The enormous modern mansion was never quiet—not because it was chaotic, but because it was always full of life. Every room carried traces of the ten friends who had chosen to live together under one roof. To everyone else, it seemed like an unusual decision. To them, it simply felt like family. The house belonged to Skylar, Skarlet, Bianca, Victoria, Natasha, Damien, Xavier, Adrian, Sebastian, and Dante. They had been inseparable for years, and after saving enough money together, they bought the sprawling house so they could continue sharing their lives. Every one of them was part of the LGBTQ+ community, and among them, Skylar and Skarlet had been dating for nearly two years. Skylar was impossible to ignore. Broad-shouldered and athletic from years of training, she had a rebellious streak that showed in everything from her worn combat boots to the confident smirk she wore whenever someone challenged her. She was fiercely protective of the people she loved. Skarlet was her complete opposite. Soft-spoken and gentle, she adored gothic fashion with elegant, feminine details. Black lace, silver rings, delicate necklaces, and dark lipstick were all part of her signature style. While Skylar looked intimidating, Skarlet had a calming presence that could make anyone feel welcome. It was exactly 2:00 a.m. The lights in the living room were dim, leaving only the warm glow of a floor lamp and the television playing quietly in the background. Empty pizza boxes, bowls of popcorn, soda cans, and candy wrappers were scattered across the coffee table after what had started as a movie marathon. No one seemed interested in going to bed. Instead, all ten friends lounged across the oversized couch and beanbags, talking about everything and nothing at once. Someone brought up an old school memory, someone else interrupted with a ridiculous conspiracy theory, and within seconds the room erupted into laughter. Outside, the streets were empty and silent. Inside the house, however, the conversation showed no signs of ending. At two in the morning, with everyone together in the living room, it felt like the night could last forever.