MJ IMAGINES (World with Applehead) ON GOING

The gang

You were at work, finishing some paperwork, when your phone suddenly rang. You reached into your bag and saw Janet's name on the caller ID.

"Hey, Janet. What's going on?" you said, twirling your pen between your fingers.

"Nothing much. I was actually wondering... are you free tonight?" she asked. "My brother and I are grabbing dinner at our favorite restaurant. You should come with us."

You hesitated. "Uh... I'm not sure. I still have a lot to finish."

"Oh, come on, Y/N," Janet sighed softly. "It's been forever since we've seen you. Everyone's been asking about you."

"Yeah, don't ditch us again," Marlon's voice chimed in from the background. "We miss you."

You pressed your lips together, glancing down at the papers on your desk. "Okay... fine," you finally gave in. "Text me the address."

"Yes!" Janet cheered. "We'll see you tonight." Before she could hang up, you spoke again, quieter this time. "I-is Michael there?"

But she didn't seem to hear you. "See you later, Y/N. Bye!" she said, ending the call.

When you arrived at the restaurant and couldn't find them, you called again. "Hey, I'm already here," you said, scanning the place. "Where are you guys?"

"Wait right there. I'm coming to get you," Janet replied. Moments later, she spotted you and rushed over, wrapping you in a tight hug.

"Oh my God, look at you," she said, pulling back slightly. "I haven't seen you in forever. How are you?"

"I'm okay," you smiled. "How about you?"

"I'm good. Everyone's inside. Come on."She grabbed your hand and led you toward a private room. Just before she opened the door, you stopped her.

"Janet... is Michael here?" you asked softly. She raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile forming. "Why? Still thinking about him?"

You forced a small laugh. "No. I was just asking."

"Relax," she chuckled. "He's not here." You exhaled without realizing you were holding your breath.

"Y/N," she said more gently, "be honest... do you still love my brother?" You shrugged, avoiding her eyes. "That was a long time ago. I'm over it."

She studied your face, clearly unconvinced, but didn't push further. Instead, she opened the door.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Janet announced. The room lit up instantly.

"Y/N!" LaToya exclaimed, standing up and pulling you into a hug. "We missed you! And wow... you look amazing."

"Seriously," Rebbie added. "It's been too long." You laughed nervously. "I missed you guys too."

"Hey, stranger," Jackie smiled, giving you a quick hug. "How've you been?"

"Good... busy with work," you replied, taking your seat. You noticed the empty chair beside you.

"Is someone else coming?" you asked quietly. Janet simply nodded. "Maybe."

Tito leaned back in his chair. "Two years, huh? That's a long time to disappear on us."

"I know," you said softly. "I didn't mean to."

"Well, you're here now," Randy grinned. "That's what matters." Just then, the food arrived, and the table slowly filled with laughter as everyone began catching up.