it was one of the last summer parties that zach’s social circle was throwing. he’d been frequenting them more ever since he started his unemployment a few months prior. and, even given his reputation and love for parties, zach was beginning to feel burnt out. the beer in his hand was only his second, he was already looking up the prices on ubers back to his apartment, and it was only half past eleven. it felt like the end of his night. until he saw isaiah, of course. his friend ( best friend, maybe ) had come through the back gate in the little backyard, and was passing through the group of people surrounding a pong table. zach met him just as he was entering the house. “hey, man!” his voice was a mixture of excitement and surprise, and without thinking about it, zach reached forward and embraced the other boy in a friendly hug. he couldn’t even remember the last time they had spoke, let alone seen each other in person. “is ash here, too?” the thought of seeing his favorite little blonde girl made his eyes nearly light up.