From Frost to Flame

Part 30- Home Stay

After finishing their delicious desserts, the group continued chatting, enjoying each other's company. Laughter filled the air as they shared stories, and before they knew it, it was already midnight.

It was time to go home. Vegas, Kinn, Porsche, and Pete were ready to leave, while Tharn and Type prepared to close up the music cafe. Just as everyone was about to head out, Type suddenly turned to Pete.

"Pete, are you forgetting something?" he asked with a grin.

"Huh?" Pete blinked, confused.

"Photograph!" Type reminded him.

"Oh! Yes!" Pete's face lit up with excitement, but also a hint of nervousness. He pulled out his phone, only to realize it was dead.

Looking over at Porsche, Pete muttered, "I left my phone in the car."

Vegas, ever the problem-solver, smiled. "I'll take the picture for you," he offered, pulling out his phone.

Tharn stepped up beside Pete, his usual relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to Pete's anxious energy. Type stood to the side, grinning widely. Vegas positioned the phone, giving instructions in a calm voice. "Alright, Pete, just relax. Smile, yeah?"

Pete, feeling the eyes of his favorite singer on him, couldn't help but blush. His smile was shy at first, but as the camera clicked, it turned into a full-on beam, his eyes sparkling with joy. He was standing next to Tharn! It was like a dream come true.

"Perfect!" Vegas said, reviewing the photo on the screen, and Pete, still basking in the moment, couldn't stop grinning.

Then, Vegas stepped in, joining them for a group selfie. "How about one more?" Vegas suggested, nudging Pete playfully. Pete nodded, though his heart raced with excitement. Tharn leaned in, putting an arm around him as they all squeezed together for the perfect shot.

The camera clicked once more, freezing the memory of Pete's first photo with his idol. As the picture was taken, Pete felt like he was on cloud nine—this moment, this memory was everything he'd hoped for.

Vegas chuckled, handing Pete the phone to see the pictures. "Looks like you've made a great memory tonight, Pete," he said, his tone light and friendly.

Pete looked at the photos, his smile widening, and for a moment, all he could do was stare at the screen in disbelief. "I... I can't believe this," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with wonder.

Tharn noticed Pete's wide-eyed expression and chuckled softly.
Then, Tharn signed a personal copy of his new album for Pete.

Pete was practically floating. He couldn't believe it. "Thank you so much, Tharn," he said, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Pete, still in awe, looked up at Tharn. "Thank you, Tharn. This means... everything to me," he replied, his voice slightly shaky from excitement.

Tharn chuckled, his smile warm. "Thank you for being my biggest fan, Pete," Tharn said, his voice warm and genuine.
With that, the memory was made, and Pete knew he'd treasure this moment for a lifetime.

Pete's heart swelled with joy. He couldn't stop smiling as he thanked them both and promised to visit again soon. After a final round of goodbyes, everyone gathered outside to head home.

As the group gathered by their cars, Pete and Porsche lingered behind, exchanging quiet words. They glanced at each other, realizing that their homes were far from the cafe, and the thought of traveling so late made them uneasy.

After a brief conversation, they decided it would be best to take a taxi, not wanting to impose on Kinn and Vegas any further.

Kinn, noticing the two of them standing off to the side, raised an eyebrow and whispered something to Vegas. He then called out to Porsche, his tone playful but with a hint of concern, "Hey, baby, what are you doing? Let's go."

Porsche and Pete both turned, their faces a mix of surprise and hesitation. With a slow, almost reluctant pace, they walked over to Kinn and Vegas, who were now looking at them with curiosity.

"We'll take a taxi," Porsche said, his voice careful but firm. "Pete and I live on the other side of town, and we don't want to trouble you guys with the extra drive."

Kinn blinked, clearly surprised. "What?" he asked, a little incredulous.

Vegas, equally confused, tilted his head. "Huh? Why?"

Porsche shrugged, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it's just too far, and we didn't want to put you out. We're fine taking a taxi."

The air was tense for a moment, but Vegas and Kinn exchanged glances. Kinn let out a soft sigh, shaking his head in disbelief. "You guys are something else," he muttered with a smile, clearly not wanting them to go through any trouble.

"You two can stay at our place tonight," Kinn said. "Our house is close to the cafe."

It didn't take a second for Porsche to eagerly agree, his excitement shining through. But Pete hesitated, glancing between Porsche and the others.
"No, it's okay. I'll just take a taxi. Don't worry about me," he said, trying to sound casual.

But Porsche wasn't having it. "Come on, Pete. It's midnight, and it's not safe to travel this far alone," he insisted, giving Pete a pleading look.

Pete shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the others for support.
Then, as if on cue, Vegas spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "Pete, stay with us. It's too late."

Pete hesitated for a moment, his mind racing, but in the end, he couldn't refuse. "Okay... thanks," he mumbled, grateful but still feeling a bit out of place.

On the drive home, Vegas was behind the wheel, with Pete sitting next to him. As the car began to move, Vegas noticed Pete hadn't fastened his seatbelt. "Hey, Pete. You missed your seatbelt," he said, with a raised eyebrow.

Pete, slightly embarrassed, quickly buckled up. "Oh, right. Thanks." His cheeks flushed, and he avoided making eye contact, unsure whether it was the late hour or the situation that made everything feel so awkward.

Vegas glanced over and smiled, clearly amused, but didn't comment. He turned to Kinn in the backseat. "Sterling?" he asked casually.

Kinn, who had been staring out the window, nodded without a word.

"Alright, then!" Vegas grinned as he started the car, the four of them heading toward Vegas and Kinn's place. The night was still young, filled with laughter and easy conversation, but a sense of camaraderie lingered in the air as the drive continued.

Kinn suddenly broke the easy chatter by asking, "Porsche, why'd you want to go home so early? You didn't want to spend more time with me, love?"

Porsche immediately threw his hands up in mock surrender. "I didn't want to give you trouble, okay?" he explained with exaggerated innocence.

Kinn leaned over, kissed Porsche on the cheek, and teased, "You're talking about trouble?
Baby, you are the trouble itself."

Porsche gasped, pretending to be scandalized. "Ayii, Kinnnn!" he whined, hitting Kinn on the shoulder, which only made everyone laugh harder.

Vegas, Pete, and Kinn joined in the laughter, while Porsche kept playfully hitting Kinn in retaliation, the playful banter filling the car with warmth.

A few minutes later, the car pulled up in front of the massive mansion. Pete couldn't help but stare out the window, eyes wide, as they approached. The mansion was even more breathtaking up close, its towering gates and sprawling grounds glowing under the moonlight.

It felt like they were entering a whole new world, and Pete couldn't help but feel a bit awestruck.