The days that followed felt like a blur for Fina. There was a sense of calm that settled over her life. She was still adjusting to the changes—her new friendship with Mia and Ethan, her growing bond with Aiden, and the delicate balance she was learning to maintain between being open with her family and keeping parts of herself for her own healing. But everything was slowly becoming clearer, less overwhelming. She was learning to navigate her feelings, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was moving forward.

It was a Friday afternoon, and the day had been particularly peaceful. School had gone by without any major incidents. There were still moments of tension—sometimes she'd catch a glimpse of Connor in the hallway, his cold eyes lingering on her—but she didn't let it affect her. With Aiden by her side, she felt stronger, and as the weeks went by, she was beginning to realize just how much he had come to mean to her.

After school, Aiden drove her home as usual, the car ride filled with the kind of comfortable silence they'd both come to enjoy. The air was soft, the sun beginning its descent in the sky, casting an orange glow through the car windows. Fina's mind wandered, thoughts drifting between everything she'd been working through and the feeling of contentment that lingered whenever Aiden was near. She'd been trying to figure out how she truly felt about him—what they were, where they stood. But the answer seemed to come to her without any conscious effort.

She looked over at him, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel, and a smile tugged at her lips. There was something about him. The way he cared for her, how patient and understanding he was. How easy it felt to be around him. It wasn't just the shared moments of comfort—they had something deeper now, something that felt like it was growing every day.

Aiden glanced over, catching her smile. "What are you thinking about?" he asked, his voice soft.

Fina's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't the first time he'd asked her that, but this time, it felt different. She took a deep breath, unsure of how to put her feelings into words.

"I was just thinking... about us," she said, her voice steady but filled with the weight of everything she was feeling. "I don't know what we are, Aiden. I don't know if I'm ready to label it, but... I care about you. A lot. More than I've cared about anyone in a long time."

Aiden's expression softened, and for a brief moment, his eyes met hers with an intensity that made Fina's breath hitch. He pulled the car to a stop at a red light, his hands resting on the steering wheel as he took a moment to collect his thoughts.

"Fina," he began, his voice serious but gentle, "I care about you too. More than I think you even realize."

She felt her heart race, a flutter of anticipation building in her chest. What was he going to say?

"I've been thinking about this for a while," he continued, his voice steady but vulnerable. "I don't want to rush anything, and I don't expect you to feel the same way right now... but I need to ask you something."

Fina's breath caught in her throat as she looked at him, her pulse quickening. The world outside seemed to slow, the quiet of the moment taking over. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, her hands fidgeting in her lap.

Aiden turned to face her fully, his expression soft yet determined. "Fina, will you be my girlfriend?"

Fina's heart stopped for a second. His words hung in the air, the simple question holding so much weight. She stared at him, wide-eyed, processing what he had just asked. Her mind raced, her heart beating faster than it had in days. The moment felt surreal, as if she were caught in a dream. She'd known, deep down, that this was where things were headed. But hearing it out loud, hearing him ask her to take that next step with him, sent a wave of warmth flooding through her chest.

For a few moments, Fina didn't know what to say. The truth was, she hadn't expected this to happen so soon. But in that moment, as she looked into Aiden's eyes—eyes that had been nothing but kind, patient, and full of understanding—she realized that the answer was clear.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice soft but certain. "Yes, Aiden. I want to be your girlfriend."

Aiden's eyes lit up, and a smile spread across his face. He reached over, taking her hand in his, and for the first time, Fina felt a sense of peace that she hadn't known in so long. It wasn't just about the label of being "boyfriend and girlfriend." It was about something deeper—a promise to be there for each other, no matter what came next.

Without a word, Aiden leaned over and gently kissed her, his lips soft and tender against hers. The kiss was a promise, a seal on the bond they had just formed. It was sweet, unhurried, and full of the kind of love and trust they had been building together for weeks.

When they pulled away, Fina couldn't help but smile, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

"Thank you," Aiden said quietly, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of her hand. "I know it's not easy for you, Fina. But I'll do whatever it takes to make you feel safe with me. Always."

Tears welled up in Fina's eyes, and she felt a warmth in her chest she couldn't explain. She had been afraid to trust, afraid to let anyone get too close. But in Aiden's arms, she felt a sense of belonging that she had never thought was possible.

"I trust you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I really do."

They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the world outside moving on, but for them, it was just the two of them—holding hands, sharing a moment that felt like it could last forever.

The rest of the drive home was filled with a new sense of ease. They weren't just two people who cared for each other anymore; they were something more. Something that had only just begun, but already felt like the beginning of something special.

When Aiden dropped Fina off at her house, he gave her one last kiss, this time lingering a little longer. He pulled back and smiled at her, his eyes full of affection.

"I'll see you soon, okay?" he said, his voice warm and reassuring.

"Yeah," Fina replied with a smile, "I'll see you soon."

As she walked into the house, Fina felt a sense of happiness she hadn't felt in ages. She had Aiden now, and she wasn't alone anymore. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew that with him by her side, she could face anything.

And for the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to believe in the possibility of a future filled with love, hope, and healing.

a/n about timeeeee