(Michelle Lui's POV)
The morning sun in Country A felt crisper than back home — cool enough for a coat, warm enough that the breeze didn't sting. After breakfast, Andy announced:
"Agenda today: museums, culture, and pretending we didn't all sleep like corpses."
Vince clapped dramatically. "Educational day. Yay. My brain is crying."
Lara hit him lightly. "Your brain doesn't even work on weekends."
"I feel so attacked."
Jeff snorted. "Bro, you walked into that."
"NO I DID NOT—"
While the boys argued, I tucked my scarf more closely around my neck. The plaza in front of the museum was bustling — tourists grouped by their flags, street artists sketching portraits, vendors selling warm pretzels and roasted nuts.
I looked around automatically.
Steven and Lara walked ahead, fingers loosely intertwined. Jasmine stayed close to Anthony, their coats brushing whenever one shifted slightly.
I exhaled quietly.
Andy, walking beside me, noticed the way my smile strained.
