Rafaela and Isa – Girls' Night
After the mall, Rafaela insisted that they go to her house. Her room was colorful, full of band posters and drawings pinned to the walls. Pens and notebooks were scattered across the desk, mixed with snack wrappers.
Isa looked around, adjusting her pink bangs shyly.
"— Your room is very… you. Messy, but full of life."
Rafa laughed, falling back onto the bed.
"— And yours must be all neat, right? Totally your style too."
Isa smiled softly, sitting next to her.
"— More or less. But… you know, I like coming here. With you, I feel more relaxed."
Rafa stayed silent for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling. Then she turned to her side and poked Isa with her finger.
"— You're important to me, you know?"
Isa blushed, lowering her gaze.
"— You too, Rafa."
The two laughed quietly, sharing a chocolate bar Rafa had hidden in her drawer.
---
Everyone at Home
Mateus was sitting in the living room, the TV on with a sports program, but he barely paid attention. His father moved through the house, tired from work. Mateus bit his nails anxiously, recalling the near confrontation in the neighborhood.
"— That was close…" he murmured to himself.
Diego was in his room, lying on his back with his phone in hand. The ceiling had marks from old posters. He laughed alone at memes, trying to ignore the strange feeling of almost having been beaten up hours earlier.
Lucas studied at his desk, books open. But his concentration faltered every time he remembered what he said in the neighborhood.
"— I ruined everything…" he whispered, fiddling with his glasses.
Claws was in the kitchen, washing the dishes. His mother sang softly an old song while his father read the newspaper in the living room. He kept a calm expression, but his mind still echoed the taxi driver's words.
---
📱 The Chat Group
One by one, their phones started vibrating. The group they had created during the first week of school, called "Aurora Squad," began popping with notifications.
Diego:
> Dude, the goal I scored today was professional level. You guys should've paid to watch. ⚽😂
Mateus:
> Goal? You tripped over the ball and fell with it.
Lucas:
> At least he tried. I can't even walk properly from all that running.
Rafaela:
> Meanwhile, Isa and I had an AMAZING day at the mall. 👗✨
Isa:
> Yeah, but Rafa spent almost everything on clothes. 😂
Rafaela:
> Lies! I only bought a few things.
Diego:
> I want proof. Where's the photo?
Rafaela sent a selfie of the two of them smiling with milkshakes. The group exploded with comments.
Mateus:
> Those two live better than us. So unfair.
Lucas:
> It's good to see you guys happy. For real.
Claws:
> You complain too much. The important thing is that we're together.
The group fell silent for a few seconds after Claws' message. Then Rafaela broke the mood:
Rafaela:
> Tomorrow I want everyone at school early! I want more gossip.
Diego reacted with 😂. Isa sent a 💖.
And so, each of them closed their eyes in their own bed, with their own worries. But, for the first time, they felt they weren't alone.