Chapter Text
After going over every detail—twice, even three times—the group finally agreed to move. There was a quiet tension in the air, the kind that came right before something risky. No one said it out loud, but they all knew—this plan could either expose Chimon… or completely backfire.
“We’re really doing this today?” Bonnie asked, glancing around as they stepped out, her voice a mix of nerves and excitement.
Beside her, Nanon walked calmly, hands in his pockets, far more composed than she was. “It’ll work,” he said confidently, giving her a quick look. “Just trust me.”
Bonnie exhaled slowly. “I am trusting you. I just hope we don’t mess this up.”
The plan was simple, but it required timing, coordination, and a little bit of acting.
Bonnie and Nanon would start it off. They’d act like they found nothing useful inside the backpack, completely dismissing it as irrelevant. Then, in plain sight—somewhere Chimon could easily notice—they would toss the bag into a trash can, like it didn’t matter.
Like it was worthless. That was the bait.
From there, the Emi, Ohm, Milk, and Namtan would step in. They would “accidentally” spot the bag. Make it look like they recognized it—Or worse, wanted it. They’d grab it casually, even a little suspiciously, as if they were the ones stealing it for their own reasons.
Because as far as Chimon knew, they weren’t involved. They weren’t even supposed to care. And that was the key. Chimon didn’t know the Shadysiders were already investigating the vandalism.
To him, they were just… outsiders. Which meant—If he saw them take his bag? He’d react. He’d try to get it back.
And that was exactly what they wanted. Because once Chimon retrieved it—once he believed no one had figured him out—He’d get comfortable again. Careless. Bold enough to continue what he started.
And when he did—That’s when they’d catch him. Red-handed.
“Everything depends on him taking the bait,” Pat had said earlier, her voice steady despite the tension. “If he thinks the bag is gone for good, he might panic. But if he thinks he can still get it back…”
Film had finished quietly. “…he’ll make a move.”
Now, as they all split into their positions, the energy between them shifted. Less doubt. More determination. Because this time, they weren’t just guessing anymore. They were hunting.
After school, the plan was set into motion—without Pat and Film present. That alone made it feel riskier. But they trusted each other enough to pull it off.
Nanon and Bonnie stood near the hallway trash bins, acting casual—too casual, if someone looked closely. Bonnie kept glancing around, nerves creeping in, while Nanon stayed steady, his eyes scanning for one specific person.
Then there. Chimon. Right on cue.
“Now,” Nanon muttered under his breath.
Bonnie gave a small nod.
Without hesitation, Nanon pulled the backpack from his side and tossed it into the bin like it was nothing—like it didn’t matter at all.
Bonnie followed through, turning away as if she had already lost interest.
But across the hallway—Ohm was watching. Carefully. He didn’t look at the bag—He looked at Chimon. Watching for any reaction.
A few seconds passed. Then—Bonnie subtly signaled. From across the hall, Emi caught it immediately.
She nudged Namtan and Milk, her expression shifting into something more relaxed, almost bored.
“Let’s go,” she said under her breath.
They walked toward the bin like it was nothing. Like they didn’t care. Like they didn’t know.
Namtan was the first to peek inside. “Hey… guys,” she said, leaning closer. “There’s a backpack here.”
Milk stepped beside her, glancing in. “Really?” she murmured. “Huh… that’s weird.”
“Should we get it?” Namtan asked, looking over at Emi.
Emi shrugged, rolling her eyes slightly. “It’s trash. If someone threw it away, it’s probably not important anymore.”
That was the cue. Namtan reached in, but before her hand could touch it—
“Hey.”
They all looked up. Chimon. Standing right in front of them. Too close. Too tense.
“Emi,” he said, his voice forced casual as he looked at Emi. “What are you guys doing? Recycling now?”
Emi’s jaw tightened slightly at the tone—but she smirked. “No,” she replied flatly. “We just saw this in the trash. Thought we could take it.”
Namtan lifted the bag slightly. Chimon’s eyes locked onto it. And for a split second—He panicked.
“I… I know that backpack,” he said quickly, trying to keep his voice steady.
Milk tilted her head. “You do?”
Chimon nodded, a little too fast. “Yeah. It’s my friend’s. I’ll just take it and return it to him.”
There it was.
Namtan smirked slightly. “Too bad,” she said, teasing, pulling the bag a little closer to herself. “Finders keepers, right?”
That did it. Chimon snapped. Without warning, he lunged forward, grabbing the backpack straight from her hands.
“Hey—!” Milk stepped back in surprise.
“Hah! It’s not yours anyway!” Chimon barked, clutching the bag tightly. “So back off, Shadysider scum!”
And then—He ran.
A heavy silence followed. Then—Emi’s lips slowly curved into a smirk.
“…We got him.” She immediately pulled out her phone and dialed. The others exchanged confused looks as it rang.
Emi: "Hey, we got him."
Unknown: "Who is this?"
Emi: "O-oh, sorry, it's Emi. Remember, I got your number before leaving your house."
Unknown: "Yeah, sorry I forgot. Okay, I'll tell my cousin. Can you guys go to my house again right now?"
"Hey, guys, Red is asking if we can go to her house again today? " Maybe we'll talk about how to catch that Shoresider red-handed," Emi said, looking at her friends, who were stunned to see him talking to the redheaded girl.
Unknown: "Emi?"
Emi: "Y-yeah sure we'll go."
Unknown: "Okay then. Thank you. Bye"
Emi saved the contact. Red.
The others were still staring at her. “How did you even get the ice princess’s number?” Namtan asked, raising a brow.
Emi shrugged casually. “I just asked before we left earlier.”
Her eyes flickered toward Milk, who looked completely out of it. Still processing. Still thinking about one person.
Emi smirked. “Jealous?” she teased, nudging Milk’s shoulder. “Relax. I’m not stealing your girl.”
Milk snapped out of it. “I’m not—!”
Emi didn’t let her finish. “Want her number?”
Milk froze. “…I—”
Ping.
Her phone buzzed. She looked down.
Emi: 0918-464-5496. You just have to say yes, Milk :)
Milk slowly looked up.
Emi was already grinning. “You’re welcome, Romeo.”
The group burst into laughter.
Milk sighed, shaking her head—but she couldn’t stop the small smile forming on her lips. “…You’re so annoying.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Emi waved her off. “Let’s go.”
“Excited to see Pat?” Ohm teased.
Milk rolled her eyes immediately, but walked ahead of them anyway. A little faster than usual. And everyone noticed.
On their way to the cousins’ neighborhood, the group walked together a little lighter than before—there was relief in the air, a sense that something had finally moved forward. But beneath that, there was still tension… especially for one person.
Up ahead, they spotted Bonnie and Nanon walking side by side.
“Hey!” Emi called out.
Before anyone could react, Emi rushed forward and threw an arm around both of them, pulling them into her sides.
“We got him!” she said, grinning widely, excitement clear in her voice.
Both Bonnie and Nanon flinched slightly from the sudden contact, caught off guard.
“Y-yeah… we did,” Nanon replied, though his tone wasn’t as enthusiastic. His brows were slightly furrowed, his expression more conflicted than relieved.
That didn’t go unnoticed. Ohm immediately stepped in, nudging Emi lightly in the stomach and shooting her a look.
“Not now.”
Emi blinked, realizing.
“Oh—”
Ohm moved beside Nanon, his tone softer this time. “Sorry about her,” he said, nodding toward Emi. “You know how she is.”
Nanon let out a small breath and gave a faint smile. “Yeah… I do.” There was a pause. Then his expression shifted again—more serious this time.
“I just…” he started, glancing down for a moment before looking back at Ohm. “I don’t get it.” His voice wasn’t angry. Just… disappointed.
“He was my friend,” he continued quietly. “I thought he was starting to warm up to you guys… to the Shadysiders.”
The words hung in the air. Heavy. Honest.
Emi’s smile faded. Slowly, she removed her arm from around them and stepped closer to Nanon, her usual playful energy gone.
She gave his shoulder a small squeeze. “…Hey,” she said, softer now. “I’m sorry.” Nanon looked at her.
“That was kinda insensitive of me earlier,” Emi admitted, scratching the back of her neck. “I didn’t think about how this would feel for you.”
For a moment, Nanon just stared at her—Then he smiled. Not big, but real.
“It’s okay,” he said. “You’re not wrong either.” He glanced ahead, his expression settling into something more resolved. “He still shouldn’t have done that,” he added. “Not to any of you.”
There was a quiet understanding between them after that. No more teasing. No more tension. Just a shared goal, and slowly, they started walking again. Together.
After a few minutes of walking, the group finally reached Pat’s house, a quiet neighborhood dimly lit by streetlights. Bonnie stepped forward first, knocking lightly on the door.
Knock. Knock.
No response.
She frowned slightly and knocked again—louder this time, glancing back at the others as a small sense of unease crept in.
Still nothing.
“Pat?” Bonnie called out, trying the knob—but it didn’t open from the outside.
Nanon shifted beside her. “Try Film’s house,” he said quickly.
Bonnie nodded, hurrying next door while Nanon followed, knocking firmly this time.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Silence.
That’s when the tension started to rise.
Milk crossed her arms, biting her lip. “That’s… weird.”
Ohm pulled out his phone. “Try calling them.”
Bonnie immediately dialed Pat, while Nanon called Film. The group stood there, waiting. Then suddenly, two different ringtones echoed from inside Pat’s house.
Everyone froze.
“…They’re inside,” Emi said quietly, already stepping forward.
She reached for the door and tried the handle—
Click.
Unlocked.
“Hey—wait—” Milk started, but Emi was already pushing the door open slowly, stepping inside with cautious steps.
The house was quiet. Too quiet.
Emi moved through the living room, scanning everything carefully until—“Oh.” Her shoulders dropped. “They’re here.”
The others rushed in behind her, peeking into a small bedroom downstairs—and there they were.
Pat and Film. Fast asleep. Curled up beside each other on the bed, Film’s arm loosely wrapped around Pat while Pat leaned into her, their foreheads almost touching—completely unaware of everything happening around them.
“…They scared me,” Emi muttered, letting out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.
Bonnie, however, had a completely different reaction. Her eyes lit up.
“Oh my God,” she whispered, already pulling out her phone. Click.
“They look so cute and innocent,” she said, barely containing her grin as she snapped another picture.
“Bonnie—” Nanon sighed, shaking his head, but even he couldn’t help the small smile forming.
Emi leaned against the doorframe, glancing at the two again. “Should we wake them up, Raven?” she asked casually.
Bonnie shook her head immediately, lowering her phone. “No,” she said softly. “They must be exhausted… especially after this morning.”
Her voice softened, concern slipping through. “They had a rough day.”
Emi nodded, understanding, and quietly stepped back out of the room with her.
“Are they inside?” Namtan asked from the living room, standing beside Milk, Ohm, and Nanon.
“Yeah,” Emi replied, dropping onto the couch. “Knocked out.”
Milk exhaled quietly, relief washing over her features. “Good…” There was a small pause before she added, almost to herself—“At least she’s okay.”
Bonnie glanced at the clock near the stairs. “Let’s just wait,” she said. “They’ll wake up soon.”
No one argued. They all settled into the living room, sitting wherever they could—couch, floor, armrests—until the silence slowly started to feel… awkward. Too quiet. Too still.
“Oh my God, okay, this is too awkward,” Ohm suddenly blurted, sitting up straight. “We need to do something.”
The others looked at each other, silently agreeing.
“Should we talk about the plan again?” Namtan suggested.
Ohm shook his head immediately. “Didn’t Film say we should try getting to know each other more?”
They nodded.
“So… let’s do that.”
Bonnie perked up slightly. “We could play something.”
“Like what?” Nanon asked.
Bonnie grinned. “Would you rather?” That earned a few nods.
“Alright,” Ohm said, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s start easy.”
And they did. At first, the questions were harmless—stupid even.
“Would you rather eat pizza forever or drink soft drinks forever?”
“Pizza,” Nanon answered instantly. “Soft drinks,” Ohm countered.
“Both are unhealthy,” Namtan muttered, making them laugh.
The tension slowly faded. Until—Milk leaned forward slightly, a small mischievous grin forming.
“Okay,” she said, eyes landing on Namtan. “Your turn.”
Namtan raised a brow. “Go.”
Milk’s smile widened. “Would you rather… never be able to write again… or never find your soulmate?”
Silence. Namtan froze. The question hit deeper than expected.
“…Not be able to write,” she whispered.
Milk cupped her ear dramatically. “What was that?”
Namtan shot her a glare. “I said I’d rather not write than not find my soulmate!” she snapped louder than intended.
“Ohhhhh!” Ohm immediately started drumming on the table. “We got a romantic here!”
“Hey! Shut up!” Bonnie hissed, trying to stop him. “You’re gonna wake them up!”
But it was too late. Soft laughter echoed from behind them. Everyone turned. There, by the hallway wall, Film and Pat were standing. Awake. Watching them.
Film had a hand over her mouth, laughing softly, while Pat leaned against the wall, her cast visible, eyes amused but calm.
“What are you guys doing?” Film asked, still giggling as she walked closer.
Namtan straightened immediately. “Did we wake you up?” she asked, slightly flustered.
Film shook her head. “No. We’ve been awake for a while.”
Pat crossed her arms lightly, raising a brow. “Entertaining, though.”
Nanon smirked. “We’re playing Would You Rather.”
“Wanna join?” Bonnie added quickly.
Film glanced at Pat. Pat gave a small nod. “Sure.”
They both moved toward the group—Film sitting between Ohm and Bonnie, while Pat took the empty space beside Emi… right next to Milk.
Milk froze. Just a little. Close again. Too close.
“Alright,” Ohm said, grinning. “Since you just got here—Film goes first.”
Film sighed dramatically. “Of course.”
Ohm didn’t hesitate. “Would you rather lose your sight… or your memories?”
The room fell quiet again. Film’s smile faded slightly as she thought. Then—“…My sight,” she answered softly.
Ohm blinked. “Really?”
Film nodded, her expression gentle but firm. “My memories matter more.” There was something deeper behind that answer. Something personal.
Pat noticed—but didn’t say anything. Instead, she coughed lightly.
“Ahem.”
Everyone turned to her.
“My turn?” she asked casually, though her fingers lightly held her cast.
“Oh—yeah,” Ohm said quickly. “Who’s asking?”
Milk immediately shook her head. “Not me.” Too fast. Too obvious.
Bonnie noticed and smirked. “I’ll ask,” she said, eyes glinting with mischief. “Pat—would you rather go out with your soulmate…” She paused, glancing at Milk.
“…or go out with Milk?”
Milk choked on nothing. Pat coughed, this time for real.
The room went silent. Slowly—Pat turned her head. Her eyes met Milk’s. Brown meeting brown. Milk felt her throat go dry. Pat looked away first, exhaling softly.
“…I would rather go out with—”
Ring.
A phone cut through the moment.
Bonnie clicked her tongue. “Saved by the bell.”
“Where is that—?” Ohm looked around.
“It’s mine,” Film said quickly, standing up and pulling out her phone. “It’s Auntie Isabel.”
She stepped aside to answer. Meanwhile, the tension lingered. Unfinished. Unanswered.
Milk leaned back slightly, heart still racing. Pat just sat there quietly, staring at nothing in particular. Like she was still thinking about her answer.
Film: “Hello? Auntie, what’s wrong?”
Auntie Isabel: “Hello Film. I need to ask you a favor. Can you stay over for tonight? Your mom and some of our co-workers had an all-nighter today, and since Sammy was injured, I don’t want her to be alone.”
Film: “Sure, Auntie, I don’t mind. I’m actually here right now with some of our friends.”
Auntie Isabel: “Is that so? Don’t stay up too late, okay? And tell Lovey to take care.”
Film: “Okay, Auntie, I will, bye, take care too.”
“Pat,” Film said softly as she ended the call, letting out a quiet sigh as she glanced at the clock. “Your mom told me to stay with you tonight. They’ve got another all-nighter.”
She ran a hand through her hair, still a little disoriented. “It’s already eight… how long did we even sleep?” she added, half-laughing.
Then her expression shifted—back to worry.
“I’m sorry, guys. I really am,” Film continued, her voice a little rushed now. “Pat needs to eat, and she still has to take her medicine…”
She looked like she was about to spiral again.
“Hey,” Pat cut in gently. “Relax.”
Film stopped.
Pat gave her a small smile before turning to the others. “You guys can stay too… if you want. It’s already late anyway.”
There was a pause.
“Are you sure, Red?” Emi asked, tilting her head slightly, making sure.
Pat nodded. “Yeah. I mean… I already dragged you all here. Might as well not kick you out after.”
Milk glanced at her quietly, something warm settling in her chest.
“Okay, but logistics,” Nanon suddenly said, looking around. “Are we even gonna fit here?”
Film rolled her eyes. “My house is literally next door.”
She crossed her arms, already planning. “We’ll split up. Some of you stay here, some go there.”
Then she smirked slightly. “Let’s make it fair.”
Ohm immediately perked up. “Oh no.”
“Calling dibs,” Film said. “First come, first served.”
“Shotgun rooms?” Bonnie laughed.
“Exactly.”
“Oh, this is fun,” Ohm grinned.
“Alright,” Emi said, clapping once. “I call Film’s house. Bigger bed. I saw it before.”
“Same,” Nanon added quickly.
“Oh wow, using logic,” Bonnie teased.
“I call Film’s house too,” Ohm said, already walking toward the door like he had won something.
“Traitors,” Bonnie muttered.
Namtan raised her hand slightly. “I’ll go with them.”
“That’s four,” Film nodded. “Perfect.”
She turned back toward the others. “So that leaves—” Her eyes landed on Milk. “And you.”
Milk blinked. “Oh. Uh…” she hesitated for a second, then pointed toward the door. “I’ll just go with them too—”
“Too slow.” Bonnie cut in immediately, smirking.
Milk frowned. “What?”
“You didn’t call it,” Bonnie shrugged. “Everyone has already picked.”
Ohm snorted. “Skill issue.”
Milk rolled her eyes. “That’s not how this works—”
“It literally is,” Emi said, already halfway out the door. “First call wins.”
“Better luck next time,” Nanon added with a grin.
Milk crossed her arms, annoyed but slightly embarrassed. “I wasn’t even trying to—”
“Sure,” Bonnie teased. “You just happened to follow where they went.”
Milk opened her mouth—Then paused.
Because suddenly—A soft tap on her hand. She froze.
“…Stay.”
Pat’s voice was quiet. Gentle.
Milk slowly turned her head. Pat was looking at her—eyes soft, a slight pout on her lips like she didn’t even realize what she was doing.
“Stay,” she repeated, a little firmer this time.
Milk’s heart skipped.… “Seriously?”
She swallowed. “Y-yeah,” she said quickly, sitting back down. “Sure.”
There was a beat of silence—Then—“Ohhhhh,” Ohm dragged out from the doorway.
Milk grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. “Shut up!”
Bonnie burst out laughing. “Damn. Didn’t even hesitate.”
“Not even a second,” Nanon added.
Emi smirked, glancing back at Milk. “Yeah… definitely didn’t want to stay.”
Milk groaned. “Can you all just go already?”
Film shook her head, amused. “Alright, alright. Out.”
She pointed toward the door. “You four—my house. Don’t break anything.”
“No promises,” Ohm said.
“Try me.”
Namtan gave a small wave before following the others out, Emi right behind her, already talking about which room they’d take.
The door closed.
And just like that, the house felt quieter. Softer.
Bonnie stretched her arms, dropping onto the couch. “Finally. Peace.”
Film exhaled, heading toward the kitchen. “Okay, food first before Pat passes out again.”
“I’m fine,” Pat muttered.
“No, you’re not,” Film shot back instantly.
Milk chuckled softly under her breath, watching them. Then her eyes drifted back to Pat. Still sitting there. Still stubborn. Still… soft in a way she hadn’t noticed before. And somehow, being the one who stayed didn’t feel like she lost at all.
After dinner, once Pat had taken her medicine—under Film’s very watchful eyes—the house slowly settled into a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. The tension from earlier had faded, replaced by something softer… almost domestic.
“Okay,” Film clapped her hands lightly, already standing. “Everyone, go wash up before you all collapse here.”
Pat rolled her eyes but didn’t argue this time
Film slipped into Pat’s room, opening her closet like she owned it, scanning through neatly folded clothes. “You seriously need more oversized shirts,” she muttered to herself, already pulling out something comfortable.
Meanwhile, she helped Pat head toward the bathroom, careful with her injured arm.
“Slow down,” Film said, steadying her.
“I am going slow,” Pat replied, though her tone lacked its usual bite.
Film just gave her a look. “You’re injured. You don’t get attitude privileges right now.”
Pat scoffed—but there was a small smile hiding there. The bathroom door closed behind them, leaving Bonnie and Milk alone in the living room.
A beat of silence. Then—
“So…” Bonnie started casually, stretching her legs out.
Milk didn’t look at her. “So…?”
Bonnie turned her head slightly, watching her. “Do you like Pat?”
Milk choked on nothing. “What—?” she sat up straight, completely caught off guard. “What do you mean?”
Bonnie chuckled softly, clearly entertained. “Relax. You don’t have to look like I just exposed your deepest secret.”
Milk started fidgeting, fixing her shirt, her hair—anything to avoid eye contact.
“I just noticed how you react whenever it’s about her,” Bonnie added, swinging her foot lazily. “So, I got curious. Sorry if I’m wrong.”
Milk glanced at her. “…You’re not wrong,” she admitted quietly.
Bonnie’s brows lifted slightly.
“But you’re not completely right either,” Milk continued, exhaling softly. Her eyes drifted toward the bathroom door without her realizing it.
“I haven’t really thought about it that much, but…” she paused, cheeks slowly turning pink. “…I’d be lying if I said I’m not interested in getting to know her more.”
Bonnie’s expression softened. “That’s nice,” she said.
Milk blinked. “What is?”
Bonnie leaned back against the couch, staring at the ceiling. “Liking someone. Or even just being interested.” She let out a small breath. “Finding someone like that… or finding your soulmate.”
There was a hint of something else in her voice. Milk noticed.
“…What about you?” she asked carefully.
Bonnie chuckled. “I don’t even have my tattoo yet.”
Milk tilted her head.
“I’m still seventeen,” Bonnie explained. “My birthday’s in two weeks.”
“Oh.”
Then Bonnie suddenly sat up, scooting closer. “So, what’s yours?”
Milk froze. “My—what?”
“Your tattoo,” Bonnie said, leaning in with a grin. “Come on. You can’t dodge that.”
Milk bit her lip, looking away. “Uh… can I not say it yet?”
Bonnie groaned dramatically. “You’re no fun.” But she leaned closer anyway, whispering near Milk’s ear—“Next time… you’re telling me.”
She pulled back with a smirk. “…Or just confirm if it’s Pat.”
Milk’s face went red. “Shut up,” she muttered, covering her face.
Before Bonnie could tease her further, the bathroom door opened. Film stepped out first, followed by Pat.
Pat was now wearing a loose red shirt and soft sweatpants, her cast still visible—but somehow, she looked… softer like this. Less guarded.
Milk’s breath hitched for half a second.
“Hey,” Film said, looking at them. “You guys want to wash up, too? There are clothes in the bathroom you can use.”
Milk stood up a little too quickly. “Y-yeah. I’ll go.”
She walked straight past them before anyone could say anything. Bonnie watched her go and immediately burst into silent laughter.
“Oh my God,” she whispered to Film. “She’s gone.”
Film raised a brow. “What did you do?”
“Nothing,” Bonnie said innocently. “Just asked a question.”
“Uh-huh.”
Once Milk disappeared into the bathroom, Bonnie turned back to Film.
“So—sleeping arrangements?”
Film glanced at Pat first, silently asking.
Pat sighed. “There are three bedrooms here. You and I can share.”
Bonnie immediately shook her head. “Nope.” She pulled out her phone and showed them something. The picture she took earlier.
Film burst out laughing.
Pat’s eyes widened. “You took a picture?!”
“You were literally crushing her,” Bonnie said, pointing at Film. “And you’re injured. That’s a bad combination.”
“I was not crushing her—”
“You were hugging her like a pillow.”
Film tried to defend herself but ended up laughing harder.
“So,” Bonnie continued, satisfied. “Pat gets her own room. Proper rest. No suffocation risks.”
Pat groaned. “I’m not that fragile—”
“You have a cast,” Film cut in.
“Exactly,” Bonnie added. “Doctor’s orders. Probably.”
“There were no such orders.”
“There are now.”
Film crossed her arms. “No arguments.”
Pat bit the inside of her cheek, clearly annoyed, but gave in. “…Fine.”
Film smiled in victory. “Good.”
“Then,” she continued, “Bonnie and I will share one room—”
“And…” Bonnie’s grin slowly returned.
Film caught it. “…What are you planning?”
“Nothing,” Bonnie said immediately.
Pat narrowed her eyes.
“Anyway,” Film continued, ignoring the suspicious energy, “Milk can take the other room upstairs.”
Bonnie nodded way too enthusiastically. “Perfect.”
Film looked at her again. “You’re definitely planning something.”
“Me?” Bonnie gasped. “Never.”
Just then, the bathroom door opened. Milk stepped out, hair slightly damp, wearing one of Pat’s oversized shirts.
Bonnie turned immediately. “Perfect timing,” she said.
Milk blinked. “For what?”
“Sleeping arrangements are done,” Bonnie said casually. “You’re upstairs.”
Milk frowned slightly. “How did you—”
“Instincts,” Bonnie cut in quickly.
Milk narrowed her eyes but didn’t question it further. “…Okay.”
Pat glanced at her. Just for a second. Then looked away.
Film clapped her hands once. “Alright, let’s get some sleep before anything else happens today.”
Bonnie smirked to herself as she stood up. “Yeah,” she said, glancing between Pat and Milk. “Before anything else happens.
At the same time, over at Film’s house, the others settled into the living room, the earlier tension slowly fading into something quieter, more comfortable. The house felt different without Film there—still warm, still familiar—but slightly incomplete.
Ohm dropped onto the couch first, stretching his arms behind his head. “Okay… serious question,” he said, glancing at the others. “Aren’t you guys hungry?”
There was a pause.
Namtan let out a quiet exhale, placing a hand on her stomach. “Now that you mention it… yeah.” She frowned slightly. “We completely forgot to eat.”
Emi nodded, leaning back against the couch. “Too busy dealing with everything,” she added. “Didn’t even notice.”
Nanon, who had been standing by the doorway, suddenly pushed himself off the wall. “I’ve got something.”
Ohm raised a brow. “You live here now or what?”
Nanon ignored him, already heading to the kitchen like he knew exactly where he was going. He crouched down, opening cabinet after cabinet until—“There.”
He pulled out a medium-sized box and placed it on the counter.
Emi crossed her arms, watching. “And that is…?”
“Our food stash,” Nanon said simply, opening it.
Inside were snacks—chips, cookies, chocolates, instant noodles—like a hidden treasure.
Ohm leaned in. “…Okay, that’s actually impressive.”
Namtan smirked faintly, reaching for a pack of cookies. “I like this house.”
Nanon shrugged. “Film, Pat, Bonnie, and I always keep one. Movie nights.”
“Prepared,” Emi corrected with a small grin.
“Exactly.”
Within seconds, they were all grabbing something, the tension easing as they settled back into the living room.
“Movie?” Nanon suggested, already picking up the remote.
“Sure,” Ohm replied, already chewing.
Namtan didn’t say anything, just sat down quietly, her mind drifting for a second before focusing back on the screen.
“Don’t worry,” Nanon added, turning on the TV. “Shared Netflix account.”
Emi huffed a quiet laugh. “Of course you do.”
He scrolled briefly before choosing a random thriller and pressing play.
An hour and a half later, the credits rolled. The room was quieter now—snack wrappers scattered, bodies relaxed. Namtan had already slipped away to one of the bedrooms halfway through the movie, too drained to stay.
Only Nanon, Ohm, and Emi remained. Nanon shifted slightly, about to stand—when he froze.
Something was resting on his shoulder. Slowly, he turned his head—Ohm. Asleep. Head comfortably leaning on him.
Nanon blinked. “…Emi,” he whispered.
Emi looked over—and immediately bit back a laugh. “Oh no. Not again.”
“What do you mean again?” Nanon whispered, trying not to move.
Emi shook her head, amused. “He does this. Falls asleep mid-movie. On people.”
“…Great.”
She leaned forward and lightly tapped Ohm’s shoulder. “Hey. Wake up.”
Ohm groaned. “Five more minutes…”
That made Nanon laugh quietly.
Emi tried again. “You’re not at home.”
Ohm’s eyes slowly opened. Then realization hit. He shot up immediately. “Oh my God—I’m so sorry!”
Nanon couldn’t help it—he laughed.
“It’s fine,” he said, waving it off. “You’re not the first, apparently.”
“That’s not comforting,” Ohm groaned, embarrassed.
Emi smirked. “It kind of is.”
“Please stop.”
Nanon just smiled, stretching. “Alright. Beds. There should be two empty ones upstairs.”
Emi nodded. “Yeah. Ohm, you’re with me.”
Ohm gave a small nod. “Yeah… okay.”
As they headed upstairs, the house fell quiet again. But this time—It felt easy.