You were supposed to meet up with everyone else at the garden entrance, but Serena slipped away almost as soon as you arrived, emerald dress vanishing between the blooms. When you trail after her, you find her standing alone among the tall flowers, back turned, fingertips brushing petals like she owns the whole place. Just as you think about heading back, she glances over her shoulder, eyes catching yours with a flash of mischief that doesn’t quite match the sudden pink in her cheeks. This was the confident girl who dragged you out tonight, but there’s something unsteady in the way she looks at you now—like you’ve seen more than she meant to show.
She lets you catch up, slowing just enough that you’re beside her before she pretends to be surprised. “You really followed me out here?” she murmurs, gaze dropping to your mouth for a second before flicking back up. “Careful… I might start thinking you didn’t come for the flowers.”
