16

The night air was crisp, and the sound of footsteps echoed softly in the hallway as Chas made her way down the stairs. She had already spent hours getting ready, and now, as she stepped into the living room, Nick’s gaze locked onto her, and for a split second, time seemed to stop.

Chas stood there in her Moana costume—complete with the vibrant red crop top, flowing skirt, and the iconic sash. Her natural tan skin gleamed under the soft lighting, and her exotic Latin-Asian features were the perfect match for the character. She had even styled her hair in loose waves, letting it cascade over her shoulders like the ocean breeze. The whole look was so flawless, she looked like she had stepped straight out of the Disney movie itself.

Nick, lounging casually on the couch in his usual relaxed weekend attire, sat up a little straighter, his jaw momentarily going slack. His eyes widened, and for a second, he forgot how to form words.

Chas caught his gaze and smirked, clearly amused by his reaction. “Like what you see?”

Nick blinked, his mind still catching up with what he was seeing. “Holy… Chas, you… you look amazing. Like, really amazing.”

She chuckled at his stunned expression, spinning around once to give him a full view. “You think so? I mean, Moana’s a pretty badass character. I figured I’d pull it off.”

Nick finally found his voice, though it came out a little hoarse. “You—uh, you definitely pulled it off. You look… Wow.”

Chas grinned, clearly enjoying the effect she had on him. “Well, thanks. I think I’m ready to be the queen of the party tonight.”

Nick’s eyes softened, his gaze drifting over her for just a moment too long. “You are the queen tonight,” he muttered under his breath, his thoughts a bit too tangled to hide the admiration in his voice.

Chas raised an eyebrow, catching the undercurrent in his tone. “You okay there, Nick?”

Nick quickly snapped back into reality, clearing his throat. “Yeah, yeah, totally fine.” He stood up and wiped his hands on his jeans, trying to act casual, but his heart was beating faster than he cared to admit. “Are your friends already at the party?”

Chas nodded, adjusting her costume and fixing her hair one last time. “Yeah, they’re waiting for me. You know how Halloween parties go—everyone’s already in costume and ready to party.” She glanced back over her shoulder as she reached for the door. “You have fun with your bandmates and Mickey, okay?”

Nick smiled, still a little dazed by how stunning she looked. “I will. But… Chas?”

She paused, turning her head back toward him. “Yeah?”

He hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice quieter. “Be safe. And have fun tonight. You deserve it.”

Chas’ expression softened, her heart fluttering unexpectedly at the warmth in his voice. “Thanks, Nick. I’ll be fine.” She gave him a playful wink before heading out the door, but not before throwing him one last smile over her shoulder.

As she disappeared into the night, Nick remained standing in the same spot, his hand resting on the back of the couch. His heart was still racing, and despite all the Halloween festivities ahead, all he could think about was how breathtaking Chas had looked.

Chas stood at the door, giving Nick one last glance before she heard the unmistakable roar of Leon’s sports car pulling up in front of the house. The sleek vehicle came to a smooth stop, the headlights cutting through the dark evening like a spotlight. As soon as the engine died down, the passenger door swung open, and Chas couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her two closest friends.

Leon, always one to make an entrance, had gone all out for the occasion. He was dressed as a flamboyant, over-the-top version of a fairy godmother, with shimmering wings, a glittering wand, and a pastel-colored dress that flowed like a cloud of tulle. His hair was perfectly styled in voluminous curls, and his makeup was dramatic, with bold lashes and eyeshadow that could be seen from miles away.

“Chas, darling!” Leon called out in his usual high-pitched voice, stepping out of the car with the grace of a runway model. “I swear, I need sunglasses for that glowing aura of yours tonight.”

Gigi, who sat in the passenger seat next to him, rolled her eyes but was smiling. She, too, had put in effort, but in a much more subtle way. Her costume was inspired by a sleek and elegant Catwoman, with a black bodysuit, cat ears, and a playful smirk on her face. Her dark hair was slicked back, and her green eyes gleamed mischievously as she got out of the car.

“You look stunning, Chas,” Gigi said with a grin, giving her friend an approving look. “You’re totally owning that Moana vibe.”

Chas smiled, laughing as she saw the two of them. “I can’t believe you guys went all out. Leon, I swear, you could’ve been cast as the next Disney fairy godmother.”

Leon flounced over dramatically, his arms flailing with the energy of a Broadway performer. “Well, darling, when you’ve got the sparkle and pizzazz, it’s a crime not to share it with the world.”

Gigi shook her head fondly, nudging Leon. “Alright, alright, enough with the theatrics. We’re gonna be late to the party.”

Chas laughed, shaking her head. “You’re right, we should go. The party won’t wait for us.”

Leon winked at Chas before heading to the car with a playful twirl, while Gigi nudged her with a grin. “Let’s go make an entrance,” Gigi said, winking.

As Chas climbed into the backseat of Leon’s car, she couldn’t help but feel a little excited for the night ahead. The energy between her and her friends was always contagious, and she knew they were all going to have a blast.

But as the car sped off, headed for the campus Halloween party, a small part of her couldn’t help but think back to Nick and the way he had looked at her just moments before. It wasn’t just admiration—there was something deeper in his eyes, something unspoken. And as she settled back into the plush seat, she wondered what the rest of the night might hold.

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The car rolled to a stop in front of the large, bustling venue of the campus Halloween party. Music was already blasting from the inside, and laughter spilled out into the chilly night air. As Chas stepped out of the car, she took a moment to survey the scene. The whole area was decked out in spooky decorations—fake cobwebs clinging to the walls, jack-o’-lanterns flickering with dim lights, and glowing skeletons hanging from the trees. It was the kind of Halloween party that felt like a perfect mix of creepy and fun.

Leon adjusted his wings dramatically, casting a playful glance toward Chas. “Alright, let’s show them how it’s done, my dear Moana,” he said with a wink, leading the way into the party. Gigi followed close behind, her eyes scanning the crowd in search of familiar faces.

The inside of the venue was even more impressive. The living room was transformed with eerie lighting, giant spiders, and a fog machine working overtime. It looked like something straight out of a horror movie, but the atmosphere was lively, with people laughing, dancing, and chatting in their wild costumes.

As they made their way through the crowd, Chas spotted a few familiar faces, and soon enough, she saw the group she had been looking for—her friends Josh, Katy, and Nina, who were already mingling by the punch bowl, dressed in their own creative costumes.

Josh was dressed as a pirate, with a black-and-red striped vest, a fake sword at his side, and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a feather. His scruffy beard gave him a rugged, adventurous look. Next to him, Katy wore an elegant, vintage-inspired vampire costume, complete with dark lipstick, a black lace choker, and fangs that glinted as she grinned. And Nina? Well, she was rocking a bold and funny “mermaid” costume—though, unlike Chas’s, Nina’s was a more comical take, with a shiny, exaggerated fish tail that made her look like she had just stumbled out of a circus.

“Hey, look who’s here!” Josh called out as he caught sight of Chas and her friends approaching. He gave Chas an appreciative whistle when he saw her Moana costume. “You’re killing it, Chas. If Disney ever needs a live-action Moana, they’ve got their lead.”

Chas smiled and gave a playful bow. “Thanks, Josh. You’re looking pretty good as a pirate, too. Just watch out for any mermaids trying to steal your ship.”

Nina, hearing her name, spun around from the punch bowl, beaming at her friend. “Chas! You look gorgeous! Moana, huh? You definitely nailed it.” She gave Leon and Gigi a quick glance. “And you guys… wow. You’re serving some major looks, too.”

Gigi smirked, throwing a dramatic wink toward Nina. “Well, darling, when you’ve got it, you’ve got it.”

Leon laughed, holding his arms out wide. “We’re here to dazzle, Nina. What else is new?”

Katy chuckled at Leon’s antics before turning back to Chas. “Are you ready to have some fun?” she asked, her sharp eyes twinkling with mischief. “There’s a costume contest later. I’ve got my money on you, Moana. I mean, who else is going to bring the island vibes like that?”

“I’ll do my best,” Chas said with a grin, feeling a warmth in her chest. The group’s easygoing, fun-loving energy made her feel at ease. It was nice to be around friends who could appreciate the humor in life as much as the fun moments.

Josh raised his drink. “Alright, let’s get this party started! I say we hit the dance floor before things get too crazy.” He turned to Katy. “What do you think? Should we challenge the others to a dance-off?”

Katy raised an eyebrow, glancing over at the DJ booth. “I’m always up for a challenge. But I’m warning you, I’ve got moves that’ll make you question your entire existence.”

Leon laughed and clutched his chest dramatically. “Oh no, she’s about to bring the house down, isn’t she?”

Chas found herself laughing along with the group, her worries from earlier fading into the background. This was exactly what she needed—a night of fun with friends, good vibes, and a chance to let loose.

As the night unfolded, they all gathered around the dance floor, showing off their moves and enjoying the party atmosphere. Chas caught glimpses of people in creative costumes, from creepy clowns to superheroes, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging. Even though she was at the party to have fun with her friends, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Nick’s party—his gathering with his bandmates and friends—was also tugging at her mind.

For a brief moment, she wondered what he was up to, but she quickly shook the thought away as Gigi grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the center of the dance circle.

“Come on, Moana! Show us what you’ve got!” Gigi grinned, and Chas was pulled into the rhythm of the music, laughing and dancing her way through the night.

The music was thumping, the crowd was swaying, and Chas felt completely immersed in the beat. She was laughing, dancing, and thoroughly enjoying herself with her friends. The party had taken on that perfect balance of excitement and chaos, just how she liked it. But as she twirled to the music, she noticed a familiar face among the crowd.

It was Martin, her ex, entering with his arm wrapped around his new girl. They were dressed in matching costumes—a Roman Emperor look for Martin, complete with a regal gold crown and a draped tunic, while his girlfriend, Ana, wore a flowing gown with golden accents, embodying a Greek goddess. They made quite the striking couple, and it was obvious that Martin was proud to show off his new relationship.

Chas’s heart skipped a beat, her smile faltering for just a fraction of a second as she felt that familiar tightness in her chest. She quickly masked it with a forced grin, pushing aside the wave of emotion that suddenly resurfaced. She had moved on from Martin, they had agreed to stay friends after their breakup, but seeing him with someone new still stung—especially when it was someone as beautiful as Ana.

Trying to keep things light and unaffected, Chas walked toward them, plastering on a warm smile. “Hey, Martin! Ana, you two look amazing!” she greeted, her voice laced with an upbeat tone.

Martin returned her smile with a grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Thanks, Chas! You look incredible too. Moana, huh? You’re pulling it off perfectly.” He gave her a friendly hug, making it clear that they had no hard feelings despite their past.

Ana smiled graciously and gave a little nod. “You really do look fantastic,” she added with a gentle compliment, her gaze lingering on Chas with a friendly, yet subtle sense of curiosity.

Chas nodded back, doing her best to be gracious despite the discomfort gnawing at her. “Thanks,” she replied, swallowing the slight bitterness. “You guys are totally rocking those costumes. I love the Roman and Greek theme. Very fitting.”

Gigi and Leon, ever the observant and supportive besties, exchanged knowing looks behind Chas’s back. They could sense the undercurrent of awkwardness and, of course, they were ready to help their friend get through it with their usual flair.

Gigi leaned toward Chas, giving her an exaggerated wink. “You’re doing great, girl. Totally cool and calm,” she whispered, adding a playful tone. “But if you need to scream into a pillow later, I’ve got one with your name on it.”

Leon, who had been subtly eavesdropping, leaned closer as well, smirking. “You’ve got this, Moana. Martin’s just a speck of sand on your beautiful beach. Don’t let him mess with your vibe,” he whispered with a knowing grin, adjusting his costume dramatically.

Chas let out a quiet laugh, her confidence bolstered by the unspoken support of her friends. “Thanks, guys,” she whispered back. She straightened herself, taking a deep breath, and looked back at Martin and Ana, who were still standing there, waiting for her response.

“So, are you two hitting the dance floor or just here for the drinks?” Chas asked with a lighthearted tone, trying to ease the situation and distract herself from the swirl of emotions within her.

Martin chuckled, clearly unfazed. “We’ll be around. Ana’s the real dancer between us, but I’m always game for some moves if you are!” he said with a wink, trying to keep the mood fun.

Ana smiled, leaning slightly toward Chas. “We should all dance together! It’ll be fun.”

Chas hesitated for a moment, feeling that tug of old emotions—those memories of dancing with Martin, of being carefree and happy. But she shook it off, telling herself she was stronger than this.

“You know what? I’m up for it,” Chas said with a decisive nod. “Let’s dance!”

Gigi and Leon cheered enthusiastically, and Chas quickly joined the small dance circle that had formed near the center of the party. As she started moving to the beat, she couldn’t help but notice how much fun Martin and Ana were having—laughing together, dancing closely—and it hurt, just a little, deep down.

But she wasn’t going to let it show. She wasn’t going to let the old pain creep back in. Instead, she let herself get lost in the rhythm, focusing on her friends, the music, and the good times ahead. With a glance at Gigi and Leon, who were already dancing with exaggerated moves and full-on sass, Chas felt a little lighter. They were her rocks, and she would be okay.

Leon gave her a playful nudge. “You’re totally killing it, Moana! Don’t let that ex-stealer of hearts throw you off.”

Chas smiled, her worries melting away as she let the music carry her forward.

The music thumped in the background as Chas, Gigi, and Leon found a corner of the room to sit down and begin their truth or dare drinking game. The atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter as everyone continued dancing and chatting. Glasses in hand, they settled in for a round of the classic party game, the alcohol already loosening up their inhibitions.

Leon, with his usual dramatic flair, grinned as he leaned forward, ready to challenge his friends. “Alright, Gigi,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare, obviously,” Gigi replied with a confident smirk, not backing down from any challenge.

Leon rubbed his hands together, the excitement building up. “I dare you to do a chicken dance in the middle of the party for one whole minute. Extra points if you get someone to join you!”

Gigi’s eyes widened, but before she could protest, she stood up with an exaggerated sigh. “Alright, alright,” she grumbled, knowing full well that it was all in good fun. The rest of the group already knew Gigi didn’t shy away from anything.

With a dramatic flourish, she started flapping her arms like wings, bobbing her head and clucking loudly. The crowd around the dance floor looked at her, confused at first, but as Gigi continued her exaggerated chicken moves, they started laughing and cheering her on. She waddled around, bobbing up and down, clucking in tune to the music, and eventually, someone else joined her in a clumsy chicken dance.

Chas couldn’t help but laugh so hard she almost spilled her drink. “You’re killing it, Gigi!” she called out, wiping tears from her eyes. The crowd was in stitches, some even joining in on the fun. After a full minute, Gigi flopped back down into her seat, still chuckling.

“Your turn, Chas,” Leon said, still snickering. “Truth or dare?”

Chas took a deep breath, already feeling the buzz from the drinks. She wasn’t going to back down from a dare. “Dare,” she said with a mischievous grin.

Leon’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Alright, then. I dare you to serenade a random guy at the party. And I mean full-on, dramatic serenade. Make it as romantic or over-the-top as you can!”

Chas blinked, then burst into laughter. “Are you serious?” she asked, looking at Leon like he had lost his mind.

“Absolutely serious,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve got to do it! You’ve got to make someone’s night unforgettable!”

Gigi, ever the supportive bestie, jumped in with a wink. “Oh, Chas, I know you’ve got it in you. This is going to be hilarious. Just think of it as your moment to shine.”

Chas hesitated for a second, but with the alcohol buzzing through her, she figured why not? She stood up, smoothing down her Moana costume, and scanned the room for her target. Her eyes landed on a guy standing near the punch bowl, chatting with a group of friends,he's cosplaying as Tom Cruise on Top Gun Maverick, His name is Adam.

With a deep breath and a wide grin, Chas walked up to him, her hips swaying exaggeratedly as she approached. Adam looked at her with a surprised expression as she suddenly broke into song.

“I see the light, and it’s like the fog has lifted…” Chas sang dramatically, fully committing to the moment as she pointed at the guy like she was performing in a musical. She wasn’t shy about it—her voice a little loud but playful. “And at last, I see the light, and it’s like the sky is new!” she continued, doing a dramatic twirl in front of him.

Adam, clearly unsure whether she was serious, just blinked at her in confusion, but he didn’t back away. His friends started laughing, realizing it was a joke, but they cheered her on anyway.

Chas kept going, now fully immersed in her role as Moana, singing the song with all the passion she could muster. Her voice wasn’t perfect, but it was fun and carefree. “And it’s warm and real and bright, and the world has somehow shifted!” she belted out, hands on her hips as she swayed like she was on a boat.

Adam, now cracking up, clapped his hands. “Alright, alright, you win. That was incredible,” he said, clearly entertained. He even gave her a thumbs up.

Chas finished her impromptu performance with a flourish, spinning around and taking a playful bow. The whole room seemed to be watching now, and the applause and laughter were enough to make her feel like she’d just pulled off a Broadway-worthy performance.

She walked back to Gigi and Leon, still laughing at herself. “I think I just scarred that guy for life,” she said, giggling uncontrollably.

Leon was doubled over, laughing. “That was amazing, Chas! You are so extra, and I love it.”

Gigi wrapped her arm around Chas’s shoulders. “You killed it, girl! That was like something out of a rom-com. I hope that guy is still recovering.”

The three of them laughed and clinked their glasses, thoroughly enjoying the ridiculousness of the night. It was a moment of fun, freedom, and laughter, and the party only grew more ridiculous from there.

Gigi and Chas, still riding the high of their earlier antics, exchanged glances and both burst out laughing. Their fun wasn’t over yet, and they decided it was time to turn the tables.

“Alright, Leon,” Gigi said, with a playful smirk, “You’re up next.”

“Truth or dare?” Chas added, her voice dripping with mischief.

Leon, always the showman, leaned back dramatically. “I’m not scared of anything. Dare, of course!”

Both girls exchanged a knowing look, already plotting their challenge.

“I dare you…” Gigi began, dragging out the suspense. “To go up to the DJ booth and request a song—any song—but you have to dance the whole time you wait for it to play, no stopping! You can’t stop until it starts playing!”

Chas chimed in, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “And not just any song, Leon. Make it something totally embarrassing. The more cringe-worthy, the better.”

Leon’s eyes widened. “What?! You guys are cruel!” he protested, but he couldn’t help but chuckle at their devilish grins.

“Come on, Leon. It’ll be fun,” Gigi teased, nudging him playfully. “Plus, it’ll be hilarious!”

Leon took a dramatic breath, standing up with exaggerated flair. “Alright, alright. But I’m going to make sure you two regret this!” He strutted over to the DJ booth, his costume—he was a flamboyant, glitter-covered disco ball—making him stand out even more than usual.

When he arrived at the booth, the DJ gave him a look, raising an eyebrow as Leon dramatically requested, “Barbie Girl by Aqua, please!”

The DJ burst into laughter, clearly entertained by Leon’s choice. Leon nodded with a grin, knowing he had sealed his fate. As the opening beats of the song blared through the speakers, Leon threw himself into the dance moves with complete abandon.

He twirled, kicked, and posed like a true diva, completely unbothered by the laughter and cheers from the crowd around him. He was all about the theatrics, living for the drama of the moment.

Chas and Gigi watched from the sidelines, howling with laughter.

“Look at him go!” Chas laughed, holding her stomach from how hard she was giggling.

“I can’t breathe!” Gigi wheezed, clutching her sides. “He’s seriously committing to this!”

Leon wasn’t stopping. He sang along, dramatically tossing his hair (even though it wasn’t long enough for it to really work). Every move was perfectly timed to the ridiculous pop anthem. The partygoers around him cheered him on, turning his moment of “punishment” into a full-fledged performance.

After a solid few minutes of full-out choreography, the DJ finally let the song fade out. Leon stopped, panting dramatically, hands on his hips as if he’d just finished an exhausting workout.

“That… that was a workout,” Leon gasped, still holding his pose. “But I did it! You can’t say I don’t commit.”

Chas and Gigi were still laughing so hard they could barely breathe. “You were amazing, Leon,” Gigi managed to say between her giggles. “I think you might’ve outdone yourself this time.”

Chas grinned, wiping a tear from her eye. “That was too much. I think you’ve earned yourself some serious street cred after that performance.”

Leon gave them both a playful bow, clearly satisfied with his dedication to the dare. “You two think you can outdo me? I’m the party performer. But, fair enough, I deserve that one.”

They all collapsed into fits of laughter once again, the night only becoming more ridiculous as it went on. The energy was contagious, and everyone at the party seemed to be caught up in the whirlwind of fun, laughter, and silly challenges.

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At Nick’s Halloween party, the mood was lively and upbeat. His closest friends, including Mickey and Jean with their kids Thony and Lily, had arrived in full costume, along with his bandmates Ricky, Dave, Tim, and John, and a few other familiar faces. The house was filled with the kind of laughter and chatter that only a close-knit group of people could bring. Music pumped through the speakers, and everyone was having a great time.

Nick, however, wasn’t as engaged as everyone else. While everyone else was mingling and getting lost in conversation or dancing, he found himself seated near the “magic drinking potion jar” that was filled with a fruity, colorful concoction. His usual casual look—leather jacket, a simple black t-shirt beneath it, and jeans—stood out in contrast to the creative costumes around him.

Nick absentmindedly stirred his drink with a plastic straw, his eyes unfocused, his mind drifting. He wasn’t really sure why, but despite being surrounded by his friends, he couldn’t shake the image of Chas out of his head. She had been on his mind ever since she left for the Halloween party with her friends.

He remembered the way she had looked in her Moana costume—so confident and radiant, it felt like the whole room was lit up when she walked in. He had caught himself just staring at her, stunned by how natural and effortlessly beautiful she looked. There was something about how she wore her confidence that made Nick feel… protective of her. She was playful, carefree, yet there was an undeniable strength in her that drew him in.

Nick let out a small sigh, running his hand through his hair as he glanced over at his friends, trying to shake the feeling. His eyes lingered on Mickey, who was in the middle of a conversation with Jean, but even his best friend’s familiar face didn’t seem to snap him out of the fog of thoughts that clouded his mind.

His thoughts drifted back to Chas. He thought about how she seemed to light up every room she entered. He admired how she could effortlessly blend into any group, yet still stand out. But beyond her infectious energy, it was the way she had slowly but surely become such an important part of his life.

Before he could delve deeper into his feelings, Mickey’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“Hey, Nick,” Mickey said, leaning in with a knowing grin, “You okay, mate? You’ve been quiet. The potion jar not doing its job?”

Nick blinked, looking up at Mickey as if snapping out of a trance. “Oh, yeah,” he replied quickly, flashing a half-smile. “Just… a lot on my mind.”

Mickey, who knew Nick well enough to sense when something was off, raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? What’s up? You look like you’re somewhere else right now.”

Nick paused for a second, not really sure how to explain what he was feeling. “Just… thinking about Chas. She looks great tonight.”

Mickey grinned, clearly picking up on Nick’s subtle shift in tone. “Ah, I see. Still can’t keep your mind off her, huh?”

Nick’s lips twitched into a reluctant smile. “I don’t know what it is, man. I just… feel like she’s so… different. In a good way. She’s got this energy, this confidence, and it just draws me in.”

Mickey gave him a knowing look, nodding slowly. “Well, it sounds like you’re falling for her, Nick. Which, I mean, we all saw coming from a mile away.”

Nick groaned softly, rolling his eyes. “You think so? It feels… complicated.”

Mickey chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. “You’ll figure it out. Just don’t get lost in your head too much, alright? Enjoy the party, man.”

Nick nodded, his thoughts still lingering on Chas as he glanced back at the potion jar. It was just a Halloween party. Yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight wasn’t just about costumes or drinks. There was something deeper, something about his connection with Chas that had been growing slowly, almost imperceptibly, and now he couldn’t ignore it anymore. He knew that the more he thought about it, the harder it would be to keep things light and easy.

As the party continued, the drinks flowed, and the atmosphere grew even livelier. Some of Nick’s female friends, dressed in eye-catching, sexy costumes, took their chances to flirt with him. A woman in a sultry vampire costume leaned against the couch beside him, twirling a strand of her dark hair.

“So, Nick,” she purred, tilting her head flirtatiously. “Why are you sitting here all alone? I thought the rockstar of the night would be the life of the party.”

Nick smirked slightly, taking a sip from his drink. “Just enjoying the vibe,” he said casually, but his tone lacked interest.

Another woman in a cat costume playfully tapped his knee with her clawed glove. “You know, if you’re looking for entertainment, we could give you a private show.”

Nick chuckled lightly, shaking his head. Normally, he might’ve played along, enjoying the attention. But tonight? Nothing about this felt remotely interesting to him.

Because his mind was somewhere else.

Or rather, on someone else.

His thoughts drifted back to Chas, and suddenly, no amount of revealing costumes or flirtatious advances could hold his attention. He found himself picturing her—probably laughing with her friends, that radiant energy of hers lighting up the room, her Moana costume fitting her so effortlessly. She didn’t need tight leather outfits or dramatic makeup to turn heads. She just was.

There was something about her unfiltered joy, her teasing remarks, her carefree attitude that had burrowed under his skin. And the way she had been gradually settling into his life—taking up space in his home, his routines, and now his mind—was starting to mess with him.

He barely noticed when one of the women sighed dramatically. “Ugh, seriously, Nick? You’re really not going to flirt back at all?”

Nick snapped out of his thoughts, blinking. He offered an apologetic smile but shrugged. “Sorry, ladies. I think my mind’s elsewhere tonight.”

The vampire woman pouted. “Must be someone special, then.”

Nick didn’t respond, just gave a small chuckle before taking another sip of his drink.

Yeah. Someone special.

And for the first time in a long while, no amount of distractions could make him think otherwise.

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As the upbeat music faded at the campus Halloween party, replaced by the soft, dreamy melody of a slow song, the atmosphere of the party shifted. The wild energy simmered down, giving way to an intimate and romantic ambiance.

Chas was sipping her drink, laughing at something Gigi whispered in her ear, when a familiar voice interrupted.

“Hey,” Adam said, appearing beside her with a charming smile. “Since you already serenaded me earlier, I figured it’s only fair I ask you for a dance.”

Chas blinked, momentarily surprised, before glancing at Gigi and Leon. Gigi wiggled her eyebrows, while Leon dramatically fanned himself.

“Ohhh,” Leon teased in a whisper. “Prince Charming strikes again.”

Chas rolled her eyes at her friends before looking back at Adam. “Hmm, I suppose that’s fair,” she said, grinning.

Adam extended his hand, and with a playful sigh, Chas placed hers in his. He led her onto the dance floor where other couples had already begun swaying to the music.

The moment Adam placed his hands gently on her waist, Chas felt a flicker of something—excitement? nervousness? She wasn’t sure. He was good-looking, confident, and clearly interested in her, which was flattering.

“So,” Adam said, meeting her gaze as they swayed to the rhythm, “you’re actually a great singer. You do that often? Serenade random guys at parties?”

Chas chuckled. “Only when forced in a drinking game.”

Adam smirked. “Then I guess I should thank whoever dared you.”

Chas playfully narrowed her eyes. “Or curse them, if I turn out to be a terrible dancer.”

Adam chuckled. “I’ll take my chances.”

As they continued dancing, Chas found herself enjoying the moment, but at the same time, a tiny, unshakable thought crept into her mind—What would Nick think if he saw me right now?

For some reason, that thought alone made her chest feel oddly tight.

As Chas swayed gently with Adam, her body followed the rhythm, but her mind? It was somewhere else entirely.

Is Nick with women his age right now?

The thought crept in uninvited, making her chest feel tight. If he is… what are they doing? She imagined the scene at his house—his female friends, maybe a few of them in sexy costumes, laughing, flirting. Would they be sitting close to him? Touching his arm? Whispering in his ear?

She suddenly felt uneasy.

“Hey,” Adam’s voice broke through her thoughts, “you okay?”

Chas blinked, snapping back to the present. She forced a smile. “Yeah! Just—just a little distracted.”

Adam chuckled. “Hope I’m not that boring.”

Chas quickly shook her head. “No, no! It’s not that.”

But it wasn’t like she could tell him Actually, I’m thinking about my housemate. My much older, broody, annoyingly attractive housemate who’s probably surrounded by women right now.

“Good,” Adam said, smiling. “Because I was about to ask if you wanted to grab a drink after this dance.”

Chas hesitated. She should be having fun. She was at a party, surrounded by friends, and dancing with a good-looking guy who was clearly interested in her.

Yet…

Her mind kept betraying her, pulling her back to Nick.

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Meanwhile, back at Nick’s house, laughter echoed through the living room. Mickey had just cracked a joke, and everyone—including his bandmates and a few other friends—was in stitches. Even Jean playfully rolled her eyes at her husband’s antics while little Lily twirled around in her fairy costume.

Nick smirked, shaking his head as he took a sip of his drink. He should’ve been fully present, enjoying the company of people he actually liked. But then, without warning, his mind drifted.

To her.

Chas.

Was she having fun? Had she eaten? Had she—

His jaw tensed as another thought hit him. Is she dancing with some guy right now?

He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly annoyed with himself. Why the hell do I care?

“Nick, you good?” Mickey’s voice pulled him back.

Nick blinked and realized he had completely zoned out. “Huh? Yeah, yeah. Just spaced out for a sec.”

Mickey smirked knowingly. “You sure? You were staring at the table like it owed you money.”

“Shut up,” Nick muttered, shaking his head. He grabbed another drink, hoping to drown out whatever weird thoughts were messing with him.

But even as the party carried on, as conversations flowed and music played in the background, his mind betrayed him again.

Who’s she with? Is she thinking about me?

Damn it.

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As Chas took a sip of her drink, she leaned back against the couch, letting out a small sigh. Adam had excused himself to use the bathroom, leaving her momentarily alone. The music was still playing, the party still alive, but something about it felt… stale. The excitement she’d felt earlier was fading.

Just then, Leon and Gigi plopped down beside her, both grinning mischievously.

“Oh. My. God,” Gigi whispered dramatically, wiggling her brows. “That slow dance? Girl, that was something.”

“Yeah,” Leon chimed in, tossing his arm over the back of the couch. “The way he was looking at you? Whew, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s got a thing for you.”

Chas snorted, rolling her eyes. “Please, it was just a dance. And he was just being nice after I got dared to serenade him.”

Gigi nudged her side. “Mmm-hmm. And you totally weren’t blushing at all?”

Before Chas could respond, Leon stretched dramatically. “Honestly, as fun as this has been… I gotta say, the party’s kinda dying.”

Chas exhaled, nodding. “Yeah. I mean, the music’s still going, but it feels like the energy’s gone. I don’t know, I just—” She hesitated, glancing at the time on her phone. It was already past midnight. “Do you guys wanna… ditch?”

Leon gasped theatrically. “Escape this dull soirée? Oh, honey, say less.”

“I thought you’d never ask,” Gigi grinned, already grabbing her purse.

Chas laughed, feeling a rush of excitement. “Alright then, let’s go before Adam gets back.”

With a shared look of mischief, the three of them stood up and made their way toward the exit, slipping past the crowd and out into the cool night air.

“Where to now?” Leon asked, twirling his car keys around his finger.

Chas grinned. “Somewhere more fun.”

She wasn’t sure where exactly, but all she knew was—she was done with this party.

Chas sat comfortably in the back seat of Leon’s car, sandwiched between Gigi and a bag of hot, crispy fries. The cool night air breezed through the slightly open windows as they waited in the drive-thru line at McDonald’s, the smell of burgers and fries filling the car.

“This is way better than that party,” Gigi said, unwrapping her burger eagerly.

“I know, right?” Chas agreed, stealing a fry from the bag on her lap. “No boring small talk, no awkward exes, just junk food and good company.”

Leon, sitting in the driver’s seat, turned up the volume on his car stereo. “And, of course, the essential part of every perfect night drive—carpool karaoke!” He shot Chas and Gigi a devilish grin before flipping through his playlist. “Alright, what’s the first song, ladies?”

Gigi gasped. “Oh my god, put on something iconic. Something we have to scream-sing to.”

Leon scrolled for a moment before smirking. “Say no more.”

As soon as the opening beat of Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson blasted through the speakers, all three of them erupted into excited shrieks.

“YES!!” Chas yelled, practically bouncing in her seat.

The moment Kelly’s voice kicked in, they all sang—or more like screamed—along, completely unbothered by how ridiculous they sounded.

Chas, holding her drink like a microphone, dramatically belted out the chorus, while Gigi threw her head back, absolutely wailing the lyrics. Leon, being Leon, put on his best “rock star” performance, gripping the steering wheel with one hand and dramatically gesturing with the other.

Between mouthfuls of fries, Chas laughed so hard her stomach hurt. The three of them kept the karaoke going, switching between early 2000s anthems, classic pop hits, and even a bit of K-pop that had Gigi losing her mind.

As they cruised down the quiet streets, city lights flickering past the windows, Chas felt lighter than she had all night. No weird feelings, no overthinking—just the simple joy of being with her best friends.

And for a while, she didn’t think about Nick at all.

-------------------------------------------------------

As Leon’s car rolled to a stop in front of Nick’s house, Gigi turned to Chas with a knowing smirk. “So, be honest… you kinda missed him tonight, didn’t you?”

Chas scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Miss who?”

Leon wiggled his eyebrows, grinning. “Oh, I don’t know… Nick?”

“I did not miss Nick,” Chas huffed, grabbing her purse. “I was too busy having fun.”

Gigi and Leon exchanged glances before breaking into exaggerated laughter. “Suuuuuure,” Leon teased. “That’s why you kept zoning out during the party, right?”

Chas playfully shoved him before stepping out of the car. “You guys are so annoying.”

Gigi leaned out the window. “We love you! But also… we’re right!”

“Goodnight, losers!” Chas called back with a wave before making her way up to Nick’s house, shaking her head but secretly smiling.

As she stepped inside, she was met with a few lingering guests still sipping drinks and chatting. Some of them turned their heads, eyes lighting up when they saw her.

“Damn, Chas, you really went all out for Halloween,” Ricky, one of Nick’s bandmates, commented.

“I know right?” Dave chimed in. “She looks like a real-life Moana.”

Chas grinned, doing a little twirl in her costume. “What can I say? I commit.”

She made her way further into the house, eyes scanning the room until they landed on Nick. He was sitting beside the magic drinking potion jar, absentmindedly swirling his drink in his hand, deep in thought. His leather jacket was draped over the back of the couch, leaving him in just his t-shirt and jeans.

Without hesitation, Chas plopped down beside him, letting out a tired sigh. “Man, it’s good to be back.”

Nick glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Had fun?”

“Yeah,” she said, stretching out her arms. “But I swear, I think I lost my voice from all the screaming in the car.”

Nick let out a soft chuckle, then reached for the ladle in the potion jar. “Here,” he said, handing her a cup filled with the fruity concoction. “Replenish your vocal cords.”

Chas accepted it, taking a sip. It was sweet, refreshing, and exactly what she needed.

As she set the cup down, she stole a glance at Nick. Sitting here, beside him, after a long night—it felt… comfortable. Like she was right where she was supposed to be.

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As the clock hit 2:30 AM, the last guests finally trickled out of the house, leaving behind empty cups, snack wrappers, and a general mess of decorations. Chas, ever the responsible one, took it upon herself to start cleaning up while Nick—unsurprisingly—was nowhere to be found.

She muttered under her breath, picking up stray cups. “Figures. He throws the party, and I’m the one stuck cleaning.”

The house was eerily quiet now, save for the occasional rustle of discarded wrappers and the faint sound of wind outside. She was so absorbed in tidying up that she didn’t even notice how long she’d been alone—until—

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sound came from the backyard glass door.

Chas froze, her body immediately going on high alert. Slowly, she turned her head—

A dark, looming figure stood outside.

A masked face.

A knife raised in the air.

Her heart stopped.

Every horror movie she’d ever watched played in her head at once. Her body reacted on pure adrenaline, and before she knew it—

She let out a blood-curdling scream that could rival any horror movie final girl.

She stumbled backward, nearly knocking over the coffee table as she scrambled for a weapon—anything—her hands landing on a decorative pumpkin.

Just as she was about to launch it, the intruder burst out laughing.

Not a creepy, horror-movie laugh.

A very familiar laugh.

The masked figure doubled over, shaking from laughter, and then—

Nick pulled off the mask.

Chas stared at him in stunned silence. Her breath heaved from panic.

Then—

“…YOU ABSOLUTE MENACE!” she screeched, hurling the pumpkin at him.

Nick barely dodged it, still laughing. “OH MY GOD, CHAS—THE WAY YOU SCREAMED—”

“I THOUGHT I WAS ABOUT TO DIE!” she shrieked, grabbing a pillow and chucking it at him next. “I SWEAR TO GOD, I HATE YOU!”

Nick, still dying of laughter, clutched his stomach. “It was so worth it—”

She stormed past him, fuming. “DON’T talk to me. I mean it, Nick. We are DONE.”

And just like that, she locked herself in her room.

For the next three hours, she ignored him completely.

Nick, however, was relentless.

He knocked on her door. “Chaaaaas, c’mon, you have to admit, it was kinda funny—”

No response.

He tried again. “I’ll make you coffee tomorrow morning—extra whipped cream?”

Silence.

Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he groaned, “Okay, fine. I’ll let you pick any movie next time—EVEN the super cheesy rom-coms you love.”

Nothing.

He dramatically slid down the door. “You’re really gonna let me suffer like this?”

Still no answer.

Finally, at nearly 6 AM, she emerged from her room, wearing her pajamas and a very pointed glare.

Nick, sitting at the kitchen counter, immediately straightened up. “Are you still mad—?”

She simply grabbed one of the pumpkin-shaped cookies from the plate in front of him and took a big bite.

Nick watched her chew, eyes hopeful. “Sooo… am I forgiven?”

Chas let the cookie sit in her mouth for a moment before finally exhaling through her nose.

Then, to his relief, she snorted.

Nick smirked. “Knew you couldn’t stay mad at me.”

She rolled her eyes but reached for another cookie. “You’re still the worst.”

“And yet,” Nick teased, nudging the plate toward her, “you’re still here, eating my cookies.”

Chas grumbled something under her breath, but the way she smiled—small, reluctant, but there—said it all.

Nick chuckled, watching her. He had definitely pushed his luck tonight, but at the end of the day, they always found their way back to laughter.

As Nick stood at the sink, sleeves rolled up, washing the dishes like a man making amends for his sins, Chas sat at the kitchen table, munching on another pumpkin cookie. The sight of Nick—actually doing chores voluntarily—was amusing enough, but an idea struck her.

Her eyes darted around the room until she spotted the perfect opportunity.

A leftover scary mask from last night’s party, abandoned on the counter.

A wicked grin spread across her face.

Slowly, silently, she grabbed the mask and slipped it on. Then, like a hunter stalking its prey, she crept toward him.

Nick, completely unaware, was focused on scrubbing a particularly stubborn stain off a plate, humming a tune under his breath.

Chas, suppressing a giggle, got closer… closer…

And then—

“BOOO!!!”

Nick jumped so hard the plate slipped from his hands and clattered into the sink.

“BLOODY—!” He spun around so fast, eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. His hand flew to his chest. “WHAT THE—?! CHAS!”

Chas lost it. She doubled over in laughter, nearly collapsing to the floor.

“OH MY GOD—DID YOU—DID YOU SEE YOUR FACE?!” she wheezed. “I SWEAR YOU ALMOST DIED.”

Nick exhaled sharply, still processing what just happened. “You little—”

But Chas was too busy dying of laughter, holding onto the counter for support.

Nick, narrowing his eyes, wiped his wet hands on a towel and took a step toward her. “Oh, you think that was funny, huh?”

Chas, through her laughter, gasped, “Revenge—has been served—”

Before she could say another word, Nick lunged.

“OH SH—NICK, WAIT—”

Too late.

Nick grabbed her by the waist and effortlessly hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“NOOO—PUT ME DOWN—” she shrieked, kicking her legs, but Nick just spun in a slow circle, shaking his head.

“This is what you get, you menace,” he said, smirking as he carried her toward the couch.

Chas screamed in between her laughter, pounding her fists against his back. “I SWEAR TO GOD, NICK—”

And then—

With zero warning, he dropped her onto the couch and immediately launched a tickle attack.

Chas shrieked. “NICK, NO—”

Nick grinned. “NICK, YES.”

And just like that, the war of pranks ended in another chaotic, hilarious wrestling match, filled with shrieks, laughter, and more threats of revenge.

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