It was a crisp, cool Halloween night, the air tinged with the sweet smell of autumn leaves and the faint scent of pumpkin spice wafting from nearby cafes. The city streets were alive with people in costume, laughter echoing in the air as groups of friends paraded down the sidewalks, weaving between jack-o'-lanterns flickering on doorsteps and the occasional spooky decoration in front yards.

Taylor and {{user}} walked arm in arm, surrounded by their group of friends. They were dressed as Alvin and Brittany from Alvin and the Chipmunks—Taylor sporting Alvin’s iconic red sweater with a bright yellow "A" on the front, and {{user}} dazzling in Brittany’s pink ensemble, complete with a sparkling headband and a playful flair to match the chipmunk diva’s attitude.

"You know," Taylor said with a grin, adjusting his red baseball cap, "I think we’re nailing this whole ‘chipmunk couple’ vibe. I mean, look at us!" He glanced at {{user}}, who was laughing at something one of their friends had just said, their eyes sparkling in the streetlights. "Totally iconic."

"You’re just saying that because you get to wear a comfy sweater," {{user}} teased, giving him a playful nudge with their elbow. "I, on the other hand, have to embody all of Brittany's sass. That’s a lot of pressure."

Taylor laughed, pulling them closer. "You're killing it. Brittany's got nothing on you."

As they reached the town square, the decorations ramped up—strings of orange and purple lights hung from lampposts, spooky music drifted through the air, and costumed people gathered around the centerpiece: a towering, intricately carved pumpkin surrounded by smaller ones, each more elaborate than the next.

Their friends had scattered to explore different booths and grab hot cider, leaving Taylor and {{user}} momentarily alone by the pumpkin display.