The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 132

"Could I... tag along with you guys?"

Lilah took two steps forward, twisting her fingers nervously. "I checked the forecast last night, and it said... there might be auroras over the next few nights. Probably between nine and eleven."

She looked up, her gaze practically glowing. "Can I please ride with you to see the lights? I've never seen them before! I swear I won't get in your way, I'll just stay in the snowcat and stay put!"

Professor Harrison remained silent.

Coach Jensen walked over from the supply crates, brushing the snow off his gloves. "Professor, why don't we just bring her along? It never hurts to have an extra pair of hands."

Diego frowned.

It was a rare expression for him—gone was his usual goofy smirk, replaced by genuine gravity.

"Coach," he said firmly. "You know exactly what kind of mission this is. If something happens to her, who takes the blame?"

He turned to Lilah, softening his tone but keeping his stance clear. "Lilah, cut it out, alright? It's not that we don't want you there, it's just too dangerous. Can't you just watch the lights from the station? We'll take plenty of pictures for you."

Lilah lowered her head and bit her lip.

Coach Jensen waved him off dismissively. "Diego, don't be so heartless. The girl just wants to see the auroras, it's not like she's diving into the water with us."

Diego opened his mouth to argue, but Professor Harrison cut in.

"Are you sure about this?"

Lilah looked up and nodded vigorously. "I'm sure. I promise I'll be good and won't cause any trouble."

Professor Harrison studied her for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his usually stoic gaze.

"Get in,"

he finally said after a tense silence.

Lilah's face lit up instantly. "Thank you, Professor!"

Lilah's eyes lingered on that unzipped pocket for a split second.

Then, she offered a sweet smile and hurried toward the passenger door.

The six of them piled into the vehicle one by one.

The interior was surprisingly spacious, with three rows of seats perfectly accommodating the team while their gear sat securely in the back. The heater blasted warm air, leaving a thin layer of frost on the windows.

Josh took the wheel with Professor Harrison riding shotgun; the two of them double-checked their route on the GPS monitor.

Lilah and Sloane shared the second row. Lilah pressed her face against the icy glass, straining to see outside, but there was nothing out there except the tiny patch of snow illuminated by the headlights and an endless sea of darkness.

Sloane leaned back into her seat and closed her eyes.

The cabin fell into a heavy silence, until a booming, off-key voice shattered the quiet from the back row.

"Even if fate is rough, even if destiny is a twisted road... everybody sing!" Diego belted out the lyrics with absolute passion, despite missing every single note.