Breaking the Grid

Stars

The house was bathed in the soft golden hues of early evening. Dinner had been a lively affair, with Marco making jokes and Elisabetta teasing Kyra about her flour-streaked hoodie from earlier. Now, the air had settled into a quiet calm.

Kyra and I had found our way to the couch, curled up together like we belonged there. The TV was on, but I wasn't paying attention to the movie playing in the background. My focus was on Kyra, her head resting on my shoulder, her breathing slow and steady. She'd drifted off not long ago, the day catching up with her, and I didn't have the heart to wake her.

Her fingers were loosely tangled with mine, and I couldn't help but smile. She looked so peaceful, her usual sharp edges softened by sleep.

"Blair," a voice called softly, pulling me from my thoughts.

I turned to see Kimi standing by the door, his expression unreadable but his tone gentle. He tilted his head toward the hallway, motioning for me to follow him.

I hesitated, glancing down at Kyra. Her breathing didn't falter, and I carefully slipped my hand free. Reaching for the blanket on the back of the couch, I draped it over her, making sure she was warm before standing up.

"Be right back," I whispered, even though she was fast asleep.

Kimi led me through the quiet house and out into the garden. The air was cool but not cold, and the sky above was a blanket of stars. In the corner of the garden, tucked beneath the trees, was the little outdoor bed we'd often lounged on during summer nights, back when we had all the time in the world.

Kimi didn't say a word as he sat down, patting the spot beside him. I joined him, pulling the blanket around us both.

For a while, neither of us spoke. We just lay there, staring up at the stars. The silence wasn't uncomfortable—it never was with Kimi. But tonight, there was something unspoken between us, something that weighed just enough to make me notice.

"I like her," he said finally, his voice low but certain.

I turned my head to look at him, surprised. "Kyra?"

He nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "She's good for you. You're... different now. Happier."

I felt my cheeks warm, but I didn't deny it. "I am," I admitted softly.

He glanced at me, his pale blue eyes catching the faint light from the house. "It's nice to see," he said simply.

I smiled, leaning back against the pillows. "Thanks, Kimi. That means a lot."

He didn't respond, but his silence spoke louder than words. I knew how much he cared—how much he always had. Kimi wasn't the kind of person who said things he didn't mean.

After a moment, he let out a quiet sigh. "We don't hang out like we used to," he said, his tone light but carrying just a hint of sadness.

I swallowed hard, guilt pricking at the edges of my happiness. "I know," I said softly. "Things have been... different. But that doesn't mean I don't miss it. Miss us."

He nodded, his gaze still fixed on the stars. "I get it. You've got her now. And your career, and... everything else."

I shifted, laying my head on his chest the way I used to when we were younger. His heartbeat was steady, grounding. "That doesn't mean you're not important," I murmured. "You're still my Kimi. Always will be."

His hand came up to rest on my shoulder, his touch gentle. "I know," he said quietly.

We stayed like that for a while, the soft rustle of the trees and the distant hum of the town filling the silence. My thoughts wandered, flickering between memories of our wild adventures and the life I was building now.