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Every year, it was the same.
Alice threw this big birthday party and wanted everyone she knew to attend. It just so happened that Rio was her best friend—and she couldn’t say no. Because if they weren’t close, Rio wouldn’t attend. That much was certain.
She hated parties. She hated stupid gatherings of countless people who came for free drinks and food—which, admittedly, was her favorite part too. But there was also something else. Or rather, someone.
Agatha Harkness.
A mysterious woman Rio had met right in this spot two years ago, sitting by the fountain, away from everyone else.
Every year since, Rio had hoped to see her there again. To meet Agatha and spend hours talking, hating on Alice’s parties together. Because somehow, they both equally disliked them.
They never exchanged contacts, never met outside this one day a year. And it was killing Rio. With each passing year, it became harder and harder to stop thinking about Agatha.
“Here I thought you’d be lucky enough to avoid this hell this year.”
Rio’s heart stopped.
Agatha.
Her low, husky voice was one of a kind. Rio would recognize it anywhere.
She turned to look at her with a smile. “Escaping this? Impossible. You should know that by now.”
Agatha chuckled and walked over, sitting beside Rio casually. Like she did every year. It had become a tradition, really.
“So, what have you been up to? I remember last year you talked about opening your own flower shop,” Agatha said, glancing at her and sipping on a mimosa.
Rio was surprised that Agatha remembered their conversation from last year. She herself could quote every single word Agatha had said that night—but she hadn’t thought Agatha cared enough to remember.
“Yes. Yes, I did. And I actually opened one. It’s by the town hall,” Rio said proudly.
Her dream of owning a small business had finally come true.
“I’ve been doing pretty well with it, actually. It surprised me even.”
“I’m happy to hear that. You deserve it,” Agatha smiled.
The soft glow of the lights reflected off Agatha’s skin, her eyes never quite leaving Rio’s. There was something about the way she looked at her—not the usual disinterested glances partygoers threw at each other, but something more… focused. Almost as if she were studying her without saying a word.
Rio felt a flutter in her chest. It was always like this when Agatha was around: that heady mix of comfort and discomfort, familiarity and uncertainty. It had been this way since the first time they met at Alice’s party, and it hadn’t changed. Maybe it never would.
The sound of laughter and clinking glasses in the background faded, leaving just the two of them in this strange little bubble, untouched by the chaos of the party.
“So, what do you really want? From all of this?” Agatha asked suddenly.
Rio wasn’t sure what the question meant. She tried to collect her thoughts, but before she could answer, Alice appeared.
“There you are. Every year, the same scenario—you two, sitting by this fountain.” Alice chuckled, clearly tipsy.
“It gets too loud out there. You know how I hate parties,” Rio replied, voice slightly annoyed, though she knew Alice was understanding enough not to take it personally.
“Besides, at least we both know there’s great company when it comes time to sneak away,” Agatha added with a smirk.
Alice laughed. “You two are a perfect match, I swear to God. But unfortunately, I’m cutting the cake. So I need you both right by my side.”
Rio groaned and rolled her eyes. Of course her best friend wanted her front and center. As if it was a big deal. It really wasn’t.
“Fine, but after that, I’m taking over your guest room and no one gets to interrupt me.”
“I even bought your favorite bath salts for tonight,” Alice said, extending her hand for Rio to take. “And you are not staying in a hotel this year. I refuse to allow it—not when we have two guest bedrooms. You’re staying.”
Alice insisted. Agatha only rolled her eyes and nodded. “I’ll consider it.”
She watched the two of them with an amused look and stood up as well. She was close to Alice—but not as close as Rio was. Which was why she never accepted the offer before. It was easier to stay at a hotel.
Later that night, the party had dwindled into a softer hum. The cake had been cut, the candles blown out, and most of the guests were either too drunk to care or slowly trickling out into the quiet night.
Rio and Agatha now sat by the pool, feet in the water, catching up on the past year. It felt like finally seeing one of your closest friends after being apart for too long. No matter how tired Rio was, she allowed herself this one last moment with Agatha before going to bed.
“So… are you staying?” Rio asked quietly, hoping Agatha would say yes. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye—not yet.
“Yeah, I think so. I’m pretty tired.”
A barely noticeable smile formed on Rio’s lips. She nodded.
They sat in silence a moment longer, both unsure what else to say. It felt like they’d talked about everything, yet something remained unspoken. A tension in the air, thick and undeniable.
The water rippled around their ankles. Somewhere, music still played faintly. A laugh echoed in the distance. But here, here it was quiet.
Agatha shifted slightly beside her, propping herself up with her arms, eyes lifted to the stars.
“Do you ever wonder,” she asked slowly, “why we never did anything about… this?”
Rio turned toward her, heart thudding against her ribs. “All the time.”
Agatha looked at her, their eyes locking. “So why didn’t we?”
Rio exhaled, the breath shaky. “I was scared. That it was just… the magic of these nights. That maybe I imagined it.”
Agatha let out a soft, almost wistful laugh. “You didn’t imagine it. I was terrified too.”
A pause.
Then Rio whispered, “And now?”
Agatha’s expression softened. “Now I’m still terrified. But I’m also tired of waiting.”
Something shifted inside Rio—an ache she’d carried for two years finally cracking open. The longing, the unspoken possibilities. They were all still there, but for the first time, so was something new.
She leaned her head gently onto Agatha’s shoulder. Cautiously, at first—but Agatha didn’t pull away. In fact, she leaned into it.
The silence wasn’t awkward anymore. It was warm. Full.
Agatha tilted her head slightly, her cheek brushing against Rio’s hair. “You know, I thought about you more than I should’ve this year.”
Rio smiled—quiet, trembling. “Me too. All the time.”
Agatha turned her head, just enough for their eyes to meet again. This time, there was no pretending. No half-smiles to hide behind.
“Can I kiss you?” Agatha asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Rio didn’t answer with words. She leaned in.
The kiss was soft. Careful at first—a test of the waters they’d both been too afraid to enter. But when Agatha’s fingers brushed against Rio’s jaw, the kiss deepened. Became something more certain. Something real.
When they finally pulled back, their foreheads resting together, Rio let out a quiet laugh. “We really wasted a lot of time, huh?”
Agatha smiled against her. “But not tonight.”
Not anymore.