Nova had always hated asking for things.
When you've spent enough time losing everything, asking starts to feel like tempting fate.
So she didn't ask. Not for seconds at dinner. Not for birthday parties. Not for the truth about why she wasn't welcome in her own home.
And definitely not for sleepovers.
But the idea wouldn't leave her alone.
Jules had brought it up again during lunch.
Troy was already making a playlist. A horrible one.
And Zane — as chaotic as he was — had actually said it'd be fine. "My mom loves when people visit. Dad's out of town. You'll be safe from weird siblings and judgmental staircases."
Nova had chuckled at that.
Until she remembered her siblings.
Her brothers.
She could already imagine their reactions.
Ryder would yell.Darian would stare in silence.Ethan would warn her in calm, clever ways.Max might be fine, but even that was unpredictable.
Still, that wasn't the part that scared her.
The part that scared her was Leon.
Because deep down, she wanted him to say yes.
And needing that terrified her.
That evening, she stood outside his office again.
Same spot as the night she first arrived. Same old door, heavy and dark, like it was guarding something more than just paper and power.
Nova shifted her weight.
What was she even going to say?
"Can I go to a sleepover?"No. Too childish.
"It's just one night."Too desperate.
"Please?"Too vulnerable.
She sighed and leaned against the wall, head tilted back.
She could just not ask. Stay home. Let the silence win. Be the good little invisible girl.
But then she remembered Jules' warm eyes. Troy's teasing grin. Zane, waving snacks like bribes.
And for once... she wanted to be where people wanted her.
Not just let her exist — but actually chose her.
"Just knock."
The voice came from behind her.
Nova jumped. It was Max, holding a bowl of chips and watching her like she was trying to break into a safe.
She scowled. "Were you spying on me?"
"I live here."
He crunched a chip. "You've been standing here for like ten minutes."
"I'm thinking."
"You look like you're about to faint."
Nova sighed. "Just... leave me alone."
Max tilted his head. "You want to go somewhere?"
She hesitated.
Max raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. Sleepover?"
Nova blinked. "How—?"
"You've got Sleepover Face. And you don't usually hover near Leon's door unless you're planning something dramatic."
She groaned. "You're actually the worst."
"Want backup?" he offered.
She paused.
"…No. But thanks."
He nodded once. "Good luck. If you survive, bring me snacks."
Then he disappeared down the hall like nothing happened.
Nova stared at the door.
Took a breath.
And knocked.