New Year, New... Crisis ?? [1]

"Ten more seconds, everyone! Let's count down together! 9! 6! 5! 4! 3!..."

The man's voice is drowned out by the sound of trumpets. A second later, the television screen shifts to fireworks lighting up the night sky.

"Happy New Year, bro!"

The voice pulls my gaze from the television to Fred. That incredibly genius man is, as usual, seated behind his desk in the corner of the living room. Despite being absorbed in whatever is on his screen, this time, he gives me a wide smile and raises his beer bottle into the air.

I chuckle before replying, "Happy New Year, bro," raising my own bottle to make a remote toast.

I take a gulp of my beer as I hear footsteps behind the door that connects the living room to the tower.

"Happy New Year, King," I greet Sara as soon as she opens the door.

She smiles widely, replies to my greeting, and acknowledges Fred as well. Her eyes wander around the room. "The others haven't arrived?"

"We're here... we're here..."

Out of nowhere, Bruno appears behind Sara, carrying Lily. He walks toward the loveseat next to me and gently places Lily down.

"Ugh," he exhales before grinning. "Happy New Year, everyone!" he says cheerfully.

"Yeah... Happy New Year," Lily grumbles more than greets. "This leg is torturing me!" she curses, struggling to take off her prosthetic leg.

"Here, let me help you, baby," Bruno says, immediately kneeling in front of her to assist. Once the leg is off, Lily exhales a long sigh of relief.

"Where did you guys go this year-end?" Sara asks them.

"Spain," Bruno answers. "I took her to meet my extended family."

"Wow... I hear wedding bells," Fred teases, making Bruno blush.

"Actually... we're planning it for next year," Bruno replies, gently running his hand through Lily's hair. "Isn't that right, baby?"

Lily nods. "Uh-huh. After this baby comes out," she says, kissing Bruno.

"I should prepare a speech then," I say, turning to Bruno. "I am your best man, right?"

"Hey! He said I'd be his best man," Fred protests.

"You can be Viper's maid of honor," I tease Fred.

"What?! No way!"

Our playful dispute is interrupted by the harsh sound of a door slamming open. All our heads instantly turn to Charlotte, who storms in, visibly upset. Albert follows close behind, his face a mix of panic and frustration.

"I told you, Sugar, I was just admiring her look! It didn't mean—"

"I don't need to read your mind to know your intentions toward that girl!" Charlotte cuts him off angrily.

"What intentions?!"

"You want to sleep with her!"

"What?! Since when—" Albert halts, glancing at the rest of us in the room. "Guys, please tell her we don't necessarily think about sex just because we admire someone's appearance," he pleads.

Bruno and I exchange looks but stay silent. Fred, meanwhile, remains in his own world, completely ignoring the drama.

"Bruno, come on, man, back me up here," Albert pleads.

"My gaze is only on Viper," Bruno says, shrugging. "So, I don't know what you're talking about."

"You!" Albert exclaims in exasperation, then turns to me. "Death...?"

"Uhum. I see many girls every day, and I don't think about sex when I look at them," I reply nonchalantly, taking another sip of my beer.

"See, Sugar—"

"But I don't admire their appearances either," I add, making Bruno stifle a laugh.

"What... fuck you, man!" Albert snaps at me, then quickly moves toward Charlotte, who has flung herself onto the couch.

"Sugar, come on. I'm sorry, okay? I can't control my gaze—"

"They can!" Charlotte snaps, pointing at Bruno and me. She crosses her arms. "You just don't love me enough."

"What?! I love you so much, Sugar. You know that—"

"If you loved me, why haven't you proposed to me?" Charlotte suddenly shifts the argument, catching everyone off guard.

Albert freezes, unable to respond. Actually, none of us can say a word.

"Look at Bruno and Lily. They've been together for just a year, and they're already engaged. While we... after almost fourteen years, where are we?!" Charlotte demands, her voice trembling.

Albert opens his mouth to speak but says nothing.

"Why haven't you said anything?!" Charlotte presses.

"Sugar... we shouldn't talk about this in front of—"

"When, Albert?!" Charlotte interrupts.

He still doesn't respond. Charlotte stares at him for a long moment, her expression shifting from anger to sadness.

"Never, right?" she asks quietly, her tone filled with disdain.

"Sugar, I never said—"

"I just read your mind," Charlotte cuts him off again.

"What?! You promised me you wouldn't—"

"You never want to marry me," Charlotte declares. She stands and heads toward the stairs, leaving us all stunned in silence.