Somewhere Only We Know

XXXIV - What's a little silver?

4:32 p.m., Cyplex Lobby

The lobby buzzed softly with the muted chatter of guests, but our little group stood out easily against the elegant backdrop. Chase leaned casually against the wall, dressed sharply in a black long-sleeve button-up shirt paired with flowy black trousers that moved with a subtle grace. His belt, adorned with silver spikes, caught the light, matching the silver earrings and sleek silver timepiece on his wrist. His hair was still as messy and puffed up as always, defying the polished environment yet somehow fitting in perfectly. I couldn't help but think about how he somehow managed to pull off that effortless cool without trying too hard.

Our mom looked stunning. She wore a one-sleeve black dress that flowed all the way down to cover her feet. Her hair was pinned up in an elegant updo, flawless and timeless, while her accessories gleamed in coordinated silver tones, perfectly matching the small, structured handbag she held. Watching her, I thought, she always commands a room, but today she seemed more relaxed, like she was genuinely proud.

Jeorg stood nearby in an all-black suit, crisp and tailored, with a silver timepiece flashing on his wrist that echoed the theme gracefully. It was the first time I'd seen him up close. His posture was confident but not imposing, and there was a calm kindness in the way he observed the room. He seemed like someone you could trust, which was oddly reassuring.

His son was dressed just as sharply in a black suit, a touch of black eyeliner lining his eyes—a detail that Mica and Chase somehow both appreciated, exchanging approving glances. Mica, already warmed up to him, casually wrapped an arm around his shoulders like she'd known him since birth, her easy smile highlighting the camaraderie. It was nice to see her so comfortable—it made me think maybe this could work.

As I took in the scene, a small smile crept onto my face. Here, surrounded by these people—family, friends—it all felt a little less daunting. Like maybe this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I glanced around the lobby and then out the large glass windows at the bustling streets outside. "It's kind of ironic," I murmured, "that the day all these well-known people I'm related to decide to come for my graduation is the same day tourists seem to have chosen North Carolina for their big visit."

Mica chuckled, nudging me playfully. "Seems like the world's got great timing." Ever the conversational spark, she turned with a mischievous grin toward Leonardo, whom she was holding, looking composed yet a bit reserved. "So, Leo, how do you feel about our parents getting married? Awkward? Exciting? Confusing?"

He smirked slightly, clearly used to these kinds of questions. "Honestly, it's a bit of all three," he admitted, shrugging. "But it's grown on me. Family's family, no matter what. Your mother is great."

Not missing a beat, Mica kept going, unfazed. "Do you feel weird suddenly having four older siblings?"

He chuckled, nodding. "A little. But I guess it's like gaining a whole new team."

Then her eyes flicked to his eyeliner, sharp and perfectly applied, and she raised a brow. "Okay, seriously—where do you even get that eyeliner? It's flawless."

Leonardo smiled with a hint of pride. "Bobbi Brown store in London."

That was enough to shut Mica up instantly. She glanced over at Chase, whispering with wide eyes, "That's a 10 thousand dollar eyeliner on that kid's eye."

Chase just smirked, shaking his head in disbelief at the understatement.

It was one of those moments when you realized the world of these people was a little glossier, a little harder to reach—and yet somehow, here we all were, connected by family and the day unfolding before us.