Breaking the Grid

Spa

As we drive back home with Leah behind the wheel, I settle into the passenger with Kyra on the back, who's in control of the music. It's surprisingly calm in the car, the only sounds coming from the soft tunes filling the space. But Leah shifts in her seat, clearly not a fan of the playlist Kyra has chosen.

"What is this? Are we going to a funeral?" Leah quips, glancing between us with a smirk. "Can we please put something with a little more energy?"

"Just enjoy the vibe, Leah," Kyra replies, a teasing smile on her lips. "It's not always about the hype."

We pull up to my house, and as we step inside, Leah heads straight for her room without a word. I appreciate her kindness in giving us space, but part of me wishes she didn't feel the need to hide away just because Kyra is here.

"Hey, Leah!" I call after her. "You don't have to hide. Come hang out!"

But she just waves me off, disappearing behind her door. I sigh, shaking my head, then look over at Kyra. "Let's go to the kitchen. I need to put some music on."

I toss my phone at her, and she catches it with a grin. "Alright, but if I find something embarrassing on here..."

"Just don't judge my playlist," I laugh, following her into the kitchen.

We decide to make pizzas together, whipping up three just in case Leah changes her mind. As we gather the ingredients, flour flies everywhere. Kyra is in her element, a playful grin plastered on her face as she throws flour in the air like confetti.

"Whoa, calm down, chef! We're not trying to create a bakery explosion here," I laugh, wiping a bit of flour off my cheek.

"I can't help it! This is fun!" she retorts, giggling as she spills a bit of sauce while trying to spread it on one of the bases. The kitchen is a mess, but it's a happy chaos filled with laughter and chatter.

Once the pizzas are in the oven, I turn to Kyra, who's looking a little too calm now, and I feel a warmth spreading in my chest. "Do you want to watch something while we wait?"

"Yeah, that sounds good," she replies, but I want to do something more. I extend my hand to her, and she takes it without hesitation as we head toward my bedroom.

"Just let me grab something," I say, pulling away once we're inside. I go to my closet and grab a jogger. "Here, put this on. It's comfy."

"Thanks!" she smiles, taking it from me. I step out of the room, giving her some privacy.

"Just call me when you're ready," I say, leaning against the wall outside.

"Actually, you can come in now," she calls after a moment.

I open the door and sit on my bed, watching as she rummages through my clothes. "Do you mind if I take a hoodie?" she asks, glancing over her shoulder.

"Do whatever you want here," I reply, feeling relaxed.

She retrieves a hoodie. My heart races as she lifts her shirt to pull it on, exposing her bra. I instinctively turn my head out of respect, trying to keep things casual.

"Is this okay?" she asks, coming back to sit next to me.

"Yeah, looks good," I say, still feeling my cheeks heat.

For a moment, we sit in comfortable silence, my eyes fixed on the floor. Then I feel her hand take mine, and I look up, startled. She shifts closer, her other hand gently grasping my chin, making me turn my head to look at her.

"Blair," she whispers, her voice soft as she leans in, and I can't help but close my eyes, heart racing, feeling the warmth of her breath on my skin.

But just as our lips are about to meet, Leah bursts into the room, her eyes wide with surprise. "Sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt!" she says quickly, backing away. "I just wanted to let you know I'm heading to Lia's house." Without waiting for a response, she rushes out, leaving us in stunned silence.