Elena's phone clicked again.
And again.
And again.
"Rea, I swear, if you do that same pose one more time—"
Rea, standing next to a park bench, flashed the same slightly tilted head, small smirk, and peace sign she had been doing in every picture.
Click.
Elena groaned. "Why do you have only one pose?!"
Rea shrugged. "It works."
Elena dramatically threw her hands up. "It's boring! We need variety! Do something different."
Rea thought for a second, then adjusted her smirk slightly.
Click.
Elena gave her a deadpan stare. "Rea."
Rea grinned.
Elena huffed. "Fine. If you won't change your pose, I will."
She grabbed Rea's arm and spun her into a ridiculous, exaggerated twirl, nearly knocking them both over. They burst into laughter as Elena snapped the picture mid-motion.
"Now that's a good one," Elena said, showing Rea the result.
Rea had to admit—it was better than her usual.
"Okay, fine," she said. "One more."
Elena grinned. "That's the spirit."
This time, Rea threw her arms up in a victory pose while Elena dramatically pointed at her like she was some kind of celebrity.
Click.
Elena examined the picture. "Perfect."
Rea shook her head, laughing. "You're ridiculous."
"And you're boring," Elena teased, tucking her phone away. "Good thing you have me."
---
After leaving the park, they wandered down the streets, taking in the city's energy. Cars rushed by, street vendors called out their deals, and the smell of fresh pastries from a bakery made Rea's stomach growl.
Elena noticed immediately. "Oh my god, are you always hungry?"
Rea rolled her eyes. "You dragged me around all day, of course I'm hungry."
Elena smirked. "Fine. My treat."
They stopped at a small café, ordering sandwiches and drinks before continuing their walk.
They passed musicians playing on street corners, artists painting cityscapes, and little kids chasing pigeons (which, to Elena's delight, reminded them of their earlier pigeon chase).
For once, Rea wasn't thinking about all the chaos in her life. She wasn't worried about Aster, Collaway, or whatever was coming next.
She was just here.
And it felt good.
---
As the sun dipped below the buildings, they finally hopped onto a bus, the warmth of the day still clinging to them. The ride was quiet, the hum of the engine lulling the passengers into a comfortable calm.
Rea leaned back against her seat, glancing at Elena. "Thanks for today."
Elena turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "For what?"
Rea shrugged. "For distracting me. For being… you."
Elena smirked. "Of course. I am pretty amazing."
Rea snorted. "I take it back."
Elena gasped dramatically. "Too late. It's already in the universe."
Rea shook her head, smiling.
And as the city lights flickered outside the bus window, she realized—
She really, really needed a friend like Elena.