Unexpected Love

【X】【V】【I】【I】

One month later...

(Kylie's version)

A month had passed since everything had re-aligned in our lives. Malia and I were more connected than ever, Dara and Peder had completely integrated into the routine, and life seemed lighter. I felt like a new chapter was starting for all of us. We were all excited for the Halloween party that Joshua was organizing, something he hadn't stopped talking about since October started.

Joshua has always liked parties, but there was something special about this Halloween. He was more focused and detailed than usual. The decoration, the costumes, even the playlist - everything was meticulously planned.

And, of course, this had to do with Peder. Since they started to "see what happened", as they themselves put it, Joshua was more inspired, as if he wanted this Halloween to be the best of all, a kind of milestone for their relationship.

That morning, he appeared in the room with a huge box of decorations, his enthusiasm impossible to ignore.

•Joshua: You don't believe what I bought! It will turn the apartment into a real haunted mansion.

Malia and I exchanged a funny look as he began to take the items out of the box, scattering fake spider wets, skeletons and some lights that flashed in a frightening way. Peder appeared soon after, his shy smile while observing Joshua with .

•Peder: I said he was exaggerating, but I think deep down I liked the idea.

I laughed, knowing that this exaggeration was part of Joshua's charm. He was completely committed to making the party an unforgettable event, not only for us, but for the whole group of friends. Ruby and Morgan, who now lived just a few blocks away, were also excited. They loved a good celebration, and had already chosen their costumes - Ruby was going as a dead princess, and Morgan as a clandestine murderer, more or less that.

As we helped Joshua spread the decorations around the apartment, Malia approached me, smiling in a way that only she knew how to do, that smile that made me feel lucky that we met again.

•Malia: I can't wait to see you in your Halloween costume.

She had a sparkle in her eyes, the one she always had when she was plotting something. I was curious about what her costume would be, since she refused to tell me.

•Kylie: You'll have to wait to see it too. It's going to be epic!

•Joshua: Epic is little, I want this party to become a legend! Peder and I have already decided our costumes. It will be a secret, but you will love it.

As the day went by, the apartment began to take shape. Orange lights flashed around the windows, a smoke machine was hidden near the entrance, ready to release dark fogs when the guests arrived. Joshua wanted everything to be an experience, something that would take everyone out of their routines and transport them to a night of mystery and fun.

At the end of the day, when everything was practically ready, we sat down together to admire the work.

Dara and Peder had gone out to buy the last supplies for the party, while Ruby and Morgan sent a message saying they were making their own preparations in the new house.

Everything was going as planned, and it was a relief to see everyone so happy and integrated.

•Malia: I've never been very Halloween, but I'm really looking forward to this party. Joshua overcame himself.

•Kylie: He is definitely on another level this year.

I leaned close to Malia, observing the details of the decoration that Joshua had scattered around the place. The atmosphere was ready for the party, but what really excited me was the fact that we were all together again. After so many ups and downs, reunions and reconciliations, now it seemed that everything was in harmony.