The mall buzzed with weekend noise as Amara stepped inside, her heart still heavy but hopeful. Adrian had kept his promise — he had called the cousins, and one by one, they began to appear.
Selene arrived first, her confident stride softening when she saw Amara. Cassian and Orion came next, laughing loudly about something only they understood. Aiden appeared steady as ever — and beside him was Lyra, staying close to him, her eyes flicking toward Adrian and Amara with quiet jealousy.
Adrian was already waiting near the entrance, leaning against a pillar. When Amara saw him, her chest eased. His eyes met hers, calm and reassuring, and for a moment she felt lighter.
"Looks like we're all here," Cassian announced, clapping Orion on the back. "Let's make this day worth it."
They wandered through the mall together, teasing each other, pointing at shop windows, and sharing small jokes that slowly brought Amara's smile back. Selene bought drinks for everyone, Orion dared Cassian to try on ridiculous jackets, and Aiden kept Lyra close, steady and protective.
Then Orion spotted a sign ahead. "Haunted House — open until midnight!" he read, grinning. Cassian smirked. "Perfect. Let's see who screams first."
Selene sighed. "You two never grow up." Amara hesitated, her heart thumping. Cassian nudged her lightly. "Unless you're too scared, Amara."
Adrian's gaze sharpened. "She doesn't have to go if she doesn't want to." Amara swallowed, then whispered, "I'll go."
Inside, the haunted house swallowed them in darkness.
They split naturally:
Cassian, Orion, and Selene led the way, loud and chaotic.
Aiden and Lyra walked in the middle, Lyra clinging to his arm.
Adrian and Amara stayed at the back, moving slowly through the flickering shadows.
Cassian and Orion shouted dramatically at every scare, Selene scolding them while trying not to laugh. Lyra kept glancing back, watching Adrian and Amara closely.
At the very end of the line, Adrian walked close to Amara, his presence steady and warm.
Then it happened — a sudden jump scare burst from the wall, a figure lunging with a scream.
Amara gasped and instinctively threw herself against Adrian, her arms wrapping around him as she buried her face in his chest.
Adrian froze for a heartbeat, surprised — then his hand gently rested on her shoulder. "It's okay," he whispered. "I'm here."
Realizing what she had done, Amara pulled back quickly, her cheeks burning. But as she stepped away, her eyes lifted to his.
And for a moment, everything else disappeared.
The screams, the flickering lights, the cousins ahead — all faded. It was just the two of them, standing close in the dark, their eyes locked, something unspoken passing between them.
Then Cassian's voice echoed from ahead, breaking the moment. "Hurry up, you two! Stop dragging behind, or the ghosts will catch you!"
Amara flushed and looked away. Adrian exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening, the moment still lingering between them.
But the spark was there - undeniable, impossible to ignore.