Another sunny weekend morning, the living room was filled with soft sunlight streaming through the windows as Nick sat on the couch, lazily scribbling notes in a notebook. He was in his usual weekend attire—plain black tee, worn jeans, and his glasses perched on his nose. The quiet was interrupted by the sound of light footsteps descending the stairs.
Nick glanced up absentmindedly, expecting to see Chas in her usual comfy loungewear. Instead, he froze for a moment. Chas stepped into the room wearing a pastel-colored mini skirt that swished lightly with her movements and a cute crop top that showed just a hint of her toned midriff. The outfit was cheerful, matching her vibrant personality, and her white sneakers tied it all together, making her look effortlessly stylish yet approachable.
She was rummaging around, humming to herself as she searched for something, completely unaware of Nick’s gaze.
Nick cleared his throat, trying to pull his attention back to his notebook. “Going somewhere fun?” he asked, keeping his tone as casual as possible.
Chas turned to him, her face lighting up with a grin as she found her sunglasses on the coffee table. “Meeting Gigi, Leon, and Nina at the park,” she said, slipping the shades onto her head to hold back her hair. “We’re just gonna chill and maybe grab some ice cream.”
Nick nodded, but before he could say anything, Chas grinned mischievously and added, “You should come along. But honestly, you’d ruin my vibe with your dad energy.”
Nick raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “Dad energy? Seriously?”
“Come on,” Chas teased, leaning against the arm of the couch. “You’d probably sit there in your shades, looking all broody while we take selfies and talk about memes.”
Nick rolled his eyes, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Fine. Go have your little Gen Z hangout. But don’t let Gigi talk you into any weird TikTok trends.”
“No promises,” she shot back with a laugh. Grabbing her bag, she headed for the door, throwing him a playful wave over her shoulder.
As the door clicked shut behind her, Nick leaned back on the couch, staring blankly at his notebook. He found himself smiling despite himself. There was something about the way Chas moved, the way she lit up a room just by being in it, that lingered even after she was gone.
“She really knows how to leave an impression,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and something else he didn’t quite want to name.
-------------------------------------------------------
The park was alive with laughter, chatter, and the occasional bark of an excited dog chasing a frisbee. The golden sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the walking paths and the vibrant green lawns. Chas spotted her friends sitting on a picnic blanket beneath a massive oak tree. Gigi, Leon, and Nina had already laid out a spread of snacks and drinks, the perfect setup for a relaxed hangout.
At the park, each of Chas’s friends radiated their own distinct style, perfectly complementing their personalities:
Gigi
Gigi was the embodiment of bold, unapologetic confidence. Her natural black curls framed her face beautifully, bouncing with every step she took. She wore a fitted neon green crop top that made her dark skin glow in the sunlight, paired with high-waisted denim shorts with distressed edges. Her oversized hoop earrings glinted as she laughed, and she completed her look with bright yellow sneakers and a few colorful beaded bracelets stacked on her wrists. Gigi’s style screamed vibrancy, just like her energy.
Leon
Leon’s flamboyant flair was impossible to miss. His natural autumn-orange hair seemed to blaze under the sunlight, styled in loose waves that perfectly suited his light blue eyes. He sported a lavender button-up shirt, left slightly undone, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Tucked into high-waisted, wide-leg white trousers, his outfit was sharp yet playful. On his feet were tan loafers with no socks, and he wore a delicate gold chain around his neck. Leon’s fashion sense always walked the line between elegance and drama.
Nina
Nina’s girlish style gave off a soft, timeless charm. Her brunette hair was neatly braided into two loose plaits, tied with small pink ribbons. She wore a pastel floral sundress with a sweetheart neckline and a flowing skirt that danced lightly in the breeze. Paired with her dress were white lace-up sneakers, giving her a casual yet sweet vibe. She carried a straw tote bag with a little stuffed keychain hanging from it, adding to her approachable, playful aesthetic.
As they lounged together in the park, their outfits reflected their vibrant personalities, making them a striking, eclectic group that turned a few heads from passersby.
“Finally!” Gigi exclaimed, spotting Chas. She jumped up and ran over to her, giving her a dramatic once-over. “Look at you, pastel princess! You’re giving main character vibes today.”
Chas laughed, twirling playfully to show off her outfit. “You know I aim to please,” she said, striking a mock pose.
Leon, ever the flamboyant king of sarcasm, sipped his iced coffee before chiming in. “She really does look cute today. Almost too cute. Are you trying to impress someone, Chas? Hmm?” He wiggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly.
“Oh, please,” Chas said, rolling her eyes and plopping down on the blanket. “Not everything is about impressing someone.”
“That’s exactly what someone trying to impress someone would say,” Nina teased, tossing a grape at her.
“Whatever,” Chas replied, catching the grape midair and popping it into her mouth. “Maybe I just wanted to look nice for you losers.”
Leon gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “You’re calling this—” he gestured to himself in his tailored shorts and patterned shirt, “—a loser? Chas Sinclair, how dare you?”
The group dissolved into laughter, the kind that drew curious glances from nearby parkgoers.
As they settled into their usual rhythm of playful banter, Gigi nudged Chas with her elbow. “So,” she began, “how’s life at Casa Rockstar? It’s been, what, almost two months now?”
Chas shrugged, sipping from a bottle of sparkling water. “It’s… good, actually. Nick’s really chill, surprisingly. He even cooks sometimes.”
Nina leaned in, eyes wide. “Wait, the Nick Sinclair cooks? Like, actual food? Not just takeout?”
Chas laughed. “I know, right? He’s full of surprises. But, yeah, it’s been nice. He’s been super protective lately, though. Like, I told you about the whole coffee shop incident with Clara?”
Gigi nodded, her expression darkening. “Yeah. What a witch.”
“Well, after that,” Chas continued, “he insisted I quit. Said he didn’t want me dealing with that kind of stress anymore. And honestly? I kind of needed the push.”
Leon smirked. “He’s got it bad for you. I’m calling it now.”
“Leon!” Chas said, tossing a piece of pretzel at him.
“What?” he said, laughing. “I’m just saying what we’re all thinking.”
The teasing continued, but Chas couldn’t help the warm flush that crept up her cheeks. As much as she protested, the thought of Nick caring for her that deeply stirred something in her chest.
As Chas popped a piece of watermelon into her mouth, she looked around the group and frowned slightly. “Hey, wait. Where’s Katy? Isn’t she usually the first one here?”
Leon leaned back on his elbows, dramatically flipping his hair. “Ah, yes, our dear Katy. The reigning queen of punctuality and last-minute cancellations.”
Gigi rolled her eyes. “She texted earlier. Apparently, her boss asked her to cover someone’s shift at the café. She couldn’t say no.”
Chas sighed, resting her chin on her hand. “Figures. She works way too hard.”
“She does,” Nina agreed, shaking her head. “I keep telling her she needs to take a breather once in a while. But you know Katy—Miss Overachiever Extraordinaire.”
Leon smirked, looking over at Chas. “She did say she’d make it up to us, though. Probably by dragging us to one of her café’s poetry nights. You know how she loves those.”
Chas chuckled. “I’d actually be down for that. It’s been ages since we all hung out together at one of her work events.”
“Well, next time,” Gigi said, raising her soda can, “we’ll make sure she doesn’t have any excuses. Katy will join us whether she likes it or not!”
Everyone laughed and toasted to the idea, the mood staying light and cheerful. But as the conversation shifted to other topics, Chas couldn’t help but feel a small pang of guilt. She’d worked at a café for years too, and she understood exactly how Katy felt. Maybe after this hangout, she’d text Katy and check in—just to make sure she was doing okay.
Chas, sipping her sparkling lemonade, added, “Speaking of drama…” She smirked, leaning in conspiratorially. “Leon, who’s that guy you were flirting with at the library last week? I saw you!”
Leon’s eyes widened, his face turning a shade almost as vibrant as his hair. “You did not! Chas, you little spy!”
Nina laughed, clapping her hands. “Oh my gosh, Leon, you can’t even deny it. Who is he?”
As Leon tried to brush off the attention, Gigi leaned in, her curls practically bouncing with excitement. “Ethan from engineering? Oh my god, Leon, you have taste! That guy is fine.”
Leon rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the smirk creeping onto his face. “He’s… okay, I guess. Not everyone’s type.”
“Not everyone’s type? Boy, he’s everyone’s type,” Nina chimed in, twirling her hair as she exaggerated a dreamy sigh. “Tall, dark-haired, with those glasses? And he’s an engineer? Smart and cute. You’ve got a winner.”
Chas grinned, adjusting her sunglasses. “Wait, wait—how do we not know about this? When did you meet him?”
Leon sighed dramatically, throwing himself back on the blanket. “Fine, I’ll tell you. I was in the library last week, minding my own business—”
“Sure,” Gigi interrupted with a smirk. “You were totally minding your own business and not strategically positioned at the study tables near the engineering section.”
“Shut it,” Leon shot back playfully. “Anyway, I was actually looking for a book, and he was sitting there with a laptop, looking all serious and cute. He saw me struggling to reach a book on the top shelf—yes, laugh it up, short jokes incoming—and he just stood up and got it for me like it was nothing.”
The group gasped in unison.
“Oh, my god,” Nina squealed. “He gave you a damsel-in-distress moment!”
Leon shrugged, though his cheeks turned slightly pink. “Yeah, well, then we started chatting—turns out he’s really into architecture as a hobby. He’s doing an engineering and architecture crossover project or something. We talked for like… twenty minutes before I realized I was late for my lecture.”
“Twenty minutes?” Gigi said, sitting up straighter. “Leon, that’s practically a date! Did he ask for your number?”
Leon shook his head. “No, but he said, ‘See you around,’ and smiled. I think I melted right there.”
Chas clapped her hands together, grinning from ear to ear. “Okay, so this is officially a thing now. We’re making this happen. Next time you see him, you have to ask him out.”
“Absolutely,” Nina agreed. “And you better tell us every detail.”
Gigi crossed her arms with a determined expression. “You can’t let a guy like Ethan slip away, Leon. Do it for us.”
Leon groaned, though his smile gave him away. “Fine, fine! But if it goes south, I’m blaming all of you.”
As they teased him relentlessly, the group’s laughter echoed across the park. Leon’s budding crush on Ethan became the highlight of the day, filling the afternoon with excitement and playful banter.
As Leon launched into a spirited defense of his “totally innocent” encounter, the group erupted into giggles, their banter flowing as effortlessly as the sunlight around them. The afternoon was a perfect mix of fun, laughter, and heartfelt moments, reminding them all how much they cherished these rare times together.
As the group lounged on the picnic blanket, Gigi sat up with a proud grin, her curls catching the sunlight. “Alright, enough about Leon’s love life—let’s talk about me and Aaron.” She wiggled her eyebrows playfully.
Chas leaned forward, her sunglasses perched on her nose. “Ooh, yes! What’s the tea? How’s Mr. LSE Business Guy treating you?”
Gigi beamed. “Girl, he’s amazing. Last weekend, he surprised me with a date at this fancy rooftop restaurant in the city. Like, I’m talking skyline views, candlelit tables, live jazz band playing in the background—the whole works!”
Nina gasped. “Aaron did that? Oh my god, he’s perfect. You’re so lucky!”
Gigi waved her hand dramatically. “I know, right? He said he wanted to celebrate my recent internship offer, and I almost cried. He even brought me flowers. But, you know, no pressure or anything—he’s still just a guy, totally chill.”
Leon snorted. “Totally chill? You’re glowing like you just won the lottery, Gigi.”
Gigi laughed. “Okay, fine! He’s perfect, and I’m obsessed, but I’m keeping him humble. Can’t let him think he’s got me completely wrapped around his finger.”
Chas grinned. “Sounds like you’re the one calling the shots, as always. I love that for you.”
Then Nina spoke up, tucking her legs under her. “Speaking of love lives… Freddie and I are managing the long-distance thing pretty well. He’s deep in his studies at Oxford, and I’m still here, but we’ve been making it work.”
Leon raised an eyebrow. “Long-distance? How often do you see each other?”
“Not as often as I’d like,” Nina admitted, a touch of longing in her tone. “But we video call every night, and he’s been sending me letters—actual handwritten ones!”
Chas’s eyes lit up. “That’s so romantic! Like something out of a movie.”
“Right? He’s such a sweetheart,” Nina said, smiling softly. “He’s also coming to visit next month, so we’re already planning a weekend together. I can’t wait.”
Leon leaned back with a sigh. “Wow, you two are living actual love stories, while I’m over here trying to not spill my coffee on Ethan.”
Gigi nudged him with a laugh. “You’ll get there, Leon. But, Nina, handwritten letters? That’s next level. Freddie sounds like a keeper.”
Nina nodded. “He really is. It’s hard being apart, but I know we’re building something strong. I’d rather have him far away and in my life than not at all.”
The group fell into a brief silence, letting Nina’s words linger. Then Chas, ever the optimist, broke it with a grin. “Well, I’m manifesting only good things for all of us. Whether it’s Aaron, Freddie, or Ethan—we’re all going to have our happy endings.”
The group cheered in agreement, raising their water bottles like champagne glasses as they toasted to love, laughter, and their tight-knit friendship.
As the group lounged back on the picnic blanket, Gigi suddenly smirked, leaning toward Chas with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Alright, enough about us. Let’s talk about you and your mysterious rockstar housemate, Mr. Nick Sinclair.”
Chas nearly choked on her sip of lemonade. “What? What about him?”
Leon joined in, waggling his eyebrows. “Oh, don’t act all innocent, Chas. You’re living with a literal rock legend. Spill the tea—how is that even a thing?”
Nina clasped her hands together, her hazel eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Yeah, what’s it like living in a fancy house with Nick Sinclair? Is he, like, moody? Does he play guitar shirtless? Does he write songs about you?”
Chas rolled her eyes, but a blush crept onto her cheeks. “Okay, first of all, no, he’s not some brooding rockstar stereotype. He’s actually… normal. He’s nice.”
“Niiice,” Gigi repeated, dragging the word out teasingly. “Come on, Chas. You have to give us more than that. He’s a rockstar! What’s the catch? Is he secretly messy? Does he steal your snacks?”
Chas laughed, shaking her head. “No, he’s actually super neat. And he’s really considerate—he even stocked the fridge with my favorite snacks the first week I moved in.”
Leon gasped dramatically. “Stop. That’s so sweet. Chas, he’s a keeper. If you don’t marry him, I might.”
“Leon!” Chas exclaimed, throwing a crumpled napkin at him.
Nina leaned in, her voice softer but just as curious. “Be honest, though… Do you ever feel a spark? I mean, he’s Nick Sinclair. And you’re you—pretty, charming, and living under the same roof. That’s, like, the perfect setup for a rom-com.”
Chas shook her head quickly, her cheeks turning redder. “No! We’re just housemates, okay? Nothing like that.”
Gigi smirked knowingly. “Uh-huh. Sure. And those blushy cheeks are just from the sun, right?”
Chas groaned, burying her face in her hands. “You guys are impossible.”
Leon chuckled. “Come on, Chas. Admit it—he’s at least a little dreamy, right?”
Chas peeked out from behind her fingers, her voice barely above a whisper. “Fine. Maybe… a little.”
The group erupted into cheers and playful shouts, with Gigi yelling, “We knew it!” and Leon fanning himself dramatically.
“Okay, okay, stop!” Chas pleaded, laughing despite herself. “It’s not like that. I promise. He’s just… really nice. And he takes care of me, that’s all.”
“Uh-huh,” Gigi said, smirking. “Well, when you two end up together, just remember who predicted it first.”
“Me!” Leon interjected.
“No, me!” Nina argued, giggling.
Chas shook her head, unable to stop smiling. Despite their teasing, she loved how her friends could always lighten the mood, even when they were driving her crazy.
As the teasing subsided into a comfortable hum of laughter, Chas sat back, her face still warm from the relentless gushing. Gigi raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story.
“Alright, Chas,” Gigi said, leaning in with a sly grin. “We’ll stop pushing, but you have to admit—there’s something about living with Nick, right?”
Chas sighed, fiddling with the hem of her pastel skirt, her expression caught somewhere between embarrassment and amusement. “Fine, I’ll admit… sometimes, I have these ‘hear me out’ moments in my head.”
Leon gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Oh my God, she’s one of us! Spill, girl. What are these moments?”
Chas hesitated, glancing at her friends before letting out a sheepish laugh. “It’s just… sometimes, when I’m around him, I notice things. Like how protective he can be or how he’s always so considerate about everything. He just… carries himself differently, you know? Mature, but not in an ‘I’m your dad’ kind of way. It’s weird.”
Gigi leaned closer, her curls bouncing as she nodded. “Go on. What else?”
Chas groaned, hiding her face in her hands for a moment before continuing. “And okay, fine… he’s obviously handsome, but it’s not just that. It’s the way he does things, like holding the door for me without making it a big deal or making sure I’m okay when I’ve had a rough day. I never thought I’d be even a little bit attracted to an older man, but sometimes…”
Nina squealed softly, her hazel eyes wide. “Sometimes what?”
Chas exhaled, shaking her head as if trying to dismiss her thoughts. “Sometimes, I catch myself thinking, ‘Wow, he’s really something,’ and I don’t know what to do with that. It’s just so confusing because he’s Nick Sinclair, and I’m… me.”
Leon clapped his hands together, his voice practically a shout. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have progress! Chas is officially having a crush on her rockstar housemate!”
“Shhh!” Chas waved her hands frantically, her cheeks burning. “It’s not a crush! It’s just… fleeting thoughts. That’s all!”
Gigi smirked, crossing her arms. “Uh-huh. Fleeting thoughts about how mature, protective, and handsome he is? Girl, you’re halfway there.”
Nina smiled warmly, placing a hand on Chas’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay to feel a little something. You’ve been living with him for almost two months, and he’s clearly a great guy. It’s only natural.”
Chas sighed, leaning back into the picnic blanket. “Maybe. But it doesn’t matter. He’s way out of my league, and I’m not going to ruin what we have by overthinking. He’s just… Nick.”
Leon grinned mischievously. “For now, darling. For now.”
Chas groaned as the teasing began anew, but deep down, she felt a little lighter, knowing she could share her complicated feelings with her friends—even if they were a bit too enthusiastic about it.
As the laughter settled, Chas let out a soft sigh, her gaze falling to the edge of the picnic blanket. Her friends exchanged glances, sensing the shift in her tone.
“Okay,” Chas began hesitantly, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her crop top. “Since we’re already talking about this… I guess part of me is kind of… scared.”
“Scared?” Nina asked gently, leaning closer. “Of what?”
Chas exhaled, looking up at her friends. “Of falling for him. I mean, let’s be real—if I do let myself feel something, what are the odds it could ever work out? He’s older, like way older. He’s lived this whole life already. He’s been married, he has two kids, and his world is full of women in the showbiz industry who are probably closer to his age, more experienced, and, let’s face it, stunning.”
Gigi frowned, her bright energy dimming slightly as she reached for Chas’s hand. “Girl, don’t do that to yourself. You’re amazing. You think you don’t measure up, but Nick clearly thinks you’re special if he’s letting you into his world like this.”
“But what if I’m too young for him?” Chas blurted, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I’m only 21, and he’s what? 35? What if he sees me as just some kid who’s too naïve to know what she’s doing? And even if he does feel something, I’d always be looking over my shoulder, wondering if I’m good enough compared to someone his age who might actually fit into his life.”
Leon, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, spoke up with a rare tone of seriousness. “Chas, listen. Age is just a number if the connection is real. Sure, he has baggage, but who doesn’t? You’re overthinking everything before it even happens.”
Nina nodded, her voice soft but firm. “Leon’s right. You can’t let all these what-ifs keep you from being honest with yourself. Nick’s past doesn’t define your potential future with him. And as for being too young? You’re not a child, Chas. You’re smart, mature, and capable. If he sees that, then the rest doesn’t matter.”
Chas smiled faintly, though her worry lingered. “It’s just hard. I don’t want to set myself up for heartbreak, you know? I’m trying to be careful with my feelings because I don’t want to mess this up.”
Gigi gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. “Look, no one’s saying you should throw yourself at him or anything. But don’t sell yourself short, either. You’re allowed to feel things, even if it’s scary. And for what it’s worth, I think he’d be crazy not to feel the same about you.”
Chas’s smile widened, and she chuckled softly. “Thanks, guys. I guess I’ll just… take it one day at a time and see what happens.”
“Exactly,” Leon said, his flamboyant energy returning as he wagged a finger. “And if he doesn’t realize what a catch you are, then he’s clearly not the rockstar we thought he was!”
The group burst into laughter, and for the first time in a while, Chas felt a sense of peace—knowing that, no matter what happened, she had her friends by her side.
As the conversation lulled, Chas let out a deep sigh and dropped her head into her hands. “You know what’s even more embarrassing than all of this? Sometimes I still feel like I haven’t fully moved on from Martin. Like, I know he’s with Ana now, and I know I shouldn’t care, but it’s like this stupid, lingering feeling that won’t go away. I hate it.”
The moment she said his name, her friends groaned in unison.
“Girl, no!” Gigi exclaimed, throwing her hands up dramatically. “We are not doing this today. Martin is old news. Expired. Like milk left out in the sun for a week!”
“Exactly!” Leon chimed in, flicking an imaginary strand of hair over his shoulder. “Martin is a basic starter pack boyfriend, Chas. He’s like the tutorial level in a video game—completely skippable once you know what you’re doing.”
Chas laughed despite herself. “I know, I know, but—”
“No buts!” Nina cut in, her hazel eyes sparkling with determination. “You’re out here looking like a goddess, living your best life, and you’re wasting even a second of brain space on a guy who downgraded with Ana? Absolutely not.”
“Let me tell you something,” Leon continued, pointing an accusatory finger at her. “Martin’s already out there with his new little girlfriend while you’re here wondering what could’ve been? Chas, he’s not worth it! You deserve someone who looks at you like you’re the Mona Lisa, not someone who treats you like a backup plan.”
Gigi nodded fiercely. “Preach, Leon! And honestly, Martin moving on so fast just shows how emotionally shallow he is. If anything, you dodged a bullet, babe.”
Chas rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop smiling. “You guys are so dramatic.”
“Dramatic?” Gigi repeated, placing a hand on her chest like she’d been insulted. “I’m sorry, but we’re speaking facts. And if you ever bring his name up again, I swear we’ll stage an intervention.”
Nina leaned in closer, wagging a finger playfully in Chas’s face. “Repeat after me: ‘I, Chastin Honeydew, will no longer waste my fabulous energy on irrelevant men like Martin.’”
Chas burst out laughing, raising her hands in surrender. “Fine, fine! I get it! I’ll stop thinking about him.”
“Good,” Leon said with a satisfied smirk. “Because the universe is clearly setting you up for bigger and better things—things with more rockstar energy, if you know what I mean.”
Chas’s cheeks flushed as her friends burst into knowing laughter, but despite the teasing, she couldn’t deny that she felt a little lighter. Their sassy yet hilarious lecture was exactly what she needed to hear.
Leon leaned back on the picnic blanket with a mischievous grin, twirling a blade of grass between his fingers. “Mark my words, Chas,” he said, his tone dripping with mock seriousness. “You’re totally going to end up with Nick. I can already see it—rockstar romance, age-gap love story, red carpet moments. It’s all very Taylor Swift song material if you ask me.”
Chas groaned dramatically and reached over to swat his arm. “Shut up, Leon!” she said, her face red as her friends burst into laughter.
“Ouch!” Leon yelped, clutching his arm in mock pain. “Violence, Chas? Is that how you treat your future hubby’s biggest fan?”
Without missing a beat, Chas held up her middle finger toward him, her expression deadpan but playful. “This is all you’re getting from me, Leon.”
The group erupted into laughter, Gigi nearly spilling her iced tea as she doubled over, while Nina clapped her hands in delight.
“You two are like a comedy show,” Nina managed between giggles.
Leon smirked, unfazed. “All I’m saying is, when you’re walking down the aisle with him, I expect a thank you in your wedding speech for seeing it coming before anyone else.”
Chas rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”
“And you love me for it,” Leon shot back, winking.
Despite her protests, Chas felt a warmth settle over her as they continued joking and laughing. She knew her friends were just teasing, but the thought of Nick lingered in the back of her mind, much like Leon’s words.
Leon leaned back on the picnic blanket with a mischievous grin, twirling a blade of grass between his fingers. “Mark my words, Chas,” he said, his tone dripping with mock seriousness. “You’re totally going to end up with Nick. I can already see it—rockstar romance, age-gap love story, red carpet moments. It’s all very Taylor Swift song material if you ask me.”
Chas groaned dramatically and reached over to swat his arm. “Shut up, Leon!” she said, her face red as her friends burst into laughter.
“Ouch!” Leon yelped, clutching his arm in mock pain. “Violence, Chas? Is that how you treat your future hubby’s biggest fan?”
Without missing a beat, Chas held up her middle finger toward him, her expression deadpan but playful. “This is all you’re getting from me, Leon.”
The group erupted into laughter, Gigi nearly spilling her iced tea as she doubled over, while Nina clapped her hands in delight.
“You two are like a comedy show,” Nina managed between giggles.
Leon smirked, unfazed. “All I’m saying is, when you’re walking down the aisle with him, I expect a thank you in your wedding speech for seeing it coming before anyone else.”
Chas rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”
“And you love me for it,” Leon shot back, winking.
Despite her protests, Chas felt a warmth settle over her as they continued joking and laughing. She knew her friends were just teasing, but the thought of Nick lingered in the back of her mind, much like Leon’s words.
As the sun warmed their picnic spot, the conversation naturally shifted to their favorite pastime: obsessing over pop culture. Leon leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Okay, hear me out—Mingyu from Seventeen? That man is sculpted by the gods now. Have you seen his gym pics? Like, sir, who gave you the right?”
Gigi immediately chimed in, clutching her chest dramatically. “Leon, please! You’re preaching to the choir. But let’s not forget my NCT boys—Ten, Yuta, Jaehyun—they’re a visual buffet. NCT is the blueprint, okay?”
Nina rolled her eyes playfully, her hands fluttering with excitement. “You two are so basic. It’s Le Sserafim season now! Their style, their vibes, their everything. And don’t even get me started on Ariana Grande’s rumored comeback—imagine if she drops something as iconic as Dangerous Woman again. I’ll lose it.”
Chas grinned, jumping into the mix. “Okay, but have y’all seen Aespa’s teasers for their comeback? The concept is insane. Like, the way their visuals are just next level. Karina and Giselle? Queens. I’m so ready to have my playlist dominated by them again.”
Leon groaned in mock despair, throwing his hands up. “Why does it feel like I’m constantly outnumbered by girl group stans?”
“Because you are,” Gigi said matter-of-factly, reaching for another cookie. “Also, Mingyu is the only guy you consistently simp over, so your opinion is invalid.”
The group burst into laughter, and Chas shook her head, leaning back against the picnic blanket. “I swear, I could listen to you all argue about idols forever. It’s like a weekly K-pop debate show.”
“And you love every second of it,” Leon quipped, pointing at her.
“True,” Chas admitted with a grin. “But let’s be honest—Aespa’s going to own this summer.”
They continued their lively chatter, diving into debates about choreographies, music video budgets, and which comebacks they were most excited for. For a while, the world outside the park didn’t exist, and the joy of shared passions filled the air.
As the conversation turned toward their K-pop crushes, Chas let out an exaggerated sigh, her head tilted back dramatically. “I know this is ancient history now, but I still can’t move on from Wanna One’s disbandment. Like, I get it, it’s been years, but come on… Guanlin was everything to me. He’s thriving as an actor now, but I still miss his idol days. Every time I see an old Wanna One clip, I want to cry.”
Leon smirked. “Chas, you’re like a K-pop grandma. ‘Back in my day, Wanna One ruled the world.’ Let it go!”
“Never!” Chas shot back, clutching her chest. “Some of us still hold onto the good old days, okay? Just let me live my sad, nostalgic life.”
Nina, sitting cross-legged on the blanket, gave a deep, heartfelt sigh of her own. “Speaking of heartbreak… can we talk about how Taehyung’s going to the military now? I mean, I get it, but it’s so unfair. How am I supposed to survive two years without his updates? His face? His voice? His everything?”
“Girl, the military service countdown struggle is real,” Gigi added, patting Nina on the back dramatically. “But at least you can look forward to his comeback as a manly soldier oppa.”
Nina groaned, burying her face in her hands. “I don’t want soldier Taehyung, I want idol Taehyung. I’m already in mourning, you guys.”
Chas chuckled, shaking her head. “At least your fave is just on hiatus. Mine’s been disbanded for years. You have no idea how many Wanna One farewell performances I’ve rewatched.”
Leon couldn’t resist teasing. “Let me guess—you’ve got all their merch boxed up like some sacred treasure too, huh?”
“Of course, I do,” Chas said, unashamed. “I still have my Guanlin photocard collection, thank you very much. What do you have, Leon? A Mingyu gym pic from Instagram?”
Leon gasped in mock offense. “How dare you? I have an entire folder of Mingyu appreciation pics, thank you very much. It’s curated.”
Chas leaned back on her hands, her gaze soft with nostalgia. “You know, back in the orphan house, Cindy and Marcia always caught me saving up for Wanna One merch. I was obsessed. Every spare coin I had went toward buying albums or hunting down Guanlin photocards.”
Leon burst out laughing. “I can totally see you hoarding pocket money like a little gremlin.”
“Gremlin is right,” Chas admitted with a grin. “I used to hide cash everywhere in our room. Under the mattress, inside my books, even in my old shoes—just in case someone tried to ‘borrow’ it.”
Nina giggled. “And let me guess, you made your sisters swear on their lives not to touch your stash?”
“Exactly!” Chas exclaimed. “Cindy used to tease me so much about it. She’d threaten to spend it all on snacks just to watch me freak out.”
Gigi raised an eyebrow. “And Marcia? Did she join in or stop Cindy?”
“Marcia? Oh, she was no better,” Chas said, rolling her eyes fondly. “She’d joke about using my savings to buy posters of her favorite idols instead. But really, she was my enabler. She’s the one who taught me how to haggle online for the best deals. Without her, I wouldn’t have half the Guanlin photocards I own now.”
Leon dramatically wiped an imaginary tear from his cheek. “What a beautiful sibling bond—built entirely on K-pop capitalism.”
Chas laughed. “It was! Honestly, saving up for those merch items gave me something to look forward to back then. It made me happy, even if I drove everyone around me crazy with it.”
“You still drive us crazy,” Nina teased, nudging Chas. “But that’s what we love about you.”
Chas stuck her tongue out playfully, the group bursting into laughter once again. Even as they joked, she felt a warm sense of gratitude for the memories and the friendships that had carried her through.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, the park grew quieter, leaving only the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds. Chas stretched her arms, her excitement bubbling over. “Okay, since the park’s quiet now, who’s ready for a dance session?”
Leon clapped his hands together dramatically. “Finally, someone says it! I’ve been itching to move. You all know this body doesn’t stay fabulous on its own.”
Gigi laughed, flicking her curls. “Let’s do ‘Better Things’ by Aespa! That chorus choreo is fire.”
“Yes!” Chas agreed, pulling out her phone and setting the song to play on the portable speaker she brought. “And we can practice for the TikTok trend while we’re at it. We’ll go viral this time, I can feel it.”
The four of them formed a loose line under a wide tree, their faces glowing with anticipation. As the beat dropped, they moved in sync, each step sharper and more enthusiastic than the last.
Gigi nailed the confident arm movements, her energy radiating through every move. Leon added his signature flair, exaggerating the hip rolls and tossing in an extra spin to show off. Nina, with her graceful style, flowed effortlessly, keeping the group’s rhythm grounded.
But Chas, with her bubbly personality and natural charisma, stole the show. Her moves were clean, and she hit each beat with a playful spark that made the others cheer mid-dance.
“You’re killing it, Chas!” Gigi exclaimed, nearly missing her step as she watched her friend.
“That’s because it’s Aespa! My girls never miss,” Chas replied, laughing as she nailed the ending pose with a wink.
Leon pointed at the phone recording their routine. “Okay, if this doesn’t blow up on TikTok, I’ll eat my sneakers. The world needs to see this masterpiece.”
Nina wiped sweat off her forehead. “And if we do go viral, I’m tagging Aespa. Imagine if they repost us!”
The group squealed at the thought, already excitedly replaying the video to check their moves. They burst into laughter at Leon’s over-the-top hip roll and Chas’s exaggerated wink.
“Okay, one more time,” Chas said, already getting into position.
Gigi groaned but smiled. “Fine, but only because this is way more fun than the gym.”
As they danced and laughed under the fading sunlight, their bond felt stronger than ever. It wasn’t just about perfecting the choreography—it was about creating memories and sharing their passion, something that always brought them together no matter where they were.
After their impromptu dance session, the four of them collapsed onto the grass, laughing and catching their breath. The golden hour sunlight cast a warm glow over the park, turning the scene into something straight out of a postcard.
“Okay,” Leon said, sitting up and fluffing his orange hair. “This light is way too good to waste. Photo shoot time!”
Gigi rolled her eyes playfully but was already adjusting her curls. “You just want an excuse to pose, don’t you?”
Leon smirked. “You know me too well.”
Chas grinned, pulling out her phone. “Alright, gather up! Let’s take some group shots first.”
They huddled together under a large oak tree, with Chas holding the phone up to frame them perfectly. Leon leaned in, throwing up peace signs dramatically. Gigi rested her chin on Chas’s shoulder, while Nina flashed a soft, shy smile.
They bursting into laughter as the camera clicked.
Then, they each took turns striking solo poses. Leon, as always, was the most extravagant, lying dramatically on the grass and pretending to gaze off into the distance like a magazine model.
“Leon, you look like you’re shooting for a perfume ad,” Nina joked, snapping pictures for him.
“Exactly the vibe I was going for,” Leon shot back, tossing an imaginary scarf over his shoulder.
Gigi opted for confident power poses, standing with one hand on her hip and another in the air as if commanding the world. “I’m channeling main character energy,” she declared, spinning once for added flair.
“More like superhero energy,” Chas said, capturing Gigi mid-spin.
When it was Chas’s turn, she posed playfully, her pastel mini skirt and crop top catching the sunlight perfectly. She threw on her sunglasses for some shots, then took them off to smile softly at the camera, her curly hair framing her tan skin beautifully.
“You look adorable,” Nina said as she snapped away.
“She always does,” Leon added with a cheeky grin, earning a nudge from Chas.
As they finished, they set up a timer for one last group shot. This time, they all jumped in unison, their laughter ringing through the quiet park. The camera captured the moment perfectly—four friends mid-air, carefree and happy, their personalities shining through the photo.
“Best day ever,” Gigi said, looking at the picture on Chas’s phone.
“Agreed,” Chas replied, smiling at her friends. “We need to do this more often.”
The four of them lingered a little longer, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and taking in the beauty of the park before heading their separate ways, their hearts full and their phones filled with memories.
-------------------------------------------------------
As the sun dipped lower into the sky, Chas finally said her goodbyes to her friends. They hugged tightly, promising to meet again soon and jokingly reminding Leon not to get too distracted by his library crush.
“Don’t forget to send me those pictures!” Gigi called out as they parted ways.
“Already on it!” Chas replied with a wave, her voice light and cheerful.
By the time Chas returned to Nick’s house, it was almost late afternoon. She stepped inside, her face glowing with happiness and her energy radiating warmth. Nick was in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove, when he heard the door close.
“Well, someone looks like they’ve had the best day ever,” he commented, glancing over his shoulder.
Chas kicked off her sneakers and flopped onto the couch, her pastel mini skirt fluttering slightly as she did. “It was amazing,” she said, her smile stretching wide. “Dancing, gossiping, pictures—the works.”
Nick raised an eyebrow, noticing the spring in her step and the unmistakable happiness in her tone. “Glad to see you in such a good mood,” he said, turning back to his cooking. “I take it your friends didn’t drive you crazy this time?”
Chas laughed, hugging one of the throw pillows. “Not at all! It was actually perfect. Just what I needed. Plus, Leon was being his usual dramatic self, so it was nonstop entertainment.”
Nick chuckled at the mention of Leon, shaking his head. “Sounds like a handful.”
“Always,” Chas replied, sitting up and resting her chin on the back of the couch. “But it made me realize how much I miss spending time with them. It felt so good to just let loose and be silly.”
Nick turned off the stove and walked over with a glass of water, handing it to her. “Well, you look happier than I’ve seen you in days. I’d say it was worth it.”
Chas nodded, taking a sip of the water. “Totally. Thanks for letting me have the day to myself.”
Nick smirked and ruffled her hair lightly, making her swat at his hand. “You don’t need my permission, you know. But I’m glad you had fun.”
As Chas leaned back into the couch, she let out a content sigh. She felt lighter, freer, and more connected to herself than she had in weeks. Being around her friends had recharged her, and now, back in the comfort of Nick’s house, she felt at peace.
“Alright, enough lounging,” Nick teased, motioning toward the dining table. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
Chas grinned, hopping up from the couch. “Perfect ending to a perfect day,” she said, following him to the table, where the warm scent of food filled the air.
After dinner, Chas and Nick settled into their usual spots on the couch. The TV was playing some late-night sitcom neither of them was paying attention to, and Nick had his arm stretched casually over the backrest. Chas, curled up with her legs tucked under her, was bubbling with excitement as she recounted her day at the park.
“So, I have to tell you about my friends,” Chas started, leaning toward Nick with a grin. “You know, the ones I met up with today? They’re… something else.”
Nick glanced over, his lips quirking into a small smile. “Alright, let’s hear it. Who’s who in your entourage?”
“First, there’s Gigi,” Chas said, her eyes lighting up. “She’s like the mom of the group. Super confident, always knows what to say, and she’s the one keeping us all in check when things get too chaotic. But she also has this amazing energy—like, you want to listen to her, you know?”
Nick nodded, amused by how animated Chas was. “Sounds like someone you’d want on your team. What about the rest?”
“Then there’s Leon,” Chas said, dramatically throwing her hands in the air. “Oh my God, Nick, he’s so flamboyant. He’s dramatic about everything—like, he could turn finding a parking spot into an Oscar-worthy story. But that’s why we love him. He keeps things fun, even when he’s being completely over the top.”
Nick chuckled, already picturing Leon based on her description. “He sounds… exhausting, but in a good way.”
“Exactly!” Chas laughed. “He’s kind of like the comic relief in our lives. And then there’s Nina.”
She paused for a moment, as if considering the best way to describe her. “Nina’s the girliest of us all. She’s always so put-together, like she walked out of a magazine. She’s got this soft, feminine energy, but don’t let that fool you—she’s the ultimate gossip queen. If something’s happening, she knows about it.”
Nick raised an eyebrow, smirking. “So, basically, you’ve got the mom, the drama king, and the gossip queen. Sounds like a sitcom waiting to happen.”
Chas laughed, swatting his arm lightly. “Pretty much! But they’re the best. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
Nick’s smile softened as he watched her talk. He could tell how much she loved her friends, how they brought out the best parts of her personality. “Sounds like you’ve got a solid group,” he said. “I’m glad you’ve got people like that in your corner.”
Chas nodded, her expression growing a bit more thoughtful. “Yeah… They’ve been with me through a lot. And honestly, it felt so good to just hang out and laugh with them today. It reminded me of how lucky I am to have them.”
Nick glanced at her, a faint smile on his lips. “Well, they’re lucky to have you too.”
Chas blinked, a little surprised by the sincerity in his voice. But instead of making a big deal out of it, she grinned. “Aww, Nick, you’re getting all sentimental on me. You’ve been hanging around me too much.”
Nick rolled his eyes, but his smile didn’t fade. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t let it go to your head.”
They both laughed, the sound filling the quiet living room as the warmth of their easy conversation carried them through the evening.
Chas leaned back on the couch, her expression light as she continued her story. “Oh, and I forgot to mention—Gigi and Leon are in the same psychology program as me! We’re all in the same classes, so we’re basically the trio that tries to keep things together when the workload piles up. Gigi’s the one who always makes sure we’re on top of things, and Leon, well, he’s… Leon. He’ll be the first to crack a joke in the middle of a lecture just to break the tension.”
Nick grinned, picturing Leon as the class clown. “Sounds like you’ve got a good mix of personalities in your study group.”
“Yeah, we keep each other balanced,” Chas said, her eyes lighting up with affection for her friends. “But then there’s Nina—she’s not in psychology. She’s actually in the medical department. She’s studying to be a doctor, which is totally impressive. I can never imagine myself in her shoes, studying all that medical stuff. But she loves it, so I guess that’s what counts.”
Nick nodded, intrigued by the different paths her friends were taking. “A doctor, huh? That’s pretty intense. I bet she’s got a lot on her plate.”
Chas smiled. “Oh, for sure. But that’s Nina for you—she’s always so focused, even when she’s stressed. She’s definitely the most driven of all of us. She’s always telling me to ‘get my head in the game’ when I’m slacking off, which, okay, I kind of deserve.”
Nick raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like you get some tough love from her.”
“More like some ‘tough Nina advice’,” Chas laughed. “But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. She pushes me to do better, and I think I do the same for her when she’s feeling overwhelmed.”
Nick leaned back, looking at her with a thoughtful expression. “It’s good that you’ve got friends like that—people who push you to be your best.”
Chas nodded, her eyes softening. “Yeah, I’m really lucky to have them. We’re all so different, but somehow we work.”
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