The morning started with a chaotic group of sleepy faces and messy hair gathered in the living room. Everyone was scattered, lying on bean bags, couches, and even the floor, like they just survived a tornado. Probably because they did, yesterday’s chaos was unforgettable.
Zeyon stood near the kitchen, pouring coffee like a zombie. He didn’t even bother using a mug. He just stared into the pot like he was waiting for the caffeine to fix his soul.
“Dude, at least pour it in a cup,” Leo muttered, rubbing his eyes as he dragged himself into the kitchen, wearing mismatched socks and his cousin’s hoodie. “You look like you're about to drink your regrets.”
“I am,” Zeyon said flatly. “Regret tastes like burnt coffee and bad decisions.”
Allison entered the scene next, holding a pillow to her chest like it was a shield from the weirdness. Her hair was still in a messy braid from last night, and her eyes were half closed.
“Please tell me someone ordered food,” she mumbled.
“I thought Leo was ordering pizza,” Elisse said, poking her head from behind the couch, where she apparently slept like a bat.
Leo blinked. “You told me not to.”
“I said ‘don’t forget the pizza’!”
“Oh—well then, oops.”
“Oops my hungry stomach,” Allison grumbled.
Khloe groaned from under a blanket. “I had a dream Zeyon got arrested again.”
“Why again?” Zeyon asked with raised brows.
“I don’t know, it felt accurate.”
Just then, Jessa walked in like she owned the place, her outfit already way too clean for someone who woke up late.
“Oh wow,” she said, scanning them all. “You all look like unpaid extras from a zombie apocalypse movie.”
Elisse shot her a look. “And you look like a fashion ad no one asked for.”
Leo snorted, trying to hide his laugh behind the pizza box he finally found. “Cold pizza, anyone?”
“You said you didn’t order!” Allison gasped.
“Found it in the fridge. It’s probably from last week but hey, hunger wins.”
They all stared at him in silence.
“I’ll risk it,” Zeyon said, grabbing a slice.
Moments like these weren’t just silly—they were a kind of comfort. Loud, chaotic comfort.
But something shifted when Khian walked in, holding a letter. Everyone turned.
“Okay, dramatic entrance,” Leo whispered to Zeyon.
“This came in the mail,” Khian said, handing it to Allison.
She looked confused, opening it slowly. Her eyes widened. “It’s from... my old school.”
Zeyon immediately stood up. “What?”
“They want me to come back. Just for a week. Some kind of alumni program.”
Silence. Then Khloe spoke, “So you’re going?”
Allison glanced at Zeyon, and the tension between them became thick enough to slice with a plastic spoon.
“I don’t know.”
Leo broke the tension with a loud cough. “Well, whatever happens, can we not forget I exist again?”
Elisse smacked his arm. “Oh hush, you literally slept like a baby beside Khian last night.”
“That’s cousin-bonding!”
Jessa raised her hand. “I vote we go out. Like now. Everyone looks dead, and I need pictures for my feed.”
Zeyon was still focused on Allison. “You’re not going back alone.”
“What? Zeyon, it’s just a week—”
“I said what I said.”
Leo leaned in to Elisse. “Protective much?”
Elisse nodded. “Loving much.”
Jessa rolled her eyes. “Okay, but what if Allison actually wants space?”
“Then she’ll say it,” Zeyon snapped.
Allison sighed. “Can we not do this now?”
There was a thick pause. Then Leo clapped loudly. “Right! Time to hit downtown again. We didn’t finish the list yesterday.”
“What list?” Elisse asked.
“The one I made in my head!”
Laughter filled the room again, slowly loosening the tension.
They decided to get ready, everyone scattering to clean themselves up. Allison stayed behind with Zeyon.
“You okay?” she asked softly.
“No,” he admitted. “I just... can’t lose you again. That letter made my heart drop.”
She took his hand. “I’m not going anywhere permanently.”
“But even a day without knowing where you are drives me insane.”
Allison leaned on his shoulder. “Then stay insane. But don’t stop trusting me.”
His hand tightened around hers. “Only if you promise one thing.”
“What?”
“No more disappearing. Tell me before you go to buy a notebook or something.”
She laughed. “Deal.”
The door swung open. “GUYS! LEO’S STUCK IN THE DOOR AGAIN!” Khian yelled.
Allison and Zeyon stood, both groaning.
“Chaos really sticks with us, huh?” Zeyon muttered.
“Forever,” Allison smiled.
They headed out to rescue Leo, with hearts slightly lighter than before.