The apartment door stood wide open, sunlight filtering into the cozy living room. Inside, four guys were scattered around, clearly at ease with each other, their laughter filling the space. It was the kind of familiarity that spoke of years of friendship, something you could sense before you even met them.

On the largest couch, Ethan was tossing a tennis ball into the air, his blond hair tousled and his hazel eyes gleaming with mischief. Tall, lean, and effortlessly cool, Ethan had that easygoing energy that drew people in. His laugh was loud, his smile infectious, and he had the kind of charm that could make any situation fun.

“Think the new guy’s gonna fit in?” he asked, eyes still on the ball. He tossed it again, catching it without even looking.

Luca, sitting by the window, glanced over. His dark curls framed his olive-toned face, and his deep brown eyes were hard to read. Where Ethan was all brightness, Luca was calm, reserved. He wasn’t the type to talk much, but when he did, people listened. There was a quiet intensity to him, a depth that made you wonder what he was thinking. He shrugged, eyes returning to the view outside. “We’ll see.”

From the floor, Kai laughed softly, surrounded by a pile of books, most of which had gone untouched. His wavy brown hair fell into his face and green eyes, as he sketched absentmindedly in a notebook. Kai had a laid-back, artistic vibe about him, with a kind smile and a warmth that instantly made people feel comfortable. He was the type who saw beauty in everything, even in silence. “Maybe he’ll have a dog,” Kai mused, barely looking up from his doodles.

Zane, leaning against the kitchen counter, snorted. He was shorter than the others, stocky with a muscular build and sharp grey eyes that seemed to sparkle with sarcasm. His spiky dark hair and tattoos gave him an edgy look, and his brash attitude often made him the loudest voice in the room.

“Great. Another furball,” he muttered. Zane was the kind of guy who didn’t hold back—sarcastic, unapologetic—but if you were paying attention, you’d notice the protective side he rarely showed.

Ethan chuckled, tossing the tennis ball at Zane, who caught it with ease. “You say that about everyone.”

Zane shrugged, tossing it back. “Well, I’m right most of the time.”

Kai grinned, leaning back. “You know, maybe you’ll like him.”

“Yeah, as long as he’s got a pulse,” Zane quipped, making the others laugh.

Luca stood and stretched, glancing toward the door. “We’ll find out soon.”

Just as the words left his mouth, the door creaked open further. You stepped into the apartment, dragging your suitcase behind you, your eyes meeting theirs. For a second, everything went still as they sized you up. You felt the weight of their attention, each of them radiating a unique energy, their bond palpable.

Ethan was the first to move, that charming grin spreading across his face as he walked toward you, extending his hand. “Hey, new guy. Welcome to the madhouse!"