a strange sense of calm I hadn't felt in a while. Things had been chaotic lately, with everything weighing on me, but after yesterday's chill moments, I felt like maybe, just maybe, things were starting to turn around. I grabbed my phone and saw a bunch of notifications from Kk's TikTok live. Typical. Those lives always ended with someone getting roasted or doing something dumb for the fans.

Still in bed, I scrolled through my Instagram, double-tapping a few sunrise pictures from yesterday. The beach really did something to me—gave me that peace I was craving. Before I got lost in thought, I rolled out of bed, threw on my black hoodie, and padded into the kitchen.

Kk was already there, making herself some scrambled eggs while still half-asleep. "Mornin', Paigey," she mumbled, not bothering to look up.

"Morning," I replied, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. "You go live last night?"

"You know it," she said with a sleepy grin. "But for real, I got to show you the clips later. Ice was wildin'."

I laughed, shaking my head. "She always is. Where's everyone else?"

"Azzi's still knocked out. Aubrey and Nika went to the gym early. Ice... well, she's in the living room waiting on you."

"Of course she is," I sighed, knowing Ice was probably trying to drag me into something as usual. After chugging my water, I headed to the living room to find Ice sprawled across the couch, controller in hand.

"About time you got up," she said, not looking away from the game. "Wanna run Fortnite?"

I plopped down next to her, shaking my head with a smirk. "You know I'm trash at it."

"Doesn't matter. I'm carrying anyway," she shot back, still focused on the screen.

I was about to answer when the door swung open, and Azzi walked in, looking like she just woke up from a 100-year nap. Her hair was wild, and she still had that sleepy expression on her face, but even like that, she somehow managed to look perfect.

"Hey," she said softly, her eyes flickering between me and Ice. "You're up early."

"Yeah," I said casually, trying to keep things light, even though I could feel her gaze lingering on me a little longer than usual. "Decided not to sleep the whole day away for once."

She smiled slightly and came over to sit with us. Kk popped her head in the room from the kitchen, catching the vibe instantly.

"Oooh, the gang's all here now," she sang, coming over to sit on the arm of the couch. "Azzi, wanna tell Paige what you said in your sleep last night?"

I shot Kk a look, half-laughing, half-hoping she wouldn't say something too wild. "Please don't."

Azzi's face went pink, and she glared at Kk. "Kk, don't even start."

"Nah, for real! I heard her mumbling Paige's name like three times."

"Okay, that's enough," I said quickly, my face heating up as Ice and Kk burst into laughter.

Azzi was laughing too, but she kept her eyes on me, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Kk's always exaggerating."

"Sure she is," I muttered, shaking my head. "Anyway, who's ready to lose at Fortnite?"

The mood shifted back to light and playful as we got back to the game, but I couldn't stop thinking about the way Azzi had looked at me—like there was something more she wanted to say.

And maybe there was.