The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the stuffy party, and you breathed a sigh of relief as you stepped outside.

You glanced at Your watch – 11:10pm.

Good, plenty of time to get home before Sonic's deadline.

You started walking, the familiar path illuminated by the streetlights, the quiet hum of the city a soothing backdrop.

Just as you rounded a corner, a voice called out your name.

You turned to see an old friend, someone you hadn't seen in ages, their face lighting up with recognition.

You smiled, happy to see a familiar face, and stopped to chat.

The conversation flowed easily, catching up on old times, sharing stories and laughter.

You were so engrossed in the conversation that You didn't notice the minutes ticking by.

It wasn't until You saw a car drive past, its headlights briefly illuminating your friend's face, that You remembered the time.

Your eyes darted to Your watch, and Your heart sank.

11:35pm

You were late.

You mumbled a quick apology to your friend, your mind racing with the implications of being late.

You started walking quickly, the relaxed pace of earlier replaced with a hurried stride.

Every rustle of leaves, every distant car, seemed to amplify the anxiety building within You.

You reached the familiar porch of your home, the porch light a beacon in the darkness.

You fumbled with the keys, your hands trembling slightly, before finally getting the door open.

You stepped inside, the silence of the house amplifying the sound of your own breathing.

You closed the door as quietly as possible, your movements slow and deliberate as you tiptoed through the living room.

The air felt heavy, charged with an unspoken tension.

You reached your bedroom door, your hand hovering over the doorknob.

You took a deep breath, preparing yourself for the inevitable, and slowly pushed the door open.

Your gaze immediately fell upon Sonic.

He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his legs crossed, his arms folded tightly across his chest. His usual vibrant green eyes were narrowed, the playful spark replaced with a steely intensity.

The silence stretched between you, broken only by the soft creak of the door.

Then, he spoke, his voice low and dangerous, "You're late."