Chloe with her phone

Suddenly, the curtain of the shower was yanked aside, revealing Chloe's grinning face, phone in hand. "Max, you're not going to believe what I just heard!" she exclaimed. The camera's flash illuminated the small space, capturing Max's startled expression and her nakedness. She gasped, instinctively covering herself, the shampoo running into her eyes.

"Chloe, what the hell?" she spluttered, trying to blink the stinging soap away. Chloe's laughter was unabashed, her thumb already tapping away at the phone's screen. "Oh, come on, Max! It's just us!" she said, waving the phone. The picture was already uploaded to their shared chat, a digital monument to Max's surprise. The cold air hit her skin, sending goosebumps rippling over her wet body. "You're glowing!" Chloe teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Max squinted through the soap bubbles, her heart racing. "That's not funny!" she protested, reaching for a towel. But even through the embarrassment, a **** smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. It was just like old times, Chloe's impulsive behavior a reminder of the carefree days before life had gotten complicated. Before the weight of the world had settled on her shoulders.