Roxy stood in the living room, fiddling with the edge of her tank top. Her gaze was fixed on the door, the urge to leave heavy in her chest. She needed air, needed space—needed to escape her own thoughts for a while.
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“I’m going for a walk,” she announced, her voice quiet but firm.
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Luke, lounging on the couch, immediately perked up. He set his guitar aside and watched her carefully. He recognized that tone, the kind of tone that meant she wasn’t just going for a walk—she was running from something.
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“I’ll come with you,” he said, grabbing his jacket.
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Roxy sighed, already expecting this. “Luke, I’m fine. I just need some air.”
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“And I just need to stretch my legs. Win-win,” he replied casually, slipping his arms into the worn leather sleeves.
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She didn’t argue further, knowing it would be useless. Instead, she rolled her eyes and slipped on her sneakers.
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Before they left, Luke called out to the kitchen where Alex and Reggie were. “Hey, we’re heading out. You guys want anything from the store?”
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Alex peeked out, his blonde hair falling in front of his face. He was wearing his usual hoodie and joggers. “Yeah, grab me a soda.”
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Reggie, sprawled on a chair in his ripped jeans and oversized t-shirt, chimed in. “Chips! And maybe a root beer?”
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Luke gave them a thumbs-up before following Roxy out the door.
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---
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The night air was cool, and the streets were quiet. Roxy walked with her hands in her pockets, her pace brisk. Luke kept up easily, his long strides matching hers.
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They walked in silence for a while before Roxy suddenly spoke.
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“Maybe I should just run away,” she said, her tone half-joking but with an edge of seriousness that made Luke glance at her sharply.
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He stopped walking, grabbing her arm gently to make her stop too. “Hey, don’t joke about that.”
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“I’m not,” she admitted, looking down at her sneakers. “Sometimes it feels like it’d be easier, you know? Just... disappearing.”
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Luke’s expression softened, and he released her arm. “If you’re serious about running away,” he said after a pause, “I’m coming with you.”
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Roxy blinked, startled. “What?”
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“I mean it,” Luke said, his voice steady. “If you want to leave, I’m not letting you do it alone. We can pack snacks, grab some cash, and hit the road. Alex and Reggie will probably chase us down eventually, but hey, it could be fun for a while.”
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For a moment, Roxy just stared at him, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Then a small, reluctant smile tugged at her lips.
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“You’re ridiculous,” she muttered, shaking her head.
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“Maybe,” Luke said, grinning. “But you’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
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They continued walking, the tension in the air easing slightly.
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---
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At the convenience store, Luke grabbed drinks and snacks for Alex and Reggie but didn’t pick anything for himself. He noticed Roxy wasn’t reaching for anything either, her arms crossed and her expression distant.
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“Not hungry?” he asked casually.
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She shook her head without looking at him.
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Luke didn’t press further but grabbed a banana smoothie from the fridge. On their way back, he popped the lid and handed it to her.
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“What’s this for?” Roxy asked, raising an eyebrow.
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“You didn’t grab anything, and you need something,” he said simply.
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“I’m fine.”
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“Drink it anyway,” he insisted, nudging it toward her.
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Roxy sighed but took a sip, and Luke grinned. “Tastes good, doesn’t it?”
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“It’s okay,” she muttered, but she took another sip.
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Luke chuckled, taking the smoothie back and drinking some himself. They passed it back and forth, sharing it as they walked home in the quiet night.
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---
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When they got back, the sound of music filled the air. Alex and Reggie were in the studio, mid-rehearsal, the energy in the room palpable.
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“Chips and root beer delivered,” Luke announced, tossing the bag of snacks onto the counter.
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Alex barely glanced up from his drum set, focused on the beat. Reggie, however, waved enthusiastically before diving into the bag.
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As the music died down, Alex turned to Luke. “We’ve been thinking about the next song. Got any ideas?”
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Luke sat on the couch, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “We could go for something upbeat—maybe with a strong hook?”
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Reggie nodded eagerly, munching on his chips. “Yeah, like something that gets stuck in your head but still has heart, you know?”
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“What about Roxy?” Alex asked, glancing at her. “You’re singing in this one too, right?”
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Roxy shrugged, still sipping the last of the smoothie. “I don’t know. I might sit this one out.”
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Luke immediately shook his head. “No way. Your voice adds something special. You’re in.”
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Roxy rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. “Fine. But only if it’s not too high-pitched. I’m not straining my voice for you guys.”
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Luke smirked. “Deal. Let’s work on the melody tomorrow.”
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As the boys started packing up their instruments, Luke leaned closer to Roxy. “By the way, thanks for sharing the smoothie. Next time, I’m getting my own.”
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