Chapter 4

The living room at Astraea House was filled with laughter and excitement. Lyn, Julia, and Astraea had been planning the road trip for weeks—it was going to be their time to unwind and have fun. But now, they were inviting Derek and Septis to join in.

“So, what do you think?” Lyn asked, grinning. “We’ve got everything ready. Derek, Septis, are you in?”

Derek, lounging on the couch with a bag of chips, immediately sat up and grinned. “I’m in!” he said, his eyes lighting up. “Road trips are always a good time.”

Julia chuckled from her spot across the room. “I knew you’d be in, Derek.”

Astraea, who had been sitting quietly until now, smiled and added, “It’s going to be so much fun. We’re all going to have a blast.”

Septis stood by the window, arms crossed, looking thoughtful. Lyn noticed his hesitation and walked over to him.

“Hey, Septis,” she said gently. “Come on. You should join us. It’s going to be fun.”

Septis turned, giving her a skeptical look. “I don’t know... road trips aren’t really my thing.”

Julia, who had been listening in, jumped in, her voice playful. “Come on! It’ll be a blast. Just think about it: weird stops, junk food, and good company. It’s the perfect way to relax.”

Septis glanced at Astraea, who was giving him a soft smile. With a quiet sigh, he shrugged. “Alright, fine. I’ll come. It sounds like it might actually be fun.”

Lyn beamed. “Yes! This is going to be amazing!”

Derek kicked his feet up on the coffee table. “This trip is going to be awesome,” he said, grinning widely.

Julia yawned and stretched. “I’m so ready for this,” she said, standing up. “But I think I’m going to head to bed now. Gotta rest up for tomorrow!”

Astraea, who had been silently enjoying the conversation, stood up as well. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to take a quick bath before I go to bed.”

As soon as Astraea and Julia left the room, Lyn and Derek exchanged a mischievous glance. Derek leaned toward Lyn and gave her a smirk. “Hey, Lyn, what do you think? Is Septis really in because he wants to go, or is it all because of Astraea?”

Lyn grinned, her eyes twinkling with playful teasing. “Yeah, come on, Septis. You’ve been standing there, looking all thoughtful. Are you joining because the road trip sounds fun, or is it more about spending time with Astraea?”

Septis froze, his face turning slightly pink as he fumbled for words. “I—what? No, I’m just going because it sounds fun, alright?” he stammered, trying to keep his cool. He shot a quick, embarrassed glance at Astraea, but she was already gone.

Derek laughed, nudging Lyn. “Uh-huh, sure. We totally believe you, Septis. It’s all about the *fun*, right?”

Lyn chuckled, leaning in. “Yeah, yeah, you don’t have to hide it. You’re in *because* of Astraea, aren’t you?”

Septis sighed, crossing his arms, but the corners of his lips betrayed a small smile. “You guys are ridiculous,” he muttered, but there was no mistaking the amused glint in his eyes. “Alright, maybe a little. But don’t think I won’t get you back for this.”

Derek leaned back, grinning. “Hey, it’s okay, man. We get it. We’ll all be having fun, Astraea included.”

Lyn laughed, her teasing tone softening. “We’ll see who’s really excited about the trip once we’re on the road. Just don’t expect to get away with *everything* just because you’re hanging out with her.”

Septis smirked, looking more relaxed than before. “Alright, alright. I’m in. But don’t think this conversation is over.”

Lyn smiled, happy to see Septis easing into the group. “This is going to be the best road trip ever,” she said, her excitement growing.

Derek stretched and nodded. “For sure. Can’t wait to get started.”

As they continued to chat, the room felt warm with the anticipation of the road trip ahead. Tomorrow, they would hit the road together, and everyone was ready to make some great memories.

Later that night, Derek and Lyn decided to head to bed, both of them feeling the day’s excitement settling into exhaustion. As they made their way upstairs, Septis stood up to head toward the bathroom, hoping to wash up before bed.

When he reached the bathroom door, he was just about to open it when it swung open suddenly—Astraea, fresh from her bath, stood on the other side.

They froze, staring at each other. Septis’s face turned bright red. “Oh—sorry! I didn’t—uh, I didn’t mean to—”

Astraea giggled softly. “It’s fine, Septis. Go ahead, you can use the bathroom now.” She stepped aside, standing by the door to her room.

Septis cleared his throat, still flustered. “Thanks, sorry about that,” he mumbled, stepping past her into the bathroom.

As he reached for the doorknob, Astraea’s voice called out softly. “Septis…”

He turned back, glancing at her. “Yeah?”

Astraea held the door open to her room and smiled brightly. “Goodnight!” she said, her tone warm.

Septis smiled, his heart racing a little. “Goodnight, moon" he said with a soft smile before walking into the bathroom.

Astraea froze, her face turning a light pink at the unexpected words. Moon

It had been so long since he called her that. She remembered back when they were younger, how he used to call her "moon" because her eyes reminded him of the moon's light, bright and gentle. It was a nickname that made her feel so special, and hearing it again sent a flutter through her chest.

She stood there, a little dumbfounded, as she leaned against the door. Moon.

A soft smile crept onto her face as she shook her head. “Goodnight, my star" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her heart fluttered as she turned to head to her room, cheeks still flushed.

Astraea lay down on her bed with a content sigh, the words ringing in her mind. Goodnight, moon.

She smiled to herself before closing her eyes, the warmth of the moment lingering as she drifted off to sleep.

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