Chapter 30— Racing Through the List
Lyra's POV
The morning sun spills through the classroom windows, warm and golden, and for a moment, I almost forget the tightness in my chest from the last few weeks. Almost.
Lunch is lively, the group clustered around a table like old times. Evan's there, leaning slightly toward me, not pushing, not demanding, just… present. His hand brushes against mine accidentally, a fleeting contact that sends a small shock of warmth up my arm. I glance at him, eyes meeting his, and for the briefest second, the world outside seems to disappear.
Then Soraya waves a crumpled piece of paper in the air. "Okay, people. We can't waste any more time. Graduation is almost here. We need to finish the list."
Saphira grins, bouncing in her seat. "Yes! No more dawdling. Senior bucket list — let's go fast, get it done before we're seniors no more!"
Cassian rolls his eyes but smiles. "Fine. But don't expect me to climb any more rocks or do those insane dares. I'm old now."
Aveline elbows him. "Old? You're a senior, Cass. Welcome to the last year of highschool of our lives. And yes, we're finishing this list. All of it."
I feel my stomach knot slightly at the mention of "all of it." Memories of the list, the first discoveries, the laughter, the chaos — it all rushes back. And somehow, it doesn't feel heavy anymore. Not the way it did when I was hurt, when I felt betrayed. I take a deep breath. Maybe this can be… fun again.
The first item we tackle is a simple one: Movie marathon. Evan plops down beside me on the living room couch in the apartment Soraya rented for the weekend. He brings popcorn, careful to sit close but not touch unless I allow. His gentle attention makes me smile softly. The past isn't erased, but his presence is… comforting.
Next up: Night swim. The local pool is warm, the water glittering under the moonlight. I feel my shoulders relax as Evan hands me a towel. "You okay?" he asks softly. I nod, and for a moment, I let myself just be a normal girl, laughing and splashing, without thinking about the past.
"Slowly, huh?" he murmurs, smiling faintly. His eyes are gentle, but teasing, the way they always were. I laugh, nudging him lightly.
"Don't push it, Vale," I tease back, and the sound of my own laughter surprises me. It's light, almost free.
The next day, we tackle Rock climbing. Soraya and Saphira are in full energy mode, encouraging me, cheering me on. Evan stays close, a steady hand behind my back, just in case. But he doesn't hover, doesn't dominate — just… supportive.
"You're stronger than you think," he murmurs, and I can't help but glance at him, heart fluttering. I nod, focusing on the climb, but inside, I feel a spark of something tender — the small warmth of trust slowly returning.
Lunch is spent reviewing the list. Aveline counts down the remaining items, excitement and urgency lacing her voice. "We have to finish at least fifteen more things before finals! Come on, people!"
I glance at Evan, who grins at me. "Ready for another adventure, Sol?" he asks softly. I nod, the nickname making my chest flutter, softening the last edges of resentment.
That afternoon, we hit Build-A-Bear. (Because why not?)I end up with three more plush companions, Evan watching with a gentle smile as I fuss over each one. He doesn't tease. He doesn't rush. Just… stands there, patient, letting me enjoy the small, ridiculous joy of stuffing fur and picking outfits.
It's absurd. Silly. But it feels like normal, like laughter without tension. And for the first time in a long while, I let myself feel light.
"Look at you," he murmurs as I place the last bear on the bench. "Happy, and not worried about the world. I like this version of you."
I glance at him, warmth blooming in my chest. "Maybe it's easier when you're around," I admit softly.
He grins. "I'll take that as a compliment."
By the end of the day, we collapse in the grass outside the café, checking off the day's accomplishments: trampoline sleepover, stargazing, movie marathon, night swim, rock climbing, Build-A-Bear. My heart feels full, heavy with relief and small happiness, but also a cautious warmth for him — Evan — who hasn't pushed, hasn't demanded, but has slowly, deliberately courted me again.
As the sun sets over Lumera, painting the city gold and rose, I realize: maybe I can enjoy these moments without fear, without guarding myself completely. Maybe forgiveness isn't here yet. But maybe… trust, a fragile, tentative trust, can bloom first.
And for now, that's enough.