Miren never looks unsure behind the wheel.
One hand on the wheel. The other adjusting the volume without looking.
"You two are loud for people who almost missed rehearsal," she said.
"We didn't almost miss," I replied.
"You were sprinting."
"That was cardio."
Liam leaned forward between the seats.
"You forgot to charge your phone."
"You didn't need to announce that."
"You rely on that thing."
I glanced at him. "You woke me up."
"Because I'm responsible."
Miren snorted. "You're dramatic."
"I'm disciplined," he said.
"You play football," she replied. "You chase a ball."
I turned slowly. "Don't."
Miren lifted a hand. "No fighting before sunrise."
It quieted.
Then Liam's phone buzzed.
He checked it.
Locked it too quickly.
Miren noticed.
I noticed her noticing.
"Who's texting you at six in the morning?" she asked.
"No one important."
"That sounds important," I said.
He ignored that.
"Dad lands tonight."
My head snapped up. "Really?"
"Late. Around midnight."
"That's still tonight," Miren said.
I smiled.
"Are you picking him up?"
"Yeah."
I didn't think about it.
"Can I come?"
It came out casual.
Liam didn't hesitate.
"No."
I blinked. "What?"
"It's late."
"I won't sleep anyway."
"You will."
"I can nap."
"Cala."
That tone again.
"It's just the airport."
"It's midnight."
Miren shifted in her seat. "Maybe she just wants to see him first."
"I said no."
Not sharp. Just steady.
Something tightened in my stomach.
I leaned back in my seat.
"Fine."
He didn't add anything.
The light turned green.
We pulled into the school entrance.
My phone lit up.
Lunara: 6:30 sharp. No excuses.
Miren: She's here. Unfortunately.
Me: I hate all of you.
Laughing reactions followed.
I smiled.
But I glanced at Liam.
He was staring straight ahead.
Jaw tight.
The building looked bigger this early. Quieter.