Luna's apartment building was modest, about three stories tall, with a brick exterior that had weathered many seasons. They climbed a narrow staircase up to the second floor, following Luna as she moved with a quiet confidence through the familiar halls. When they reached her front door, a small bonsai tree sat beside the welcome mat, its tiny leaves perfectly pruned. Diana couldn't help but admire the attention to detail; it gave the entrance a sense of calm, like a little oasis before they stepped inside.
Once they entered, they slipped off their shoes and were immediately greeted by the soft scent of lavender and cedar. The apartment itself was surprisingly tidy—every surface seemed carefully arranged, as if Luna's family lived by a rule of "a place for everything, and everything in its place." The walls were painted a soft, calming gray, with minimalist artwork hanging in simple frames.
They walked into the living room, where a low, modern couch faced a small coffee table and a bookshelf filled with neatly stacked novels and fashion magazines. Diana and Daniel exchanged nervous glances as they sat on the couch, feeling a little out of place in such an immaculate space. Ava, however, plopped down beside them with a grin, instantly making the atmosphere feel a touch more casual.
As they all settled onto the couch, Daniel took a deep breath, pushing past the flutter of nerves in his chest. "So, um... Ava, is this your first time coming over here?"
Ava burst out laughing. "Gosh, no! I've been over here plenty of times," she replied, waving her hand dismissively. "Luna and I have known each other since freshman year."
She leaned back, her grin widening as she launched into a story. "You know, the first time I met Luna, she was sitting alone on a bench in the schoolyard, looking like she was... I don't know, meditating or something." Ava laughed at the memory. "I went up to her and tried to strike up a conversation. She just stared at me with this totally blank look, like I was interrupting something really important."
Ava chuckled, then added, "At first, I thought she was cold and indifferent, like she didn't care at all. But as we talked, I realized she's actually just awkward—kind of shy, even. There's this kindness in her, like she's always thinking of other people in this quiet, unexpected way." She shook her head, smiling. "Honestly? There's something about her that makes me want to keep her safe. She's got this look that just makes you want to watch over her."
Ava glanced over at Luna, who had her hands up covering her face, but her expression behind them was as neutral as ever. The only hint that she was embarrassed was the way her fingers subtly curled around her cheeks, a rare vulnerability for someone so composed.
Luna finally dropped her hands and cleared her throat, straightening up with an air of forced nonchalance. "Anyway," she muttered, clearly eager to change the subject, "let's go to my room."
As they followed her down the hall, Luna gave a brief tour. "That's the kitchen," she said, pointing to a small, pristine space with stainless steel appliances and a neatly arranged spice rack on the counter. "Bathroom's here." They passed a spotless bathroom, with white tiles that gleamed under the soft lighting. "And that's my sister's room." She nodded to a closed door decorated with a small flower sticker. Ava glanced at it curiously.
"Is she home?" Ava asked, her voice slightly hushed.
"Yeah," Luna replied. "But I told her not to bother us."
They finally reached Luna's bedroom door, which had a unique wooden sign with her name carved in elegant script, each letter painted in a deep, dark purple that stood out against the natural wood grain. Inside, Luna's room was a small world of its own—a blend of simplicity and meticulous detail.
In one corner stood a mannequin, dressed in a chic outfit that looked like it had been carefully styled. A large mirror hung nearby, reflecting the room's soft, muted colors. Along one wall, a closet was packed with neatly folded clothes, and there were boxes stacked beside it, each labeled with different clothing categories. Posters of models adorned the walls, each one showcasing a different style, from streetwear to high fashion.
Her bed was simple, covered with a charcoal-gray comforter that matched the understated vibe of the room. Next to it was a sleek desk with a closed laptop, and a few neatly arranged pens in a cup. The desk was practically spotless, with only the essentials placed on it, as though Luna had arranged everything with purpose.
Diana and Daniel looked around, both of them wide-eyed, taking in every detail. "Wow…" Diana whispered, clearly impressed.
Luna crossed her arms, her back against the wall as they took in the room. "I like fashion," she explained, almost defensively. "So yeah... that's why I have so much stuff."
She crossed to her closet and started pulling out a few items, holding them up to show Diana, who watched with a mix of curiosity and embarrassment. Luna held each piece in front of her as if she were fitting them to Diana's frame, tilting her head slightly in contemplation. Diana felt herself blush, feeling strangely exposed, like that mannequin in the corner with Luna's keen eye appraising her.
Luna finally settled on a few items and placed them neatly on the bed. There was a soft, light blue blouse with delicate lace at the collar, a pair of high-waisted jeans that would suit Diana's frame, and a loose, flowy skirt with a floral print that matched Diana's gentle, understated style.
"Do you want to try them on?" Luna asked, her voice almost hesitant, like she was trying not to push too hard.
Diana glanced at the clothes, admiring the soft fabrics and colors. They seemed almost tailored to her style, even though she'd never thought much about her own clothing preferences before. "Okay…" she said quietly, reaching for the blouse.
She held the clothes in her hands but then glanced up, suddenly self-conscious, realizing that all three of them were watching her. She hesitated, glancing between them nervously.
Daniel noticed her discomfort immediately. "Oh—sorry," he said, quickly turning around and making his way to the door.
Ava laughed lightly, following him. "We'll leave you two alone," she added with a wink.
As the door closed behind them, Diana let out a quiet breath, looking down at the clothes Luna had picked for her. A small, shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she prepared to try them on.