"Aria!" Nora called from the back. "Movie night later?"
She paused.
It took real effort not to just say no.
"What movie?" she asked instead.
"Something dumb?" Nora replied. "Loud. No thinking involved."
Raya popped up next to her. "You're coming. No excuses."
Aylin hesitated for a moment, feeling that familiar tightening in her chest. Getting close to people meant risk, but she nodded anyway.
"Okay."
Raya grinned as she'd just won something.
By the time Aylin and Nora locked up the apartment that night, the city had quieted down to a more relaxed vibe. The tailor shop below was dark, with a rusty metal shutter, and the sign gave off a weak flicker.
Aylin kicked off her shoes and set them neatly by the wall.
Routine was important.
She checked the locks, made sure the windows were secure, and reminded herself that the emergency exit was in the stairwell, all while Nora had already headed to her room.
