We didn't split up after all.
Calvin adjusted the bags in his hands and glanced back at us, grinning. "Why does it feel like you two are about to have a dramatic movie moment?"
I rolled my eyes. "You're imagining things."
"Am I?" he said, clearly enjoying himself.
Amira laughed softly, then checked her phone. "Aiden and I should head out. We've got somewhere to be."
Aiden looked at me, calm and sincere. "Take care, Hinata."
"You too," I replied easily. And that was it—no weight, no ache.
They walked off together, their voices fading into the crowd.
Calvin waited a second, then dramatically exhaled. "Okay. That was mature. Growth. I'm proud."
"Stop," I said, laughing.
We started walking again—just the three of us this time. Calvin took the middle like he always did, swinging his bag like it weighed nothing.
"So," he said casually, "shopping review. Hinata?"
"It was fun," I said honestly.
Xavier nodded. "Yeah. It was."
Calvin looked between us, smirk returning. "You know, you two have been walking really close today."
Xavier replied calmly, "It's crowded."
"It's not," Calvin shot back.
My cheeks warmed. "Calvin."
"What?" he said innocently. "I'm just observant."
Xavier glanced at me, then said, "You're blushing."
"I am not."
"You are," both of them said at once.
I groaned. "I hate you both."
Calvin laughed loudly. "No, you don't."
As we reached the bus stop, the sky darkening above us, I realized something simple and comforting.
Calvin was here—steady, teasing, protective.
Xavier was here—quiet, warm, making my heart feel light.
And I was here too.
Not stuck in the past.
Not rushing the future.
Just walking forward with the people who mattered.
Together.