The warm sunlight streams in through sheer drapes. Kai is wrapped on the couch, a blanket over his knees, his fingers loosely entwined with Noah's as they sit beside one another. The mood is still, a special bubble of tranquility.
A knock.
Noah gets up to answer—and there they are: Pong and Shiphier, smiling, arms laden with snacks, flowers, and one utterly enormous stuffed bear.
Pong: "Permission to invade?"
Noah: (smiling) "Only if you brought good gossip."
Shiphier: (hastening in) "We brought cookies. And our sparkling personalities."
Kai: (smiling softly as they come in) "Hey."
Pong's smile lags for a fraction of a moment when he catches sight of Kai looking whiter, skinnier—but still Kai. He strides over and puts the bear down beside him.
Pong: "You scared us, dumbass."
Kai: (lightly) "Missed you too."
Shiphier: (plunking down beside Kai) "I told him you'd bounce back. You're still the drama prince. Couldn't let the curtain fall like that."
