MARCO

I'm having the time of my life, standing in the middle of the arcade with a handful of tokens and a killer view of Jake's epic gaming skills. The flashing lights and cheerful beeps surround me as I lean against the side of the basketball machine, watching my best friend take shot after shot.

"Come on, Jake! You call that a jump shot?" I call out, a teasing grin spreading across my face.

"Just you wait, Marco! I'm gonna show you how it's done," he shoots back, determination shining in his eyes.

He takes another shot, and this one actually goes in. I clap sarcastically. "Wow, the future NBA star, everyone! Someone get this guy a contract!"

"Just keep practicing your commentary," he says with a smirk. "And leave the actual shooting to the pros."

Tobias stands next to me, absentmindedly fiddling with a handful of tokens. He's quiet, a bit awkward in a way that makes him easy to overlook, but there's something endearing about it. His messy hair and oversized flannel shirt give him that out-of-place, bookish vibe that makes it hard to imagine him in a noisy, crowded arcade. I don't know him as well as Jake does, but I've seen him around enough to understand the way he keeps to himself. He's not the type to demand attention, but there's something about him that makes you want to look twice.

Jake saved him from a bully during sophomore year. After that, Tobias just kind of quietly becomes part of the group. He doesn't say much, but there's this unspoken understanding between us. He's one of us now.

"Are you guys hungry?" I ask, glancing between Jake and Tobias. "Because I could go for some fries."

Tobias shrugs, looking a bit uncertain. "I didn't really bring extra money for food."

Jake immediately chimes in. "No worries, man. I got you. Let's hit the food court."

We make our way out of the arcade, the smell of greasy fries and pizza wafting through the air. As we walk, I can't help but feel the energy of summer winding down. Soon, we'll be starting our junior year—more responsibilities, more classes, and a whole lot less time for hanging out. I'm determined to make the most of these last few days.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spot Rachel and Cassie—the last two pieces of our little friend puzzle. They're sitting at a table, leaning in close, laughing over something that only they seem to understand. It's easy to see how they command attention, even without trying. Rachel's effortless confidence radiates from her, the kind that makes you feel like she could light up the whole room if she wants to. And Cassie, with her easy smile and laid-back demeanor, seems to glow in her own way, making everyone around her feel at ease. Together, they look like they own the place.

Rachel wears a light pink tank top that brings out the tan in her sun-kissed skin, paired with denim shorts that showcase her long legs—legs I've, unfortunately, started noticing a lot more lately. It's like my brain has suddenly decided to pay attention to every little detail about her.

She spots us approaching the table and flashes me that smile of hers. The kind of smile that sends that familiar, annoying flip through my stomach again. At this point, I hate how predictable it is.

I've known Rachel my whole life—she's my next-door neighbor, the girl I used to climb trees with and argue over who got to eat the last of my mom's brownies. But this summer? Something's definitely changed. She isn't just Jake's cousin or my childhood friend anymore. Now, she is… well, she's Rachel. The same girl I've grown up with, but now there's something new about her. Something that makes me wonder—just for a second—if there might be more between us than just the usual banter and memories. It's a thought I'm not ready to dwell on, and definitely not admit to anyone else. Definitely not to her. But for some reason, it keeps popping up, and I can't seem to shake it.

Rachel's best friend, Cassie, is a study in contrasts to Rachel. Where Rachel can command attention with her effortless confidence, Cassie has this calm, grounded presence that makes you feel like everything's going to be okay. Rachel is wildfire; Cassie is steady, calm waters. It's funny how well they balance each other out, even though they're so different. Rachel's bold and outspoken, while Cassie's quiet and always in tune with the feelings of those around her. They make an unlikely yet perfect team, even if they don't always agree on everything.

As soon as Cassie spots Jake, a faint blush creeps across his cheeks. I can't help but smirk. It's pretty obvious he has a thing for her, and from the way Cassie smiles back—soft, warm, and full of something unspoken—I know she feels the same.

"Hey, you guys!" Cassie calls out as we approach the table, her voice warm and inviting. "Want to join us? We could use some extra opinions on where to eat."

"Always happy to offer my expertise," I reply, trying not to act too excited.

We order our food and dig in. As we eat, the conversation flows effortlessly, bouncing from one subject to the next without any of the usual awkward pauses. It's easy—like it always is with these guys, especially when we're all together.

"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Jake asks after everyone's finished their food, leaning back in the booth and glancing around at the rest of us. His voice has that familiar tone, the one that usually signals the start of a new adventure.

Cassie looks a little shy, her hands twisting the strap of her bag as she glances up at us. "We were planning on walking back to Rachel's house to watch a movie. You guys want to join?"

"Sounds good to me," Tobias nods with a surprising glint of enthusiasm. "Definitely better than going home and staring at the walls."

I lean back in my seat with my usual swagger, flashing a grin that I hope looks effortlessly cool. "Of course! Plus, you ladies definitely need some big, strong men to escort you home in the dark. You never know when a monster might jump out. Or, you know, some troublesome squirrels."

Rachel lets out a laugh, leaning in slightly, her eyes glinting with that mischievous spark I'm all too familiar with. "Oh, please. I can handle any monsters that come our way. But I suppose having a sidekick wouldn't hurt."

"Sidekick?" I lean forward, feigning offense. "I was thinking more along the lines of a knight in shining armor—here to save the damsels in distress." I throw my shoulders back and puff out my chest for dramatic effect, knowing full well it's probably more ridiculous than heroic.

Rachel arches an eyebrow, that amused smirk curling on her lips. "A knight, huh? More like a guy who trips over his own feet while trying to be a hero."

"Hey, no need to bring up past traumas," I shoot back, grinning. "That was one time, and that curb jumped at me outta nowhere. The world's still acting like it's my signature move. My armor is spotless, thank you very much."

Jake chuckles, cutting in with that neutral tone of his that always seems to smooth things over. "Count us in for both, then. We'll make sure you get home safely—and help you pick a good movie."

Cassie smiles at that, her cheeks flushing slightly, but she's quick to add, "As long as it's not a horror movie. I'm not sure I can handle that tonight."

Rachel tilts her head slightly, glancing at me before smirking. "Perfect! Just need to make sure Marco doesn't hog all the popcorn."

"Excuse me!" I throw my hands up in mock indignation. "I am merely providing efficient snack distribution. It's a public service. A duty, really. I take my responsibilities as the designated snack master very seriously. You should be thanking me."

As we start walking back, the sky has fully darkened, and the harsh glow of the mall's fluorescent lights flicker to life around us. The air carries a slight chill, mixing with the scent of asphalt and the distant hum of traffic. I glance around—most of the stores are closing, and the place feels quieter now, a little emptier. The kind of empty that makes every sound seem louder. The wind picks up slightly, making the trees along the sidewalk rustle.

Rachel suddenly turns to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, let's cut through the construction site. It'll be faster."

I raise an eyebrow, about to respond when Cassie's voice interrupts us, her tone full of caution. "Are you sure about that? I don't want to end up as a late-night news story."

I laugh to ease the tension, throwing my hands up in mock surrender. "No worries, ladies! If there's a monster, I'll scare it off by flexing my muscles." I strike a pose, puffing out my chest like I'm some kind of action hero.

Rachel rolls her eyes, but I catch her stealing a glance at my biceps.

Okay, that wasn't just my imagination.

"Please. If anything, I'm the one who should be protecting you," she shoots back, a teasing smile pulling at the corners of her lips. I even spot a slight blush.

Definitely wasn't imagining that.

"Oh, really?" I reply, smirking, fighting to keep my voice steady. "What are you going to do? Challenge it to a gymnastics competition?"

Rachel leans in closer, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "You underestimate my skills, Marco. One roundoff and I'll have the monster begging for mercy."

I laugh, and despite myself, I'm glad she's here, walking next to me. "Alright, I didn't realize I was walking with Xena, Warrior Princess. Just remember, if anything goes down, I'm still the one with the 'big, strong man' title here."

Rachel snorts, clearly amused, but her gaze lingers on me for a moment too long. It makes me uneasy in a good way, like she's seeing something in me I didn't even know was there.

"Right. Just don't trip over your own feet while you run away," she shoots back, her voice light, but the undertone is playful.

I roll my eyes, feeling a grin tug at my lips. Yeah, because that's exactly what I'd do—trip and fall flat on my face.

We keep walking, the mall lights fading behind us as we make our way toward the construction site. The air shifts as we leave the main drag—the humidity makes the night feel heavier, like the world is pressing in on us. The streetlights become fewer, and shadows stretch long, swallowing the edges of the sidewalk. The scent of wet cement and rusted metal lingers in the cool breeze. Abandoned structures rise up on either side, silent and imposing, like ghosts of the city's past. Steel beams jut out like jagged bones, stark against the darkening sky.

Then, out of nowhere, Tobias freezes in his tracks. His expression is wide-eyed, a mix of awe and something else—worry, maybe?

"Look!" he exclaims, pointing up at the sky.

I follow his gaze, and there it is—a brilliant blue-white light streaking across the sky, moving too fast for an airplane. It zips along for a moment, then slows, hanging in midair like it's waiting for something.

"What is it?" I ask, my voice low. I glance over at Tobias, who's still staring, his usual calmness replaced by something much more intense.

"I… I don't know," he murmurs, his voice tight. "But that's not normal."

The light pulses again, and for a second, it feels like everything else stops. My heart skips a beat.

Jake squints, his brow furrowing. "Is that…?" he starts, trailing off, uncertainty thick in his voice.

Cassie, unable to hold back her excitement, blurts out, "It's a flying saucer!"

I can't help it. A laugh escapes me, though it sounds more nervous than anything. "Come on, that's insane. A flying saucer?" I try to joke, but my voice is shaky. A shiver runs down my spine, the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.

But there's something about the way the light moves—too deliberate, too controlled—that makes my skin prickle. It doesn't seem random.

Rachel shakes her head, chuckling, but it's forced, her eyes glued to the sky. "No way."

The light pulses again, steady and almost calculated, and I can't shake the feeling that this is more than just some weird coincidence. We were just a group of teenagers out for a night together, and now… now it feels like the universe is shifting beneath our feet.

"I don't know about you guys, but this feels like a scene from a really bad sci-fi movie," I say, trying to make light of it, though my voice trembles more than I care to admit.

Rachel leans closer to me, her face illuminated by the glow of the strange light. Her gaze is still locked on it, and her voice is quieter than usual. "Whatever it is, it's not going anywhere."

Her words hang in the air, and for a moment, everything feels still—too still. The night seems to hold its breath, like even the world is waiting for something to happen. I feel a rush of adrenaline mixed with an unsettling dread. This isn't just a late-night stroll anymore.

The light pulses again, steady and deliberate, like it's aware of us. I feel it in my bones—something big is about to happen, something that could change everything we thought we knew.