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the music blasted from every corner of austin's house, charging the space with energy. people from every crowd imaginable packed the place—it was that time of year again, halloween. austin's parties were legendary, and i wasn't about to miss this one.
each room was draped in cobwebs, flickering candles, and the warm light of jack-o-lanterns scattered throughout. red and orange streamers hung from the ceiling, while plastic skeletons and fake tombstones littered the floor. bottles of alcohol were scattered around the house, with solo cups in hand and people crowding the bar.
i found my way to the kitchen, settling next to austin, watching as people danced in the living room and gathered near the makeshift bar in the corner.
austin and i go way back. he was one of the first friends i made when i moved to los angeles, and we've been close ever since. he introduced me to his friend group, which mostly consisted of his castmates from outer banks.
i used to hang out with them a lot—those were some of my best memories since moving. we'd do everything together, from going to the beach and having huge dinners at my place to swimming at madison's.
but then my ex got jealous, and he made it clear he wasn't comfortable with me spending so much time with them. eventually, i had to stop seeing them, and things changed.
"so, how's everything been, y/n?" austin asked, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, taking a sip from his drink. he was rocking a pirate costume, and the hat alone made it impossible not to laugh.
"same old," i replied, adjusting the skirt of my snow white costume. "work's been crazy. nothing too exciting, but i'm surviving." i took a sip of my drink and nodded at him. "how about you?"
austin shrugged modestly. "it's going alright. busy, but not bad. you know how it is, trying to juggle a million things." he nudged me with his elbow. "everyone's missed you, though. we haven't seen you in a while."
"i know," i groaned, rubbing my forehead. "i miss hanging out with everyone. god, the last time i saw everyone was for jd's birthday."
austin threw his head back and laughed, shaking his head. "that party was hilarious. i've never seen everyone so drunk. drew wouldn't stop going around singing."
i laughed at the memory—chase had been so annoyed with drew that night. i was completely wasted and ended up in a stupid argument with my then-boyfriend because he was jealous i was hanging out with them. despite all that, it was a night to remember.
after the fight, which mostly involved my boyfriend hurling insults, drew spent the rest of the night with me in the backyard, listening as i vented. it was the first time i'd really opened up to him, and it changed the way i saw him.
"speaking of them, is everyone here?" i asked, glancing around the party.
"a few of them are, yeah," austin grinned, gesturing his hand in the air. "madelyn, drew, and jd are."
