Phoebe leaned against the cold brick wall, her arms crossed as she waited impatiently. Sean had texted them both to meet him at the school’s botanic garden, saying Iris had something important to show them. Technically, they were skipping class, but at Crestwood, no one really cared as long as you kept your grades up. That didn’t stop the occasional run-in with an overzealous teacher, though, and Phoebe wasn’t in the mood for lectures today.

Finally, she caught sight of Freya strolling toward her, looking as effortlessly composed as ever. Phoebe straightened, an exasperated look on her face. “What took you so long?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Freya gave her a sly smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “It’s a long story. Let’s just say it involved a guy, a coffee spill, and some damage control.”

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Phoebe rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched in amusement. “Of course it did. You ready now, or do you need to go rescue another damsel in distress?”

Freya grinned. “Oh, I’m ready. Question is, are you? Because you look like you’ve been standing here all day.”

“I have been,” Phoebe shot back dramatically as she started walking. “I was about to leave you behind, you know.”

“Sure you were,” Freya teased, catching up with her easily. She bumped Phoebe lightly with her elbow.

Phoebe laughed, giving her sister a playful shove in return. “Hey, watch it! I’m delicate.”

“Delicate?” Freya snorted. “You’re about as delicate as a wrecking ball.”

Their laughter echoed down the hallway, drawing a few curious glances from passing students. But neither of them cared. It was in moments like these—where teasing and banter replaced the stress of their chaotic lives—that they felt most like themselves.