The morning of the trip buzzed with energy across the campus. Students wheeled their suitcases toward the buses, laughter filling the air. Elise stood near Davon, Patricia, Anastasia, Devin, and Lucian, savoring the moment even as her heart tugged at leaving her friends behind.
Anastasia's smile wavered, her hands nervously fiddling with the hem of her blouse. Finally, she blurted out, "I'm really going to miss you, Elise…" Her voice cracked, and to everyone's shock, tears pooled in her eyes.
Elise stepped forward quickly, cupping her cousin's shoulders. "Anastasia, it's only three days. Three. And then I'll be right back. You'll barely have time to miss me." She tried to lighten the mood with a playful grin.
But Anastasia sniffled, wiping at her cheeks. "Still… it won't be the same without you."
Before Elise could answer, Devin suddenly moved closer. His expression softened in a way few had ever seen. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Anastasia in a warm, protective hug.
Everyone froze.
Lucian's jaw nearly dropped. He stared at his younger brother in disbelief. Devin? Hugging? Since when? Even Davon, standing stiffly beside Elise, blinked in surprise.
Anastasia's cheeks flushed crimson as she leaned into Devin's embrace, stunned but unable to pull away. Elise smiled faintly, touched by the sight.
When Devin finally let go, Lucian raised a brow at him with a crooked grin. "Well, well, look at you, little brother. Who knew you had it in you?"
Devin shot him a glare, muttering, "Shut it."
Lucian chuckled, then turned his gaze slyly to Patricia. "What about you? Want me to prove I can give better hugs than Devin?"
Patricia's face instantly burned red. "Wha—no! I—I don't want a hug!" she stammered, avoiding his gaze as her heart thumped wildly.
Lucian only laughed, satisfied at her reaction, while Devin smirked faintly at his brother's antics.
Elise burst into laughter, clutching her side. "Oh my gosh, this is priceless! You guys are killing me!"
Patricia groaned, Anastasia buried her face in her hands, Devin scowled lightly, and Lucian grinned like a cat who caught a mouse.
Davon, however, said nothing—he only watched Elise's laughter with a soft smile he couldn't hide.
Moments later, the bus driver honked. Elise grabbed her bag, still chuckling, and looked back one last time. "I'll see you guys soon! Don't get into trouble without me!"
And with that, she walked toward the bus, Davon falling into step beside her. His hand brushed hers for the briefest second as they climbed aboard, leaving the others watching in silence.