The Chaotic House

Who Invited Him?

The night sky shimmered above the bustling city, its starry blanket reflecting off the windows of the restaurant where the group had gathered. Inside, laughter filled the air as they shared stories, cheers, and free treats-courtesy of Mint's birthday. The warm, golden glow of the candles flickered on the table, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the night.

Mint, glowing from the attention, laughed as CC smirked. "Already turning nineteen? That's pretty old-but not as old as that guy." CC tilted his head toward Chester, his eyes glinting mischievously.

Chester crossed his arms, his feline tail swishing with irritation. "Well, at least I can drink," he retorted, raising an eyebrow. "You're still like a kitten." His voice was laced with playful sarcasm, though the hint of a smile betrayed his amusement.

Ravi chuckled, his arms folding across his chest as he leaned back in his seat. "Calm down, both of you. Let's not forget-I'm the second oldest here." His antennas glowed faintly, reflecting his smirk of superiority.

Bendy raised an inky brow, curiosity piqued. "Wait-hold on. We've been friends for years, but how come I don't remember any of us ever talking about our ages?"

Kai snickered, flicking a bit of confetti off the table. "That's because no one does that anymore, Bendy. Who really needs to know?"

"Well, I think it matters," Mint interjected, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "What if someone here isn't allowed to do certain things?"

CC groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Who even cares about rules? Most of us here don't even have parents to tell us what to do."

Ravi raised a brow and shrugged. "Yeah, but you've got friends who look out for you. That's better than not having anyone." His antennas flickered, casting a warm glow over the table.

"Exactly what he said." An unfamiliar yet unsettlingly familiar voice echoed from the shadows, causing the entire group to freeze.

Chester's ears flattened instantly as he recognized the voice, his posture tensing. He slouched in his seat, groaning in annoyance. "Oh great...not him."

The figure stepped into the light, his grin sharp and confident. "What's the matter? Didn't think you'd see lil' old Moxxie again?" His voice oozed arrogance, and his eyes gleamed with something unsettling as he sauntered closer to the group.

Ravi's eyes widened, instantly recognizing the familiar smirk. His heart skipped a beat, his hand instinctively moving toward his weapon. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stay back!" His voice cut through the tension like a blade. In unison, the others stood, weapons drawn and ready to defend themselves.

Moxxie raised his hands in surrender, his grin never faltering. "Easy there, I mean no harm. I just came to wish Mint a happy birthday-and, y'know, maybe see about officially getting back into the group." His sheepish laughter echoed, but it did little to ease the suspicion in the air.

Ravi narrowed his eyes, his grip on his weapon tightening as memories of their last encounter flashed through his mind. The words he'd reluctantly said replayed in his head: "Welcome back, I guess..." He shook off the thought, his voice firm. "What's in it for you?" Ravi's tone was sharp, untrusting.

Moxxie shrugged casually, though there was an edge to his smile. "Oh, nothing. Just hoping for a fresh start, y'know? To hang out like old times... no hard feelings." His voice dripped with false innocence, and yet the underlying tension was undeniable.

The group remained on edge, weapons still drawn, their gazes locked on Moxxie. Even in the soft glow of the restaurant, the air between them crackled with mistrust.

Ravi wasn't buying it, his eyes flicking between Moxxie's smirk and his body language. There was something about his arrival that felt too convenient, too calculated.