I shoved another spoonful of matcha ice cream into my mouth, tilting my head so my left ear pressed against my shoulder to keep the phone wedged in place. The cool, earthy sweetness melted on my tongue, a small comfort against the quiet house.
"You're sure it's okay if I stay out tonight?" Suzette's voice crackled through the speaker, laced with that familiar worry.
My eyes stayed glued to the TV screen across the room, where the flickering lights of some late-night drama played out. I nodded absently, forgetting for a second that she couldn't see me on a voice call. "Yeah, totally fine," I mumbled around the ice cream, swallowing quick.
"Nova! We're serious," Carter jumped in, his tone all big-brother protectiveness. "If it's not okay and you need us, either me or Zette can come back right now and—"
I cut him off with a laugh, the kind that bubbled up easy and didn't make me choke on my treat. "Guys, relax. I'm good."
