Seraph leaned in, her eyes bright with mischief. "Okay, first question—what's your favorite color? And—omg—what's your go-to food? And… are you really okay with Miles? Because, girl, if you don't know it already, he fights in those underground rings just for fun."
I couldn't help but laugh. Relief fizzled through me, dispelling the tension. With a quick sip of my coffee, I answered, "Blue—definitely blue. Any shade. It reminds me of the ocean, of home. Sometimes I close my eyes and pretend I'm floating, letting the waves wash all this chaos away. I want to go back there someday, only this time I'll remember every moment—no memories lost to one too many shots."
Seraph grinned, clearly amused. I shot her a teasing look. "And food? Pizza. Loads of it. Just don't you dare come near me with pineapple. Some things are sacred, and Hawaiian pizza isn't on my list. Seriously, what monster came up with that?"
She arches an eyebrow, waiting, but there's one more thing hovering between us—the big question.
"About Miles…" My voice drops a little. "Yeah, I know. I slept with him. Not exactly the best idea when I barely know him, but whatever. He's a walking disaster, yet here I am, still willing to try. This time, I want to talk. Actually know the guy behind all those cocky smiles—and maybe stop ending up in his bed every time things get messy."
I glance up, challenging her. "Anything else you want to ask? Or is it my turn to interrogate you?"
"Fair question, Jayla." Seraph grinned, that spark of rebellion always shining in her eyes. "But listen, we do have beaches in Brooklyn, you know. So, since it's your fourth day here after school, why don't we do something epic? I say we invite all the seniors to a party at the beach. Don't even ask how I'll pull it off—come on, you know I have connections, silly head."
She ruffled my hair like I was her kid sister, and I couldn't help but burst out laughing at her antics. The tension of the new city faded away for a moment, replaced by the warmth of her affection. We dropped into the café chairs, sunlight falling on us through the windows, and let the world outside drift away. Coffees in hand, we sat together, letting the normal rhythm of friendship fill the space between us, soaking up those rare moments when you're exactly where you need to be.