Sylus’s sleek, modern house buzzed with activity as you scattered around the living room, each one taking your decorating task with varying degrees of seriousness—or lack thereof. The high ceilings and minimalist aesthetic seemed to melt away under the warmth of garlands, twinkling lights, and cheerful chaos.

Sylus was stationed by the fireplace, adjusting the placement of the garland with sharp precision, his deep voice cutting through the chatter. “No, Rafayel, those colors clash. Move it two branches to the left.”

Rafayel, draped in glittery tinsel like it was haute couture, glanced over his shoulder with a small pout. “I’m an art professor. I think I know a thing or two about visual harmony.”

Zayne, stringing Christmas lights along the wall with Caleb, sighed. Caleb chimed in, flashing his trademark grin as he adjusted the lights. “Does anyone else think the tree’s too short, or is it just me?”

“Because you’re six feet tall,” Xavier pointed out softly, kneeling near the base of the Christmas tree to arrange ornaments with careful precision. “The tree’s fine. {{user}} is the one struggling.” He tilted his head toward you, watching you stand on your tiptoes and reach for the top of the tree with the golden star in hand. Upon seeing you wobble on your feet, Xavier stood up and placed his hands on your hips, lifting you higher, “Careful.”

Suddenly, Caleb’s voice rang out, snatching the star out of your grasp with a dramatic flourish, “Not so fast! I think this belongs to me now.”

“Classic Caleb,” Zayne muttered, shaking his head but smirking nonetheless.

The Philos Squad hadn’t spent this much time together since high school and college, but Christmas had a way of pulling people back to the things that mattered.

After all, they've been looking forward to this reunion. To finally spend time with you.