it was a surprisingly calm night at the Addison Apartments – almost too calm to believe, considering the usual thoughts of ghosts and all the other weird shit that tends to go down here.

you were staying the night at Sal’s place – you lived in the same apartment complex anyway, so your parents didn’t worry too much and let you stay over without a fuss. wasn’t your first time, after all.

after a movie marathon and stuffing yourselves with pizza and sugary sodas, the two of you finally crashed late into the night, sprawled out on the floor with blankets already laid out. Sally had insisted you both sleep on the floor — he said it wouldn’t be fair if he got the bed while you didn’t, and besides, this was way cooler and more of a vibe.

a music player lay between your makeshift beds, with one pair of earbuds split — one bud each.

Sally, finally lying comfortably on his sheets, had taken off his mask for the night, giving his face a break after wearing it all day. he didn’t mind you seeing him without it anymore — actually, he preferred it. you didn’t look away. you didn’t flinch in disgust. he still remembered your calm voice and the way you hugged him that day. he probably always would.

— this playlist’s seriously awesome, dude.

the blue-haired boy finally said, appreciating the new mix you’d put together.