The screen flickered with explosions and virtual gunfire as they fought side by side in the game. Completely focused on the game of "Halo."
"Leonard, you're leaving me vulnerable!" Sheldon shouted, frantically pressing the buttons.
"I'm doing my best, Sheldon, but they're everywhere!" Leonard responded, frustrated.
Howard: "You guys need to learn to play like me. I'm dominating here!"
Raj: "Sure, Howard, dominating. That's why you've died three times already, right?"
"That was strategic! I'm just confusing the enemy," Howard replied defensively.
Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted the conversation.
"Don't open it!" Sheldon said quickly. "We're in the middle of a delicate operation. We can't be interrupted!"
Leonard ignored the warning and paused the game. "I'll get it, hold on."
Sheldon huffed. "If we lose because of your lack of commitment, the blame will be entirely yours."
Leonard went to the door and, upon opening it, found Penny.
"Hi, Leonard! Hi, Sheldon!" she greeted cheerfully. "I came to invite you guys to a party tomorrow night!"
Raj, sitting on the couch, let out a dramatic sigh. "Of course, it's just Leonard and Sheldon here," he murmured with an offended look, making Howard laugh beside him.
Leonard looked at her with a curious expression. "A party? Tomorrow?"
Penny smiled, excited. "Yes! It's going to be super fun. Music, drinks, dancing…"
Raj rolled his eyes and muttered, "Sure, keep ignoring the Indian… it's almost a talent."
Howard gave Raj a light pat on the back, enjoying the situation.
Sheldon, still on the couch, was already shaking his head before Leonard could respond. "I refuse. Parties are a waste of time. Noise, crowds, and unnecessary socializing. No way."
Penny, already anticipating resistance, played her trump card. "It's a Halloween party… with costumes."
Sheldon, who was about to resume the game, paused mid-motion. "Costume?" He looked directly at Penny, interested for the first time. "Did you say… costumes?"
Penny smiled, seeing she had captured his attention. "Yes! Costumes! You can come dressed as anything."
Leonard, noticing Sheldon's sudden interest, asked, "So, Sheldon, what do you think?"
Sheldon got up from the couch. "Well, considering the possibility of wearing a costume, I might need to reconsider. There's an element of historical authenticity and cultural accuracy that could be applied to costumes. I accept."
Penny smiled, satisfied. "Perfect! It's tomorrow at 8, I'll give you the address. Don't forget the costumes — Aaah, Raj! You're here too!"
Raj placed a hand on his chest, making a pained expression as if imaginary arrows had struck his heart.
Sheldon was already deep in thought. "Do you think a Doppler effect suit would be recognized?"
.
.
.
Leonard was adjusting his costume when he heard a knock on the door. He was dressed in a mad scientist costume: a white lab coat, safety goggles, and fake test tubes attached to his belt.
He opened the door and found Raj, dressed as Jack Sparrow complete with a tricorn hat and a disheveled shirt.
Leonard smiled. "You look fantastic, Raj. The costume is perfect."
Raj twirled a bit, showing off his costume. "Thanks, Leonard. Had to give the character a bit of attitude."
As they chatted, Sheldon appeared, dressed as Spock. He made the Vulcan salute and entered with a serious expression. "Greetings, Leonard, Raj. I came to ensure that the Halloween celebration does not deviate from a logical and rational path."
Raj looked at Sheldon, appreciating the costume. "You're really convincing, Sheldon. Spock is a good choice."
Sheldon nodded. "Certainly. It is a practical and efficient costume."
Raj looked at the clock and then asked, "And Howard? He hasn't arrived yet?"
At that moment, Howard came through the door. He was dressed in a tight superhero costume, the fabric visibly stretching around his waist and thighs. "Sorry for the delay," he said, adjusting the costume and trying to pull the fabric away from his butt. "My mom left the costume in the washer for longer than she should have. It's so tight I can barely breathe."
Leonard tried to hold back a laugh. "At least you made it, Howard."
Raj looked around. "So, where's the party?"
Leonard took out his phone and said, "Penny sent the address. It's at 'Joy House,' on the corner of Main and Oak Street."
Raj then said, "Great, I brought my bike. Who's coming with me?"
Everyone looked at Raj without much enthusiasm.
Raj looked at Howard hopefully, and Howard quickly declined. "Not a chance. Last time I wore the pink helmet, my dignity was compromised."
Leonard intervened. "We'll go by car. It's more practical."
Raj muttered disappointedly. "Traitors."
.
.
.
Leonard, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard arrived at the party, parking the car in front of the house full of lights and loud music. Upon entering, they were greeted by a lively and noisy crowd.
"This looks like hell disguised as fun," Sheldon commented, frowning at the loud music.
Howard, adjusting the tight costume, was already wide-eyed while watching the women in costumes around. "Ah, I'm in paradise," he said with a satisfied smile.
Raj, acting normally, shrugged. "Relax, Sheldon. Enjoy the night. It won't be that bad."
Penny appeared soon after, waving from a distance and smiling upon seeing the group. "Hey, guys! You came!"
Leonard smiled, clearly wanting to make a good impression. "Of course, we wouldn't miss it."
"Did you like the party?" Penny asked.
Sheldon, with a blank expression, replied flatly: "I'm still processing."
Raj looked around as if searching for something. "Do you have any candy? Because a party isn't really a party without it."
Penny looked at Raj with a half-smile. "Oh, about that… actually, we only have drinks. You know how it is, it's an adult party."
Raj froze. "What? No candy? How can it be only drinks?!" He seemed genuinely shocked, as if he had just discovered a major injustice.
Howard laughed, giving Raj a light pat on the back. "Welcome to the world of adult parties, my friend. Here, sugar is liquid."
Raj shook his head, still incredulous. "This is absurd! What kind of party is this? Drinks are fine, but… no candy? It's basic! Even kids' parties have cake, balloons, and sometimes goodie bags!"
Penny tried to calm him down, laughing. "Relax, Raj. The drinks will make you forget about the candy quickly."
Sheldon, observing the scene, shook his head. "And this is why parties are a waste of time. Crowds, noise, and now, the complete absence of proper desserts."
Raj muttered with his head down. "No candy…"