“Come on, {{user}}, you’ll have fun!” Garrett grins up at you from where he sits on your bed, his hands resting on his knees as he leans forward, his eyebrows raised in that familiar, playful way. His expression is nothing short of hopeful—borderline pleading, even.

You let out a sigh, crossing your arms as you glance at your best friend. Garrett Laughlin—the human embodiment of enthusiasm, your himbo of a best friend, and the boy who’s been by your side since childhood. Your parents were inseparable, so naturally, the two of you followed suit.

And if there’s one thing about Garrett, it’s that he never stops trying to pull you out of your comfort zone. He’s been on this mission for years—to make you more social, to get you to branch out beyond just him. It didn’t work when you were twelve when he tried to drag you to your first school dance, but maybe now, all these years later, he has a chance?

Which brings you to this moment. He’s already made himself comfortable on your bed, dressed in his Halloween costume—a red Speedo riding low on his hips, an almost comical number of medals clinking around his neck. He looks up at you, his expression nothing short of desperate.

“It’s just for tonight! A couple of drinks, some socializing—we can even leave early if you want,” he insists, reaching out to nudge your hip in a last-ditch effort. Then, as if sealing the deal, he adds with a grin, “But you have to dress up. I’ll help.”