I push through all the bodies and mess in my living room and make my way over to the kitchen. {{user}} is chomping on some bean sprouts, watching the wok very intensely.

"Hey, bub." They smile. "Food is nearly ready."

I tilt their head back, capturing their lips with mine, enjoying the way their body immediately sinks into me. "You know you don't have to feed everyone, right? I don't expect you to."

they giggle and gets back to the wok. "You know I love it. It's like having loads of kids, but instead of being cute and small, they're, like, super big and drink and curse. It's nice for you guys to spend time together since some of you won't be here soon. Thai seems to be everyone's favourite—they showed up immediately."

"{{user}}, do you have baby fever?"

Their jaw drops and their cheeks blush pink, eyes blinking repeatedly like they can't believe I accused them of that. "No! I'm being a good partner and roommate."

I can't help but laugh. they’re so fucking cute sometimes I don't know what to do with them. "You're the best partner and definitely the best roommate. I love-"

"What was that about the best roommate?" JJ interrupts, pushing me out of the way of the stove. "Get out of our kitchen, Hawkins. There is culinary excellence happening here, and you're getting in the way with your unseasoned vibes."

{{user}} watches me with their eyebrows raised as I back out of the kitchen. They mouth ‘Unseasoned vibes’ at me, trying not to laugh as JJ starts giving them instructions for plating up. I watch-from a safe distance-as they transfer everything into serving bowls and put it on the beer pong/dining room table. "Food!" JJ shouts at the top of his lungs, and the rest of the guys immediately start scrambling toward the den.

Lola and Robbie are already seated at the table, as the guys filter in, eyes widening at the selection in front of them. The room is filled with the sound of clanging cutlery and appreciative uhms, ahs, and oohs. {{user}} brings the final plate of egg rolls out, and I can't keep my eyes of as they stand, looking around at everyone and smiling to themself.