Number Seven

016

Sophia woke up to a sunny morning, feeling a little lighter than usual. Maybe it was because she'd had a good night's rest after spending time with her family. Or maybe it was the fact that Mason had been texting her a little more lately. She wasn't sure, but there was a quiet hopefulness in her heart as she reached for her phone.

She scrolled through a few messages, stopping when she saw one from Mason.

Mason: Can't wait to get back. I missed you. Are you free when I get back?

Sophia bit her lip, not immediately responding. Her heart fluttered a little, but her mind quickly reminded her of why she had been distant—because he hadn't earned her trust back yet.

She typed out a short reply, trying to keep things neutral.

Sophia: I miss you too, but we need to talk when you get back. You know the deal.

She hit send and sat back, her heart a little heavier now. She couldn't ignore the pull she felt toward him, but she wasn't going to let him off the hook so easily.

Putting her phone aside, she grabbed her camera and turned it on, ready to start her "day in the life" vlog. She'd promised herself that today wasn't going to be about Mason or any drama—today was about showing her followers the real, everyday Sophia.

"Good morning, guys! Welcome back to my channel. Today is going to be a casual one, no glam, no filters. Just me, doing my regular thing—school, family, and a bit of sibling drama, of course."

She grinned at the camera and grabbed her hoodie, throwing it over her head and heading downstairs to grab some breakfast. Her younger sister, Harper, was already at the kitchen table, humming along to whatever song was playing on her phone.

"Morning, Harper!" Sophia said, camera still rolling.

"Morning, Soph," Harper replied, not looking up from her phone. "What's today's vlog about? No makeup, huh?"

"Yeah, no makeup," Sophia responded, grabbing her usual breakfast. "I'm keeping it real today. No filters, no fancy outfits. Just me."

As she took her seat, the doorbell rang, and Sophia immediately knew who it was. Romeo.

She opened the door to find him standing there, hoodie up, looking like he had just rolled out of bed. His hair was a mess, and he had that same sleepy, grumpy expression on his face.

"You look rough," Sophia teased, camera in hand. "Did you even sleep?"

Romeo looked at her, clearly irritated. "I did, but it's not like you care."

"I care," Sophia said in a mock serious tone. "I care a lot that you look like a zombie."

Romeo rolled his eyes and walked in, plopping himself down at the kitchen counter. "I'm just here because Mum told me to visit. She wants me to hang out with Harper."

"Sure, Romeo. Whatever you say," Sophia said, sticking out her tongue at him playfully.

Romeo sighed, reaching for a box of cereal. "Do you mind not filming me right now? I'm not in the mood to be part of your vlog."

Sophia laughed. "You're already part of it, Romeo. Can't escape now."

Romeo just shrugged, but his grumpy demeanor softened a little. "Fine, whatever. I came for the food. Can't resist Mum's cooking."

Sophia smirked, turning the camera back on herself. "See, guys? Romeo's a mama's boy. He only visits when he's hungry."

Romeo shot her a playful glare. "You're lucky I'm not here for you. Just the food."