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Brooklyn POV

I frown at the date displaying on my phone screen. Today is our last day in California and our last day of tour. After today, everyone flies back home; no one knows how long it will be until we can be together in person again.

"We have to make this day legendary," Tori tells the group, everyone responding in agreement.

Nathan thinks, "But what can we do to make today perfect?"

"I vote sleep all day and party all night," Herron says.

I give Herron a high five, "I couldn't agree more."

"Then it's settled," Mario starts, "Everyone, go to sleep now, and we'll have some fun when the sun goes down."

"Wait, we're actually sleeping?" Brandon asks, shock and excitement in his words.

April shrugs, "Why not?"

Corbyn laughs, "Why don't we just sleep? Get it?"

"You're an idiot," Jack hits the bean on the back of his head.

"GO TO SLEEP, CHILDREN!" Weston yells at us.

"Okay, dad," Tori responds, "WAIT, CRAP."

Jacob laughs, "Everytime, Tori. Do you have something to tell us?"

"Nope. Goodnight, everyone," she runs to another room, April and and Dani following behind.

Everyone says their goodnights and disperses throughout the house, leaving me alone in the living room.

"Wait," I say to myself, "Isn't it technically goodmorning?"

•

After a well-needed nap, the group meets up again to discuss plans. The Why Don't We boys decide that they will show us their favorite places in LA since they are the most familiar with the area.

The boys take us to their favorite beach to watch sunset. We find a small, secluded area of the beach where we can enjoy each other's presence in our last moments together.

The sun is red across the golden horizon, and the serene waves crash onto the shore in a steady pace.

"This place is beautiful," Clayton says, wrapping his arms around Dani from behind her and resting his head on her shoulder. She leans her head on his and places her hands over his.

"Agreed," April smiles as Mario intertwines his fingers with hers.

Weston wraps his arm around Tori, placing a simple kiss on her cheek. What an oddly sweet gesture coming from Weston.

The love: It's everywhere.

I feel two arms wrap around my waist and pick me up.

"Put me down, peasant!" I shout to whoever is carrying me dangerously close to the salty water.

He laughs, "I've taught you well, Brook."

Recognizing the voice as Brandon, I prepare to fight back, but before I know it, I'm submerged in water.

Once I resurface, I turn to fight Brandon, but instead I'm met with our friends laughing and smiling while messing around on the beach. These are the moments I'll miss.

•

"You guys are going to love this place," Jack says, leading us up a dirt path.

April nervously plays with her hair, "I don't know, guys. It's starting to get dark. Are you sure we should be up here?"

"C'mon, April, live a little," I lightly punch her shoulder.

April rolls her eyes at me, "You know the drill: If I die, I'm suing you."

"Yup!" I cheer, running up the final steps of the path.

All of us reach the top of this cliff-like area. It has trees around a small clearing and a perfect view of the city lights. The sun has already set, so we're left with the beautiful sight of LA in a dark purple ombré sky.

Everyone silently takes a seat on the cliff, dangling our legs over the edge. April keeps her distance from the edge out of her anxiety for recklessness.

No words are spoken in the moment: It's just a group of young friends savoring every moment of life because who knows when we'll lose opportunities like this. We spend our last hours together reminicing on our times together and admiring the beautiful sight before us.

I glance around me and take in their happy expressions.

Mark, Loren, Jacob, and Ariel smile brighter than they have in awhile. Through their heartbreak and struggles with friendship, they found a closer bond with each other.

Nathan and Brandon laugh along with the Why Don't We boys, enjoying the comfort of new friendships and new chances at making memories.

Blake and Hunter think about how far they've come because of each other and promise to support each other through anything that comes their way.

April and Tori seem the most changed of them all. They have a newfound confidence within them, and they allowed themselves to experience new things, such as taking their relationships with Mario and Weston to the next level. Thankfully, these experiences helped them positively.

Looking at this group, I'm glad to say I met them. Even if they can be absolute losers, I wouldn't be the same if they hadn't somehow wandered into my life.

"You ever wonder if some people are just meant to be in your life?" I ask the group, grabbing all of their attentions.

"Well," Hunter says, "It feels like the universe wanted all of us to meet."

"If the universe was nice enough to bring us all together, I owe it a big thanks," Mario chuckles.

I stare up at the starry night sky. Whether we were brought together by fate or coincidence, I can't wait to see where we go next.