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Chapter 18: Under the Same Sky
The Double Date That Wasn't
Lina called it a hangout.
"Not a date," she clarified. "Just two couples pretending we're not terrified."
They met at a quiet rooftop restaurant—city lights above, soft music below. Daisy wore a simple blue dress, her curls tied back. Calvin showed up with a camera around his neck, not books. Lina arrived late. Marcus was already waiting.
There was laughter at first—easy, light, unexpected. Shared jokes about professors. Inside stories from childhoods they had barely begun to trade.
But slowly, under the glow of fairy lights, truths crept in.
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Calvin's Confession
"I used to think love was about proving I was enough," he said, voice low. "But with Daisy... I don't feel like I have to prove anything. Just be."
Marcus glanced at him. Proud, quietly.
Daisy smiled gently, her hand brushing Calvin's. "You are."
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Lina's Guard Drops
Lina took a long sip of her drink. "I don't trust easily. I've had people turn my words into weapons."
She looked at Marcus. "But with you... I don't feel like I have to explain every part of me. You just get it."
Marcus's voice was soft. "Because I know what it feels like to be unseen."
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A Sudden Call
Daisy's phone buzzed. A message from her father:
> "I met with Calvin's dad today. We talked. Maybe... we were wrong to bury you both under our history."
Her hands shook slightly.
She passed the phone to Calvin, who read it slowly.
And something—quiet but enormous—broke open between them.
Maybe this was what healing looked like: imperfect, late, but possible.
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The Sky Above
They all stood near the railing after dinner, city lights flickering below, stars flickering above.
Four souls—each scarred, each rebuilding. Together.
Lina said softly, "You think love is supposed to feel like falling."
Daisy replied, "But maybe it's more like landing. Safe. Solid."
Marcus added, "And still willing to leap."
Calvin simply looked at Daisy, then whispered, "My heart has never been quieter... or louder."
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