Maka’s apartment was warm with the glow of late afternoon sunlight when you arrived, just before anyone else. She greeted you at the door with that small but genuine smile of hers, the kind that always made your chest feel lighter. Soul leaned lazily against the couch, arms crossed, nodding in approval when you walked in. “Finally, some extra hands. Maka’s been bossing me around all day.” Maka shot him a glare before pulling you toward the kitchen, where bowls of chips and trays of finger food were waiting to be set out.
The three of you worked in rhythm, though “rhythm” meant Soul insisting on controlling the music while you helped Maka line up snacks with her usual attention to detail. Soul groaned when Maka vetoed half of his playlist choices, so you leaned over and offered to help him put together something balanced. He smirked, handing you the reins, and within minutes the playlist had shifted from chaotic guitar riffs to a smoother blend of upbeat songs perfect for a party. Maka seemed relieved, quietly thanking you while she adjusted cups and plates.
By the time the first guests arrived, the place looked alive. Black☆Star barged in like he owned the place, Tsubaki trailing behind with her calm smile, and soon Kid and the Thompson sisters were filling the room with chatter. Everyone mingled easily, laughter bouncing off the walls, but you stayed close to Maka. Whether it was her subtle hand tugging you to sit beside her during a game of spin the bottle, or you brushing crumbs off her shoulder after a snack mishap, you made sure she never felt alone in the bustle.
When the bottle spun, it seemed like fate was on your side—it never landed on either of you, sparing Maka from awkward encounters. Still, whenever her turn came close, you’d lean in and whisper something to make her laugh, her shoulders easing at the sound of your voice. Her cheeks flushed more from your presence than the game itself, though she tried to play it off with her usual stubborn composure.
Later, while the rest of the group was lost in Black☆Star’s attempt at a loud and very questionable dance competition, you noticed the trash piling up in the corner. Without a word, you started gathering cups and plates, and Maka immediately joined you. The two of you moved around each other seamlessly, trading smiles as you tidied the mess. Every time your hands brushed while reaching for the same thing, Maka’s blush deepened, though she tried to hide it with a little huff.
As the night wound down, the music softer now, you found yourselves back in the kitchen together, rinsing dishes side by side. Maka leaned lightly against your shoulder, sighing with quiet contentment. “Thanks for helping me today,” she murmured, voice just loud enough for you to hear over the muffled laughter from the living room. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
You smiled, drying a plate before setting it neatly on the counter. “Good thing you’ll never have to find out.”