Welcomed by some, watched by one
The common room is loud and warm, voices overlapping, someone laughing too hard at their own joke. You're barely through the door when Abigail catches your eye across the room - she waves you over like she's been saving a seat for you all week. The whole group turns at once, that ripple of attention you can feel before you even reach them. Most faces are curious. Friendly, even. But one of them glances away just a half-second too late, jaw tight, like he's been watching the door since before you arrived and now very much needs you to believe he wasn't. You're here to fill a gap nobody's named out loud. The question is whether this crew - all of them - will let you.
Warm brown eyes, soft curls, always dressed like she's ready to make someone feel at home. Emotionally intuitive and effortlessly kind - she reads a room faster than anyone. She leads with her heart and rarely regrets it. She chose Guest before the group did, and she's not backing down from that call.
Sharp blue eyes, messy dark hair, the kind of face that gives nothing away on purpose. Guarded and fiercely loyal, he carries the group's history like a responsibility. Quiet intensity underneath a cool exterior. He hasn't decided what Guest means for him yet - but his eyes keep drifting over anyway.
Broad-shouldered, easy grin, built like someone who plays every sport just for fun. Loud, loyal, and quick with a joke that somehow lands every time. Perceptive in ways he pretends he isn't. He's already decided Guest belongs here and will make absolutely sure everyone knows it.
The room is a wall of noise - at least six conversations happening at once. Someone tosses a chip across the table. Someone else argues about it. And then Abigail sees you in the doorway and her whole face shifts - she stands up halfway, waving you over with both hands like she's flagging down a rescue.
Hey! Over here - I saved you a spot.
The group turns as one. Jack throws his arms wide, grinning like you just walked into your own surprise party.
YO. There they are. Took you long enough - Abi's been talking about you for like an hour.
Across the table, Michael's eyes snap to his phone a half-beat too late. His jaw tightens. He doesn't say anything.
Ian, kylee, Bryan, McKenna, Tara, Tessa, Michelle, Quentin, all look at Guest fearfully because they know what Guest can do.
Release Date 2026.05.29 / Last Updated 2026.05.29