In the Shadow Of Memory

Chapter 26

Lucas stood near the hotel, his breath visible in the crisp winter air. The streets were decorated with twinkling lights, and a soft glow bounced off the snow lining the sidewalks. Christmas was just around the corner, only a few weeks away, but his mind was stuck on last night. He hadn't slept much, tossing around the memory of the kiss before they said goodnight. Would Mia bring it up? Was she as shocked as he was?

His hands were stuffed deep into his pockets, the cold biting at his fingers, but the chill did nothing to settle the nerves bouncing in his chest. He kept replaying the moment over and over, wondering if she'd be weird about it—or worse, if she'd avoid him altogether.

But as Mia came out of the hotel, her hair pulled into a messy ponytail, bundled up in her usual winter jacket, she flashed him a wide grin, her eyes lighting up. No awkward tension. No hesitation. Just pure, playful energy.

"Hey, slowpoke!" she called, jogging up to him and poking him in the ribs. "Were you standing here daydreaming about Santa or something?"

Lucas blinked, taken aback by her carefree attitude. "What? No! I was just...thinking."

Mia laughed, her breath puffing in the cold air. "You always think too much, Lucas! Come on, let's get moving before we freeze."

She linked her arm through his, and they started walking, their feet crunching in the snow. Lucas could feel the warmth of her hand through his jacket, and it calmed his nerves a bit. She wasn't acting weird at all—if anything, she seemed even more lighthearted than usual.

They walked through the streets, teasing each other like they always had. The Christmas lights sparkled above them, and Lucas found himself laughing more than he had in a long time. Mia bumped into him on purpose every now and then, giggling when he stumbled slightly, and he retaliated by gently pulling on her ponytail or making exaggerated faces behind her back.

At one point, Mia stopped in front of a sandwich shop. "I'm starving. Wanna grab something to eat?"

Lucas nodded. "Yeah, sure. I could go for a sandwich."

They walked inside, the warmth from the shop hitting them instantly, and Mia pulled off her gloves. She rubbed her hands together, pretending to blow on them dramatically. "Ah, sweet, sweet warmth. I thought I'd turn into an icicle out there."

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously charming, thank you very much," Mia shot back, shooting him a wink.

He shook his head again, but his chest felt lighter than it had in a while. Even after everything, being around Mia just made him...happy. She hadn't changed, not really. She was still the same girl who made him laugh until his sides hurt, the one who could brighten up the darkest days with just a smile.

As they sat down with their sandwiches, Mia unwrapped hers and took a big bite. She chewed thoughtfully, then pointed at Lucas with a grin. "So, you didn't get me a Christmas present yet, did you?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Who says I'm getting you anything?"

Mia gasped in mock offense, placing her hand on her chest. "Lucas Archer, you wouldn't dare."

"I dunno," he shrugged, smirking. "Maybe I'll just give you coal."

"Coal? Oh, that's it." Mia leaned over the table and flicked his forehead.

"Ow!" Lucas rubbed his forehead, laughing. "You're violent."

"You love it," she said with a smirk, taking another bite of her sandwich.

He couldn't deny that. There was something about being around Mia that made everything seem...right. Even though his feelings for her had shifted over time—deeper, more complicated—being with her felt natural, like slipping back into a familiar rhythm. He loved how they could still joke around, how easy it was to be himself around her, even when he felt like he was falling apart inside.

Mia finished her sandwich and leaned back in her chair, a satisfied look on her face. "I swear, if I keep eating like this, I'm gonna need a whole new wardrobe after Christmas."

Lucas smirked. "Don't worry, I'll get you one. Right after I give you that lump of coal."

Mia burst into laughter, and Lucas couldn't help but join in. The snow continued to fall outside, the lights twinkling through the window, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

For now, he'd let himself enjoy this.