Chapter 2

The next day, Cloud sat at a small table in the coffee shop next to their college, staring blankly into his cup. The bustling sounds of the shop—students chatting, the hiss of the espresso machine, the clatter of cups—faded into the background as his thoughts raced. He couldn't concentrate on anything since yesterday. The gnawing feeling that something had happened during that wild night wouldn't leave him, and it was starting to drive him mad.

He hadn't been able to look any of the girls in the eye since then. Every time he thought about what might have happened, a wave of embarrassment washed over him, making him feel as though he was back to being a nervous, awkward teenager. Did something happen? The question haunted him, replaying in his mind over and over. He knew he had to talk to someone, but who?

Cloud glanced down at what he was wearing, hoping it would help him feel more grounded: a simple black T-shirt and dark jeans, paired with his usual sturdy boots. His spiky blonde hair was slightly tousled, as if he hadn't bothered to fix it properly after waking up in such a frazzled state. He tugged at his shirt absently, trying to shake off the unease.

As if in answer to his thoughts, the door of the coffee shop swung open, and Zack Fair, Cloud's best friend, walked in with his usual high spirits. Zack was all smiles, waving at Cloud with an infectious energy that always brightened the room. Dressed in a casual blue short-sleeved button-up shirt and a pair of well-worn jeans, Zack looked every bit the carefree guy who was ready for a relaxed hangout with a friend. His dark hair was styled in its usual spiky fashion, adding to his laid-back yet confident appearance.

"Hey, Cloud!" Zack called out as he approached the table, his grin wide. But as he got closer, his smile faltered. Cloud's expression was troubled, and Zack could tell something was off. "Whoa, what's up, man? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Cloud forced a small smile as Zack sat down across from him. "Hey, Zack. Thanks for coming."

"Of course! But seriously, what's going on? You look like you didn't sleep at all last night."

Cloud sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't. I… I can't stop thinking about what happened after we drank that Wutai brew you brought over to the bar."

Zack's eyes widened in surprise. "The Wutai brew? You mean the one we all had at the bar? What about it?"

Cloud hesitated, the words catching in his throat. He trusted Zack more than anyone, but even so, admitting his fears out loud was difficult. Finally, he took a deep breath and began to explain. "After we drank that stuff… I don't remember much. The next morning, I woke up… with Tifa, Aerith, and Jessie. And we were all… well… we were all naked."

Zack's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and then he chuckled, shaking his head. "Man, that must've been one crazy night. I remember some of it, but it's all kind of blurry."

Cloud leaned forward, the tension in his voice clear. "What do you remember? Please, Zack, anything you can tell me… I need to know."

Zack took a moment, trying to piece together his memories. "Well, I remember we were all at the bar, celebrating finishing the semester. You guys were in a good mood, and that's when I suggested we try the brew I brought. It's pretty strong stuff—Wutai's known for its potent drinks."

Cloud nodded, urging him to continue.

"So, we cracked it open, and things got wild fast," Zack said, a smirk playing on his lips. "You guys were in such a good mood. There was drinking, a lot of laughing… someone—I think it was Jessie—started a acting like she was in a play. Tifa and Aerith got in on it too. I remember Aerith singing and you clapping for her."

Cloud listened intently, his heart pounding. "But what happened after that?"

Zack shrugged, his expression turning slightly sheepish. "Honestly, it's all a blur after that. I remember we kept drinking, and things got pretty crazy. Everyone was just letting loose. But as for how you all ended up… well, you know, I don't remember much more than that. But…"

"But what?" Cloud pressed, his anxiety spiking.

Zack scratched his head, looking slightly amused and concerned at the same time. "Well, I do remember a few things. Like, at some point, someone suggested we take the party back to your place. And… you guys did."

Cloud's stomach dropped. "We all went back to my place?"

"Yeah," Zack confirmed, leaning back in his chair. "I remember bits and pieces. We were all pretty gone by then, but I do remember you and Tifa trying to carry Aerith because she kept tripping over everything. Jessie was singing—really loud and off-key, by the way—and you were laughing your head off."

Cloud's face paled as he listened. "And then what?"

"Honestly, it gets really fuzzy after that. I just remember that for some reason I couldn't go to your place. I think you guys kept drinking, or maybe someone suggested playing a game. It was all in good fun, but after that… it's just a blur." Zack looked at Cloud sympathetically. "Sorry, man. I wish I could remember more, but that's about it."

Cloud's heart was pounding. The fact that they had all gone back to his place and continued drinking only made him more worried. If they were already that drunk, who knew what could have happened afterward? "So, you really don't remember anything else? Nothing at all?"

Zack shook his head. "Nope, just flashes. But look, Cloud, whatever happened, I'm sure it wasn't anything too crazy. I mean, we've all been friends for a long time, right? Just talk to them. They're probably as confused as you are."

Zack leaned back in his chair, a casual grin still on his face as he tried to calm Cloud down. He placed his hands behind his head, a classic Zack move when he was trying to show he was at ease. "Look, Cloud, I really don't think it's that big of a deal. We all had a crazy night, sure, but it's not like it's the end of the world. You guys are tight, nothing's gonna change that."

But Cloud wasn't having it. He leaned forward, his hands gripping the edge of the table, his voice tense. "It is a big deal, Zack. Tifa's my childhood friend—we've known each other forever. Aerith's my best friend from high school." He paused, his voice dropping slightly. "And Jessie… she's my roommate. If something really did happen, the balance of everything between us could be ruined."

Zack's grin faltered slightly as he caught the gravity in Cloud's tone. "Aerith, huh?" Zack muttered under his breath, barely audible, "She's also my ex-girlfriend…"

Cloud's head snapped up at that, catching Zack's words. Zack quickly raised his hands in a mock surrender. "Hey, don't get me wrong, man. I get it. You've got history with all of them, and I'm not saying that doesn't matter. But still, freaking out isn't gonna help you figure this out."

Cloud shook his head, still unconvinced. "Zack, if I did something—anything—how am I supposed to look them in the eyes again? How am I supposed to live with myself knowing I might've crossed a line I can't uncross?"

Zack leaned forward, his voice serious for the first time. "Look, Cloud. Whatever happened, you're not in this alone. We're all in this together, and those girls? They care about you, just like you care about them. So, take a breath, and let's figure this out. Talk to them. See where they're at. Because trust me, the only way you're gonna get your answers is by facing this head-on, not by hiding from it."

Cloud stared at Zack, his friend's words slowly sinking in. Zack might be laid-back, but when it came down to it, he knew how to be serious when it mattered. Cloud nodded slowly, the knot in his stomach still there, but a little less tight.

"Yeah… you're right," Cloud said quietly. "I need to talk to them."

Zack gave him a reassuring smile. "Exactly. And whatever happens, I've got your back. You'll get through this, just like you always do."

Cloud couldn't help but smile back, just a little. He wasn't sure what he was going to say to Tifa, Aerith, and Jessie, but with Zack by his side, he knew he wouldn't have to face it alone.

Just as Cloud began to feel a slight sense of resolve, his pocket buzzed. He paused, feeling a sudden jolt of anxiety. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his cellphone, and his heart nearly stopped when he saw the screen light up with a message from Jessie.

The message was brief, but it made his stomach drop: "Cloud, we need to talk. Meet me as soon as you can."

Cloud's face paled as he stared at the message. His mind raced with all the possibilities of what Jessie might want to talk about, and none of them were good.

Zack noticed the change in Cloud's expression and glanced at the phone. Seeing the message, he chuckled and gave Cloud a playful nudge. "Looks like your first talk is coming sooner than you thought, man. Good luck."

Cloud looked up at Zack, his expression a mix of dread and determination. "Yeah… thanks," he muttered, slipping his phone back into his pocket. He could feel his pulse quickening as he stood up from the table.

Zack gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You've got this, Cloud. Just be honest with her. Whatever happened, you'll work it out."

Cloud nodded, though the knot in his stomach only seemed to tighten. "I hope so," he said, his voice low. Without another word, he headed for the door, his mind already racing with what he was going to say to Jessie. He knew this conversation was just the beginning of what would likely be a very long day.