The next morning, sunlight streamed through Fina's curtains, signaling the start of a new day. Despite the warmth of the light, she stayed buried beneath her blankets, her thoughts tangled with the memory of the previous night. Aiden's touch, his words, his kiss—they had replayed in her mind on a loop, equal parts comforting and nerve-wracking.

She peeked at her phone on the nightstand and saw a new message in the Fab Four group chat.

Fab Four

Ethan🤪: Yo, Fina, you alive? We haven't heard from you.

My Mia💕: Don't be dramatic, Ethan. Fina, how are you feeling today?

Aiden❤️: Morning. Let me know if you need anything.

Her heart skipped a beat at his message. Aiden was always there, offering quiet reassurance without being overbearing. She smiled softly before typing out a reply.

Fab Four

I'm okay. Just tired. Thanks for checking in, guys.

She hesitated before adding a private message to Aiden.

Aiden❤️

Thank you for last night. It really meant a lot.

You don't have to thank me. I'll always be here for you.

A soft knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called, her voice still hoarse from sleep.

Isabella stepped in, carrying a tray with breakfast—a plate of pancakes, fresh fruit, and a glass of orange juice. "Good morning, sweetheart. How are you feeling?"

Fina sat up, leaning against the headboard. "Better. Thanks, Mom."

Her mom placed the tray on her lap, sitting on the edge of the bed. Her gaze was tender but searching. "You seemed... lighter last night. Did you and Aiden talk about what's been bothering you?"

A blush crept up Fina's cheeks. "Yeah, we talked. He's really understanding."

Isabella smiled knowingly. "He seems like a good boy. It's nice to see someone looking out for you the way he does."

Fina nodded, fiddling with the edge of the blanket. "I think I really really like him, Mom."

Isabella's eyes sparkled. "I can tell. Just take things at your own pace, okay? There's no rush."

Later that day, Fina decided to join her family in the living room for a movie. Her brothers were sprawled across the couches, Alessandro and Isabella sitting close together on one end. Aiden had texted her earlier, but she hadn't seen him since he'd left that morning.

Halfway through the movie, the doorbell rang, and Enzo got up to answer it. When he returned, Aiden was with him, carrying a bag of snacks.

"Thought I'd bring reinforcements," Aiden said with a grin, holding up the bag.

Fina smiled, scooting over to make room for him. As he sat beside her, he leaned in and whispered, "I hope this isn't too much. I just wanted to check on you."

"It's not too much," she whispered back.

The evening passed in a haze of laughter and banter as the family relaxed. Aiden's presence seemed to blend seamlessly with hers, and though her brothers teased her occasionally, it was all in good fun.

As the credits rolled, Alessandro glanced at his daughter, noticing how her mood had lifted. It was subtle, but it was there. For now, that was enough.

Fina leaned against Aiden's shoulder, exhaustion catching up with her. "Thanks for coming over," she murmured, her voice soft.

"Always," he replied, wrapping an arm around her.

And in that moment, surrounded by family and the boy who made her feel safe, Fina began to believe that things would be okay.