The next day, Fina woke up feeling lighter than she had in weeks. The memories of the previous night lingered in her mind—her family's laughter, Aiden's comforting presence, and the quiet safety she had felt for the first time in a long while.

She stretched lazily in bed, her phone buzzing beside her. She picked it up and saw a message from Aiden.

Aiden❤️

Morning, sunshine. How are you feeling today?

Better. Thanks for last night... again.

You don't have to thank me, Fina. Want me to stop by after school today?

Maybe. I'll let you know.

By midday, her family had noticed her retreat into herself again. While she wasn't as withdrawn as she had been the week prior, there was a quiet unease in her demeanor that Alessandro and Isabella couldn't ignore.

At lunch, Alessandro watched his daughter carefully, noting how she poked at her plate of pasta rather than eating it.

"Fina," he said softly, setting down his fork. "What's on your mind?"

She looked up, startled by the question. "Nothing. I'm fine."

Isabella gave her husband a knowing look before turning to Fina. "Sweetheart, you know you can talk to us, right? About anything."

Fina nodded but didn't say more, her appetite waning.

Later that afternoon, Fina sat in her room, scrolling aimlessly through her phone. She opened the Fab Four group chat, reading over their messages from the past few days.

Fab Four

Ethan🤪: You're coming back to school tomorrow, right?

Mia💕: Yeah, we miss you!

Aiden❤️: No pressure, Fina. Take your time.

I think I'll come back tomorrow.

Thanks for being patient with me.

Mia💕: Yay! I'll save you a seat in class.

Aiden's reply followed shortly after.

Aiden❤️: I'll meet you at the gate.

The next morning, true to his word, Aiden was waiting for her at the school gate. His face lit up when he saw her, and he walked over, falling into step beside her.

"Hey," he said, his voice warm. "How are you feeling?"

"Nervous," she admitted, clutching the strap of her backpack.

"You'll be okay," he reassured her, nudging her shoulder lightly with his. "You've got me, Mia, and Ethan. And if anyone gives you trouble..." He gave her a teasing grin. "I'll handle it."

Fina laughed softly, some of her tension easing.

The day passed in a blur of classes and whispered conversations with her friends. During lunch, the Fab Four sat together under the shade of a tree, talking and joking as if nothing had changed. But Fina still felt the occasional prickle of unease, especially when Sophia walked past their table, her gaze lingering on Aiden.

Fina tried to ignore it, focusing instead on her friends.

After school, Aiden walked her home, their steps slow and unhurried. When they reached her house, he hesitated on the porch.

"Want to hang out for a bit?" she asked, her voice quiet but hopeful.

Aiden smiled. "I thought you'd never ask."

In her room, they settled onto her bed, a movie playing softly in the background. Fina leaned against the headboard, and Aiden stretched out beside her, his hand resting on hers.

"You know," he said, turning his head to look at her, "I'm really proud of you for going back today."

"Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the movie forgotten. Then, Aiden reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Fina," he said softly, his gaze steady. "You're stronger than you think."

Her heart swelled at his words, and before she could overthink it, she leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Aiden froze for a moment, then responded, his hand moving to cup her cheek.

The kiss was tender and slow, filled with unspoken promises and emotions. When they finally pulled apart, Aiden rested his forehead against hers, a small smile playing on his lips.

"I could get used to that," he murmured.

Fina laughed softly, her cheeks flushing. "Me too."

Downstairs, Alessandro and Isabella exchanged knowing looks as they heard faint laughter from their daughter's room. For the first time in weeks, there was a lightness in the house that they hadn't felt in a long time.

"She's healing," Isabella said softly, squeezing her husband's hand.

Alessandro nodded. "And we'll make sure she keeps healing."