The café bell chimed faintly behind them as the door swung closed.
Evening had arrived without fanfare, painting the sky in soft oranges and fading lavender. Streetlamps flickered to life, casting a golden hue along the sidewalk. The warmth of the café clung to their clothes, but the fresh air cooled their flushed cheeks and cleared their heads.
Hriva wrapped her arms around herself lightly. Not from the cold. Just instinct.
"That was nice," Mira said, adjusting the strap of her purse. "I didn't realize how much I missed sitting together like that."
Zara stretched her arms above her head with a soft groan. "I needed that. I feel like I can breathe again."
Niyah laughed, a low hum that danced on the breeze. "I feel like I overshared."
"We all overshared," Mira said, bumping her shoulder into Niyah's playfully.
"But isn't that what friendship is?" Hriva offered, her voice softer now as they fell into step side by side.
"Yes," Zara said, "and coffee. Friendship and caffeine. Otherwise it's not real."
They walked slowly down the block, no destination in mind, just letting their conversation stretch into the open space of twilight. The sidewalk was dotted with potted plants and hanging café lights from nearby shops. People passed in pairs, heads bent close, laughter drifting past like petals in the wind.
"So, about this dinner," Niyah said, pulling her jacket tighter. "When are we doing it?"
Hriva blinked. "You mean with Jake?"
Mira gave her a knowing look. "Of course with Jake. We've heard about the boy. Now we want to see the boy."
"Touch the fabric of his shirt. Analyze his handshake," Zara added dramatically. "Gaze into his eyes and judge his intentions."
"You guys are ridiculous," Hriva muttered, though her smile betrayed her.
"Absolutely," Niyah said. "But in all seriousness, we're proud of you, Hriva."
"Why?" she asked, glancing at her.
"Because you're letting someone in. That's not easy. Especially for you," Niyah said gently. "You used to hide when things got too deep."
Mira nodded, voice lower now. "And we weren't always good at pulling you back. I think we all lost a bit of each other for a while."
Hriva slowed her steps. Her chest tightened a little, not painfully, just the ache that came when someone saw you too clearly.
"I know," she whispered. "I missed you all so much. I just... I didn't know how to come back. Everything felt so far away."
Zara reached for her hand without warning. "Then let this dinner be our restart. A new kind of memory."
"A full evening. Laughter, food, wine," Mira said. "Jake surrounded by a wall of judgment and love."
Niyah smirked. "Poor guy won't stand a chance."
They all laughed. Loud and unguarded. The kind of laughter that spilled from shared history and healing.
Hriva looked at each of them, the people who had seen her before she ever knew what love like this could feel like. The ones who now wanted to step into that world with her, not just to know her better, but to be there again.
"Okay," she said. "Let's do it. Let's have dinner."
"Saturday?" Zara asked.
"Saturday," Hriva confirmed.
They stopped at the street corner where their paths would part. The wind picked up, tugging at their sleeves and hair. The city lights flickered on above them, illuminating their faces like a soft blessing.
Mira pulled Hriva into a hug first. "Bring him hungry. I'm making pasta."
"Good luck getting a word in," Zara said as she hugged her next. "We're going to grill him like steak."
Niyah lingered last, arms around Hriva for a second longer than the others. "I'm happy for you. Truly."
"Thank you," Hriva murmured. "For still being here."
"Always."
And then, like a page turning gently, the moment passed. They all walked away in different directions, the evening folding around them.
Hriva stood for a second, letting the stillness sink in. She took a slow breath, reached into her bag for her phone, and opened her messages.
JakeYou still out with your friends?
She typed back, smiling faintly.
HrivaJust left. Told them about you. You've got a dinner invitation... and a panel of judges waiting.
His reply came quick.
JakeShould I be afraid?
HrivaYes. But also... maybe a little flattered.
There was a pause before the next message came in.
JakeI'm honored. And already planning my outfit for the interrogation.
Hriva laughed under her breath, then slipped her phone back in her coat pocket. She turned toward home, her steps light.
Something was opening in her again.
Not just her heart.
But her world.