Vedh leaned closer, lowering his voice dramatically."Tara and Lav… they're going to kill us for sure.
Maya blinked. Then—very slowly—a grin spread across her face.
"…Worth it," she said.
Vedh stared at her. "You're not even a little scared?"
She shrugged, trying not to laugh. "I mean, yeah. But did you see Tara's face back there? And Lav grabbing the lamp like he was about to murder someone?"
Vedh snorted, shaking his head. "Okay, yeah… that was kind of legendary." Maya put her hands behind her back and leaned closer, her eyes bright. "Besides," she said, copying his low voice, "we survived cops, guns, a fake pregnancy, and a secret admirer plan in one night. I think we deserve some credit." Vedh shook his head, laughing softly. "You're impossible." "And you enjoy every second of it," she shot back instantly.He opened his mouth to deny it—then stopped. His smile faded as his eyes returned to the road, the distant sirens still echoing in the night. "Come on," he said quietly after a moment. "Let's get you home. Before our luck officially runs out."
Maya nodded. As they started walking away, she glanced back one last time—toward the place where everything had unfolded.
Somewhere in the shadows, someone had been watching.
And for the first time, the flutter in her chest wasn't just excitement.
It was curiosity.
By the time they reached the house, the lights were already on.
The door opened before they could even knock.
Lav stood there, arms crossed, Tara beside him—both wearing the same mix of anger and worry.
Lav didn't wait a second."Why would you go out today of all days?" he snapped. "Look at the time—why are you coming back this late at night? Do you have any idea how worried we were?"
He turned sharply to Vedh."And you—don't you have a brain? Why would you take her out today?"
Maya stepped forward quickly. "Okay, wait. Calm down. It was my fault, not Vedh's. I asked him. I basically forced him."
"Are you mad, Maya—" Tara started.
"Enough," Lav cut in, his voice tight. He looked straight at Maya."Did you ever think about me? What if something had happened to you, huh?"
The room fell silent.
"You have to be careful," he continued, softer now but no less serious. "Especially right now. People might still be looking for you, Maya. You can't just run off without telling anyone."
Vedh stepped slightly in front of her, hands raised. "We're fine, Lav. Nothing happened. Trust me."
Lav glared at him. "Trust you? You took her out today and came back at night? How is that trust?"
Maya bit her lip, trying to stay calm. "Lav, I really asked him! I just wanted to see if… my secret admirer actually did something. I didn't think it would get this crazy."
Tara finally spoke, her voice shaky from worry and relief. "You two are impossible. Totally impossible."
Vedh rubbed the back of his neck, smirking. "In our defense, we survived. And technically, you should thank me—our disguises worked."
Tara groaned. "Unbelievable. You're both insane!"
Maya shrugged, leaning lightly against Vedh. "Maybe. But it was fun. And—" she paused, eyes twinkling, "worth it."
Lav gently pinched Maya's nose and sighed. "Next time, I don't care what the reason is—you tell us first. No exceptions. And Vedh… don't pull a stunt like this again." Vedh chuckled softly, glancing at Maya. "Deal." Maya smiled, her heart still racing from the night's chaos. Between the scolding, the worry, and the chaos—it had been unforgettable. Somehow, they had made it through together.
Tara sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Shh… okay, enough drama. Let's just have dinner."
Lav muttered something under his breath but followed her inside. Maya looked at Vedh, who gave her a small reassuring smile. Somehow, after all the chaos, the night was finally settling down.
They walked into the kitchen. The table was set, and the smell of warm food filled the room.
Tara's eyes never left Vedh. "Vedh… you both could have gotten hurt tonight. Do you even realize what could have happened? I swear, I don't know how to calm down sometimes thinking about you." Her voice was soft but serious, filled with worry.
Lav turned to Maya, his expression tight. "And you, Maya! You can't just go running into danger like that! Do you know how worried I was? You have to be careful, especially now—people might be watching, waiting for you." Maya raised her hands, trying to explain. "I know, I know! I just… wanted to see if my secret admirer actually did something. I didn't think it would get this crazy."
Vedh snorted softly. "Obviously I helped you." Maya gave him a small nudge. "Don't get cocky. You know it was my idea too." And just like that, they started arguing again, voices rising and being playful. Lav said, "Okay! Okay! Just… relax, both of you. Eat your dinner. Now!" Vedh and Maya exchanged you're dead glares.
Tara sighed, running a hand through her hair, worry still clear on her face. "Honestly… I was so worried about Vedh tonight. You could've gotten hurt!"
Lav's eyes stayed on Maya, serious. "And you—don't ever put yourself in danger like that. I can't handle it if something happens to you."
Vedh and Maya both blinked, shocked. "Wait… you actually care Tara?" Vedh asked, his voice full of excitement, like he couldn't believe it. Maya frowned, confused, and glanced at Lav. "What… you care too?"
Tara and Lav looked shocked, clearly not expecting their concern to surprise them.
Tara quickly waved her hands, trying to cover it. "Of course we do! We care… right, Lav?"
Lav nodded, a little amused. "Yeah, of course. Why are you even shocked?"
Vedh and Maya exchanged a glance, still processing the unexpected care, while Tara and Lav relaxed slightly.
Vedh's cheeks flushed slightly. "It's okay, Tara… you can."
Maya, meanwhile, scrunched up her face in annoyance. "And you don't have to, Lav!"
Lav and Tara ate quickly, clearly done dealing with Vedh and Maya, leaving the two of them alone.
Tara shook her head with a small smile, muttering, "They've gone completely nuts today."
Lav chuckled, shaking his head. "I know, right? Absolutely nuts."