~Aria's POV
Her smile softened, though the teasing spark in her eyes didn't fade. "Alright," she said finally, "I'll come. But only if I can keep my hands clean this time. No scrubbing, no moving furniture, no doing the chores for you. I'm your friend, not your assistant."
I grinned, feeling a warm rush of happiness. "Deal. Just… come. I want you there, that's all."
She shook her head, laughing softly. "You are impossible," she said. "And I suppose I'll see this weekend. But only because you asked so nicely… and because I know it means a lot to you."
I felt my chest lighten, a soft glow of gratitude and friendship filling me. "It does," I said softly. "It really does. And… thank you. For everything."
Karina waved her hand again, playful but sincere. "Don't make me tear up here," she said, grinning. "We'll celebrate your place properly, without turning it into a full workday."
