"What an ending."

"I know right! I told you this book was amazing. I'm still not over it. It's just that mind exploding." I said while admiring the ravishing hardcover of A Good Girl's Guide To Murder that was currently in Hunter's hands.

"It's about time you recommended books to me. And I have to say, you learned well. I'm proud of you." said Hunter as his left shoulder leaned against the blue and green mixed bookshelf at Nighty Night.

"I guess I can say it's Hera Hawkins at your service," I said cheekily.

"I would actually love that." Hunter winked causing me to blush a little.

Just then, I felt a vibration from the back pocket of my jeans indicating that I got a text from whom I'm guessing is Nina Preston. Taking out my phone, I confirmed that my guess was indeed right.

"Oh gosh, they're all already there. We better get going if we want to avoid the Dana couple's constant calls to our poor phones."

Yes, I invented an awesome ship name for my favorite couple in existence, Nina and Dare. Yes, I am proud of that.

"Yeah, alright. Let me go buy this book, inform Ray we're going, and then we shall bounce. Be right back." Hunter gave a peck to my lips before walking off to the cashier.

"You guys are going to make me puke one day." said a voice from behind me, giving me a little scare.

"Oh hey, Rudy." I gave a fist bump to him as I usually do. "Were you spying on us? Because if you did, that would be sort of creepy."

"You wish." He said making me chuckle. "I was arranging some books over there and I thought I should come here and tell you that you're invited to the wedding. I am going to send you an E-invitation but it's always nice to invite someone face to face."

"Oh my God, Rudy, congrats!" I said and pulled him in for an embrace immediately. "Gosh, I'm so happy for you and Maddy. You guys are just meant for each other."

"It does feel like it." Rudy smiled. "You know, I never got to thank you for introducing Maddy to me. Even though it was unintentional, I'm really grateful to you. I got to meet the most amazing woman on the planet—after my mother, of course—and that is because of you. So, thank you, Hera."

"No, don't thank me. You guys are fated, and I just happened to play a minor role in your first meet. I really didn't do much."

"Well, nevertheless, I'm still thanking you. For Maddy and for making my brother happy."

That statement of his caused me to go still. After Hunter and I got back together, it took me a while to reconnect with his family mainly because I felt guilty that I didn't trust him and I was really scared that his family hates me. Even though Ray, Rudy, and Emma treated me the same as before, there was always that lingering doubt in my head. Plus, my mind just loves to mess with me so I was never really assured. But right now, I think I can sigh in relief.

"I know the break-up was hard on the two of you but I think it's what you guys needed. A relationship can't last if there isn't trust from both sides. And trust is always going to be hard to earn especially with both of you. I know I'm going to sound like a douche saying this but I'm glad it happened because it was a lesson for both of you and your relationship is much stronger now. I believe you guys can get past anything and everything now." Rudy smiled.

"I believe so too," said Hunter who was stood behind me for who knows how long.

I shifted my gaze to him and found his mesmerizing grey eyes already on mine with a smile so captivating. At that moment, I felt my heart swell with happiness and I just had to mouth to him the three words I felt so intensely for him. Only him.

"I'm still here, just in case you two lovebirds forgot my existence."

I playfully rolled my eyes at Rudy. "We didn't forget your existence Mr. Theatric. Anyways, we have to get going. Our friends will annoy us to death if we make them wait for too long."

"Yeah, Dare is already blowing up my phone. He even sent me a selfie of him fake crying." Hunter said, baffled a little.

"Now who's the theatric?" Rudy said with a pointed gaze.

"Bye, Rudy." I smiled and walked out of Nighty Night along with Hunter who also said goodbye to Rudy.

Hunter and I got inside his black Prius and drove away to the twins' house. Nina, Dare, Newt, Hunter, and I promised each other to hang out as much as possible before we all left for college. We wanted to make the most out of our time left together. These people meant the world to me and I really hope that we stay in touch for a long, long time.

Finally arriving at the twin's house, Hunter and I got out of the car and walked through their front porch hand in hand. Before I could even knock on their door, Nina opened it with a huge grin plastered on her face.

"Oh my gosh, Hera! I have so much to tell you! Ashley and Newt are so damn cute, I can't control my excitement! I thought I would be disgusted by them but it's the total opposite! She is so sweet and she is so perfect for Newt. I think I'm going to cry but I can't because then Newt will make fun of me and I hate it when he makes fun of me. But I don't think I can hold the tears in for much longer. Gosh, Hera, I'm so happy for my brother!" Nina engaged me in a bone-crushing hug after saying all of that in about three whole breaths.

I eyed Hunter through the corner of my eye and found him smiling in amusement just like I was. "Nina, I want to be excited too but it's hard to do that when I'm unable to breathe from this very tight hug."

"Oops! Sorry." She sheepishly grinned.

I chuckled. "It's fine. But let's go inside where Newt and Ashley are so I can fangirl with you."

"Yes, please! I'm so glad I have you. Dare wasn't even trying!"

Entering the house, my gaze immediately landed on an absolutely gorgeous girl. "Ashley! Hey!" I said and pulled her in for an embrace.

"Hi! Thank God, you're here. I was afraid Nina might pass out from squealing so much." Ashley whispered.

I had to stifle my laughter. "She really might have."

"You're already forgetting me, Hera? I'm hurt," said Newt who feigned sadness from behind Ashley.

"Newt! Dramatic as always." I said and hugged him.

"Of course." He beamed and wrapped his arm around Ashley's waist.

"Aren't they just the cutest?" said Nina as she appeared beside me with a teasing grin.

A blush instantly appeared on Newt and Ashley's cheeks causing all of us to cackle. Ashley Kane is the person Newt has been dating for a couple of months now and they are just so adorable together.

She's the girl Newt tutored and almost yelled in her face. Turns out, she's actually really smart and pretended to be not-smart just so she could get closer to Newt. But after that whole tutoring disaster, she never tried again. That was until their paths collided for a school project making Newt realize that Ashley didn't need tutoring after all.

"Dude, you're so whipped!" Dare said with a playful smirk while walking out of the kitchen with a large bowl of popcorn.

"So what if I am?" Newt asked confidently shocking all of us—especially Ashley.

"Welcome to the club, bro," said Dare while winking at Nina causing her to blush and the rest of us to shake our heads in amusement.

"Okay, okay! All the snacks are here and Netflix is on so let's get started on the movie marathon!" said Nina who took her seat on the couch and the rest of us followed.

"Wait! Before we start, any updates on you-know-who?" asked Newt.

Suddenly, everyone's eyes fell on me making me turn red out of shyness at the unexpected attention. "Uh, she was referred to a psychiatrist by her therapist yesterday. So, she's probably going to go on medication."

After Melanie revealed her evil doings, something about her behavior that day in the hospital bothered me a lot. I know I should just be angry at her for what she did but there was a part of me that was worried for her and I didn't know why. So, I told mum everything about what happened and she immediately talked to Melanie's parents who then approached Melanie and found out that their daughter was not in the right state of mind.

A few weeks later, mum told me that Melanie had started to go to therapy after her parents spoke to a professional and thus came to the conclusion that this is what she needs. After a few sessions of therapy, it was declared that Melanie is mentally ill. Even though she did all of those horrible things to us, we can't help but feel a little bad.

"I really hope that helps her." Nina sighed. "You know, I still can't believe she tried to make us believe that she actually slept with Mr. Kerner when in reality, she just slept next to him on his bed?"

"Yeah. And Mr. Kerner is so freaking weird for even proposing that deal. I'm glad he was fired." Newt replied.

"Well, let's not dwell over the past and just enjoy what we have right now," said Hunter placing his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him.

"Yeah, you're right," I said looking at Hunter with a smile to which he smiled right back and gave a peck to my lips.

"Can we watch the movie already?" Dare asked frustrated. "I haven't watched this one yet and I am dying to see Tom Holland slay the role of Spiderman once again."

"Oh yes! I need to fangirl over my boy, Tommy!" said Nina.

"I'm right with you, babe." Dare then gave a kiss to Nina's cheek.

And there is one perfect reason as to why they're my favorite couple in existence.

Newt pressed play on the TV remote and the opening credits of Spider-Man: Far From Home started to play on the screen, capturing all of our attention in an instant.

Soon, the movie came to an end and it felt like two hours had flown by in a blink of an eye. It was that good of a movie.

"That. Was. Awesome! But I have to pee so bad right now so I can't talk, be right back." said Dare who literally bolted to the bathroom.

"Well, I'm going to get more popcorn so, be right back," I said mimicking Dare.

"I'll help you," said Newt who stood up and walked into the kitchen with me.

"Hey, did you realize that it's been so long since you, Nina, and I had a movie marathon day?"

"Oh yeah. We haven't done this in so long. I have to say I missed this."

"Yeah, me too. And it feels nice that we can do it with our partners now."

"Yeah." I smiled and faced him properly. "Newt, I'm really happy that you found Ashley. If she's with you even when you screamed in her face, then that can only mean she's a keeper."

"Oh God, don't remind me. I still can't believe I did that. I don't know what I was thinking." He said scratching his head in embarrassment.

I chuckled. "You don't have to worry about that, she is totally into you."

"I am too. She makes me really happy and we're just so in sync. It almost feels like I found the one, you know?"

I sighed in contentment at Newt's words. "You really are whipped." I teased. "But all jokes aside, I'm really, really happy for you, Newt. You deserve all the happiness in the world and I'm sure everyone out there agrees with me."

"I can attest to that." said a voice all of a sudden, causing our heads to turn in the direction of the voice.

My eyes instantly glistened at the sight of Hunter who was leaned against the wall at the kitchen's entrance with his shoulder, looking absolutely gorgeous.

"I think you're drooling," Newt whispered to my ears.

Almost like a knee jerk reaction, I slapped Newt's arm with the back of my hand. "Shut up!" I whispered back.

"Bro, your girlfriend is droo-"

Before Newt could further humiliate me in front of my handsome boyfriend, I quickly put him in a headlock. "Shut up, dude!"

Hunter chuckled at our odd dispute and sighed. "I am going to miss this."

That statement of his made me release Newt and look at Hunter who was walking towards us with his eyes on me and arms lifted. I too raised my arms in order to hold him when he reaches me. "Aww, Hunter. That's so adorable but we're going to the same college. What are you going to mis-"

The words died on my lips because just as Hunter was about to reach me, he moved his elevated arms in a quick move and embraced Newt instead, taking both Newt and me by surprise. "I'm going to miss you, bro."

Newt shifted his gaze to Hunter, then back to me and all of a sudden, he was hugging Hunter back. "Aww, Hunter." He said imitating me.

Slowly realizing what the hell was happening here, I looked away and stared into space, imagining it was a camera—like in the mockumentaries—with an unimpressed expression.

After the day Hunter and I got back together, Newt and Hunter put their differences aside and got to know each other. They became closer and it felt like they were long lost best friends who are only finding each other now. Hanging out with both Dare and Newt has made Hunter goofier and turned him into a crackhead at times. Don't get me wrong, I do love Hunter the crackhead but when the boys team up and make fun of me, it's not so fun for me anymore.

"Ha. Ha. You guys are so hilarious. I'm laughing so hard." I said monotonously.

"It's okay to be jealous, Hera. I know it stinks that Hunter loves me more." Newt said and stuck his tongue out like a child.

Just as I was about to reply sassily, Dare walked in, making a dramatic appearance. "Hey! Don't forget the last bro! This is a three-way bromance and it can't work if I'm not here."

"Three-way bromance?" I asked, slightly petrified at that thought.

"We do not condone that," said Hunter while shaking his head vigorously. "Didn't I tell you to shut your nonsense?" Hunter tweaked Dare's ear, causing him to yelp in pain.

"Ugh, you're a meanie." Dare pouted.

"Guys! What's taking so long? Get your asses here so I can start the next movie!" shouted Nina from the living room which made all of us run to the couch and take our seats.

Hours had passed by and we finally finished watching the third Marvel movie of the day, thereby ending our movie marathon.

"I don't know about you guys but I am beat." said a yawning Dare.

"Me too. Also, I should get going. Thank you so much for having me today." said Ashley as she stood up.

"It's no problem! We loved your company. You must hang out with us again!" Nina said, embracing Ashley.

"Yeah, you really should. Newt can't seem to go anywhere without you now."

Newt rolled his eyes at me. "You will never stop teasing me, will you?"

"Nope." I grinned and that made all of us fall into laughter.

"Hera and I should get going as well so let's walk out together," said Hunter.

"Yeah, let's go."

"Bye, Nina." I hugged Nina and gave a fist bump to Dare. "Bye, Daredevil."

After all of us exchanged our goodbyes, Ashley, Newt, Hunter and I walked out of the house and parted ways as Newt was giving Ashley a ride home while Hunter and I headed to my house which was next door.

"Mum! I'm back!" I shouted the moment Hunter and I walked in through the front door.

"Hey, kiddo. Hi, Hunter," said Elias who walked out of the kitchen.

"Hey! Where's mum?"

"Right here." said mum who was currently walking down the stairs.

"Is it cool if Hunter hangs out here for a while?"

"Of course, honey." She said and looked at Hunter with a smile. "Hunter, dear, you're always welcome here, I hope you know that."

"Thank you, Ms. Hawkins."

"Didn't I tell you to call me Athena?" She asked playfully.

Yes, my mum was also named after a Greek Goddess. My family has an unhealthy obsession at this point.

"Yes, my bad." Hunter smiled.

"We'll be upstairs," I said and grabbed Hunter's wrist to pull him towards my room and away from my mum who can potentially embarrass me at any moment now.

"Keep your door open! No child-making in this house, I mean it."

Of course. Just when I thought I could get away from the embarrassment. Hunter burst into laughter after hearing what my mum just screamed to probably the whole neighborhood.

"What are you laughing at? She means you too." I deadpanned.

"Okay, okay." He raised his hands in defense. "I like your mum and I'm just glad she doesn't hate me anymore."

"Well, how could she after she found out the truth? It's kind of impossible."

"Oh yeah? So, is it impossible for you to hate me?" said Hunter in a husky tone as he came closer to me, erasing all my personal space.

"Yes," I whispered as I looked into his eyes and placed my hand on his toned chest. "It is completely impossible to hate you."

"Good." He said and leaned in to kiss me.

But I ducked away just seconds before his lips touched mine and ran to the other side of the room with a playful smile lingering on my face.

"Oh, you want to play, huh?" Hunter smirked.

"Catch me if you can."

"You better wish I don't."

Hunter started to run towards me but I threw my plush penguin at him, catching him off guard. I then ran to my armchair to which Hunter followed and we just ran around it in circles while laughing like idiots.

"Hera, you better make sure I don't catch you." He smirked.

"Or what? What are you going to do?"

Instead of replying, Hunter just gave me a devious smile. Needing to escape, I quickly jumped on my bed and crossed over to the other side of the room hoping I could go out the door and run to the living room where there's more space. But I wasn't fast enough because Hunter caught my waist from behind just when I was about to reach the door handle.

"I win." He whispered in my ears, sending goosebumps down my skin.

"What are you going to do to me?" I asked nervously.

"You are going to get a visit from the tickle monster."

"Wha-"

I couldn't speak any further because Hunter started to violently attack my waist with his tickling hands. Hunter knew I was super ticklish and he took it to his advantage, damn it. I tried to make him stop by moving away towards my bed and swatting his hands off me but he wouldn't budge. Eventually, my thighs hit the edge of the bed, making me fall on it with Hunter on top of me. But he never stopped to my dismay.

"Hunter, please stop- Oh my God!" I managed to say in between my inevitable giggling.

He finally stopped. "Will you let me kiss you?"

"Hmm, let me think abo-"

I was unable to speak further yet again because Hunter started tickling me again. "Okay, okay! You win! Kiss me already, Knight."

Hunter chuckled and caught my lips with his in a matter of seconds for a slow and soft kiss. He gently cupped my cheek, caressing it while I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me.

With our bodies pressed together, I could feel the beating of his heart against my chest and I couldn't help but smile through the kiss. The fact that I could make his heartbeat go erratic makes me weirdly happy and satisfied.