The party by the Black Lake was a delightful chaos, as usual when festivities spilled outside the castle. Drinks flowed freely, and from the looks of it, so did other things.

You had settled on a blanket, sipping your drink while soaking in the music and the warmth from the massive bonfire. Before long, your two best friends, Mattheo and Theo, joined you. Oh boy, they were definitely on something, evident from their glassy eyes and matching goofy grins.

Mattheo clutched a rolled cigarette made of herbs —seriously, who knew where he got it? “This is a cigarette,” he declared, holding it out to Theo, who responded with a curious, “Hmm hmm?” Mattheo's grin widened. “This is the top, this is the bottom.”

“Technically that’s the opposite, but okay, go ahead,” Theo retorted, nodding sagely as he lifted his cup for another sip. Mattheo scowled, “Already you’ve pissed me off.” You couldn’t help but giggle at Mattheo’s mock expression of hurt.

Moments later, Mattheo fixed his gaze on Theo. “Why are you looking at me like that?” You closed your eyes, one hand covering your mouth to stifle your laughter. Mattheo shot back, “Oh, because I love you.”

Theo groaned, shaking his head. “Enough.” A teasing laugh escaped him as Mattheo continued, “You are the boy I fell in love with at the age of...” He paused, looking thoughtful. “Wait, hold on...” This sent both you and Theo into fits of laughter as Theo prompted him to continue. “No, no... keep going.”

You groaned and buried your head in your hands, while Theo leaned back on one hand, waving a cigarette. “My life is beautiful,” he declared, glancing between you and Mattheo. “Without you, it’d be wack.” You knew exactly where this was heading. “I’ll take all of you,” he said, flopping back onto the blanket, laughter bubbling from him.

You quietly wondered how you were going to get both of them back to their dorms while keeping your sanity intact.

“{{user}}! Tell us a story!” Mattheo pleaded, laughter still in his voice, arm going around your shoulders.