Adrian came back sat on the couch.
The cousins were still busy with their game, the room loud with laughter and arguments. Amara sat on the couch, finally calmer after everything that happened in the hallway.
She kept her eyes on the screen… but her attention drifted.
Lyra had walked over to Adrian.
She stood beside him, pretending to watch the game, but her eyes were fixed on him instead.
"Adrian," she said softly, "can I ask you something?"
He didn't look up from his phone. "What?"
Lyra hesitated. "You said… you like someone."
Amara's heart skipped.
Lyra continued, voice small. "Who is she?"
Amara glanced over instinctively — but then she remembered Adrian's words in the hallway.
You love me. That's why.
Her jealousy softened. Her chest loosened. She breathed normally again.
She looked away, focusing on the game, trusting him.
Lyra waited for Adrian's answer, eyes hopeful, curious, maybe even desperate.
Adrian finally locked his phone and leaned back.
He didn't answer immediately.
He didn't look at Lyra.
He looked past her — toward Amara.
"She's beautiful," he said softly.
Lyra's eyes widened.
Amara's breath caught, her heart fluttering.
Adrian continued, voice warm and steady. "She's caring. Too caring sometimes."
Lyra swallowed. "She sounds… sweet."
Adrian didn't respond to that. He kept describing Amara — without ever saying her name.
"She gets jealous," he added, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Even when she tries not to."
Amara's cheeks warmed.
Lyra frowned. "Jealous? Why would she be jealous?"
Adrian's eyes softened. "She's possessive," he said quietly. "Not in a bad way. Just… she feels deeply."
Lyra's expression dimmed.
"And she's stubborn," Adrian added, almost fondly. "But she's gentle. And she cares more than she admits."
Lyra stared at him, confused and hurt. "You really like her, don't you?"
Adrian didn't hesitate. "I love her."
Lyra froze.
Amara's breath trembled — remembering his words in the hallway, calming herself instantly.
Lyra tried one last time. "Can you at least tell me her name?"
Adrian shook his head. "No."
Lyra's shoulders dropped.
Adrian leaned back, completely calm. "She knows who she is."
Amara looked down, her heart warm, her jealousy gone.
She didn't need him to say her name.
His words were enough.