Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 77

That afternoon, Matsu, Calie, and Marie returned to Matsu's place, their steps a little lighter and their spirits brighter after venting and having some time to themselves. They decided to invite everyone over for another hangout session, especially since the last one had been cut short due to the "full moon shenanigans" — as Calie had jokingly called it — the night before.

The trio worked together to set up the place, preparing snacks, drinks, and setting the mood for a relaxed evening. There was an air of casual ease between them now. The tension from earlier seemed to have melted away, and they were back to being their affectionate selves, though they were able to hide it a bit better around others.

Matsu worked on organizing the living room, moving some furniture around to make space. Calie busied herself in the kitchen, arranging snacks and making sure everything was in order. Marie moved back and forth between them, setting out drinks and checking on the playlist.

As they worked, there was a sense of unspoken connection between them, the kind that came with years of knowing each other. They laughed, teased, and occasionally exchanged knowing glances that only the three of them understood. Their affection was still very much present, but they were pros at keeping it subtle when they needed to.

Matsu glanced over at the snacks and drinks that were being laid out and then over to the living room setup. "I think we're almost ready. You think everyone's gonna show?"

Calie popped her head out from the kitchen with a grin. "They better. We didn't go through all this trouble for nothing."

Marie smirked, setting the last of the drinks on the coffee table. "They'll come. Full moon shenanigans or not, they owe us a proper hangout after last night."

Matsu chuckled at that, remembering how things had spiraled into chaos the previous night. "Yeah, I guess we do need a redo."

Just as they were finishing up, there was a knock at the door. Matsu glanced at Calie and Marie, who both gave him nods, signaling it was time to get things started. He walked over to the door and opened it, greeted by the sight of their friends.

Blaze was the first to walk in, her usual confident stride making it seem like she owned the place. Wally followed behind her, shyly peeking around her, with his hands shoved deep into his pockets. Terry and Jackie arrived next, hand-in-hand, Terry giving Matsu a nod of acknowledgment while Jackie gave a small, warm smile. Orca and Angelo brought up the rear, Orca cracking some joke as they entered, Angelo laughing along.

"Alright!" Blaze said with enthusiasm as she took in the setup. "Looks like we're picking up where we left off."

Wally, ever the observer, commented, "Did you guys... rearrange the place?"

Matsu shrugged, grinning. "Just making more room for everyone."

As the group settled in, it felt like the hangout was finally getting back on track. There was laughter, chatter, and the usual teasing that came with being around close friends. Matsu, Calie, and Marie continued their usual dynamic, but this time they were more at ease, allowing themselves to enjoy the evening without feeling like they had to hide anything too much.

As the night progressed, it was clear that everyone was more relaxed. The conversation flowed easily, and the trio, though always careful, found little moments where they could be themselves. A shared look here, a small touch there — subtle enough that no one else noticed, but meaningful to the three of them.

Matsu couldn't help but smile as he looked around the room. Everything felt right again, the awkwardness of the morning completely gone. He knew there would always be challenges and things to work through, but at that moment, surrounded by his closest friends and the two people he loved most, he felt like they were on the right path.