29

The park was bathed in golden afternoon light, the crisp air carrying the scent of fallen leaves. It had become our little oasis, a refuge from the city’s noise, but today, it felt suffocating.

I spotted the others gathered at a picnic table beneath the shade of a sprawling oak. Spencer and Ethan were setting up an impromptu feast—sandwiches, chips, and a half-empty bottle of lemonade sitting between them. But it wasn’t the sight of food that made me hesitate.

It was Levi.

And Mia.

They sat across from each other, their conversation effortless, laughter spilling into the air like wind chimes in a summer breeze. Mia leaned in slightly, eyes bright, her fingers twirling the end of her sleeve as Levi smirked at something she said.

I forced my feet forward, plastering on a smile.

"Hey, Cora!", Spencer’s voice was warm, an invitation to join in, but the chill creeping into my chest didn’t budge.

"Hey!", I replied, injecting as much cheer as I could manage. I slid onto the bench beside Spencer, but my gaze betrayed me, flickering back to Levi.

He looked—comfortable. Like he belonged in that moment with her. The thought was a slow, sinking weight inside me.

"Sandwich?", Ethan offered, holding one out.

"Thanks," I murmured, taking a bite, barely tasting it.

"What are we talking about?" I asked, grasping for distraction.

"Best movie of all time," Ethan said, eyes alight with debate. "Levi’s convinced it’s The Godfather."

"Because it is", Levi interjected, flashing that self-assured grin that had always been his trademark. "The storytelling, the characters—it’s a cinematic masterpiece."

"Okay, but what about Mean Girls?" Spencer countered, her voice teasing. "It’s iconic. The quotes alone make it unforgettable."

Levi scoffed, shaking his head. "Fun? Sure. But depth? Not even close." His gaze slid to mine, playful, expectant. "Come on, Cora, back me up here."

My throat tightened. It was just a casual question. Just a simple debate. But the weight of his attention, the easy way he assumed I’d be in his corner—it made my stomach knot.

I swallowed. "I mean... The Godfather is great if you like crime dramas," I hedged, my voice careful.

Levi grinned, triumphant. "See? Cora gets it."

But before the warmth could settle, Mia’s laughter cut through.

"Mean Girls has had more cultural impact than you’re giving it credit for," she challenged, her tone light, teasing. "People still quote it to this day."

Levi tilted his head, considering. "Okay, but realistically—do you think anyone would use a line from Mean Girls in a wedding speech?"

Mia leaned in, her eyes glinting. "Oh, I definitely could see someone saying, On Wednesdays, we wear pink."

Their laughter blended, a melody of familiarity. A shared rhythm. And suddenly, I felt like a background character in my own story.

"Cora, what do you think?" Spencer’s voice anchored me, her expression knowing.

I met her gaze, understanding passing between us—Don’t let this get to you.

I forced a small smile. "I think both movies have their merits. Different genres, different kinds of impact."

"Wow, way to play it safe.", Ethan joked.

The conversation continued, but I felt myself slipping into the role I knew too well—silent observer. Levi and Mia’s banter crackled, an easy back-and-forth that left no room for hesitation.

"So, what’s next for movie night?" Levi asked, glancing at Mia.

She brightened. "Something fun! Maybe a rom-com?"

Levi nodded. "I’m in."

That two-word agreement hit harder than it should have. It was ridiculous—he wasn’t mine. He could like whoever he wanted. But knowing that didn’t stop the slow ache blooming in my chest.

I swallowed hard, willing my voice to sound normal. "Maybe we could do an ‘80s theme night?"

Spencer perked up. "Yes! We should wear matching outfits."

"Oh, I’m definitely down for that.", Ethan added.

Levi smirked. "Just as long as it’s not those hideous leg warmers." He shot me a look. "Though, I bet you’d rock them, Cora."

Heat crawled up my neck, but I forced a laugh. "Yeah, right. Only if I want to scare everyone away."

Mia chuckled. "Just don’t pair them with a pink tracksuit."

Levi laughed too, and the sound twisted in my stomach.

An inside joke.

I wasn’t part of it.

The realization sat heavy in my chest. It wasn’t just Mia. It was Levi, too. He was letting her into his world in a way that felt... different.

I glanced around the table—Spencer’s bright energy, Ethan’s easy humor, Levi’s teasing smirk, Mia’s effortless charm. I was here, sitting among them, yet I had never felt more invisible.

The sun had started to dip, casting golden light through the trees, and I wished, more than anything, that I could enjoy this moment. That I could laugh without feeling like an outsider. That I could sit next to Levi without second-guessing every glance, every word, every moment between us.

But instead, I sat there, my heart tangled in a web of unspoken words, watching something slip further out of reach.

And I had no idea how to stop it.