Vivienne, whom Rose had affectionately nicknamed Vivi, sat comfortably on her plush bed while Rose occupied a nearby chair, her hands idly twirling a strand of her long blonde hair. The two had grown close over the past month, forming an unlikely bond that often felt more like that of sisters rather than nanny and charge.
Vivi giggled as she scrolled through her phone. "So, there's this boy at school who asked me out," she confessed, turning to Rose with an expectant look. "I haven't given him an answer yet."
Rose raised a curious brow, setting her book aside. "And? Do you like him?"
Vivi wrinkled her nose, flopping onto her bed dramatically. "Not really. He's sweet and all, but I just don't see him that way."
Rose chuckled at her antics. "Then that's your answer. If you're not into him, don't force it. Just be honest. It's better than leading him on."
Vivi sat up again, nodding. "Yeah, I figured as much. I just didn't want to be mean about it."
As they continued their conversation, Julian approached Vivi's room, pausing just before knocking when he caught part of their exchange through the slightly ajar door.
"What about you, Rose?" Vivi suddenly asked, tilting her head. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Julian's fingers froze mid-air, his posture stiffening. He didn't know why he cared, but for some reason, he found himself waiting for her response.
Rose let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "No, I don't."
Vivi's curiosity only grew. "Okay, but do you like someone? Maybe a crush? Or someone you're seeing?" Her bright eyes sparkled with mischief.
Rose hesitated for a moment, then offered a playful yet evasive smile. "That's a topic for another time."
Vivi pouted. "Oh, come on! You have to tell me something! Do you like my brother? You must've seen him since he came back."
Julian's grip on the door tightened slightly, his breath held in anticipation.
Rose, sensing that the conversation was steering into territory she wasn't comfortable discussing with a child, quickly shook her head and waved a dismissive hand. "Vivi, I think we should change the subject. My personal life isn't exactly an exciting fairytale."
Vivi groaned in protest. "You're no fun, Rose."
Just as Rose was about to respond, Julian straightened up and rapped his knuckles against the door, finally making his presence known.
Rose's head snapped toward the doorway, and Vivi's expression brightened. "Julian!" she exclaimed.
Julian stepped inside, his gaze settling on Rose for a moment longer than necessary before he turned to his sister. "Dinner is ready. You should come downstairs."
Vivi sighed, sliding off her bed. "Fine, but this conversation isn't over, Rose. I will get my answer one day!" she declared dramatically before skipping out of the room.
Now alone with Julian, Rose found herself feeling unexpectedly awkward. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and cleared her throat. "I should head down too."
Julian studied her for a beat longer, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Then, with a small smirk, he stepped aside, gesturing toward the door. "After you."
As they walked down the hallway, Rose couldn't shake the feeling that Julian had heard more of the conversation than he let on.