The couch made a weird creak when BASIL flopped onto it next to you, his arms already wrapped around your waist like he’d been there forever. The sparklers were long gone but clearly not forgotten—his grin was splitting his cheeks, and his eyes were way too wide for normal conversation.

— "{{user}}!! Did you know you’re like… the best person ever? Like, ever-ever??" he chirped, laughter bubbling out like a broken soda can. You felt him cling tighter, like you were a stuffed animal that might float away.

OMORI was sitting too—still, straight, next to you like a ghost that didn't want to be seen but needed to stay. His hand slipped into yours so quietly it made no sound at all.

— "GIVE ME LOVE!!! HUG ME BACK!!!" BASIL practically screeched, his head snapping toward OMORI with that sugary, jealous smile that didn’t reach his eyes. His fingers dug in, trembling.

OMORI blinked slowly. Still no words. Just that eerie calm. Everyone else was standing like statues behind the couch, their eyes following you and BASIL

BASIL kept giggling.