𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 - 𝗘𝗝 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹²

#03

Grabbing EJ's hand and gently intertwining their fingers together, Autumn led him to the kitchen, where they found Gina, Kourtney, Carlos, and Seb already mingling.

"Hi, guys!" The couple greeted their friends excitedly.

Autumn smiled knowingly at Gina's 2007-inspired outfit, clearly on theme for the revelation that they would be doing High School Musical 2 next semester; it wasn't a secret, as much as Miss Jenn would like to believe so.

Kourtney handed them both sheets to fill out with their New Year resolutions, and Autumn accepted a pen with a grateful smile, leaning over the counter to write down hers.

"Sorry we're late, I was volunteering at the soup kitchen with the water polo guys," EJ explained, shrugging as he placed a tender hand on Autumn's shoulder.

Carlos raised his eyebrows at him, a shocked smile on his face. "Pics or it didn't happen."

Autumn straightened her back, giving her sheet to Kourtney before passing the pen to EJ so he could fill out his, too.

"Actually, EJ is taking a break from social media." She revealed, giving Carlos an amused glance. "So, sorry, you won't get to see my wonderful boyfriend as often."

Carlos laughed, grabbing a bowl filled with snacks and taking them to the living room.

"Wow, near year, new you." Ashlyn teased EJ as she passed by, earning a pointed glare from the latter.

One by one they all trickled out of the kitchen and into the living room area, leaving only Autumn and EJ in the kitchen.

Noticing the boy's thoughtful expression, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Penny for your thoughts, J?" She spoke softly.

"Sorry," He mumbled in response, wrapping his arms around her waist, the action already second nature to him. "I'm just taking it all in."

"What do you mean?" The girl asked, leaning up to bump her nose against his, hoping it would cheer him up.

And that it did, as EJ's lips stretched into a small smile at the light touch. "Not to be like your stereotypical second-semester senior, but starting to realize that every day is the last time I'm doing stuff with you guys."

She hummed, her soft gaze fixated on his green eyes. "Honey... That's so sweet. But it's not the last time, okay? Even when you're away at college, you'll still visit us, right?"

He sighed, leaning his forehead against hers. "Of course. But it won't be the same, you know?"

"That doesn't have to be a bad thing, J." She mused, leaning forward to press a gentle peck against his lips. "You'll thrive at college, and we'll all be here cheering for you when you come visit."

He smiled against her lips, his heart practically melting at her soft words. "How did I get so lucky to find such an amazing girlfriend?" 

"That remains a mystery." She replied teasingly, pulling away before joining their friends in the living room.

﹏﹏﹏

They were all chatting amongst themselves when Kourtney stood up, clapping to get everyone's attention before grabbing the bowl with all their resolutions.

"Okay, listen up. Rules of the game." Kourtney announced. "This is important. We need to set intentions and be accountable to one another this year." 

"True that!" Ashlyn exclaimed, snapping her fingers in appreciation.

Gina swiftly grabbed the cup from the ginger's hand, pulling it away from her. "I'm cutting you off."

The red-headed whined but remained otherwise silent so Kourtney could continue.