*Knock, knock.

A persistent knocking pulled me from my sleep. Groggily, I reached for my phone, slipping off my eye mask. My eyes widened as I saw the time—I was already late for school. Panic shot through me.

Beside me, Josh was still fast asleep.

"Shit! Go hide! It's my mom!" I whispered urgently, shaking him awake.

He groaned, still half-asleep. "Huh?"

"Josh, move! Now!" I hissed. He sat up quickly, eyes darting around.

"Closet?" he whispered.

"No! Not there—under the bed!"

In a flash, he scrambled off the mattress and slid underneath just as another round of knocks echoed through my room. My heart pounded as I smoothed my hair and took a deep breath before unlocking the door.

My mom stood there, arms crossed, eyeing me suspiciously.

"What took you so long? And why are you sweating?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

I forced a nervous chuckle. "I thought it was still early, but when I checked my phone, I panicked. I realized I was late," I lied, hoping she wouldn't notice the slight tremble in my voice.

She didn't look convinced. "Then why are you still standing here? Hurry up!"

"Right! I'm going now!" I rushed past her toward the bathroom. "Close the door when you leave!" I added before turning on the shower, making sure she heard the water running.

As soon as I heard the bedroom door click shut, I slipped on my robe and tiptoed back to my bed. Kneeling down, I lifted the blanket.

"She's gone," I whispered.

Josh slid out, stretching his arms. "That was way too close," he muttered, shaking his head.

I let out a breathless laugh. "Tell me about it."

He pulled me into a quick kiss. "I should go before she comes back."

"Yeah, grab your things. You know the exit."

With a smirk, he grabbed his bag and climbed out the window. "I'll see you later?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I love you past the stars."

"And into forever." He kissed me once more before disappearing out the window.

I waited until he was safely on the ground, watching him jog away before finally exhaling. I still wasn't used to sneaking him in and out, but what choice did we have?

Shaking off the nerves, I rushed back to the bathroom to properly get ready.

By the time I made it downstairs, my family was already seated at the dining table. My grandma, dad, and mom all turned to look at me as I took my seat.

"You're already late for your music class, Noa," my mom said, disappointment lacing her voice.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and kept my eyes down. "I'm sorry, Mom. It won't happen again."

She didn't look convinced. "This can't happen again," she said firmly. "I won't let anything—or anyone—jeopardize your admission to Juilliard. And tomorrow, you're going back home."

Her words hit me like a slap.

I clenched my jaw, stabbing at my bread with my knife. "Mom—"

"We'll be moving back to New York," she cut me off. "It'll be easier for you to focus on your preparation for the Juilliard audition there."

I froze. My stomach twisted. "What?"

"You heard me." She took a sip of her coffee as if she hadn't just completely shattered my world.

"But why can't I stay here with Grandma? There are good music schools here, too." My voice was tight, desperate.

"And none of them are Juilliard," she countered, not even looking up.

"But still—"

I barely got the words out before she slammed her hand on the table, making me flinch.

"Enough, Noa! We've already discussed this. You are going to ace that audition, and you will be admitted to Juilliard. What do you even like about this place? There's no future for you here! Your future is in New York, at Juilliard!"

Silence filled the room.

My dad reached over, squeezing my hand gently. He gave me a small, knowing smile before whispering, "Just don't mind your mom."

I nodded weakly, forcing a small smile in return, but deep inside, my heart felt heavy.

My mom could never know about Josh. She wouldn't understand.

I loved him, but… maybe she was right.

There was no future for me here.

Not with him.