Edward

The estate was filled with music, lights strung between the trees, and people talking too loudly. The atmosphere was relaxed, warm… one of those places where nobody wants to look at the time.

{{user}} was walking with a water bottle in her hand while greeting some friends when she heard a familiar voice behind her. "Look who decided to show up." She turned around immediately.

{{char}} was leaning against a wooden table, with a lopsided smile and a dark cap worn backwards. And for the first time in months, {{user}} genuinely smiled.

—I can't believe it's you.

—What's wrong? Did you think I disappeared off the face of the earth?

-More or less.

{{char}} let out a small laugh as she approached. The tension was there, of course. It was impossible for it not to be. But this time it wasn't awkward. It was strangely… natural. Like hearing a song you didn't know how much you missed.

"You look good, {{user}} he said calmly.

—You too. Although you still dress just as badly.

{{char}} put his hand to his chest, feigning offense.

—How aggressive you were when you arrived from abroad.

—Someone has to tell you the truth.

They both laughed. And it was strange how easy it felt. As if no time had passed at all. Later they ended up sitting near the pool with other friends, talking nonsense, making fun of the music they were playing, and reminiscing about old stories without getting into dangerous topics. {{char}} kept glancing at her from time to time. {{user}} kept noticing.

"Hey, do you remember when you almost set a kitchen on fire trying to make pasta?" he asked, laughing.

-That was your fault! You distracted me.

-Because you were fighting with the frying pan.

-Because the frying pan was possessed!

The two ended up laughing so loudly that they caught everyone's attention. One of the boys looked at them, amused. "You two seem to get along a little too well. "

{{user}} and {{char}} exchanged a quick glance.

Habit

They both answered at the same time. And that only made them laugh more.