Selene's POV
My fork hovered mid-air as I glanced between my mom, dad, and Aunt Melinda. I had just finished telling them about our plan—Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal, trekking, stars, and tea houses. The table went quiet. Not tense, just stunned.
"You're serious?" Mama asked, setting her glass down. "A mountain trip? As in the Himalayas?"
"Very serious," I said with a smile, reaching for her hand. "It's a couples' thing. Me and Antonio. Ayra and Eliot. A real adventure."
Papa leaned back, stroking his chin. "Nepal… not exactly where most people go for a romantic getaway."
"It's not about fancy dinners and champagne," I explained. "It's about raw beauty. Nature. Something we've never experienced. It's peaceful. We want to do something bold—together."
Aunt Melinda glanced toward Ayra, who gave a gentle nod. "It's something we both want," Ayra said. "I've always dreamed of the base camp. And now, we all get to share that dream."
There was a beat, and then Papa's lips twitched into a rare smile. "Well, if anyone can handle that mountain, it's you two."
Mama's eyes softened. "Just promise to check in often. And don't forget the altitude pills."
We all laughed. Permission granted. Our hearts lighter.
Antonio's POV
Back at our place, Devina was flipping through a medical journal on the sofa when I broke the news.
"You want to go where?" she blinked, eyebrows raised.
"Nepal," I repeated, sitting beside her. "The Annapurna Base Camp. It's a high-altitude trek. Selene, Ayra, Eliot, and I. We want to do it before life sweeps us into work again."
My dad looked up from his tablet. "That's bold," he said. "Do you even own hiking boots?"
"Not yet," I smirked. "But I will."
Mira leaned into the hallway, overhearing. "Please tell me you'll take pictures. Like… 500 of them."
Amara popped up behind her. "And bring yak cheese!"
Devina chuckled and shook her head. "As long as you're careful. You've always been the one to climb things you're not supposed to."
"But this time," I said, "I'm not climbing alone."
She looked at me for a long second—then slowly smiled. "Then go. Experience it. Live loud."
And just like that, everything was set in motion.
Eliot's POV
My parents weren't shocked. They'd traveled through India, Peru, and even Mongolia once. When I told them about Nepal, my mom clapped her hands and my dad immediately started listing "must-try" Himalayan dishes.
"But Ayra?" Mom asked, sipping her chai. "She's special, isn't she?"
"She's more than special," I said, heart thudding. "She's the story I never saw coming."
They smiled at each other like they'd known this would happen long before I did.
Ayra's POV
We all messaged in the group chat that night.
> Selene: Parents convinced. Boots already in cart.
Antonio: Dad asked if I've lost my mind. Then nodded.
Eliot: Mom said I should propose on a snow ridge. Not happening. Yet.
Me: I just bought a hiking stick with pink rhinestones.
And then Antonio sent the last message.
> Antonio: Annapurna, here we come.
I stared at it, my heart full.
The mountains didn't know yet—but four hearts were on their way.