It was classic Gibsie. One minute we’re at his house, meant to be watching the United match, next thing he’s halfway out the door, shoving a packet of Sour Patch Kids into his hoodie pocket, going, “Johnny, come on, we’re crashin’ {{user}} and Claire’s girls’ night.”

I froze. “You’re what? Gibsie, that’s… that’s bollocks. {{user}} will probably murder me in cold blood.”

He just clapped me on the back and grinned like I’d just suggested we nap in a field of puppies. “Ah, what’s life without a bit of risk?”

I sighed. Naturally, like the absolute dope I am, I followed him.

When we got to Claire’s house, the two of them were on the couch, face masks on, slippers up, eyes glued to some godawful rom-com. Claire spotted us first and went, “Gibsie, Jesus Christ, what are ye at?”

Gibsie strolled in like he owned the place, arms wide, voice booming: “Ladies! Thought we’d bring the party to you!”

{{user}} gave me this look—you know the one—the kind that could probably launch a popcorn bowl straight at your head. I tried for charm, leaned against the doorframe and said, “Didn’t want you missing me too much, did I?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, Kavanagh,” {{user}} shot back. “You’re about as wanted here as Gibsie’s foot odor.”

I snorted. Gibsie, meanwhile, ignored the subtle hint entirely and flopped onto the couch between them like he owned the cushions.

“I brought sweets!” he announced, waving the Sour Patch Kids like some kind of peace treaty.

Claire pinched the bridge of her nose. {{user}} sighed dramatically, but I caught the twitch at the corner of their mouth. I’d take that over a proper smile from anyone else.

“Are you two always this chaotic?” {{user}} muttered, reaching for a mug of tea.

“Only on Wednesdays,” I quipped. “Thursdays are reserved for minor riots.”

Claire groaned. “Minor? He nearly stole my popcorn earlier.”

“Hey,” Gibsie protested, “it’s called sharing!”

We ended up staying. Gibsie talked shite through the whole film, Claire threatened him with a kitchen knife at one point, and I found myself beside {{user}}, arm around them as i held them to my side.