"Remind me why we're doing this again?" Kenji Suguru asked flatly as he stared at the pile of blankets and sleeping bags in Will Ethan's living room.
"Because!" Will said, arms wide like a showman. "This is our last group sleepover before we all scatter like dandelion seeds into the adult world."
"You say that like we're going to war," Ian Moore muttered.
"We kinda are," Rio Wilson replied, flopping dramatically onto the beanbag chair. "It's called college, Ian."
"Your major is theater. You'll be fine."
"Your major is cyber-espionage, and you're not fine."
"Shut up."
Ren Sakamoto snorted from the couch. "Okay, but where's the food?"
Will pointed to the kitchen. "Pizza, chips, soda, and the crown jewel: double chocolate chunk ice cream."
Yuuji Aikawa stood in front of the TV, holding a game controller. "We're splitting into teams. Smash Bros. Battle. Winner picks the next movie."
"Oh, I am so winning," Ren said, grabbing a controller.
"Is that confidence or delusion?" Yuuji teased.
Ren smirked. "Guess you'll find out when I wipe the floor with your Pikachu."
"Noted."
---
Round One: Ren & Rio vs. Yuuji & Ian
"Stop hitting me!" Ian growled as Yuuji's Pikachu zapped him off the stage.
"We're on the same team!" Yuuji yelled.
"You zapped me five times!"
"I was aiming for Rio!"
Rio cackled. "You both suck."
"Die!" Ren shouted, mashing buttons with the intensity of a man protecting his pride.
"OH!" Will cheered. "Ren just KO'd Yuuji—again!"
"You've created a monster," Kenji muttered, watching from the beanbag throne.
"Ren's been training in secret," Rio whispered. "He's dangerous now."
"Yeah, well, I'm banning him from the rematch," Yuuji grumbled.
---
Later that Night
The game console was off. The pizza was gone. Ice cream tubs were empty. Everyone had moved onto the floor—sprawled out in a loose circle of half-tangled blankets.
"Okay," Will said, "Truth or Dare?"
"No," Ian said immediately.
"Truth or Dare, Ian."
Ian glared. "Dare."
Will's smile was pure evil. "Text your older brother and tell him you finally joined a boy band."
Ian's eyes narrowed. "I will set your house on fire."
Kenji looked up from his phone. "I second that."
Ren rolled over, half-laughing. "Okay, okay, no dares involving siblings."
Rio raised a hand. "Truth for me."
Will's eyes glinted. "Have you ever—ever—practiced kissing your pillow?"
Rio didn't even blink. "I practiced on a full-length mirror. Get on my level."
Everyone erupted into chaotic laughter.
Yuuji shook his head. "You're shameless."
"And that's why Ian loves me."
Ian buried his face in a pillow. "I do not."
"You do," Rio cooed, ruffling Ian's hair. "It's okay. You're in love with a theatrical masterpiece."
Ian groaned louder.
---
Around 1 a.m.
Everyone had mellowed out. The only light came from the dim TV glow playing some soft fantasy movie. Ren lay curled on one end of the couch. Yuuji rested beside him, their hands quietly linked under the blanket.
On the floor, Kenji had fallen asleep with his head tipped toward Will's shoulder, who was whispering nonsense into his ear—something about time travel and marrying in every universe.
Rio had dozed off on Ian's lap, and Ian, despite his earlier protests, was running his fingers slowly through Rio's curls with a quiet, unreadable look.
Ren whispered, "It's weird."
"What is?" Yuuji asked.
"How we all used to hate each other."
Yuuji smiled. "I never hated you."
"You were awful."
"I was consistent."
Ren snorted. "I'm glad it's ending like this."
"Ending?" Yuuji tilted his head. "This feels more like a beginning."
Ren leaned his head against Yuuji's shoulder, voice softer now. "Okay. A beginning, then."
---
The Last Shot:
The living room is dim, cluttered with pillows, snacks, and the soft breathing of six teens on the edge of adulthood. No labels. No school bells. No deadlines.
Just laughter, comfort, and the kind of friendship that stays long after the credits roll.