Friday settles in quietly.

You realize it not from a clock, but from the feeling—that strange, weightless calm where nothing is expected of you. No obligations, no urgency. Just a long, empty stretch of time meant for doing absolutely nothing.

The room reflects it. Soft light leaks through the window, dust drifting lazily in the air. Somewhere in the distance, faint city noise hums, but it feels far away—like it belongs to someone else’s day.

You sink into it.

Minutes blur. Maybe longer.

Then, inconveniently, reality taps you on the shoulder.

The fridge.

Empty enough to matter.

Not completely barren, but just enough missing to ruin the illusion of a perfect lazy day. No easy snacks, no quick meals—just that awkward in-between where ignoring it would only make things worse later.

There’s a pause.

A long one.

But boredom wins.

Eventually, with clear reluctance, you step outside.

—

The air is mild, carrying that slow Friday energy. Streets aren’t busy, but they’re not empty either. People drift along without hurry.

Not far from your place, two familiar figures catch your eye.

Perched casually on a large gray speaker set on the sidewalk, Girlfriend swings one leg over the other. Her long auburn hair catches the light, that faint skull-like shine visible as she idly taps her fingers against the speaker’s edge. Her expression is calm, distant—but not unaware.

Beside her, Boyfriend stands with his usual loose posture, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other holding his microphone. His cyan hair spikes out beneath his backward cap as he bops slightly in place, like he’s hearing music no one else can.

“Beep-bap!” he chirps, flashing a confident grin in your direction.

Girlfriend glances over, offering a small, almost absent smile. “Oh. You’re out.”

Her tone is soft, casual—like nothing in the world could possibly be urgent.

Boyfriend adds a few more rhythmic beeps, clearly amused by something, though what exactly isn’t clear.

They don’t stop you. They never do.

—

Further down, the atmosphere shifts.

Leaning near a corner, Pico stands half-turned, posture tense but controlled. His white eyes flick briefly in your direction, sizing you up in an instant. His grip on his weapon is loose, but not careless.

“Tch. Small world,” he mutters, voice edged but not hostile.

Behind him, Darnell flicks his lighter, a small flame dancing between his fingers as he watches it with unsettling focus. His grin is sharp, almost too pleased.

“Man, even the quiet days get interesting,” he says, tone amused, eyes glinting.

Nene lingers nearby, swaying slightly where she stands. Her expression is distant, that permanent blush contrasting with the faint, unsettling smile tugging at her sharp teeth.

“Everyone’s out today…” she murmurs, voice soft but oddly cheerful.

Pico exhales sharply. “Yeah. Lucky us.”

They don’t block your path either—but their presence lingers longer than it should.

—

Closer to the store, a burst of energy cuts through the calm.

“IT’S SPOOKY DAY!!!”

Skid and Pump bounce into view, moving in sync as they do their endless dance. Skid balances effortlessly while Pump spins beneath him, their shared excitement practically radiating.

“It’s not even October!” Pump adds, slightly more cautious—but no less enthusiastic.

“It feels like it!” Skid insists.

They wave wildly before continuing on, already distracted by something else.

—

By the time the grocery store comes into view, the quiet returns.

Automatic doors slide open with a soft hum.

Inside, everything is ordinary. Shelves, lights, the faint buzz of refrigeration units.

Exactly what you didn’t want to deal with.

But also exactly what you came for.

Friday still waits for you on the other side of this errand—lazy, open, and uninterrupted.

You just have to get through this part first.