Aiden's POV

Saturday morning dawned bright and cold, sunlight filtering through Aiden's blinds. He groaned, rolling over and pulling the blanket over his head. It was too early to be awake, but his mind was already restless.

Today was Mia's movie night, and though he wasn't one for rom-coms or cheesy commentary, the thought of spending time with Serafina made the event something to look forward to.

He hadn't been able to get her out of his head lately. That quiet strength she carried, the vulnerability she let him see—it had all left a mark. He wanted to protect her, to make sure she knew she wasn't alone anymore.

By noon, he'd showered and dressed, unable to shake the nagging feeling that something was on her mind. She'd been quieter than usual in their group chat, her messages curt but polite.

Before he could overthink, he grabbed his phone and sent her a quick text.

Fina❤️

Hey, you still good for tonight?

5:30

He stared at the screen, waiting for the typing indicator to appear. It didn't.

Five minutes passed. Then ten.

Finally, his phone buzzed.

Fina❤️

Yeah. I'll be there.

5:40

Short and to the point. Definitely not like her.

Something was wrong.

Later that evening, Aiden arrived at Mia's house with Ethan in tow. The air was crisp, their breath visible as they made their way up the driveway. Mia greeted them at the door with her usual enthusiasm, practically dragging them inside before they could even say hello.

"Fina's already here," she said, leading them into the living room where a mountain of snacks covered the coffee table.

Serafina was sitting on the couch, her knees tucked under her, a faint smile on her face. But Aiden could tell it was forced. Her eyes, usually warm and lively, seemed distant.

"Hey," he said, sitting beside her. "You okay?"

She nodded quickly, her smile faltering. "Yeah, just tired."

Mia and Ethan didn't seem to notice the tension, their banter filling the room as they argued over which movie to start with.

Aiden leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You sure? You don't seem like yourself."

"I'm fine," she said, but the way she avoided his gaze told him otherwise.

He didn't press her, knowing she'd talk when she was ready. Instead, he stayed close, keeping an eye on her as the movie started.

Halfway through the second film, Serafina shifted uncomfortably beside him. She'd been quiet all night, barely touching the snacks Mia kept shoving her way.

When the credits rolled, Mia stood and stretched. "Pizza break! I'll order. Ethan, help me choose toppings."

Ethan groaned but followed her into the kitchen, leaving Aiden and Serafina alone in the living room.

"Okay," Aiden said, turning to her. "What's really going on?"

Serafina hesitated, her fingers gripping the edge of her sweater. "It's nothing. Just... memories."

"Bad ones?"

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been thinking about everything that happened. About Connor, and before that... the things I went through. It's hard to stop."

Aiden felt his chest tighten. He hated seeing her like this, trapped in her own mind.

"You don't have to go through it alone, Fina," he said gently. "You can talk to me."

"I know," she said, her voice trembling. "It's just... hard. And scary. And sometimes I feel like I'm still stuck there, like it's never going to get better."

"It will get better," Aiden said firmly. "You're stronger than you think, and you've already come so far. And no matter what, I'm here for you. Always."

Her eyes filled with tears, but she didn't let them fall. Instead, she reached for his hand, holding it tightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

When the others returned, Serafina seemed lighter, her smile a little more genuine. They ate pizza, laughed at Mia's commentary, and made it through another movie before calling it a night.

As Aiden walked her to her car, the cold night air biting at his skin, he hesitated.

"Fina," he said, stopping her before she opened the door.

"Yeah?"

He wanted to tell her. To let her know how much she meant to him, how much he cared. But the words caught in his throat.

"Text me when you get home, okay? So I know you're safe."

She smiled softly. "I will. Goodnight, Aiden."

"Goodnight, Fina."

He watched her drive away, his heart heavy but full of hope. Whatever she was going through, he would be there. For her. Always.